Always check water, snow, high grass and mud crossings for hidden obstacles, such as logs, rocks and holes.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Frequently
Here's How:
- When approaching obstacles, such as a ditch, it's best to be at an angle, so that only one tire enters the ditch at a time when crossing. This leaves the other three tires on solid ground to provide traction to get you across. If you enter squarely, then an entire axle could become useless, plus add to the difficulty of getting out.
- Before you drive over large rocks, consider whether you need to build a ramp in front of and behind any rock that has a steep approach and/or departure that could ground your vehicle.
- Since the underside of your truck has many fragile and vital components (differentials, driveshafts, transmission, transfer case, oil pan, exhaust, gas tank), it's best to drive over an obstacle by placing one tire on it, then gently driving over it, rather than trying to take it down the center.
