2012 Jeep Wrangler Owner Manual - Page 406

404 STARTING AND OPERATING Using A Spotter CAUTION! There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle or determine the correct path. Determining the correct • Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting enough to strike your axles or undercarriage. many obstacles. In these cases, have someone guide you • Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person enough to contact the door sills. stand a safe distance in front of you where they can see the obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut guide you through. When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut, the angled approach is the key to maintaining your Crossing Large Rocks When approaching large rocks, choose a path which vehicle's mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45ensures you drive over the largest of them with your degree angle and let each tire go through the obstacle tires. This will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. independently. You need to use caution when crossing The tread of the tire is tougher and thicker than the side large obstacles with steep sides. Do not attempt to cross wall and is designed to take the abuse. Always look any large obstacle with steep sides at an angle great ahead and make every effort to cross the large rocks with enough to put the vehicle at risk of a rollover. If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the right or left at a your tires. 45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use the removed