4WD Training

[Strop]

Hi all,

Posted something in relation to this in the general discussion area but no responses so far but I need some feedback ASAP.

I am totally new to 4WD. First one. I have lots of what's, ifs and possibilities going through my head. I think a 4WD course is on the cards but which one and where is the question.

There is Green Oval Experience 2 day course in Queensland in 2 weeks that has vacancies (I think) Level 1&2 Trail Mastery. I think this course is directed at the capabilities of the D3/4 etc. So questions I am seeking answers for.

Is it suitable for a novice?
Is it good value?
Is it better/equal to what I would get elsewhere?
Where else would you recommend?

I need some comments quick please. The only reason I hesitate (probably minor) is that I purchased their 4WD book online and still haven't received it. Open & Honest feedback appreciated - I know Gordon haunts here so if you want to PM me fine. No offence meant to anyone but seeking value as $$$ disappearing quick.

All the best,

Laurie

[DiscoJeffster]

I'll be brutally honest. I got out there in my last Paj and went for it. Learnt from my mistakes.
This car I've read the forum, understand the modes, the DSC off, the tyre pressures, how to use the suspension (extended modes) etc and have put it to good use. I'm not a novice in my opinion, but felt I could learn it myself mostly and the forums.
Each to their own, and there is a lot to be said for a tailor made experience just from the fun perspective

[Lee Jackson]

Hi Laurie,

Have you considered joining the Land Rover 4x4 Owners Club. They have a course which I hear is great. That is what I am planning on doing when I get my real 4x4. :)

[TuffRR]

The GOE course will teach you about how to use the terrain response and other Land Rover features. It will not teach you safe recovery techniques or other fundamentals that you should know if you are going to be 4wding.

[Cantthinkofone]

Hi Laurie,

I would still consider myself a novice or at least a beginner. I've been to a couple of pay and play days at 4wd areas in the UK, done a few 4wd experience days including the Land Rover one also in the UK and spent 9 days on Fraser Island.

I have also bought the GOE book and would like to do one of his courses at some point. I have to say the book is excellent, it not only gives you in depth advice on the terrain response settings and their appropriate use, but also some common faults and their fixes that you could do in the field plus info on touring and modifications. I am sure the course is this plus a whole lot more. Gordon really does seem to know his stuff, particularly when related to Land Rovers. On this point, I do think that whoever you do a course with, it would certainly be of benefit for them to be Land Rover based.

Cheers,
Andy

[Bytemrk]

G'day Laurie,

Are in Armidale Vic or NSW or WA?.... if you are considering a course in QLD I am guessing NSW.

As stated , the GOE course will teach you lots about your specific car, but I suspect very little about the basics of 4wd safely or recovery.

Joining a club has some big advantages in that the training courses are usually subsidised, you are likely to meet others to go out with regularly and often the club members know a lot about your vehicle too ( depending on the club. There courses are also often in well controlled environments where you can learn and make mistakes safely....

Once we know where you are - you might even find someone on here happy to go out with you to help you get the first pointers. Plenty here go on trips together and travelling with someone is always handy when you do have a problem [wink11]

[Strop]

I'll be brutally honest. I got out there in my last Paj and went for it. Learnt from my mistakes.

That's me. The problem is that you can do a lot of $$ quickly. I have bought myself some rock/tree slides not because I want to go extreme but because I see it as cheap insurance as I am in mountain country.



Have you considered joining the Land Rover 4x4 Owners Club. They have a course which I hear is great. That is what I am planning on doing when I get my real 4x4. :)

Lee, I have but closest one is 5 hrs away. Still haven't discounted it though.



The GOE course will teach you about how to use the terrain response and other Land Rover features. It will not teach you safe recovery techniques or other fundamentals that you should know if you are going to be 4wding.

TuffRR, can I assume you have done one of the GOE courses?



On this point, I do think that whoever you do a course with, it would certainty be of benefit for them to be Land Rover based.

Yes, that is why the urgency. Gordon,s last one for year. As I said still waiting on book.



G'day Laurie,

Are in Armidale Vic or NSW or WA?

Always hard that one, but you figured it out.

I have been on the beach with the brother-in-law and it doesn't worry me that much. I think as long as I am not stuck where the wet stuff can get to me fine - no real problem.

