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offroad driving tips

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Vehicle prep

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Sunset
Driving into a setting sun restricts visibilty. This can be especially dangerous on 4WD tracks, SLOW DOWN or stop early and take a break. Dusk is also a difficult time to see obstacles since headlights aren't much use. It's a good time to use the available light to organise your camp.

Night driving
Not a good idea, but if you must, then drive well within the limits of your lights to stop or avoid obstacles.

Use both hands
One handed driving is strictly for tarmac! Rough tracks can deflect a wheel suddenly and you've lost control before you know it. It's a potential rollover.
That doesn't mean all steering wheel movement should be illiminated. On rutted tracks and rough ground allow the vehicle some leeway to choose the path of least resistance.

Mirrors
Practise reversing using your mirrors. A loaded vehicle may restrict your normal view. When offroad you can angle the mirrors down to see your rear whells and the tracks they make.

Mud holes
Be wary that somebody may have got stuck i
n there previously and left wood, stones or other debris buried in there which could damage your tyres. You can reduce tyre pressures in the same way as for sand driving to help 'float' over the mud.

Use what you have
If you have a diff lock and your route ahead is steep, slippery of soft use it BEFORE you get stuck.

In convoy
There is more chance the vehicle infront will stop or slow suddenly in an offroad situation. Allow for this. There is no need to risk damage by flying stones either. In convoy you should maintain contact with the vehicle BEHIND.

Safety
Wear your seat belt, even you're not likely to get caught by the law! Offroad tracks are more likely to lead to unexpected vehicle movements.