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Oops my apologies flintstone... welcome to the forum. Sorry I cannot help out much with the Honda CRV story.....but if you need to find out which model broomstick works well over the dunes I can give you a few hints and tips there. I am sure Jannie will get back to you tomorrow sometime re the vehicle......

Hahahaha....

What I wear in my tent or don't, stays in the tent. When I emerge, I should be presentable - if that is possible.

If the Honda can negotiate thick sand and uphills, it should be ok, but I hear the driver makes all the difference.

Would like to try out my kinetic strap, but don't want any Hondas in orbit.....

If the Honda has high and low Range and is 4x4 there should not be a problem. I don't think ground clearence is going to be a issue on the trail as the middle (manekie) should not be that high I hope. I think even just high range should be alright with difflock. Lets see what Jannie says

Hi Flintstone, about the Honda:

The Honda does not have Low Range and as far as I know Low Range is a prerequisite for this trip? Ground clearance may also be margineable I think. If you read THIS trip report on the Eco Trail, it looks like we're going to use our 4x4's in Low Range... Diff Lock would also only help on uneven surfaces (when one driving wheel on the same axle has no traction), in the sand diff lock only pushes you forward (as both driving wheel can now only rotate at the same speed) when trying to turn and is mostly useless in the sand. Of course, there can be situations... The Honda only has limited slip diff I think and no Low Range? I'm speaking under correction now...

Yes, with an experienced driver - and I mean experience in soft Kalahari sand dune driving - one can probably make it, I know the route we're going (Nossob to Twee Rivieren) is easier than the other way round, but I think KG will have to make the call.

Personally I wouldn't, but that's just my opinion and don't want to discourage anyone.

Hi Caracal - actually, according to Harry Potter, I think the best broomstick would be the Nimbus 2000 - they all seemed to be in raptures over it at Hogwarts

I might need your book of spells for instantly creating some pj's for BB if the lions decide to scare him out of his tent in the middle of the night ( and no KG, DO NOT start getting any ideas here ok )

On a more serious note if thats at all possible , do we ALL need to bring our recovery equipment with us - besides the normal spades and stuff for digging out buried Hondas - sorry And do we get radios for the cars - I think the website mentioned that - but we are 9 cars not 5 .... Does anyone else have radios already in their cars ??

Wow, I am getting excited

I have, and I know Weskusklong has as well, a 29 MHz radios fitted in our vehicles with ORRA licenses - meaning we are allowed with all the channels open.

My recovery gear is always in my vehicle, but they are costly, so maybe we need to check who in the group has recovery equipment and for those who do not have maybe it's not needed to make the expense - as decent recovery gear does not come cheap.

@flintstone: The Eco is for 4x4's with low range only. The Honda CR-V is a soft off - roader with limited 4WD capabilities. The 4WD system is not designed for what the Eco will through at it and will have problems with the deep sand. Ground clearance will be a problem also - severely worsened by the fact that it will be loaded with camping gear and supplies. The hotter it is the more difficult it become to get traction in soft sand. The Eco is end Nov and needless to say it will be HOT. Even though there will definitely be some hardcore 4x4's around to come to the rescue, the Honda will get damaged if recovered repeatedly. It has only towing hooks installed and no recovery points - there is a huge difference between the two. Recovering a vehicle repeatedly on a towing hook can have severe consequences - the chassis of the car can get damaged, the tow hook can snap, cause severe injuries and even death to on-lookers. Take into consideration that a kinetic strap can exert up to +/- 9 tons of pulling power on a bogged down vehicle, so when things go wrong it is not a pretty sight. Sorry for the bad news but that is my honest opinion.

Edited:
(Sorry I see Switchback answered already, I agree with all he said.) I will have a full set of recovery gear as well - including a 5 ton winch.

Switchback - thanks !

Thanks everyone for your imput. This is what we feared, and that the Honda wouldn't make it. On investigating them hiring a decent 4x4, its going to cost anywhere between R15,000/20,000...which is a bit steep Hmmm...will have to see what else they can do. If anyone has any suggestions let me know

Hi,

Maybe you have seen this thread before about the ECO Trail. KG wrote a post on the 6 May and placed some photos. Interesting discussion on the lions . It look as if our ground dwellers going to have some busy nights rearranging the inside of the car.

http://www.parks-sa.co.za/forums/viewto ... 33e9572d54

Good Morning,

Good to see that everybody who will be on the Forumite 4x4 trail is in high spirit, it will be a trail to remember.

As far as I have it the following people will join:
KG 1
Son Godin 1
Scouter 1
Switchback 1
BB 1
Weskusklong 1
Flinstone 1
Jo 1

It is 7 vehicles (The limit for this trail), excluding my vehicle. I have spoken to the section ranger of Nossob to join us on the trail. This can become handy as he can answer some questions around the fire at night.

KG

Morning Jan - that sounds absolutely brilliant - did you tell him its going to be the adventure to beat all others

Hello Jan

Just to let you know, flintstone is x2. My sister is joining us on this trail which I think Gill mentioned to you? I also booked it with Annetjie on Tuesday this week. Really looking forward to this trip.

WWWWooooohhhhoooooo....more stories.....and possibly more roof-top-tent to hang steaks on

Unfortunately we don't have radios.....and just spades, tow ropes, puncture repair kits.....no real recovery stuff......just enthusiasm