Low range reversing down steep declines

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeYmDOzoibk this is what can happen so easily if you go about it the wrong way. Thankfully no one was hurt in the video but the vehicle was written off....Cheers Steve

We show that exact video when we run our training course!

Cheers Andrew

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

We show that exact video when we run our training course!

Cheers Andrew

One of my old favourites, a good example of when on an angle, what happens if you drop a wheel on a hole on the low side, momentum. This is how most ppl roll 4bys. Nasty. As they say keep the shiny side up!!!

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

the thread started on reversing down steep inclines, similar to a how to build it etc ....., it would be nice to get someone to try and describe how its done properly. Even though it not easy to put into words, neither is explaining how to work on springs, shocks, brakes etc. For those that aren`t mechanically minded or experienced, undoing and re tightening a nut and bolt is too hard. Yet there is plenty of people here who can pull things apart and put things together again.

Dare I suggest, that just saying people should do a course is similar to telling people to get a mechanic to do it. Sure some things are easier to show one on one , but fair few people here have sufficient experience to read something and then put it into practice.

Courses are always good, you always learn something, but would be nice if someone actually wrote a useful how to guide on reversing safely.
A list of do`s and don`t, or is this unreasonable?

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

All circumstances are different, steepness, wet/dry, mud/rocks, sand/clay etc so even writing/describing will never be as use full as a hands on approach eg doing it for your self under the guidance of an experienced licensed operator/instructor in the actual conditions. I could write you up an SOP (standard operating procedure) on my job from start to finish but then put that into physical I bet 99% wouldn't have a clue (like I wouldn't with some one else's job). As mentioned above a bit of handbrake here and there etc as described in some of the posts above is fine but at what point do you apply these ?? Again in my opinion the best time to find out when to apply these procedures is when you are hands on in the thick of it under professional guidance. Just my opinion you may be write and prefer to have it written down but for my self I like to be hands on in this type of training.....Certainly a reminder list maybe like when you go up a sand dune and you don't make it, hit reverse and come down the exact same way, DONOT try and turn around on a slope just follow your tracks back down again...But again do a course and you will remember this point as it will be drummed into you...Cheers Steve

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Dare I suggest, that just saying people should do a course is similar to telling people to get a mechanic to do it.

Completely different, the mechanic isn't sitting in the seat next to you talking you through the obstacles.

I'll try and describe what I do, probably different to others but it is how I was taught.
1. auto in P, hand brake and foot brake on
3. put auto into reverse
2. don't lift foot off brake, build revs 1500-1800 or until you can feel the vehicle wanting to move
3. release handbrake leaving brake and accelerator in same position
4. gently lift brake foot until vehicle starts to just move, do not use any more accelerator
5. keep both feet in same position and navigate down hill
6. if it's running away apply a little more brake but don't dump your foot

Easy as

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

Nice^^ makes sense to me. I also like to adjust rearview mirrors downwards, so that I can see the track behind me.
I reckon there is people here that can read that and put in into practice, reality is not all of us will do a course before getting caught and having to reverse in anger.

I appreciate writing isn`t the same as doing, reading about stopping and reversing a manual down a steep hill and starting it in gear, isn`t nothing like actually doing it. You have to experience it.

[vxcruiser08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vxcruiser08]

Well said Maxjj - thanks. I wasn't sure how to get that point across without sounding 'ignorant'.

I'm not inexperienced and I have helped many people in the past who are new to 4wding. I've just found the Prado a completely different beast to reverse in, so I thought i'd ask my friendly PP members for a bit of help.

Appreciate the handbrake tips. That is one I was told about on a 4wd action feature in my old hilux, it worked a treat and I completely forgot about it. Will have to give it a go next time I am out on the tracks. Majority of my driving is 4wding touring, but still love the low range work here and there.

Is there any 4wd courses anyone recommends in the Central West region? From what i've read and heard the things they teach you are quite basic. If you're new to 4wding I see the value in the investment.

Steve that clip on the Pajero has completely changed the life of one of my fellow 4wder mates. He will no longer attempt anything steep or challenging ever since he watched it! I usually end up driving the hilux up for him, and its twin locked etc (my old ride).

Matt

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

There is the other option of putting it into Low 1 and using the accelerator as the brake, but that does tend to freak a few people out not to mention roots the auto if it is done for a while. Won't work in my Prado though as the auto has the breaking thing where it won't roll backwards when in forward gear.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Well said Maxjj - thanks. I wasn't sure how to get that point across without sounding 'ignorant'.


Matt

I fully understood that you wanted some guidance, from my point of view I am not comfortable giving detailed driving advice on a forum. It's really no substitute for being taught by a professional, not to mention that in my experience that people then want to argue about techniques.

Hence I suggested that yes there were techniques and a course is the way to go, if others are happy to offer more detailed info then that's fine, I just don't want to after having tried giving driving and recovery technique advice before only to have people want to start an argument over it.

If you were close by I would be happy enough to take you out to our training ground and give you a run through, in a strictly unofficial capacity.

Cheers Andrew

[vxcruiser08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close vxcruiser08]

Hi Andrew,

No worries at all, completely understand. Appreciate the offer too. I wish I could take you up on it.

Matt

[barajak Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close barajak]

Nice Instruction set D4D if you wanted to back up the hill. Try this:
Tyre pressure at 20psi max
Low range
Centre diff lock on
Handbrake on
Footbrake on
Select reverse
Ease the pressure from the footbrake
keeping your foot lightly on the brake pedal drop the handbreak until you start moving
Two hands on the wheel and keep it slow
If you have to back over a shelf like on the video, consider a snatch strap as well.

You used to be able to have an auto in Drive and control a reversing decent with the accelerator but the boffins have removed this option from modern vehicles.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Completely different, the mechanic isn't sitting in the seat next to you talking you through the obstacles.

I'll try and describe what I do, probably different to others but it is how I was taught.
1. auto in P, hand brake and foot brake on
3. put auto into reverse
2. don't lift foot off brake, build revs 1500-1800 or until you can feel the vehicle wanting to move
3. release handbrake leaving brake and accelerator in same position
4. gently lift brake foot until vehicle starts to just move, do not use any more accelerator
5. keep both feet in same position and navigate down hill
6. if it's running away apply a little more brake but don't dump your foot

Easy as

Point #2 is very important... You need to (not sure of technical term) spool up the torque converter otherwise you'll be rolling down the hill not under compression.
Also, try not to 'roll back' onto the auto's 'P'. It might be hard to get it out of gear.


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[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Oops, just worked out I can't count

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Well, I wasn't going to say anything...


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[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

It can be extremely daunting having to reverse backwards down a steep hill and especially if it's wet, slippery, clay is scary for me. I certainly miss the old 2.8d hilux I had years ago for its low range. That thing was awesome in low range 1st or reverse, it just walked up or down without a worry. Prado certainly isn't as low as the old lux was, even my 90 series turbo diesel I had was not as low BUT I certainly like being able to climb sand hills with current Prado where the old lux had no hope. Good and bad with both but on a daily basis for comfort, power, and towing can't beat the Prado 120 out of all the 4by's I've had..... Cheers Steve