OK, I have a friend with a brand new Prado who is signing up for a recreational 4WD course and has asked if I want to come along in our '07 V6 TDi ToeRag. I'm keen, sounds like fun.
Clearly, he has done the 'correct' thing and purchased a big fat ugly japanese car which is perfectly suited to off-roading - I dont want to own a Prado but recognise them as a good tool for this particular job. On the other hand, I have bought a car which most people associate with nothing more arduous than dropping the kids off to saturday soccer on the way to the espresso bar. Ergo, I expect resistance, and dont want to look like a fool... I had to spell Touareg to the 4WD course lady and wonder if they've seen one on their course before?
So, just wanted to know what people think about this, with respect to the cars capability and what sorts of things I need to know; what i can do to prepare for this resistance, and also get some thoughts on what i might need equipment-wise in order to do a basic recreational 4WD course and have fun?
I currently have no full size spare, no idea if i have "recovery points" or not, road tyres fitted (with some meat left on them, I dont want to bin them yet), etc etc.
Cheers, Sam
Note: Just so you know where my head is at, our intention in purchasing the toerag was to use it as a luxury (for us) everyday car in the city during the week, but with the knowledge that we could do some outdoor escape weekends with our young boy and access new places whether they be down the dirt road/ beach or whatever. I wont necessarily be seeking out dedicated 4WD tracks but if they are in the way of where I want to be then I want to be able to go down em.
Still, I dont want to damage a $50K car, but then who does...
Clearly, he has done the 'correct' thing and purchased a big fat ugly japanese car which is perfectly suited to off-roading - I dont want to own a Prado but recognise them as a good tool for this particular job. On the other hand, I have bought a car which most people associate with nothing more arduous than dropping the kids off to saturday soccer on the way to the espresso bar. Ergo, I expect resistance, and dont want to look like a fool... I had to spell Touareg to the 4WD course lady and wonder if they've seen one on their course before?
So, just wanted to know what people think about this, with respect to the cars capability and what sorts of things I need to know; what i can do to prepare for this resistance, and also get some thoughts on what i might need equipment-wise in order to do a basic recreational 4WD course and have fun?
I currently have no full size spare, no idea if i have "recovery points" or not, road tyres fitted (with some meat left on them, I dont want to bin them yet), etc etc.
Cheers, Sam
Note: Just so you know where my head is at, our intention in purchasing the toerag was to use it as a luxury (for us) everyday car in the city during the week, but with the knowledge that we could do some outdoor escape weekends with our young boy and access new places whether they be down the dirt road/ beach or whatever. I wont necessarily be seeking out dedicated 4WD tracks but if they are in the way of where I want to be then I want to be able to go down em.
Still, I dont want to damage a $50K car, but then who does...
