Discussion on the route ahead

By choosing second gear for going down, providing the drop off is not too long or too steep, you not only keep your hands on the steering wheel, but you won't lose out on your momentum as you cross the gully.

Soft Ground

Driving across soft ground conditions, for instance marshy, boggy or sandy areas, needs much thought. Always walk the ground ahead first and make a mental note of difficult areas to avoid.

Mark your route ahead with sticks, clods of weed or have passengers stand alongside your chosen route to point the way ahead. If you can keep a straight line, then drive direct towards and object on the horizon. This could be a chosen tree, a group of bushes or someone standing in the distance.

Reducing tyre pressures down to about 15psi can help enormously in these conditions. This will increase the contact area of the tyre with the ground, giving some flotation to help stay on top, although this slightly reduces your ground clearance. Don't forget to re-inflate your tyres before returning to the tarmac road.

As you approach the soft ground, build up your speed to be as fast as necessary and in the right gear - low ratio, second or third normally - with the centre diff lock engaged if fitted ('2', '3' or 'D' for automatics). Try not to spin the wheels by too much acceleration once on top of the soft ground. Try and 'glide' across, rather than break the surface by spinning the wheels. Always use the highest gear possible within low ratio with the least number of engine revs.

Don't try to change gear, because as soon as you depress the clutch, you will lose momentum. Better to select the appropriate gear in the beginning and make up your mind that, come hell or high water, you are going to cross it.

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