Dune Driving
Posted: 07 Dec 2009 10:56
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.
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.
. 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. 
. Moes eintlik daai donner daai dinge daar laat uitdra het. vark 
. 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.
