Side slopes and off-camber driving

The Jimny is short and tall for its width, so a side slope is where it feels least stable. No official maximum side-slope angle could be verified, so this page gives no single number.

The rule is simple: if you are unsure, do not do it. Look for another way, and never test the limit on your own. General technique, not a substitute for training or your owner's manual. Practise on easy ground first, with a spotter, and stop if you are unsure.

By Gypsy Overlanding Family ®

Avoidif there isanother wayWalkit and readthe surfaceSteerdownhill ifit slides
Three rules for side slopes.

The short answer

Avoid side slopes when you can. If you must cross, walk it first, keep the load low, and cross slowly without turning or braking hard. If the car starts to slide, steer gently downhill. If it starts to tip, stop and get everyone out on the uphill side, then recover it with a winch from above. Do not rely on a single angle figure.

Do

  • Walk the slope and check the surface
  • Keep the load low and light
  • Cross slowly and straight
  • Use a spotter on the downhill side
  • Choose a higher line if you can

Do not

  • Turn or brake hard on the slope
  • Carry a heavy roof load
  • Cross wet, loose or rutted slopes
  • Test the limit alone
  • Let passengers lean downhill

Why it is risky for a Jimny

  • Short wheelbase and tall body make it more sensitive to a tilt
  • A roof load raises the centre of gravity, see roof racks
  • Soft, wet or rutted ground can drop a wheel and tip the car
  • A wheel in a rut on the high side makes it worse
No official figure. No maker-stated maximum side-slope angle was found, so do not treat any number from a forum as safe. Test only on very gentle ground, with help.

How to cross

  1. Look for a different line first, even a long detour
  2. Walk it and check the surface for ruts, rocks and soft patches
  3. Reduce the load: take weight off the roof and out of high places
  4. Cross slowly and straight, with no steering corrections and no braking
  5. Keep a spotter on the downhill side

If it starts to slide or tip

  • If it slides, steer gently downhill and ease off
  • If a wheel lifts on the high side, stop, do not accelerate, and think
  • Do not open the downhill door and step out below the car
  • Get everyone out on the uphill side and recover from above, see winching basics and recovery gear

Pick your slope

Tap a situation to see what to do.

Tap a situation (6 to try)

What to do for Gentle, firm slope

Do this
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Details
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Common mistakes

  • Testing the limit alone. There is no stated safe angle.
  • Carrying a roof load across. It raises the tipping risk.
  • Braking hard on the slope. The car can slide.
  • Stepping out downhill. The car can roll onto you.
  • Ignoring a detour. A long way round is safer.
A final word. General technique, not a substitute for training or your owner's manual. Practise on easy ground first, with a spotter, and stop if you are unsure. There is no verified maximum side-slope angle for the Jimny, so do not treat any figure as safe.