Thread: 4WD Training

Originally Posted by l00kin4

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

Originally Posted by Strop

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 $$$

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

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

Originally Posted by 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

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

Mario

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

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

Originally Posted by 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

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

Originally Posted by 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

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