Getting High CenteredIf you get hung up or high centered on an object,get out of the vehicle and try to determine whatthe vehicle is hung up on, where it is contactingthe underbody and what is the best direction torecover the vehicle. Depending on what you arein contact with, jack the vehicle up and place afew rocks under the tires so the weight is off ofthe high point when you let the vehicle down.You can also try rocking the vehicle or winchingthe vehicle off the object.CAUTION!Winching or rocking the vehicle off hardobjects increases the risk of underbody dam-age.Hill ClimbingHill climbing requires good judgment and agood understanding of your abilities and yourvehicle’s limitations. Hills can cause seriousproblems. Some are just too steep to climb andshould not be attempted. You should alwaysfeel confident with the vehicle and your abilities.You should always climb hills straight up anddown. Never attempt to climb a hill on an angle.• Before Climbing A Steep Hill – As youapproach a hill consider its grade or steep-ness. Determine if it is too steep. Look to seewhat the traction is on the hill side trail. Is thetrail straight up and down? What is on topand the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,branches or other obstacles on the path?Can you safely recover the vehicle if some-thing goes wrong? If everything looks goodand you feel confident, then change trans-mission into a lower gear, shift the transfercase into 4L (Low) and proceed with caution.You should use first gear and 4L (LowRange) for very steep hills.• Driving Up Hill – Once you have determinedyour ability to proceed and have shifted intothe appropriate gear, line your vehicle up forthe straightest possible run. Accelerate withan easy constant throttle and apply morepower as you start up the hill. Do not raceforward into a steep grade, the abruptchange of grade could cause you to losecontrol. If the front end begins to bounce,ease off the throttle slightly to bring all fourtires back on the ground. As you approachthe crest of the hill ease off the throttle andslowly proceed over the top. If the wheelsstart to slip as you approach the crest of ahill, ease off the accelerator and maintainheadway by turning the steering wheel nomore than a ¼ turn quickly back and forth.This will provide a fresh "bite" into the surfaceand will usually provide enough traction tocomplete the climb. If you do not make it tothe top, place the vehicle in REVERSE andback straight down the grade using engineresistance along with the vehicle brakes.WARNING!Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle orturn around on a steep grade. Driving acrossan incline increases the risk of a roll over,which may result in severe injury or death.295
