Crossing large rocks, Crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or rut – Ram Trucks 2015 3500 - Owner Manual User Manual

Page 543

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Crossing Large Rocks
When approaching large rocks, choose a path which

ensures you drive over the largest with your tires. This

will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. The tread of

the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall and is

designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and make

every effort to cross the large rocks with your tires.

CAUTION!

Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large

enough to strike your axles or undercarriage.

Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large

enough to contact the door sills.

Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut
When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large

rut, the angled approach is the key to maintaining your

vehicle’s mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45-

degree angle and let each tire go through the obstacle

independently. You need to use caution when crossing

large obstacles with steep sides. Do not attempt to cross

any large obstacle with steep sides at an angle great

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

45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use the removed

dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just created.

You should now be able to drive out following the trench

you just created at a 45-degree angle.

WARNING!

There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing
an obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.

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