Understanding the capabilities of a vehicle in a controlled environment is a good thing. Did the same when teaching learner riders myself. You can then take those new skills or affirmed skills out and practice them.

Will have to check the schedule again to see if there is any recovery on the agenda.

Laurie

[Strop]

Just checked

Level 1 & 2 Trail Mastery: A 2 day training session that will ensure you master hill climbs, mud and fording in your TR-equipped Land Rover. Covers basic to advanced TR driving, recovery and emergency techniques.

Laurie

[rocket rod]

If you can afford it just do it. You can never have too much training or gain too much experience. I've done two of Gordon's courses and one tag-a-long. All worthwhile. They are suitable for novices but you will be pushed to do things you wouldn't normally take on, but when you complete the task you'll be all smiles.

[TuffRR]

TuffRR, can I assume you have done one of the GOE courses?



I have. And didn’t see a snatch strap or winch all weekend….

[l00kin4]

Hi Laurie,

On the GOE sand driving course earlier this year we did both snatch recovery and self recovery.

The initial theory presentation was very informative and covered quite a bit on the LR TR features and the D3/D4 platform, although most of this is in the book.

I'd already taken my D4 on Stockton, Blacksmiths and other beaches and spent 10 days on Fraser Island before I attended this course - I still thought it was worthwhile. I think as a novice it would be even more worthwhile.

Courses run by the clubs are cheaper though. I haven't done one of those so have no comparison.

David

[Strop]

On the GOE sand driving course earlier this year we did both snatch recovery and self

Courses run by the clubs are cheaper though. I haven't done one of those so have no comparison.


Straddie is always on my holiday agenda but I am never there by myself as likely to be here. Snatch strap, shovel & maxtrax type gear on list - boy is that list big and $$$$. I just hate having a personality of doing it right and having all the right gear from the start.

I am looking at 4WD clubs in the area but have to admit I am a bit worried about young blokes who drive around in 4WD with huge tyres etc. I am a bit more sedate than that. Though, never under estimate what you can learn from others. As others have said you can never learn too much.

All the best

Laurie

[l00kin4]

Straddie is always on my holiday agenda but I am never there by myself as likely to be here. Snatch strap, shovel & maxtrax type gear on list - boy is that list big and $$$$. I just hate having a personality of doing it right and having all the right gear from the start.

I am looking at 4WD clubs in the area but have to admit I am a bit worried about young blokes who drive around in 4WD with huge tyres etc. I am a bit more sedate than that. Though, never under estimate what you can learn from others. As others have said you can never learn too much.

All the best

Laurie

I hear you about the list $$$ :o

I think with the (non-LR specific) 4WD clubs you'd get good general 4WD training but potentially miss out on the LR specifics. IMHO to get the most out of your Disco you need both. I'd look at LR centric clubs as you'd be more likely to get both but understand that they are probably a long way for you to go. I'm sure you'd find the GOE course will put you in a much more knowledgeable and comfortable position. The cost is up there but it's a solid crash (sorry, bad pun) course in getting the most out of your D4.

The point about doing things you might not normally have the confidence to do is a really good one too. Pushes you outside your comfort zone to show what a capable weapon the D4 can be. At the end of the GOE sand driving course a couple of us went down McBride's beach track at Forster with Gordon's guidance. It's the kind of track I would have considered with MUCH more trepidation if I'd just turned up there myself - I would probably have done it but much, much more slowly. Having now done it gave me an appreciation of the crazy capability of these things.

David

[jwb]

What has worked for me was:
1. Vic Land Rover owners club course - lots of techniques for different terrain and recovery - very professionally run with a classroom session and out in the bush
2. A discounted Land Rover day which came with the vehicle purchase and held at a closed proving ground with lots of LR specific stuff
3. Getting out regularly with experienced drivers you trust and who are happy to help

[mfpoli]

Hi all,

Posted something in relation to this in the general discussion area but no responses so far but I need some feedback ASAP.

I am totally new to 4WD. First one. I have lots of what's, ifs and possibilities going through my head. I think a 4WD course is on the cards but which one and where is the question.

There is Green Oval Experience 2 day course in Queensland in 2 weeks that has vacancies (I think) Level 1&2 Trail Mastery. I think this course is directed at the capabilities of the D3/4 etc. So questions I am seeking answers for.

Is it suitable for a novice?
Is it good value?
Is it better/equal to what I would get elsewhere?
Where else would you recommend?

