Most challenging 4WD tracks will have their fair share of rock steps and it’s the most likely place where 4WDers get stuck and have to opt for the winch. With these few tips you’ll be tackling rock steps like a pro and have bragging rights with your mates when you get back to camp.
GET OUT AND WALK
The first thing we like to do when we get to a rock step is to get out of the vehicle and check it out on foot first. It’s amazing the different perspective you get when you walk it and take a good look at it from different angles. What you are looking out for is the line you are going to take and the bits of the climb that will likely cause your 4WD to get hung up or loose traction.
THE PERFECT LINE
The right line for each 4WD is different, so choosing the right line has a lot to do with how well you know the strengths and weaknesses of your vehicle. In saying that, there are a few generic rules that I like to go by. Firstly, keep your vehicle pointing as straight up the hill as possible. Turning too much on a hill of consequence can be dangerous and cause your vehicle to get on nasty angles or even roll. Secondly, try to choose a line that will keep your tyres on the high side of ruts and rock steps and not drop into holes. Keeping the tyres well positioned like this will cause your vehicle to flex less and you will likely have more traction as a result.
BUILDING THE TRACK
Once you have picked the right line to attempt, you might be concerned that your vehicle doesn’t have the clearance or approach angle to make it over the rock step. Picking up smaller rocks and making a ramp is a good way to help you drive a tough obstacle. I mainly pack rocks into big holes so I can tackle rock steps as flat as possible.
TYRE PRESSURES
Everything about negotiating rock steps successfully comes down to traction. Getting more rubber on the ground is a great way to help with traction and will be your best secret weapon to making a tough challenge look easy. I tend to drop my tyres down to around 18 PSI for extreme rock steps and ruts. As the air is let out and the tyre bags out, you will have a bigger footprint of rubber, which means more traction. lowering tyre pressures will help protect your tyre too, allowing it to mould around sharp rocks and obstacles.