Driving Across an Incline
An off-road trail will probably go across the incline of ahill. To decide whether to try to drive across the incline,consider the following:
{WARNING:
Driving across an incline that is too steep
will make your vehicle roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt
about the steepness of the incline, do not drive
across it. Find another route instead.
.A hill that can be driven straight up or downmight be too steep to drive across. When goingstraight up or down a hill, the length of the wheelbase—the distance from the front wheels to therear wheels—reduces the likelihood the vehiclewill tumble end over end. But when driving acrossan incline, the narrower track width—the distancebetween the left and right wheels—might notprevent the vehicle from tilting and rolling over.Driving across an incline puts more weight on thedownhill wheels which could cause a downhill slideor a rollover.
.Surface conditions can be a problem. Loosegravel, muddy spots, or even wet grass cancause the tires to slip sideways, downhill. If thevehicle slips sideways, it can hit something thatwill trip it—a rock, a rut, etc.—and roll over.
.Hidden obstacles can make the steepness of theincline even worse. If you drive across a rock withthe uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels dropinto a rut or depression, the vehicle can tilteven more.
For these reasons, carefully consider whether to try todrive across an incline. Just because the trail goesacross the incline does not mean you have to drive it.The last vehicle to try it might have rolled over.
If you feel the vehicle starting to slide sideways, turndownhill. This should help straighten out the vehicle andprevent the side slipping. The best way to prevent thisis to“walk the course”first, so you know what thesurface is like before driving it.
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A. Wheel Block
B. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to use the jackand change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you will need is stored under thestorage tray, which is located on the driver's side trimpanel (over the rear wheelhouse).
Regular Wheelbase shown, ExtendedWheelbase similar.
1. Remove the tray to access the tools by pulling upon the finger depression under the jack symbol.
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To store the tools:
A. Wheel Blocks
B. Tool Bag withJack Tools
C. Retaining Bracket
D. Wing Nut RetainingTool Bag
E. Jack
F. Wing Nut RetainingWheel Blocks
G. Jack Knob
1. Return the tools (wheel wrench, jack handle, andjack handle extensions) to the tool bag (B).
2. Assemble wheel blocks (A) and jack (E) togetherwith the wing nut (F).
3. Position the jack (E) and wheel blocks (A) in thedriver's side trim panel over the wheelhouse.
4. Turn the jack knob (G) clockwise until the jack issecured tight in the mounting bracket. Be sure toposition the holes in the base of the jack onto thepin in the mounting bracket.
5. Use the retaining bracket (C) to fasten the toolbag (B) on the stud and turn the wing nut (D)clockwise to secure.
Regular Wheelbase shown, ExtendedWheelbase similar.
6. Return the storage tray to its original storedposition.
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