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Oh, you mean THAT story, the one about the guy that didn't know how to pack his bakkie, went through a dip too quick and bent the chassis? Any double-cab bakkie packed with all the weight at the far back and going with speed through a dip will do damage, I seem to recall that Toyota Hilux with the broken chassis never mind a bent chassis on this site...?

I have a spare wheel carrier on the back of my replacement bumper and I hate putting so much weight on the far back, luckily the new "WILL DELIVER" bakkies slogan is GO BIG - their built extra strong!

I also think this is a great thread.
Mind if we split the general 4x4 discussion off to it's own thread in Advice needed (Not Park Specific) where you guys can happily continue?
Just to get back on topic here.

Hi Jen. please do!

We, well I, can learn a lot from the 4x4 league and I really enjoy this discussion.

Have you guys seen the latest issue of the SA4x4 magazine? They have tested 5 Double-Cabs for wheel articulation. For those that does not know, wheel articulation is immensely important offroad, it measures how far a wheel can drop or be pushed up - thus, the longer a vehicle can keep his wheels on the ground, the better the 4x4 will have traction.

I quote:

"The best of the bunch was the Isuzu with an RTI score of 380."

"Interrestingly, the Isuzu scores a better RTI score, pointing to the fact that the Isuzu's suspension, rather than the chassis, is doing the flexing."

The scores were:
- Isuzu 380
- Navara 366
- Hilux 366
- Amarok 366
- GWM Steed 352

My first 4 x 4 was a Isuzu Frontier. It's just a pity Isuzu don't sell the Frontier anymore. Does any one now if there is any plan to sell a similar vehicle to the Frontier by Isuzu.

Son Godin,

Yes, that is indeed a sad case, as there are models available, just not in SA. Just thinking of the Isuzu VehiCross and its capabilities gives me goose bumps, I so wished they were available in SA. A friend of mine got his hands on an Isuzu VehiCross, beaut of a machine.

Have a look at Isuzu vehicles not available here:









According to GM there are no plans to bring in the Isuzu Axiom, VehiCross or any other SUV...

@Son godin, you can brake ANY vehicle if you miss treat it - even the "unbreakable" Cruizer :



That guy you're referring to has a huge problem, and it's not his bakkie.

@Switchback you're right - absolutely no pressure. I will do the video, watch the show cause I drive the worst 4x4 ever...

Hi Weskusklong and Switchback,

I could't resist to make you come out with your "not mentioned" vehicles. I pressume all the defense for Isuzu is because you drive one. Sorry but I just had to throw a stone in the bush (gooi 'n klip in die bos). We had great fun in our Frontier taking her across Southern Africa up to Epupa, Lesotho and Richtersveldt, but she was getting a bid old for the long distances we normally drive and a very thirsty girl. V6 4X4

Those Isuzu pics make me . Just wonder what the going price would have been.

Lastly you will not see me drive up Bertha. That will be my SO's duty so don't give him too much grief.

I won't be giving anyone grief, that's Bertha's job!

Are you staying one extra night at Twee Rivieren after our trip SG?

@Son godin;

Getting up a dune is about selecting the right gear, put foot and lots of momentum. It is the domain of high powered petrol vehicles - like the Cruizer 4.5 EFI but I can tell you that the Frontier V6 is an awesome dune runner - very under rated.

In the hands of a man like Sakkie Coetzee of IOC, the Frontier has won many Bridgestone Fundi Challenges - showing a clean pair of heals to Cruizers, Gelandewagens and many more.

...and yes we are WAYYYYYY of the topic now

Hi Switchback,

Yes we will be there until the Friday and will then move up north again to Nossob and Grootkolk for 2 weeks. Hope we will get good sightings of the big cats and the rare ones like caracal, brown hyaena and AWC and AWD (no 4x4 talk here and , just dogs and cats).

Who is Bertha again, can't be as bad as Moegatle!

Hi Weskusklong,

Pity we sold the Frontier, but on the topic now I understood that it will be moved and we can then continue with these discussions.

Oh so you know Moegatle! No, Bertha won't be as daunting, but may be more unforgiving though... Driving an Automatic also helps in sand, so where diesel looses ground in sand, my automatic makes up a bit for it.

Staying way OT (luckily the original question has been answered... ) I ALMOST joined the RTT gang, but I'll post more on that in our Nossob Eco trip thread.

After our Eco Trip, I'm staying two nights in Twee Rivieren, I just want one day to drive up to my beloved Mata - Mata in the hope to see cheetah, I had my best sites on that side of the park last time.

Just another road / 4x4 question. I hope the question has not been asked before, at least I could find it.

If the rental company sticks to the booking in seven weeks time we will be travelling a Daihatsu Terios in KTP. Will we be able to take the 4x4 track from Leeuwdril to Houmoed, and do we have to apply for a permit?

We are already looking forward to see KTP again, but a little bit of 4x4 driving would even improve the fun!

Papadoc

Hi Papadoc,

Yes and yes... The Terios is more than adequate, if you search a bit you will find quite a few testimonies to that on this forum. You do need a permit for Leeudril, can buy it at Twee Rivieren. Have a look at http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi/tourism/leeudril4x4.php for more info.

Enjoy

You buy the permit at reception at 2R.We did.