So I'm thinking of going off-roading for the first time in my Treg.
I am not exactly experienced off-roader and I would appreciate any good advice on where to go around Sydney,Central Coast,Blue Mountain or Southern Highlands.
Ideally somewhere where we can camp overnight.
Thanks for any ideas.
For your first couple of outings, I'd strongly advise you to go out with an existing group...ideally with a couple of other experienced Touareg owners. They'll show you the best trails and routes. If you bend or break something, it's very useful to have knowledgeable people around to help you out. If you get stuck by yourself, or hurt, it could be a long walk for help.
Stuff happens. Be prepared.
Also, and I cannot overstate this, do not get in over your head. Until you have some experience offroading, and really know your truck, go out easy. Be clear with the group that you are new to offroading and that you will need help. Ask several times how difficult the planned route will be, and don't be afraid to bail if the trail turns out to be more difficult than expected.
I found myself once in a difficult situation where the route had been described as "easy to intermediate." It was not. I was in over my head with three young kids in my truck, on street tires, on a *cold* winter day. At one point, due both to my inexperience and equipment (tires), I got pretty well stuck. It took 90 cold minutes for several experienced offroaders, with heavy duty winches, to get me unstuck. They weren't particularly happy about it, yet they were kind enough to keep at it until we got unstuck. (I thought we were going to have to call in a farm tractor or helicopter to get my truck out!)
Shortly after getting moving again, I watched a Defender 90 go over on its side going up an icy, rocky path. Yes, improper technique -- too much throttle and the rear tires started to bounce... Another 45 minutes to right and winch the D90 up the slope. Half of us, including me, then chose to get winched up rather than risk damage.
Offroading is a blast. It takes some time to build experience, your knowledge, and your truck. Don't push your truck beyond its limits. A stock T3 is not a Defender 90 or a built Jeep Wrangler. Take your time, enjoy the experience, learn from others. It's a very social activity. Don't hesitate to ask for help...we've all been there and are more than happy to help others.
