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How To Drive A 4WD On Steep Terrain
It's a moment every 4WD enthusiast has encountered at some point. You're leisurely driving along on a pleasant bush track, admiring the scenery and enjoying your journey, when you come around a bend and there it is - a dauntingly steep hill climb, or an equally intimidating plunge in the road ahead.
No matter how experienced an off-road driver you are, it's a sight that makes you stop and take stock. You'll need to form a plan of attack and execute it properly to overcome the challenge and continue on your adventure. But by using the right techniques and exercising common sense, you'll know how to use 4WD to conquer that hill or descent and carry on with a renewed sense of confidence. It'll take focus, skill and determination, but with the right approach navigating steep terrain can be one of the most exciting and safest parts of your 4WD adventure!
Quick Links
- General Tips For 4WD Climbs & Descents
- How To Tackle A 4WD Hill Climb
- Driving Downhill In A 4WD
- Equipment & Gear For 4WDing
General Tips For 4WD Climbs & Descents
Every hill climb or descent you'll encounter is unique, but there are a few basic precautions and steps you can take to make it easier to tackle whatever the track throws your way.
Know Your Vehicle's Capabilities
The better you know your 4WD, the better you'll be able to take it up and down challenging hills. Get familiar with your vehicle's width, ground clearance, suspension travel and gear ratios, and how to engage its 4WD and any electronic traction aids it may have, such as ABS, hill descent control, selectable drive modes or traction control. Starting out by practising on some smaller hills and descents can help you get to know what your 4WD can and can't do.
Unsure? Walk It Before You Drive It
Sometimes, the best way to see if you're going to be able to drive up or down a hill is to get out of your vehicle and walk along the track first. On foot, you'll be able to get a better idea of how steep the incline is, what obstacles you'll encounter, and how slippery, rocky or muddy the surface is. Another option is to have your passenger walk ahead and talk you through it via UHF radio as you make the drive.
Tailor Your Tyre Pressure To The Terrain
Reducing the pressure in your tyres gives you better traction because it increases the tyre's footprint, and it can also allow them to flex more as you drive over bumpy terrain like sharp rocky ground or tree roots. This can help you reduce the likelihood of tyre damage. For sandy ground, aim for about 15 to 18 psi, and for a rocky track drop to 20 to 25 psi. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for minimum pressure, and use a specialty tyre deflator and gauge to get your pressure right.
How To Tackle A 4WD Hill Climb
For a 4WD hill climb, start by selecting the right gear - low-range 4WD in second gear is usually best for maintaining control and providing enough power. Survey the terrain and choose your line carefully, always aiming to drive straight up the hill to maintain stability. Gradually apply the throttle to maintain a steady pace, avoiding any sudden acceleration that could cause the wheels to spin. Once you commit to the climb, avoid changing gears or direction to minimise the risk of losing control.
Stay focused on your line as you ascend, keeping an eye on obstacles and adjusting your steering as needed. If you encounter wheel spin, ease off the throttle and then reapply it gently to regain a firm footing. If the climb gets steeper, don't hesitate to shift to a lower gear or reduce your speed for better traction. If things go awry, don't panic - just stop and assess the situation, reverse if necessary, then try again with a clearer strategy. Trust your vehicle's capabilities and take it slow - confidence and control are key to conquering any hill!
Driving Downhill In A 4WD
Driving down a steep hill in a 4WD requires finesse and control to ensure a safe descent. As with hill climbs, start by engaging low-range gearing to take advantage of engine braking - this will help you maintain a steady speed without relying solely on your brakes. Position your vehicle in a straight line down the hill to avoid the possibility of a rollover, and keep your foot off the brake as much as possible. Instead, use gradual pressure on the accelerator to control your speed, allowing the vehicle to crawl down the slope steadily.
As you descend, keep your speed slow and steady and leave both hands on the wheel. Remain vigilant and ready to react to any obstacles or changes in terrain. If you encounter loose gravel or slippery surfaces, ease off the throttle and let the vehicle find its grip. Avoid sharp turns or sudden stops - instead, make smooth adjustments to your steering and throttle to maintain stability. If you feel the vehicle starting to slide, steer into the direction of the slide while gently applying brakes if necessary. With these techniques in hand, you'll be able to navigate steep descents confidently and safely!
Equipment & Gear For 4WDing
No matter how carefully you take it and how diligently you follow these suggestions, there are bound to be times where you get stuck. Having the right 4WD gear with you is the key to getting yourself out of a jam.
- Recovery tracks: If you get bogged or lose traction and winching yourself out isn't an option, recovery tracks can be a lifesaver. Just shove them under your wheels to get some extra traction, and with a little luck you can extricate yourself.
- Shovel: If things get sticky, you may need to dig yourself out. A shovel or trowel will make it a lot easier to move the dirt out of the way and free your 4WD.
- Shackles: Sometimes, it takes another vehicle to pull out a bogged 4WD. Adding shackles to the recovery points on your 4WD will give you somewhere to pull from.
- Snatch strap: Stretched between two vehicles, this generates a kinetic energy pulling force, similarly to a rubber band. You can buy a snatch strap on its own, or as part of a recovery kit.
- Recovery kit: Get everything you need to free a stuck 4WD in one package with a recovery kit.
- Communication and navigation gear: From Personal Locater Beacons (PLB) and satellite communicators and GPS navigators to UHF radios and maps and atlases, having gear to stay in touch and find your way is vital.
- Roof racks: All your extra gear can make your vehicle's cabin a bit crowded, and adding some roof racks will let you store some of your lighter supplies on top to save space.
Find All The Gear You Need For 4WD Adventuring At Anaconda
Mastering 4WD on steep terrain is all about technique, control, and confidence. By following this guide on how to drive a 4WD on hills and descents, you can tackle even the toughest inclines and descents with ease and challenging terrain into an exciting adventure!
Make sure you have everything you need for all your 4WD journeys by exploring our range of camp cooking supplies, portable fridges and coolers, and 4WD and caravan supplies at Anaconda. Plus, check out our Adventure Centre for helpful guides and tips on 4WDing, such as:
