4x4 Rollover Safety - Hang On!

Here is another big no-no, grabbing the rollbar. When building the cage, add proper grab handles inside the cab where fingers won't get crushed in the case of a roll. As a passenger, grab onto your seatbelts rather than the cage. Better yet, have passengers get out before attempting gnarly obstacles, especially if they are children. You'll feel better driving by yourself, and they can take pictures.

We always notice how whenever a 4x4 rolls over, a crowd quickly attempts to roll it back on its tires. The problem here is that should said group not accomplish their task, they could be crushed by the same truck they are trying to right. Better to grab a winch or strap and have another 4x4 pull it level.

When a truck turns turtle it can quickly start leaking fluids. In the best scenario this might make a small puddle on the ground that should be cleaned up. In the worst it can drip hot ATF or gear lube on a passenger or leak gas on hot metal, or near a spark. Be sure to properly secure batteries so they won't spark against the hood in a roll, and if possible, put rollover valves in vent lines.

Once you get the truck back up on its feet, you may wish to pull the spark plugs before you crank the engine over. If oil gets between the piston and the combustion chamber and you try to start the engine, it can quickly break a rod. Pull the plugs and crank the engine while it pumps out the oil. (Have onlookers stand clear to keep hot oil off them.) Then clean up any spills, top off all fluids, and head on down the trail.

Here is one last tip about rollovers, if you start trailering your rig to the trail, do not be surprised if you end up rolling it. It's amazing how quickly you subconsciously tell yourself, "Hey, I don't need to drive this home, I've got a trailer, I'll try that crazy line, or push it just a little bit harder than usual."