Land Pride 22076 Traveling Tips From the Trail Masters, Preparation and Planning, Plan Your Route

Table of Contents

Section 4 Operating Instructions

•Do not allow anyone to ride in the Gondo while towing it on a trailer.

•Obey all state and local laws for towing.

Traveling Tips From the Trail Masters

At Land Pride we want you to get maximum working and recreational enjoyment out of your utility vehicle whether you are using one of our All-Terrain Runabouts or one of our terrain hugging Gondo utility trucks. If your work project or recreational adventure is going to take you on an extended ride deep into the wilderness or way out on the prairie, you’ll need to seriously consider some of the following tips from experienced pros about safety, gear, clothing, supplies and driving techniques.

Preparation and Planning

Do a complete equipment check as follows:

1.Make sure you have plenty of fuel and oil to make the trip and then some.

2.Make sure your tires have proper inflation, your lug bolts are tight and that you have a spare and the tools to change, repair and inflate a tire. Consider adding a puncture sealant to your tires as a preventative measure.

3.Check for any loose or missing parts and definitely make those needed repairs before going anywhere. It is especially important that you check steering, braking, throttle, electrical and engine components thoroughly.

Plan Your Route

1.Plan your route, destination and rendezvous points before starting out.

2.Don’t go it alone if at all possible. Taking someone else along reduces the potential for loss of life or major injury to inclement weather, animal attacks, or accidents. Besides, it’s more fun when you have someone to share the adventure with.

3.Obtain trail or area maps of your travel routes to and from your destination. Communicate your travel plans to responsible friends and or proper authorities. Plan rendezvous points at conspicuous landmarks along your route just in case you run into unexpected trouble on the trail.

4.Make sure you take a weather radio and two-way communication devices such as cell phones or long range-two way radios. It is also good to have ground flares, a flare gun, a smoke canister, emergency strobe light, a reflecting mirror, matches for a signal fire and a compass.

Plan Your Gear

1.Check the short and long range weather forecast and take protective gear and clothing to cover all contingencies. It doesn’t have to snow for you to fall victim to hypothermia or exposure. Take or wear appropriate eye and head protection, gloves, boots, a long sleeve shirt, long pants, a jacket, rain gear, dry socks and a full change of dry clothing.

2.Plan your gear and gear up for the best and worst of environmental conditions.

3.Pack a first aid kit, sunblocker, lip balm, water, insect repellent, personal medications, tarp or tent, flash light, survival knife, binoculars, camera, tool kit, rope, duct tape, tow strap, winch or come-along, eating, utensils, cooking utensils and high energy trail food.

4.Tie and lash down your gear and supplies securely. Keep the bulk of the weight centered and mounted as low as possible on the vehicle in order to maintain a low center of gravity for safe and stable off-road travel.

Going Out on the Trail

1.Take it all in when hitting the trail but do it safely!

2.Make sure you brief your passenger on proper safety procedures like keeping hands, arms, feet and other bodily appendages inside the vehicle. Passengers should only be transported in factory supplied seating.

3.Operator and passenger are responsible for deciding if their situation warrants using Seat Belts.

4.Avoid operating on excessively steep hills and especially on hills that are steeper than 15 degrees. Avoid crossing slopes if possible and don’t make sharp uphill steering corrections or a rollover could result. If your vehicle starts to tip over on a slope turn the front wheels quickly down hill to regain stability and control. The best way to climb most hills is to drive straight up while maintaining a steady ground speed and constant engine rpm. The best way to descend most hills is straight down while using steady pressure on the brakes without locking them up. Locking up the brakes in a steep downhill situation can result in loss of traction, steering and control. When you must cross a slope on soft terrain, keep the front wheels turned slightly uphill and maintain a constant speed and a straight line of travel.

5.Driving too fast, being inattentive and turning too sharply on slippery surfaces can result in rollovers and accidents almost quicker than any other ground condition we know of. Snow cover, wet trails, loose gravel and frozen ground can all contribute to this dangerous condition. In these conditions maintain sharp focus on the trail ahead. Don’t make sharp turns and avoid the need for hard braking if at all possible. Slow down and stop If you do start to slide.

20 4400EX Heavy Duty Off Road Utility Vehicle 720-132M 7/01/05