Off-Road Safety

1. High-Speed Braking

• How: Ease off the throttle, stay straight, apply firm but progressive brake pressure, avoid stabbing the pedal. Let the tires keep rolling to maintain steering.
• Where/When: Attempt only on wide, obstacle-free straights. Never brake hard mid-corner or while crossing ruts, whoops, or slick side-slopes.
• Stopping Reality: On loose gravel or sand you’ll slide 3-4 × farther than on pavement. A 50 mph (80 km/h) SxS may need 200–260 ft (60–80 m) to stop.
• Pro Tip: Practice threshold braking in a safe flat area. Feel the point just before lock-up so you can repeat it under stress.

2. Winch Safety & Accessories

• Why Equip: A winch turns stuck moments into minutes instead of hours. Accessories—tree-saver strap, snatch block, shackles, gloves—protect people and the environment.
• Safe Setup: Wear gloves, stand clear of the rope’s “line of fire,” use a winch damper or heavy jacket midway along the line.
• How to Use: Anchor low and straight, keep engine idling for battery support, tension the rope slowly, re-spool neatly after every pull.
• Never Do: Wrap the cable around a tree without a strap, or hold tension if hardware creaks—stop and reset.

3. Tire PSI—Setting for the Ride

• Why It Matters: Pressure controls footprint and sidewall deflection; wrong PSI risks punctures or bead loss.
• Trail Riding: 10–14 psi gives grip and comfort on rocks/roots; lower only with beadlocks.
• High-Speed Desert: 15–18 psi stabilises sidewalls and reduces heat build-up.
• How/When: Check cold each morning with a quality low-range gauge; adjust for load and temperature swings during the day.

4. Bead-Lock vs. Non-Bead-Lock Wheels

• Bead-Lock Pros: Clamp the tire bead, allowing lower PSI for traction without debeading; great for rocks and sand.
• Cons & Hazards: Heavier, require periodic re-torque, can leak if ring bolts loosen. Cracked rings can eject screws.
• Standard Wheels: Lighter, simpler, but risk losing the bead below ~12 psi. Inspect lips for dents before deflating.
• What to Look For: Missing bolts, bent rings, rim cracks, rust streaks signalling air leakage.

5. Tire Inspection & Inflation Safety

• Walk-Around: Look for cuts, cords, embedded debris, sidewall bubbles, and uneven wear.
• Run-Flat Reality: True run-flats offer limited distance at low speed; continuing fast will shred the carcass.
• Over-Inflation Dangers: Reduces footprint and shock absorption, raising puncture and rollover risk.
• Routine: Inspect before every ride and after every major obstacle hit.

6. Proper Torque

• Why: Correct lug torque keeps wheels on, prevents stud stretch and rotor warp.
• How: Use a torque wrench; tighten in a star pattern in two stages (½ spec then full spec).
• Check: Re-torque new wheels after 25 km (15 mi) and at each service interval.
• Field Tip: Carry a compact breaker bar + torque stick for trailside verification.

7. Tool Knowledge

• Essentials: 3/8″ and 1/4″ drive socket sets, hex keys, adjustable wrench, pliers, tire plug kit, belt tool, and knife.
• Use: Practice at home—remove wheels, change belt, patch tires—so trail fixes feel routine.
• Storage: Pack in a sealed box with silica gel; loose metal damages wiring in the cargo bed.
• Upgrade Path: Add a small cordless impact once you’re comfortable.

8. Training & Waivers

• Waiver Purpose: Confirms you understand inherent risks; it doesn’t replace skills training.
• Mandatory vs. Optional: Basic orientation is non-negotiable; advanced recovery or night-run courses may be elective but boost safety.
• Self-Assessment: If you can’t confidently explain each system’s limits, more instruction is wise.
• Operator Rule: A signed waiver never excuses reckless driving.

9. Off-Camber Dangers

• Risk: High center of gravity + loose soil = rollover.
• Technique: Keep downhill wheels loaded—slow, steer slightly uphill, stay off brakes.
• Spotter: Use one when side-hilling near the tip-over angle.
• Abort: If you feel the inside wheels lighten, stop, back down, or winch.