I need some comments quick please. The only reason I hesitate (probably minor) is that I purchased their 4WD book online and still haven't received it. Open & Honest feedback appreciated - I know Gordon haunts here so if you want to PM me fine. No offence meant to anyone but seeking value as $$$ disappearing quick.

All the best,

Laurie

Laurie - you should seriously consider joining the Range Rover Club of NSW. Only Land Rovers, heaps of D3/4s, very modest membership fee, free training, trips, great comradery, not extreme, etc. There is a sand driving training event at Stockton later this month and an Introductory Course (general terrain) near Lithgow in late June. Refer to link for more info:

Home (http://rangeroverclubnsw.asn.au/home.html)

Mario

[russV82a]

For anyone in Victoria, Mountain-Top Experience now runs Gordon's Green Oval Experience Terrain Response training courses East of Melbourne in Rawson.

Here is a link to the website: 4WD Driver Training - Mountain-Top Experience (http://www.mountaintopexperience.com/training/)

[trout1105]

I think that any 4wd driver training is a Great idea.
Far better that what many of us have done in the past by just "Winging It" and learning from our mistakes and it is just by sheer luck we have survived.
Learning to do things correctly and more importantly Safely in the first place is a far better option[thumbsupbig]

[go-disco4]

Hi all,

Posted something in relation to this in the general discussion area but no responses so far but I need some feedback ASAP.

I am totally new to 4WD. First one. I have lots of what's, ifs and possibilities going through my head. I think a 4WD course is on the cards but which one and where is the question.

There is Green Oval Experience 2 day course in Queensland in 2 weeks that has vacancies (I think) Level 1&2 Trail Mastery. I think this course is directed at the capabilities of the D3/4 etc. So questions I am seeking answers for.

Is it suitable for a novice?
Is it good value?
Is it better/equal to what I would get elsewhere?
Where else would you recommend?

I need some comments quick please. The only reason I hesitate (probably minor) is that I purchased their 4WD book online and still haven't received it. Open & Honest feedback appreciated - I know Gordon haunts here so if you want to PM me fine. No offence meant to anyone but seeking value as $$$ disappearing quick.

All the best,

Laurie

Hi Laurie

To get the most out of GOE course, it is best to gain some 4WD experience and having done a basic 4Wd proficiency course first.

The trail mastery course I went to in Vic recently did not cover snatch recovery for example although some of the GOE sand courses seem to do it. But GOE is the best course to learn about the TR system and how to use it.

The proficiency course is offered by all / most clubs (usually free if member) or by the State 4WD organisation e.g. 4WD Vic in Victoria.

Joining a Range Rover or land Rover Club in your state and getting the proficiency course training is a good way to do it.

Hope this helps.

GD-4

[go-disco4]

Just checked

Level 1 & 2 Trail Mastery: A 2 day training session that will ensure you master hill climbs, mud and fording in your TR-equipped Land Rover. Covers basic to advanced TR driving, recovery and emergency techniques.

Laurie

I think the "....recovery and emergency techniques...." refers to using the LR TR system to self recover more so than using snatch etc.

GD-4

[Strop]

To get the most out of GOE course, it is best to gain some 4WD experience and having done a basic 4Wd proficiency course first.

I can really see that. If they were more regular then it would not be an issue. Last one for the year.

Might just have to be the timid one who needs lots of encouragement. :-)

All the best

Laurie

[dirvine]

I like to think I am fairly knowledgeable with 4WDing. However all this fancy TC stuff is somewhat hard to fathom especially in a LR. Recently I went on a LR experience day. As all the vehicles were discovery 4's (except for the leader Defender and TEC with a Disco sport) I learnt so much about how to best use the TC stuff. Lots of things they mentioned I already knew but things like using the sport feature of your gearbox in 4wd and what is then does was something I just dont think you would get unless you joined a dedicated 4WD club which has a Disco register or go on one of the GOE courses. Dont get me wrong I am not advertising for the GOE, but as it is very D3/4 specific, I think you would get a lot of tips and tricks that would otherwise be missed on a general 4WD orientation day.

