| Author | Message | ||||||
     Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) New Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 36 Registered: 01-2003 |
Hey everyone, I'm leading the dealership wheels event tomorrow, and I wanted to give the customers a good off-road instruction list. Can you think of anything you would add or write differently? Here's what I have: EVERY DRIVER MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE WE LEAVE! 1. LIGHTS ON at all times. 2. YOU are responsible for the vehicle behind you. ALWAYS know where they are. If you do not see them, stop, pull over, or slow down until they come into view. If they do not catch up, go back to see what is wrong. a. At all intersections, make sure the vehicle behind you knows which way to go. If there is any doubt, wait until you see them make the turn. b. If the vehicle behind you stops for any reason, wait until they go. 3. At the trailhead, engage low range. If you need help, just ask. The general procedure is: a. Roll slowly between 0-5 mph. b. Select N (neutral) on the main gear select. c. Push the transfer case lever all the way forward, to L (Low). d. Select D (Drive) on the main gear select & go! 4. Discovery I owners may choose to engage diff-lock by sliding the transfer case lever to the left. If you have properly engaged diff-lock, an orange warning light will illuminate on the dash. On slippery surfaces, diff-lock may help maintain forward progress. However, diff-lock may make turning more difficult. 5. Discovery II owners will find that when traction control engages (signified by an orange TC warning light), moderate and steady pressure on the gas pedal will provide the best traction. Patience while your Discovery searches for the wheels with the most traction available! 6. Always pay attention to the direction your tires are pointing. Just because your steering wheel is straight does not mean that your wheels are straight! If you are unsure, get out and look! 7. Keep your thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel, pointing up. If the wheel snaps back, you could break your thumb! 8. Antennas down at the trail head. They’re especially vulnerable off-road. 9. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles. This is especially important in these icy conditions. Allow PLENTY of room to stop. Most of the vehicles are equipped with ABS, which significantly increases stopping distances. We do not want any fender-benders on the trail. DO NOT tailgate! Several of the vehicles coming today have manual transmissions, and you do not want to be too close if they slip backwards. 10. Allow lots of room for others to clear obstacles. Do not bunch up and stop short after clearing an obstacle. After you have overcome the obstacle, park out of the way. Make sure the next person has just as much room as you did. The same goes for preparing to cross an obstacle. 11. One person at a time on steep up and down slopes. Leave a clear path downhill in case a transfer case pops out of gear or brakes fail. Always use 1st gear for hill descents. 3rd gear is recommended for hill climbs. a. Discovery II owners, with low range engaged, turn on hill descent control by pressing the yellow button. This means foot off the brake and off the gas. JUST STEER. If you step on the brakes, you will disengage hill descent control. Be prepared to get yourself down the rest of the way. 12. The lead vehicle should always scout the trail for hazards and pass the word for stumps, rocks, and such that may cause damage. Following vehicles are responsible for getting the word to those behind that there is a hazard. Keep any mishaps isolated to one vehicle. 13. Be sure that everyone clears an obstacle before moving on. 14. Recognize that Land Rovers and Land Rover Owners are differently abled. Try to be patient. The diversity of the trip attendees is generally a positive thing, but everyone must be willing to compromise. ASK BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO SOMETHING YOU WILL NOT BE COMFORTABLE WITH. 15. Keep moving. Minimize unnecessary stopping. a. If you do stop let everyone know why and for approximately how long. There is nothing more frustrating than being at the back of a convoy and not knowing what is going on. b. If you see something you feel is interesting and want to stop and investigate please call it to the group’s attention. It is likely others are thinking the same thing or just happened to miss seeing it. 16. Respect private property and try to observe TREAD Lightly procedures. If you smoke, this means NO CIGARETTE BUTTS THROWN OUT THE WINDOW! 17. Never, ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable. 18. If you are unclear on how to approach an obstacle, ASK! Never be embarrassed to ask a question. 19. Make sure you are in high range and take diff-lock off before heading home. If you need help with this, just ask! Depending on the day’s activities, your wheels may end up caked with ice and snow. Make sure to clean them out before getting on the highway. Remember to put your antennas back up. 20. Have fun! | ||||||
| Blue (Bluegill) Senior Member Username: Bluegill Post Number: 2022 Registered: 02-2002 |
Nice, comprehensive list. Will you guys be airing down at all? | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) New Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 37 Registered: 01-2003 |
I wasn't planning on having anyone air down. It's going to be deep snow & maybe slush & maybe ice. Do you think it is necessary? We don't have any equipment to air back up, but we could figure something out if really necessary. | ||||||
| Blue (Bluegill) Senior Member Username: Bluegill Post Number: 2025 Registered: 02-2002 |
I rarely bother airing down anymore, unless I need the extra grip to get up some slickrock. Rovers spoil you with their offroad ability.  I was mainly thinking of your liability if you have them air down - you should be sure to mention that they need to air back up before getting back on the road (or as soon after as practically possible). I've seen people forget to air up, or figure that they'll get to it tomorrow, etc. and then lose a tire on the highway. | ||||||
