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This is the story of the first time i used my MaxTrax.
We've all been there before. And if you haven't... your time will come.
A quiet saturday driving by myself, enjoying being out in the bush and putting my rig through its paces. I'm driving next to a creek and as i turn away uphill i see a hole off to my side. Of course this is the point where traction eludes me and no matter which way i steer or how much throttle i do or do not use, i slip towards the edge of the hole, only to stop with the back left wheel hanging precariously on to the crumbling edge of this crater.
Sitting in the drivers seat i can feel my machine is tilted a little to left and back, as if indicating to me it's intended destination. Being the smart off-roader i like to think i am, i drop the tyre pressure down. A bit more traction, some sticks under the wheels and i'll have all the traction i need. Unfortunately, my efforts are for nought and i'm now bottomed out on the sandy loam. At least i'm not on my side... yet.
At this point i reflect on my setup and how if only i'd done some modifications i wouldn't be teetering on the edge wondering how i'm going to explain this to my wife. After 3 years of ownership i'm still running factory rubber - because it's worked ok so far. Despite being a bit of a rough ride, i never even considered getting a lift. What about a winch? Who needs a winch when i can rely on someone else coming along to pull me out of trouble. This time there's nobody else around.
Then i have a moment of clarity and remember that i've had these MaxTrax gathering dust for the past 4 months and i'd almost forgotten they were there. I whipped them out and jammed them under the back wheels. With fingers crossed i eased her backwards. The grip was instantaneous and i all but rolled back to a safe point, allowing me to choose a better line. It was a close call, and a wiser man might have headed for home. Not me. With my boosted confidence i ploughed on.
I was only twenty meters further along and approaching a creek crossing when i again found myself bottomed out with the wheels spinning uselessly in the sand. This time there was no feelings of dread. Just a sense of purpose, and again i had the satisfaction of using my MaxTrax. I decided not to tempt fate a third time and headed for home.
While i wouldn't say i got my $300 worth, it certainly is comforting to know that next time i get stuck when mowing my yard, my MaxTrax are on hand. Who knows, maybe i'll get to use them with my Prado one day!
If you've got a story about the first time you got to use some of your off road toys, please post it here... so i don't feel like such a goose.
ops:
We've all been there before. And if you haven't... your time will come.
A quiet saturday driving by myself, enjoying being out in the bush and putting my rig through its paces. I'm driving next to a creek and as i turn away uphill i see a hole off to my side. Of course this is the point where traction eludes me and no matter which way i steer or how much throttle i do or do not use, i slip towards the edge of the hole, only to stop with the back left wheel hanging precariously on to the crumbling edge of this crater.
Sitting in the drivers seat i can feel my machine is tilted a little to left and back, as if indicating to me it's intended destination. Being the smart off-roader i like to think i am, i drop the tyre pressure down. A bit more traction, some sticks under the wheels and i'll have all the traction i need. Unfortunately, my efforts are for nought and i'm now bottomed out on the sandy loam. At least i'm not on my side... yet.
At this point i reflect on my setup and how if only i'd done some modifications i wouldn't be teetering on the edge wondering how i'm going to explain this to my wife. After 3 years of ownership i'm still running factory rubber - because it's worked ok so far. Despite being a bit of a rough ride, i never even considered getting a lift. What about a winch? Who needs a winch when i can rely on someone else coming along to pull me out of trouble. This time there's nobody else around.
Then i have a moment of clarity and remember that i've had these MaxTrax gathering dust for the past 4 months and i'd almost forgotten they were there. I whipped them out and jammed them under the back wheels. With fingers crossed i eased her backwards. The grip was instantaneous and i all but rolled back to a safe point, allowing me to choose a better line. It was a close call, and a wiser man might have headed for home. Not me. With my boosted confidence i ploughed on.
I was only twenty meters further along and approaching a creek crossing when i again found myself bottomed out with the wheels spinning uselessly in the sand. This time there was no feelings of dread. Just a sense of purpose, and again i had the satisfaction of using my MaxTrax. I decided not to tempt fate a third time and headed for home.
While i wouldn't say i got my $300 worth, it certainly is comforting to know that next time i get stuck when mowing my yard, my MaxTrax are on hand. Who knows, maybe i'll get to use them with my Prado one day!
If you've got a story about the first time you got to use some of your off road toys, please post it here... so i don't feel like such a goose.
ops:
:shock: :lol: 
Matty80
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