Truck Guy: Rules of the Off-Road
By Ian Harwood
If you are thinking about taking your first off-road adventure, regardless of whether you are heading to your favourite fishing spot that is off the beaten path, or taking the family out for an afternoon off-road picnic, or going sightseeing for a day to a nearby lake, you will want to be fully prepared for it. The type of off-road experience you pursue depends on the size (or toughness) of your 4×4. Many of today’s 4x4s are not designed for true off-road activities. For serious off-road adventures, you’ll want a 4×4 that is built to withstand the punishment of off-road obstacles. Taking your vehicle off-road can be one of the most enjoyable things you can do on four wheels. But before you venture off the beaten path, here are some important ways to prepare yourself (and your vehicle!) for a fun, safe experience that you’ll look forward to repeating.
Be sure to follow these “Rules of the off-road” when you are out four-wheeling.
Always be aware of the damage you and your vehicle can do to the environment. Do not make a new trail. Instead, stay on the established path. Otherwise, if you venture off the road into the woods, you may get lost in an area where no one will be able to find you. A heavy 4X4 can damage the ground and embankments by leaving ruts that will deepen and erode with each passing rain, and may be damaging the surrounding plant and animal life, not to mention damage to your vehicle. Do not litter, not even a cigarette butt, especially with the forest as dry as it is now. If you pack it in, pack it out.
Leave your ego at home. Every vehicle (and driver, for that matter) has its limitations. Backing off early and accepting that a manoeuvre is impossible or choosing another approach may prevent vehicle damage and, more importantly, personal injury. Never try a manoeuvre that you are uncomfortable with. Try not to disturb the wildlife; this includes plants and animals. We are treading on their turf.
Slow down. Enjoy the scenery. Live the experience to the fullest. You do not want to spend time repairing damage you would not have caused had you driven a little slower. Just as on the street, you should stay right to avoid oncoming traffic, if you can. If common sense tells you it is safer to move left instead of right, then do so. If there is only room for one vehicle to pass, the rule is the more manoeuvrable vehicle should yield the right-of-way. When two vehicles meet on a grade and there is not a safe place to pull over, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right of way. It is safer for the vehicle traveling downhill to back up, and it will be much easier for the downhill vehicle to get under way. Be very careful when parking in tall grass because it does not take much to ignite the dry ground and the last thing we need is another forest fire. Enjoy the experience, and have a safe time!
Ian Harwood is the manager of Custom Truck Parts in Surrey, BC and has over 20 years experience in the truck accessory business. You can contact him at ian@rpmcanada.ca
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