| John Kruger (Johnnyk) Member Username: Johnnyk Post Number: 174 Registered: 02-2002 |
You should also give them a list of items they must have, take it off this thread: ../27/19527.html"#444444"> | Carter Simcoe (Carter) Senior Member Username: Carter Post Number: 2027 Registered: 04-2002 |
I would add: Bring you own recovery gear and tools, don't be forced to rely on others. It always pisses me off when people come out with me and then automatically expect to get to use all my shit just because I took the time and money to get it and they didn't. | ||||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 503 Registered: 09-2002 |
As slow as possible as fast as necisary. | ||||||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 111 Registered: 11-2002 |
Make sure they are comfortable with their vehicle. I.E. the truck is in good working order. A Landy with some engine problems that is noticed mildy on the road will be amplified off road. I don't think you would want to mess with a dead truck in the middle of nowhere. Tell them to take off their running boards. If they leave them on, you will get a earfull about how their $500+ boards got eatin' by a rock. If the truck is your baby, then put a couple extra layers of wax on it to protect that paint from limb scratches. Always follow the word of the spotter. Make sure you are in communication with him (or her). Do not try and be the spotter. You are new to this and have no idea what is going on. So don't even go there. No screaming! When people yell out, it freaks out the driver then the driver screws up. I hate to say this but mainly womenfolk have this....tendency. Alyssa, I would suggest that you personally inspect every truck to make sure it has proper recovery points. It would ruin a day to have a stuck truck and no way to pull it out. Also make sure every vehicle as a proper spare tire and that every tire has air in it. Also, if you want to make a little $$$$, have shackles, straps, and reciever shackles for sale there and tell the owners that they are vital to the off roading experience. The nice thing is that you are not lying and you will make money . Another thing is to keep the people informed. One of the things I've always hated is when you blindly follow someone and have no idea what you are about to do (this has gotten me into trouble before). Lastly, have a good time!! Max T. | ||||||
| Tommy Dougherty (Skydiver) Member Username: Skydiver Post Number: 122 Registered: 03-2002 |
You wrote: Most of the vehicles are equipped with ABS, which significantly increases stopping distances. Doesn't the ABS *decrease* stopping distances? | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) New Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 38 Registered: 01-2003 |
Tommy: No, ABS increases stopping distances. Carter: I don't expect them to have recovery gear. We have more than enough to share, so I'm not requiring that. Max: I already verified that no one has running boards & told everyone to wax up ahead of time. I also checked to make sure everyone has recovery points. (No DII's w/brush bars and no hitch) I think I'm going to add the no screaming bit... very true. I just about had to kill my mother the first time I took her offroading with me because she wouldn't stop screaming. Of course, I scream off road, (mainly when Ron's driving...)so I can't be too strict on this one! | ||||||
| Prescottj (Prescottj) Senior Member Username: Prescottj Post Number: 411 Registered: 12-2002 |
Don't forget the list of things to check after they are done | ||||||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1113 Registered: 04-2002 |
Carter, just start charging appropriately for each use and get payment in advance. If you spend $30.00 on something, charge them $5.00 for using your gear. It will pay for the item after a few uses. Also, if they break it, they buy it. It's one thing to be out with a group of your pals that all have their own gear and to offer your stuff to them, but it sucks to have to offer it because they didn't buy gear. I usually always offer when I'm out with my friends, but when I'm at MAR or somewhere with tons of Joe Public, I look to them for their own strap, etc. if they need a pull. | ||||||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1114 Registered: 04-2002 |
Alyssa, Sorry I can't make it. However, in Ron's defense, he was driving very calmly and responsibly at Evan's place a few weeks ago. I don't think you would have screamed at all. On another note, if Paragon is going to be even close to Evans place, you are going to possibly need some tire chains. | ||||||
| Alan Bates (Alanb) Member Username: Alanb Post Number: 110 Registered: 07-2002 |
If you get stuck on steep climbs, do not try to back down, stop and get help, if their wheels aren't straight and they back down, you know what can happen. Seen it happen too many times. | ||||||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 504 Registered: 09-2002 |
Oh yes...the spotter issue. One spotter only. I can't stand it when there are more than one spotter. There is not much that makes me mad and especially on a trail but someone jumping in on a spot gets me going. On a LR sponsored event, I agree with Alyssa. The customers should not be required or charged for use of gear. The idea behind the event is a learning, fun experience for the most novice of offroaders. This trip may be the first trip many have ever taken and it will be a building block experience. This is where they will learn about gear and driving in a safe environment under the wing of LR. | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 41 Registered: 01-2003 |
