It is quite interesting that two wheel drive vehicles can still tackle some mean terrain. I mean, by no way am I comparing to a full setup 4X4 to a small 4 cylinder petrol with no tread tyres. What I am saying is that a four wheel drive does not have to be put into 4 wheel traction most of the time.
Today I was traversing some muddy flats, all while in two wheel drive, with no hub locks on at all. The vehicle tackled the land with no trouble. A word of wise is to move slowly, as sudden revving or power to the back wheels simply makes for the tyre to slip and splurt mud everywhere.
This goes for two wheeling in water terrain as well. If roads are covered in water, the wheels still have traction on the bitumen beneath, so four wheel drive mode is unnecessary.
Some would argue that the four wheel drive lever should only by used in the case of lose of control of the vehicle and unexpected vehicle behaviours in the extreme of cases. Thus, the four wheel drive setup should only be used as a last resort to offroad use. Because if you are losing control on two wheel drive, you have a failsafe way to go into four wheel drive. BUT, if you are losing control of four wheel drive, then you are in some deep trouble.
I must avoid using 4X4 mode more often, as most circumstances it is not needed. Furthermore, the subconscious of knowing that you are in 4 wheel mode simply makes for a false presumption that you are invincible to the terrain. My dear readers, never defy the laws of gravity, nature and common sense.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Four Wheeling in Bad Weather
OK, I know what you are going to say. What fool drives in bad weather.
But for those seeking crazy adventure, bad weather can turn boring dirt tracks into wild pools of off road glory.
Given rain, the atmosphere heats up and for some, the change in the environments composition creates a primevel link to nature.
The best start to off road use is to make sure you have backup plans.
This includes plenty of Diesel in the tank, charged mobile phone, high protein snacks and drinks and company. If you have a mate who owns a four wheeler too, all the more better, as each can be the others rescuer.
Now why do you want to go off road? Is it the sound of your huge grunty engine pumping out the power of hundreds of horses, or is it the thrill of getting to places where the sane would not dare to pass? Or could it be the fact that you are witnessing nature first hand and you want to stop at your destination (s) and explore like adventurers do. Whatever the reason, you are sure to be questioning yourself when you get stuck! But don't contemplate too much, for ponderers stay at home, while adventurers gain the stories.
A word of caution. Any time you feel like you cannot pass a ford, cross a steep ridge or tackle loose mud, follow your feelings and DO NOT pass. My belief is a true professional off road user knows his boudaries and knows his vehicles boundaries. If you get stuck, you fail. If you pass, something you thought you could not, you fail too. Because stupidity should never be credited for. That being said, if we follow a rule a mate gave to me, then this blog would have little or no purpose. That is: " Only go off road if you must reach a destination to save a persons life. There is no need to go off road and damage your vehicle and risk danger for mere pleasure" Regardless to say, today he is bored and not interesting to talk to.
But for those seeking crazy adventure, bad weather can turn boring dirt tracks into wild pools of off road glory.
Given rain, the atmosphere heats up and for some, the change in the environments composition creates a primevel link to nature.
The best start to off road use is to make sure you have backup plans.
This includes plenty of Diesel in the tank, charged mobile phone, high protein snacks and drinks and company. If you have a mate who owns a four wheeler too, all the more better, as each can be the others rescuer.
Now why do you want to go off road? Is it the sound of your huge grunty engine pumping out the power of hundreds of horses, or is it the thrill of getting to places where the sane would not dare to pass? Or could it be the fact that you are witnessing nature first hand and you want to stop at your destination (s) and explore like adventurers do. Whatever the reason, you are sure to be questioning yourself when you get stuck! But don't contemplate too much, for ponderers stay at home, while adventurers gain the stories.
A word of caution. Any time you feel like you cannot pass a ford, cross a steep ridge or tackle loose mud, follow your feelings and DO NOT pass. My belief is a true professional off road user knows his boudaries and knows his vehicles boundaries. If you get stuck, you fail. If you pass, something you thought you could not, you fail too. Because stupidity should never be credited for. That being said, if we follow a rule a mate gave to me, then this blog would have little or no purpose. That is: " Only go off road if you must reach a destination to save a persons life. There is no need to go off road and damage your vehicle and risk danger for mere pleasure" Regardless to say, today he is bored and not interesting to talk to.
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