Offroading advice

[waterdog]

im new off roading too..! i was at the park the other day and couldnt make this hill i was using the lowest gear and all lockers, but right at this point starts to spin and couldnt get any higher... besides the right rear tire was diggin n makes the front wheel to lift off the ground... people told me to STOP TRYING.....Nissan Patrol guys were running up n down later they told me i should use higher gear on low range... :?: :?:

[berger]

When you say lowest gear, was the transfer case in low too, or just 4 High, all lockers, 1st gear?

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

Momentum is a big factor for hill climbs; you have to pick the gear that's high enough to keep it up, and low enough to power you up without stalling. Tire type, pressure and wheelbase are big factors as well. Short trucks, like 710's, can have a hard time with some climbs when a longer truck will do just fine in the same spot. Weight is distributed poorly on a short, tall, forward cab truck when pointed up.

Curious fact: It's thought that the ideal, general best off-roading wheelbase (that I also think is pretty accurate) is about 100"

Try second gear in low-range, tires at about 18psi, axles locked and keep as straight a line as possible. If you start to get off-line, it's usually too late because your weight distribution is then way off. Go back, straight down, instead of trying to climb more and start over.

[Andre]

Air Pressure makes a big difference. Momentum as well. but allot of it has to do with the density of the terrain. I've watched Toyota pickups hit a hill to fast because they needed to compensate for wheel slip due to the rocky accent. I approached the same incline, levers down, and low range and crawled up the same accent. Made them look inexperienced.

That same hill being all sand or loose dirt, The Toyota would work me. I couldn't get enough power to the wheels to make the top without digging in.

[TechMOGogy]

Hard stuff and wheel spin = you’re not going up - keep it low and slow (like cookin' bbq)
I like watching King of the Hammers and seeing guys in 500 hp J**Ps hit a rock ledge then stomp their right foot down - lots of noise, spin, smoke and bouncing - I would say less than half make it without backing out for another run at the obstacle!
Soft stuff and too slow = you’re not going up - like other said you need some speed/momentum to you up and over

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... yfY#t=143s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... yfY#t=187s

[waterdog]

When you say lowest gear, was the transfer case in low too, or just 4 High, all lockers, 1st gear?

i mean lower gear, on low range, and all locked... i was climbing like a turtle on slow motion! ... i will try 2nd or 3rd gear on low next time.... yeah momentum maybe the trick!!! those PATROL were running up hitting the rev limiter !!!

[Jimm391730]

Offroading is a challenge of controlling where the tires are placed, speed, momentum, gravity, torque, angles, etc. all rolled into just one obstacle. While experience is a great teacher it is less costly to learn from others experience!

You've heard it before: Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement... so learn from other's bad judgements.

But after owning one or more Pinzgauers for over 12 years I'm still amazed at how much side slope they can handle, both empty and with a full load of people. And I'm still not a member of the ITO club (fortunately!), and don't want to be. Just take your time and gradually work your way up towards the limits of the truck; if you are like me you may never find that limit, but you will be astounded at what it can do.

[stiffler4444]

The only thing that I've had problems with in the Pinz is sand. Trying to climb a sand dune is not something it seems to be happy doing. Having said that, it also didn't get stuck after I gave up either, so not all bad....

[Jimm391730]

The only thing that I've had problems with in the Pinz is sand. Trying to climb a sand dune is not something it seems to be happy doing.

Sand ALWAYS benifits from low tire pressure, sometimes down into the single digits in the really soft stuff. It is testament to the capabilities of the Pinz if you did what you did with street air pressure, as many don't bother to air down for sand.

I once helped a 1 ton 2WD work van escape from being stuck in the sand by doing nothing more than insisting that he keep lowering the tire pressure until he drove away under his own power (my little 4x4 at the time wasn't up to yanking him out). You should have seen the grin on his face when he found out that the van could cruise on the beach with just low pressure (around 12psi, IIRC) in the tires.

[westernair]

I sware by my Staun Automatic Tire Deflators. I have them set at 18 PSI and when activated they will get me out of just about anything.
A CO2 tank or on board air when your done and your set.
I have driven roads with the deflated tires a few times to get to a service station for air but would not recomend it for any distance or speed.

[totaljoint]

A CO2 tank or on board air when your done and your set.

Shawn, what sized CO2 tank to you take for the 712?

[4x4Pinz]

I use a 10lb tank in mine along with an onboard compressor. I think it will air up 50 33" tires from 10lbs to 40lbs before needing refilled.

[westernair]

I found a Smittybilt 10lb tank on Craigs List.
I have yet to use it though. I have been using my Hummer 24v compressor but think I will probably remove it now that I have CO2

[4x4Pinz]

Why?

[krick3tt]

The compressor is in. It is back up for the tank. 10lb tank is not going to last that long...you might forget or help someone and use it up. Why take it out.
But if you must do, send it to me. I'll pay the postage.