Thanks, Brian. That was my opinion of the event. These are customers, and they shouldn't be required to carry gear. We're the ones taking them out. As for the spotting, all very good points, but we've hired an instructor & guide & he will be doing the instructing & showing customers what to do. He is the only designated spotter & everyone will be instructed as such. I've spoken to everyone & think everyone is pretty receptive to instructions & they understand they're not experts. | ||||||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 575 Registered: 02-2002 |
Alyssa, you mentioned TREAD Lightly program - as LR is a sponser perhaps you could also obtain some literature from them to promote the concept. not for this one as not sufficient time, yet, for future events. feel sure the mainliners could use another .org to support! lol. lived in Bryn Mawr for a few years so appreciate the uniqueness of the area. Jaime | ||||||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 81 Registered: 11-2002 |
Well the one thing I would see at the events is people spinning wildly when they had another close behind them. That just looks nasty on the paint and glass.... Kyle "Blow me" | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 42 Registered: 01-2003 |
LR is a sponsor of Tread Lightly, and guidelines are described in owners manuals. Tread Lightly also appears on every Land Rover Mulroney label (new car sticker). I actually went to their website, and they didn't have anything worth printing out. I've sent away for info before, too, and it wasn't too substantive. Anyway, it's a private off-road park, and these guys probably aren't looking to carve up the landscape, so it's not *as* big of a deal. | ||||||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Senior Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 137 Registered: 02-2003 |
limit every one to just 5 beers or 1 joint while on the trail... rd | ||||||
| Carter Simcoe (Carter) Senior Member Username: Carter Post Number: 2028 Registered: 04-2002 |
Yeah Greg I generally try to do that but you know how it is getting money out of friends....... Alyssa, I figured you would be supplying the recovery gear during your course, I just mean while you are telling them all the ropes and going over the subject you might want to let them know that if they decide to go out on their own after the event is over that mooching recovery gear is a faux pas (at least on my rides) | ||||||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Member Username: Ron Post Number: 118 Registered: 04-2001 |
"I've spoken to everyone & think everyone is pretty receptive to instructions" With one obvious exception Ron hehehe Rule #21 No one EVER try to follow Ron. That is why we are making him go last. MUCH safer that way. Oh, and you are forbidden to listen to him as well. Just because he thinks you can make it does not mean you will make it in one piece. | ||||||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 112 Registered: 11-2002 |
One last thing, tell everyone to bring a few snacks and water. It is always great to pull out a few cookies and some water to munch on when the Landie wagon train stops. LOL Alyssa, the first time I was at MAR I brought my mom along. I drove the truck on the side of the hill that all the people camp on. I thought she was going to die right then and there. She thought we were going to tip over. I knew she was going to be difficult if I hadn't even engaged diff lock yet, heck, I haven't even gotten on the trail yet before she started screamin'. In fact, everyone in my family does that. That is why I wheel' by myself, so now I can listen to myself sing . Max T. Everything is a sing-a-long | ||||||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 253 Registered: 08-2002 |
Another reason not to throw buts out of the window is that it is illegal and can start fires. | ||||||
| Kim S (Roverine) Senior Member Username: Roverine Post Number: 425 Registered: 03-2002 |
Alyssa, ... you're already on your way by now, just wanted to say great list! Hope you have/had a nice event. Kudos. Kim | ||||||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 113 Registered: 11-2002 |
So Alyssa, how did it go? Any pics (or on the way)? Everyone have a good time? Any screamers? Did someone follow Ron? I'm curious to know... Max T. Man, I wish your dealership was in NC because our dealership doesn't do fun stuff like that.... | ||||||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1115 Registered: 04-2002 |
Did Ron come home with all his windows in tact? gp | ||||||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Member Username: Ron Post Number: 119 Registered: 04-2001 |
My vehicle is intact as is everyone elses. Winch got a work out as paragon is still under a foot or two of snow and 18in goodyear HPs are not good in snow (why they did not stick to Michelin 4x4s is beyond me ). Alyssa has some nice pics which should be available soon. Ron | ||||||
| Jason Gustavson (Prescottj) Senior Member Username: Prescottj Post Number: 418 Registered: 12-2002 |
Anyone spill Starbucks on there Land Rover Brand Khakis? | ||||||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 44 Registered: 01-2003 |
PICTURES: http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=1001101047315009076/l=13085637 Well, the event was damage free, with the exception of our winch cable, which was trashed after the repeated recovery of customers with stock goodyears. If you stayed in the tracks, the snow was packed down & passable. If you strayed at all, it was 2-3+ feet deep of loose snow. As soon as tires spun, the holes iced over, and there was no way out but with the winch. I kept getting in the snow to help/watch, and it was always at least past my knees, sometimes up to my waist. | ||||||
| Evan Price (The_big_daddy) New Member Username: The_big_daddy Post Number: 12 Registered: 02-2003 |
You folks are lucky you didn't have any damage or get anyone hurt . A stock disco with 18" Goodyear hp's had no business on that mountain given the conditions last weekend. | ||||||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 577 Registered: 02-2002 |
looks like all had fun! nice looking Golden also by the way. Jaime |
