TRAIL TIP 

WHEEL GRIP

     Now, put a death grip on the steering wheel and go, right? Wrong! The key to finishing a trip with energy to spare is to keep the expenditure low. Like standing for hours at military parade rest, keep your pants at attention and your knees at ease.
     In the 4X, keep your mind at attention and your body at ease. When I tense up (hard not to do at times) I return home tired, grouchy and most likely have a headache. Reduce the tension by starting with easy trips. Let someone else lead. Go with friends who know what they are doing. Let your job be to learn and enjoy. Leave the worry to others. All this is easier said than done, but keep that thought in mind from the beginning and at least a portion of the trek will be more relaxing.
     The steering wheel — how do you hold it? I only bring this up because there’s an old husband’s tale that needs adjustment.
     Rumor has it, back in aught 9 (the year after Henry made his first Ford), there was a farmer, somewhere in Oklahoma I believe, who lost a thumb because he had them inside versus outside the steering wheel ring. An unseen bump ripped the steering wheel from his limp grip. The fast turning spokes of the rustic round thing showed no mercy and sheared one of them suckers clean off at the palm.
     Now, I don’t know how many of you have ever tried to button your jeans without your thumbs, but it’s almost impossible! This was so embarrassing to the poor ol’ guy, he just crawled off into the prairie and died, or at least no one ever saw him in button jeans again. Ever since then, the rule has been: Keep your thumbs outside the wheel or learn to go around with your fly open.
     That was reasonable advice back in aught 9 with crude four-spoke steering wheels and no steering dampers or power steering. My Dad, born and raised in Oklahoma, to this day, actually lets go of the steering wheel when he sees or feels a bump! However, I’ve yet to have a modern steering wheel jerked out of my hands, let alone break my thumbs. What’s more, if you’re driving at a reasonable speed (slowly, I hope), I can’t imagine what it would take to do digit damage in a modern 4X.
     I hold my steering wheel in both hands, one each at about 10 and 2 o’clock, with my thumbs inside and relatively relaxed. The newer recommendation for air bag-equipped vehicles is 9 and 3. By what I see on the interstates, 10 and coffee is preferred by some Californians. Think of the wheel like a bird. Held too tightly, you’ll kill it and too lightly, it will get away.
     Start with your thumbs outside and see how your 4X works and feels. Develop your own technique, but avoid those underhanded, upside-down, cross-armed, one-fingered, handless stunts I see practiced on the highway. It’s nice to be relaxed, but you can’t forego the need to be in full control and act fast on the dirt. Remember Mother Nature is on full, fast alert, 100 percent of the time. You must be, too.

Preview SHIFTING into 4WD.