Essential Equipment

The Club recommends that members carry sufficient recovery equipment, spare parts, tools and other repair items for their vehicle and which is appropriate for the grade of trip they are undertaking. A list of recommended equipment can be found here. Note that there is mandatory vehicle and recovery equipment required to complete Basic Driver Training.

Trip Grading

For trips in the Club’s calendar a grading system of levels 1 to 6 is used to assist members in deciding which trips they would most enjoy and which grade suits the driver’s level of skill, vehicle and experience. This system of grading is a guide only. The grade assigned to a trip may change due to weather conditions and unforeseen track conditions. The trip leader has the right to deny a request from a driver who is considered not to have the necessary level of skill or experience in four wheel driving, or whose vehicle is deemed inadequate. See detailed Trip Grading.

Trip Etiquette

Etiquette – “forms of proper or polite behaviour in society” We might not be into “etiquette” in the Club, but it has its place. Etiquette, like sensible rules, makes life more tolerable for all of us. We use manners – good and bad – to identify ourselves and establish our community image. We all have a sense of justice of what is fair and reasonable.

Four-wheel driving and Club outings present ample opportunity for us to show etiquette to each other and as a Club. Often there is a large gap between what the trip leader does and what other participants expect and do. Often the gap is due to lack of experience, communication, or knowledge. There are little things we all can and should do, as etiquette, for the trip leader, ourselves, and the Club, to narrow the gap. For example:

• Keeping our vehicles in good maintenance order to avoid unnecessary problems
• Being ready at the appointed time for scheduled events such as departure
• Observing the 4WD Code of Ethics
• Helping with the collection of firewood and other chores
• Writing up the Trip Reports or giving the verbal report at club meetings
• Being self-sufficient in recovery equipment, camping gear and vehicle spares
• Contributing to the enjoyment of the trip
• Being mindful of others on the trip

No one is pushed into being a trip leader, but those who volunteer do so for the enjoyment of all. So, share some of the workload before being asked and make it more enjoyable for everyone. Remember the cost of a tag-a-long tour is much more expensive than joining and helping with club activities.