Matroosberg - weekend away

[Klonkies]

Mornings everybody,

So we decided to do Matroosberg last weekend, hoping for some snow - but also not too much snow as the wifes and `skelmpies` went with. The list of 4x4`s - 4.5 Patrol, Prado, Hilux Ltd, 3.0 Sani, V8 Disco and my bakkie .

Lee (the gentleman at the Reception - Matroosberg) was extremely helpful in making sure we got sorted in the different chalets - bedding, heaters etc... with the temperature around 3 degrees C, trust me, LEE was my hero (for the weekend). Chalets are well maintained and offers pleasant braai areas.

Saturday morning, trail day, started off on a bad way! The fuel hose between my main fuel tank and the long range tank was leaking....this is the hose running from the top of my main tank - like an overflow to the other tank. So after the m'gyver move i made, costing us a hour or two, we were on our way. The 33`s took some getting use to - gearing is diffent as i had to make use of LR 1st gear a few times, where in the past 2nd gear was ok on the 31`.

Landy-hill, as well as other obstacles was very interesting and provided for some good pics as well as lotsa frustration. Matroosberg also offers a obstacle course as well as mud-pit to play in for those not satisfied after the trail.

Shamely my bakkie came home with a few knocks:
1. my Gearmax difflock didnt work due to a crack in the plastic plate housing the air house and plug running to the actuating switch. ( if some one has one, please let me know?
2. The front suspension need some lifting as i ended up "hurting" my fender.

Overall, this is trail every one must do - scenic, technical, clean, well maintained - these are some words to describe Matroosberg.
Areas of improvent for my next trail/trip:
1. New fuel hose (including clamps)
2. Better front seats (i ended up using a pillow, but it kept shifting as the rocky roads caused
for some Voltarin and costly massages)
3. Eye patches for the women as they stress for every obstacle.

In conclusion, the Hilux could defend the sticker on its back - i might be slow but i go every where!

[Dadz Toy BFI]

Nice report Mehl

Looks like you had a blast hey

I've got the comfy seats but SWAMBO would need more than an eye-patch :roll:

Can you tell us more, ie. Trail and Accomodation Cost, how many does a cottage sleep

[Klonkies]

Thank you,

Sure -
The trail cost R250/vehicle but your allowed to do the trail as many times as you want, including the obstacle section and mud-pit.

Chalets sleep 4 people (2 double bunks), its equipped with a full kitchen (fridge, 2 plate stove and microwave)...the bath room is a bit small, but yet practicle, with a shower and hand basin. Extra towels and cloths are at hand too.

M

[ThysdJ]

Lekker Mehl! I have not done that route before, but I surely will. Are you not sorry you fitted the 33"s yet?

[Klonkies]

Morning Thys,

Not the least bit - well, besides for the turning circle restriction, i think i can get use to it.



How do you manage the gearing? Having to use 1st gear instead of 2nd more often does make me a bit "alarmed" - is it normal to use 1st more often, or am i not using my revs properly in order to stay in 2nd gear when launching/pulling away on a steep incline or obstacle

[ThysdJ]

You should use the gear that you feel most comfortable with based on the conditions and/or terrain, not the gear that every body else uses. Dont be alarmed, the 33"s will alter your gearing, but there are other advantages which will become clear as you get used to it. I also use 1L under some conditions but usually I pull away in 2L.

It is a lot of fun though

[Klonkies]

True,
i noticed between the 33`s and the other Hilux on 31`s, i use far less wheel-spin thus maintaining better momentum.

oh - this 4x4 "virus" is really addictive!

[2.8 d/cab SFA]

nice, tx
all I want for xmas is 33's

[Mr_B]

Hey Mehl,

Thanks for the report, yip 33's take some getting used to... I went from 265's to 33's... the first trip thereafter I spent trying to figure out which gear I should be in, with 33's, on rocky terrain like the Matroosberg mountain route L1 is recommended for most situations, unless you need a bit more momentum to get through an obstacle... then use L2/H1... but it's going to be bumpy! Of course then you go ride sand and the confusion starts all over again!

B

[Pumba]

Looks like a great ride and something to put on the to do list.

I think putting 33 on these bakkies is like a bull dog showing it's teeth, don't mess with them. Saw Snipes' 33 in action this weekend past and it's definitely serious rubber.

Eish, eendag as ek groot is...

[Mud Dog]

Thanks Mehl, nice! Looks very scenic, some more pics would have been lekker ...