Zoe and I joined Northants 4x4 group for fun at a small site near Long Buckby

It was a time to test out the 4x4 features and see what we could do before getting stuck:

A great success - Northants 4x4 we will be back ......

I was able to check all 4x4 levers and lights. everything worked well. It was sobering how little effect all the locks had once stuck going up aslippery slope. Rear diff made a big difference once when driving in the field, but once stuck a bit front wheel lock was no panacea.

We tried out waffle boards, and they did indeed take a beating. And soooo heavy once filled up with mud. Luckily we had help from Zoe and one other to carry them. Zoe struggled a bit to get them under the tyre and then we only moved forward a metre. Possibly we should have had them two long on one wheel. As we were, I think we would have got up the hill very slowly. Thankfully we were soon assisted by eager winchmen.



The torsion free subframe, is seen doing its work over this particularly bumpy, egg crate terrain. See how the camper body moves independently of the cab:

Most satisfying moment was just as we left, I started losing traction on a gentle slope. I hit the "red" button and felt it pull forward with a gentle kick. That was the only time front diff lock made a difference. I had rear diff lock on all the time.



Location: Long Buckby, Northamptonshire, UK

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