10. Belt Care—How Not to Burn It

• Avoid: High-rpm launches in High gear, lugging uphill in too high gear, water crossings without drying rolls afterward.
• Keep Cool: Use Low range for climbs, keep CVT in airflow by removing mud from vents.
• Maintenance: Inspect for glazing, cracks, width loss every 500 km.
• Spare: Carry one pre-broken-in replacement belt.

11. Belt Failure—Why It Happens (Theory)

• Excess heat from slipping.
• Contamination: mud, sand, water.
• Over-loading: oversized tires or towing.
• Misalignment: worn clutch sheaves or motor mounts.

12. Recovery & Winching (Refresher)

• Plan: Evaluate anchor points, rig a double-line pull if load is unknown.
• Communicate: Use hand signals; driver in gear, slight throttle, winch takes primary load.
• Safety Bubble: No person within 1.5× line length.
• Reset: Re-align rope on drum before stowing.

13. Tire Repair

• Plugs: For punctures in tread; insert coated plug, trim flush.
• Patches: Require tire off rim; field-ready if you carry bead-breaker.
• Sidewall: Temporary patch and low speed only; plan replacement.
• Sealant: Slime helps slow leaks but masks damage.

14. Removing & Replacing Basic Parts

• Field Swaps: Belt, spark plug, CV axle, tie-rod end, fuses.
• Method: Stabilize vehicle, use proper jack or rock-stack cribbing, keep hardware organised.
• Practice: Bench-test at home; time yourself.
• Spare Kit: Include cotter pins, hose clamps, zip-ties.

15. 2WD—When to Use

• Conditions: Graded forest roads, dry hard-pack, fuel economy runs.
• Benefit: Lighter steering, less drivetrain strain.
• Caution: Rear wheels can spin easily on wet clay—shift early to 4WD.
• Rule: If you might need 4WD later, engage before you’re stuck.

16. 4WD—How & When

• Engage: Below 25 km/h on straight wheels to prevent binding.
• Use: Climbs, mud, sand, loose gravel descents.
• Disengage: Once traction is firm to avoid driveline wind-up.
• Remember: 4WD helps go, not stop—brakes still matter.

17. Tight Turn-Arounds

• Technique: Three-point shuffle, use low gear, feather brake as needed.
• Spotter: Guides rear corners over drop-offs.
• Don’t Rush: Back slowly; one careless throttle blip can tip you.
• Alternate: Winch the rear around a tree if space is tiny.

18. Hill Starts

• Auto-CVT Machines: Hold brake, rev slightly, release brake smoothly.
• Manuals: Use hand-brake start or heel-toe clutch/throttle.
• Angle: Point straight; diagonal starts invite roll.
• Reset: If you stall, brake, apply park, restart calmly.

19. High Gear Overview

• Purpose: Efficient cruising above 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Do Not: Tow heavy loads or climb steep grades in High—belt slip!
• Sound Check: Engine should stay in mid-power band, not lug.
• Shift Early: When terrain smooths out.

20. Low Gear Overview

• Purpose: Multiply torque, reduce belt heat on climbs, descents, or towing.
• Speed Ceiling: Roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) before overspeed.
• Rule: If road demands frequent braking or throttle stab, choose Low.
• Bonus: Engine braking adds control downhill.

21. Diff-Lock Usage

• What: Locks front or rear differential so both wheels turn together.
• When: Rock crawling, deep mud, uneven ledges where a wheel hangs.
• Hazard: Hard steering and potential axle bind on solid ground—disengage once clear.
• Tip: Roll a bit to unlock smoothly.

22. Basic Trail Etiquette

• Keep right, yield to uphill traffic.
• Slow to single-digit speed in blind corners.
• Announce with horn or radio before crests.
• Leave gates as you found them; pack out trash.

23. Snow Wheeling Basics

• PSI: Drop to 6–8 psi with beadlocks; float on top.
• Momentum: Maintain steady crawl; spinning digs trenches.
• Recovery: Winch anchors may be buried—carry shovel and traction boards.
• Visibility: Snow dust blinds—keep spacing.

