Maximizing acceleration offroad

[rtmozingo]

Hey guys, what is the best way to maximize acceleration in the dirt? WOT, from my experience, is not only not particularly fast, but also would wear out the tires much more quickly, whereas prompt, but smooth, application of the throttle maintains more grip and gives me a better launch.

Do I have it all wrong? I realize it depends on terrain, but I'm speaking mostly for Baja-style environments. I don't get to practice as much as I would like, as all the great places to play around here are privately owned.

 

[solarwinds]

pedal to floor works pretty good

 

[Truckzor]

Tire selection and tire pressure.

 

[Raptizzle]

What drive modes have you tried?

 

[rtmozingo]

pedal to floor works pretty good

Wonder if it is just the terrain here in Central Texas...if I stomp on it, it usually just sits there spinning for a bit.

Tire selection and tire pressure.

I'm running 36/32 on the stock tires now. I usually go down 5-6 psi when offroading, tho, now that you mention it, the two times I was noticing this effect the most was when I didn't have my compressor with me.

What drive modes have you tried?

On my truck, all except Rock/Crawl (which I have used at Raptor Assault). Mud/Sand the most, as it has happened to fit the conditions for most of the days I've gone out (even at Raptor Assault*). I've also used a fair bit of Baja 2H and 4H (locked and unlocked). Baja 2H is great around very tight corners, but the back end becomes so loose that you can't power out of a turn else you fling the rear end around. Baja 4H alleviates this problem since you retain your throttle steering, but when you decide to punch it the front tires pull you out and drag your back end in line.

Sport 4A is great for on road use, but is a bit sluggish off-road, and the braking distance is about 150% of what it is in the offroad modes.

*I timed my circuit laps at Raptor Assault. I forget the times now, but Mud/Sand mode was fastest by a second, followed by Baja mode, followed by Normal mode 4A without traction control ~6 seconds slower. I would have done sport 4A locked, but didn't have time to change it with instructor over my shoulder.

 

[saym14]

Are u guys trying to accelerate in 4A? Usually a AWD vehicle is quicker to 60 or 100 than a rear wheel drive ?