[DIS4]

It is never too much to learn, but at the the cost you can afford! I had been on 4WD for two years, had been club training, GOE training. Some of training might repeat itself, but reinforces what you learnt in the past. Even though had attended many trainings, I still made simple mistakes, such no dropping Tyre pressure in sand as others didn't do it, turn DSC off, snatching procedure. The last mistake cost me dearly when trying to snatch recovery out of sand with trailer, another "experienced" mate stop me to put on the winch Dampener. Things went wrong, the strap broken and smashed on the another mate's D4. It smashed the back glass and panel, luckily no one got hurt; but I had to cop the expensive bill. Bloody embarrassing and painful. That means knowledge doesn't always become the skill that will save you in urgent circumstances, more trips with experienced group will help you to covert into skill, but watch out some of them might not have adequate knowledge and skill. Proper training gave you better foundation, then practice.

Club training is more basic, not vehicle base even Land Rover club; GOE is more how Land Rover can handle the tough terrain, it shows no such most capable vehicle but most capable driver; Gordon is one of them. I felt still have much to learn or practice what I learnt, make sure your pocket doesn't get hurt; otherwise, club subsidies the training is the way to begin then GOE training later on. It will give you more confidence after all, otherwise, price to pay later on. Good luck!

[jonesy63]

Club training is more basic, not vehicle base even Land Rover club;..

That is very much a comment on your club - not true of the Range Rover Club of NSW. For starters, you have to own a Land Rover to be a member - while other "Land Rover" clubs don't seem to mind if you wander from the marque. Over 50% of our member cars are D3/D4 and then add RRS and FFRR with TR, the vast majority have it. Our club training gives guidance for TR use. We also hold separate sand, introductory and recovery training days -catering specifically for vehicles with TR, but also give guidance for Deefers, Evoques, RRC, and any other LR that attends.

Disclaimer: I am the training and education director at the Range Rover Club of NSW.

Cheers,
Rob

[Strop]

I am the training and education director at the Range Rover Club of NSW.

Rob,

Good to know.

I also have a liking for the Citroen CX. I was previously a member of the NSW Citroen Car Club. These types of clubs do tend to be city centric with big distances to travel to meets/functions for us non city folks. Though, I don't have far to go for good tracks and camping [emoji3].

I will contact you after the weekend as decision time is very soon.

All the best

Laurie

[Mike57]

I did Gordon's course a few weekends ago in Victoria. IMO if you are a complete novice it would be best to do a basic course first as you will cover a wider range of situations on most of them including recovery techniques. Gordon's course is like the icing on the cake to understand the specifics and capabilities of the Land Rover.

[jon3950]

It's a bit tough being in Armidale to get anything LR specific locally. Despite Rob's best efforts [wink11], the Range Rover Club's training is very good and I would recommend them as a club to join. They're a fairly mature, decent bunch of people with mostly standard(ish) 4wds and their trips are not the testosterone fuelled ****ing competitions you get in some clubs.

In fact now they've seen the error of their ways and realised they should have Defenders in the club after all, I'm even considering rejoining. [biggrin]

If you prefer a commercial operation, Getabout know Land Rovers very well.
Getabout Training Services -Driver Training for Outdoors (http://www.getabout.edu.au)
They are also Sydney based though.

Cheers,
Jon

[Strop]

Well I have done some training. I might add that I will be joining a 4wd club that is Land Rover focused in the future.

I did my course with GOE and was mainly happy. I suppose like all courses I would have liked more but with only a small class it was more personal and shorter. No complaints about the tuition or content - just wanted more more more. Gordon was very willing to share his knowledge and experiences.

I managed to bottom out on some logs (APT sliders work) and now know about extended and emergency heights. As a novice I know that I have to practice knowing where my wheels are. Great fun and learning. Very impressed on what these cars can do on road tyres - I cheated with my AT's though they slip a lot when over inflated. Love the trust exercises of not putting your foot in the brakes going down slopes. Very hard to come to terms with it.

My wife thought doing a LR only course might have been a bit snobby but came away understanding how these cars are unique and that you would only get the knowledge imparted on a LR only course.

Anyway, Norm, Michael, Peter, Judy, Pauline & Gordon thanks for a good 2 days. Enjoy the planned trips.

All the best

Laurie

[Chops]

I hear you Laurie,, it'd be very easy to spend a week with him and it still not be enough. I guess for me, having a brand new car and electronics,, a first really for me,, I had a bad case of information overload,, but practice gains experience and self confidence, so best be getting out there some more [biggrin]