Dune Driving

[JohnBoyZA]

Was supposed to nap Sat. avie before the Theuns and Johanita show, but after an emergency call we were off to the dunes:

The story below highlights the need to be vigilant and I summarise some NB techniques/tips based on my experience (please add your tips):

:idea: Do not booze, then drive.

:idea: Always check the approach angle (in the dune slack) by first making a practice run.

:idea: Drive straight up and down the dune, NOT at an angle or along the slope.

:idea: The windward side is shallower and the leeward side (slip-face) is much steeper - In AD this changes remarkably between winter and summer.

:idea: Be careful, where dunes are vegetated, the angles can be steeper than the angle of repose, which is usually about 30-33 degrees. There’s one spot in AD that’s approx. 50 degrees.

:idea: Always check by walking over, or drive around, over the saddles to check the other side and in particular the crest angle.

:idea: Remember the dunes and slip-face angles change almost on a daily basis.

:idea: Rather go too slow, straddle a crest, than fly over and damage your vehicle.

:idea: Heat (softer, fluffier) and rain (harder) changes the compaction.

:idea: The more vehicles that drive (spin) a path up a dune, the more difficult it gets.

:idea: Tyres: Play an enormous role with sand driving. Not so much the type grip, but more the size.

:idea: Deflate to at least 0.8-1.0 bar. The lower the better, but the bigger chance of driving a tyre off the rim.

:idea: At low pressures especially, be careful to turn sharply, especially in a dune slack, you could lose a tyre.

:idea: Remember also, the less spin the more traction i.e. it sometimes helps to tap off.

:idea: If in convoy make sure all have comm’s and make sure the chap in front of you has cleared the obstacle before attempting.

:idea: Always drive with a GPS. Many get lost.

:idea: Never go on your own and always have recovery equipment.

[JohnBoyZA]

This is not the first time we've experienced this!

JD had a call on Sat. afternoon from one of his reps husband to assist in the dunes. He was there with a bunch of friends - they were having his bachelors party in the dunes. Apparently had nothing to drink yet.

I hopped in with JD (we're just about neighbours). We picked up the pilot at gate 1 and he took us on a few detours through the dunes - until we finally found the right spot.

What apparently happened was that the driver and three other friends went for a drive. Now this 'obstacle' can be done a number of ways, but more commonly, if you look at the third foto, you drive from top centre (steep), straight down to where the LR lies and then right around the bush and out.

BUT, these guys, as they were going down they turned left along the slip face (to the right of the photo), eventually lost the initial momentum and grip (very soft) and rolled.

There were fortunately no injuries.

Recovery: JD then parked to the right above the slope and using a chain through from front and back recovery points winched the vehicle back on its wheels. The LR was then winched from the front to level ground. We unfortunately had to leave then (Theuns and Johanita show) and apparently later another Cruiser, towed him to the gate where the tow-away service was waiting.

[henry]

Eina, maak my hart seer om dit te aanskou.
Dink net hoe moet die LR se eienaar voel

JD, netjiese recovery

John, stem saam met al die punte wat jy genoem het.
Punt no 1 (Do not booze, then drive) is die belangrikste, maar vir sommige ouens die moeilikste om te gehoorsaam

[MALLIE]

NEVER DRIVE DUNES WITHOUT WEARING SAFTEY BELT .

[Hermie Koen]

Please give me permission to view the pictures or what must I do ?

[Tjaart]

Eina blxem!! WWW .

Ja as mens gaan suip en dan ry, maak jy groot moeilikheid. Dis sulke mense wat ander 4x4 ouens slegte name gee. . Maak my die moer in. Hoe sou dinge gewees het as daai bachelor nou in 'n sakkie moes kak vir die res van sy lewe? sies man.

Goeie recovery. . Moes eintlik daai donner daai dinge daar laat uitdra het. vark

[Hardieman]

Nice recovery there boys These guys should probably have teamed up with another driver with experience in the dunes. First mistake they made was going in on their own and attempting an obstacle section . If Im on my own it's normally because Im on my way to meet other vehicles in the dunes and en route I avoid attempting obstacles until I meet up with collegues / support vehicles. Sad and costly mistake , glad nobody was injured.

[Pieter du Toit]

O eina pyn my hart bloei vir die eienaar!!

Net baie bly niemand het seer gekry nie. Ek is ook maar eerder oorversigtig - sandduine is n baie lekker speelplek maar jy kan jou rieme lelik styf loop as jy nie weet wat jy doen nie. So ek speel maar eerder "Bang Jan" as "Dooie Jan"!!

John daai tips van jou is 100% tops!!

[rieger]

Rather do it over than overdo it

[tour de frans]