4wd Training Course

[chops38 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close chops38]

Hi All,
Recently purchased my first 4wd (2008 Prado Diesel GXL), i've been 4wd a bit, but only ever as a passenger and never been involved in snatching or winching a car.

As i do intend on doing a bit of winter 4wding through the high country due to wanting to get to various deer hunting spots I thought (and insisted upon by wife) that a 4wd education course might be in order until I can get a few more hours and some practicle experience under the belt.

So here's my question, does anyone have any recommendations on a good 4wd course that will cover the basics that I'll need?

Cheers

[alanm Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close alanm]

I see you are Melbourne based Chops38. I can give you some information about the Toyota LandCruiser Club (See www.tlcv.org.au) that meets in Melbourne and their excellent Driver Awareness course that is available to members.
*
The DA course consists of a Theory night and a Practical weekend.** The Theory night is held on the second Tuesday of the month in the club rooms at the German Club in Dandenong Road, Prahran, at 7pm. **It runs for about 2.5 hours with a coffee break in the middle.** Participants receive a booklet of course notes, which also lists equipment required for the Prac weekend (and other club trips) and directions to the property.
*
The Prac weekend covers an overview of mechanicals (not in-depth, just ‘things to look out for’), recovery procedures (winching, snatching, etc), various driving activities, including convoy procedures, *and some more theory about snow and sand driving plus wheel and tyre choice.

The course and instructors are currently in the process of becoming accredited - for insurance purposes – but it means that participants will receive a certificate of completion of an accredited course.*** This accreditation should be completed over the next couple of months.
*
The courses are run nearly every month, depending on numbers of participants.* The instructors are all volunteers, so we need to have enough people there to make it worth the trip!** There is no course run in December or January and we usually miss one or two months in winter.
*
The club also can offer courses in chainsaw use and first aid – both of which have an extra cost and offer a certificate.* There are also other interest groups and activities, such as photography, bush cooking, map reading and GPS use, etc.

Once you join the club, you are able to complete the Driver Awareness course and if you wish you can then participate in club trips or drive on the club property. (The club owns 360 acres at Yarck, set up for 4 wheel driving and camping).
*
You can find some more information about the club at*www.tlcv.org.au

I am a member of the Club and all Prados are the most popular vehicle, although as youd expect there is a lot of debate about which is the best.

Cheers
*

[smakb Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close smakb]

Find a good club to join. Some of the bigger clubs also have properties and on top of the basic training, will also do some advanced training. You are down as being in Melbourne – what part of Melbourne? If on the northern side, check out the Toyota Land Cruiser Club. If on the East or South East it can be worth trying the Nissan 4x4 Club as they have a great property in Gippsland.

[chops38 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close chops38]

Thanks Guys, yep, Melbourne based (Ascot Vale).
Appreciate the recommendation, but not sure that I'm keen on joining a 4wd club as such (just don't think i'd use it).... can you do the course without joining the club?
Cheers

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Hey Chops, I have done a 4x4 course as part of work (about 10 years ago) but PNL 4x4 still run a course out of Buxton. They run a great training course and run courses for DSE and Parks and you don't need to be in a club. http://www.pnl4wd.com.au/ I don't know what they charge but they have a lot of knowledge.

Cheers,

Dave

[alanm Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close alanm]

Thanks Guys, yep, Melbourne based (Ascot Vale).
Appreciate the recommendation, but not sure that I'm keen on joining a 4wd club as such (just don't think i'd use it).... can you do the course without joining the club?
Cheers

At the Toyota LandCruiser Club of Victoria, the first year joining fee of $280 includes the DA course. There's no obligation to use any of the club facilities or services, but you will also get a monthly club magazine and a 4WD Victoria magazine for 12 months to see what else is on offer. Suggest you shop around and see what other options cost.

[ursos Member Find all posts View Profile Close ursos]

I can thoroughly recommend SafeTrek. Check the website www.safetrek.com.au for course offerings and contact details. I did 3 courses with Jim with my previous vehicle: basic, high country and sand courses. All were informative, challenging and enjoyable.

[Chris220220 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chris220220]

I did a trip with some PP members and learned heaps from them. Maybe we need a few more Vic trips and we can share the knowledge we have across the forum.

[chops38 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close chops38]

Thanks for that Alanm, I see your point.
Does the $280 joining fee cover first year membership or is this another $120 ontop?

Had a look at PNL and also Safetrek, thanks for the suggestions guys, both look great.

Cheers

[alanm Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close alanm]

Thanks for that Alanm, I see your point.
Does the $280 joining fee cover first year membership or is this another $120 ontop?

Had a look at PNL and also Safetrek, thanks for the suggestions guys, both look great.

Cheers

TLCV costs are $280 first year membership which includes the DA course and $120 pa for the next year on, should you wish to continue.

[seenthelight Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close seenthelight]

Hi chops38
You could try http://melbourne4x4.com.au/ they do one day courses.
Cheers
Geoff

[Baker1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Baker1]

Hi Chops38 I'm like you have done a bit but nothing extreme and still feel I'm a bit green. Get on the net and go to WWW.fourwheeldrivetraining.com.au there accredited, the training cause is at Anglesea, easy to get to. I dont know the cost but it will be money well spent. Thats where I'll be going when my mate gets his 4wd. Good hunting.....Baker1

[Dupes68 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dupes68]

I did a trip with some PP members and learned heaps from them. Maybe we need a few more Vic trips and we can share the knowledge we have across the forum.

I'm with you on this Chris220220; would love to get involved more with PP members who share the same interests. I've been 4wding for about 10 years, have done an accredited 4wd training course, but will never stop learning new tips and techniques, and hopefully passing some knowledge on to others. I'd be happy to participate in a Vic trip, time permitting, and would also be happy to assist with organising a trip.

Cheers
John