Off-Road Physics: Reaching the Top of the Climb

Category: Offroad School

Published on 26. Nov 2013 - 17:33 by 1mak

Off-Road Physics: Reaching the Top of the Climb

Off-road adventures can be exhilarating and exciting. Climbing steep grades and conquering slippery slopes, though, can be the most frustrating experience of your off-road expedition. Your success will depend on your understanding of how to correctly navigate the terrain presented, including steep hills and treacherous slopes. Luckily, there’s a proven formula for making off-road climbs: the right route, the right traction and enough momentum will lead to a successful climb, even with harsh terrain and gravity working overtime to thwart your efforts.

Before the Climb Begins

You need to make sure that you’ve got your vehicle set up correctly before you get started on a climb. Here is a basic checklist of things that you’ll need to look over:



  • You’ll need to make sure your vehicle is in its low 4WD range, if available

  • If conditions are slippery, make sure you’re using the highest gear that is practical for the climb

  • Differential locks need to be engaged in manual 4WD systems

  • Make sure to tailor your speed to the grade and ease up on it when you get near the top of the climb

  • Raise suspension if necessary and applicable


It’s important to keep in mind that you may fail. Understanding how to recover from the failure to complete the climb will ensure that you don’t give up after just an attempt or two.

Choosing the Right Route

There are several factors to consider when choosing your climb route. Some of the things you need to take note of and plan around include:


  • Trees, rocks or other obstacles

  • Routes that are already available

  • Ruts that may be present on available routes

  • Conditions where it may be impossible to get the necessary traction


You’ll want to plan out a route that is as straight-on as possible, avoiding side angles if at all possible. Side angles can lead to sideways slides that are difficult to recover from or control. Ruts on existing routes can help to guarantee that your wheels won’t slide sideways, so make use of them if possible.

Once you have your route picked out, it’s a good idea to walk it first before attempting to climb it in your vehicle. This will give you the opportunity to make note of trouble spots and allow you to have a better grasp of what you need to do should you get in trouble on the climb. This small bit of planning and reconnaissance will give you a leg up in starting your climb and completing it successfully.

Safety First!

Going off-road can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to follow safety precautions during any off-road or rough-terrain adventure.

Seat belts, helmets, goggles and other safety equipment can help mitigate any injuries you may sustain during these activities.

If a hill seems to unapproachable, don't feel ashamed to let go at find something else. It's not worth your life nor your car's well-being. ;)