24. Winter Preparedness

• Carry: Insulated gloves, spare layers, emergency blanket, stove, extra fuel.
• Vehicle Prep: 50/50 antifreeze, fresh belt, sealed electrical.
• Daylight: Short—plan turn-around time.
• Comms: Satellite messenger if cell dead zones.

25. Buddy System—Never Go Alone

• Second rig = recovery, medical assistance, spare parts.
• Share route plan, ETA, and check-ins.
• Solo? Dial back risk, stay on main track, carry PLB.

26. Night Wheeling Safety

• Lighting: LED bar aimed low, ditch lights for shoulders.
• Speed: Cut daytime pace at least 30%.
• Navigation: Pre-load GPS route; don’t rely on landmarks.
• Glare: Keep interior screens dim.

27. Ether (Starting Fluid) Best Practices

• Context: Only for cold-start emergencies on carbureted engines.
• Risk: Too much can wash oil film, cause backfire.
• Method: Short 1-second spray into intake while cranking.
• Alternative: Proper battery maintenance and fresh plugs beat starting fluid.

28. Momentum—Pros & Cons

• Positive: Carries you over deep ruts and snow without strain.
• Negative: Increases stopping distance and damage if you hit hidden rocks.
• Rule: Use just enough, then let off.
• Practice: Learn in sand where soft landing forgives mistakes.

29. Speeding Uphill vs. Downhill

• Uphill: A touch of momentum prevents bogging; watch for crest surprises.
• Downhill: Slow and controlled—gravity adds speed quickly.
• Braking: Use engine braking; pump brakes to avoid fade.
• Line Picking: Climb straight; descend the same path if possible.

30. Bottoming Out in Washouts

• Spot: Approach at an angle to keep one wheel suspended, protecting skid plate.
• Speed: Crawl; hard hits bend frame tabs and crack plastics.
• Assessment: Stop and walk unknown drop-offs first.
• Prep: High-clearance skid plates lessen damage.

31. Donuts & Burnouts—Why Skip Them

• Stress: Shock-loads CV joints, axles, and belt.
• Trails: Tears surface, accelerates erosion, angers land owners.
• Fuel & Time: Waste both while gaining zero mileage.
• Alternative Fun: Practice controlled drifts on approved training pads.

32. Pre-Trip Safety Inspection

• Fluids: Check oil, coolant, brake fluid.
• Fasteners: Torque wheels, suspension arms, skid plates.
• Electrics: Test lights, winch, horn.
• Supplies: Verify first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, maps, food, water.

33. Medical & Incident Response (TCCC-lite)

Why: Immediate bleeding control + clear evacuation saves lives.

Do: Trauma kit (tourniquet, pressure dressing, chest seals, splint, gloves), assign medical lead, preplan rally point/evac routes/hospital.

Practice: 20-min drills: tourniquet <60s, splinting, 911/SAR handoff.

34. Wildland Fire & Refueling Safety

Why: Hot exhaust ignites grass; fueling errors start fires.

Do: Spark arrestor, cool-down idle, two extinguishers (ABC + clean-agent), safe fueling on bare soil, spill control.

Practice: PASS extinguisher reps; post-shutdown “hot-soak” check.

35. Water Crossings & Hydro-Lock Prevention

Why: Water ingestion destroys engines; current risks sweep-aways.

Do: Walk first, verify depth/current/exits, steady bow-wave pace, pre-rig recovery, dry brakes after.

Practice: Shallow ford drills; “intake splash → engine off” recovery steps.

36. Cargo Securement & Passenger Protection

Why: Projectiles and load shift cause injuries and rollovers.

Do: Rated straps opposing directions, cargo netting, latched tool bins, eye protection, correct harness fit.

Practice: Pre-ride load audit; bump-test with re-secure checklist.

37. Weather, Lightning & Flash-Flood Safety

Why: Convective storms and upstream rain create sudden hazards.

Do: 30/30 lightning rule, avoid high points/isolated trees/washes, identify high-ground pull-outs, pack heat/cold mitigation.

Practice: Topo reroute exercise; storm-approach decision drill.

Ride prepared, stay alert, and respect the trail—adventure rewards good habits.