I Got That Wrong Didn’t I

[Kingham]

Robert Clark has a thread running, asking what one thing we would change about our motorhomes and I replied..... “A proper automatic gearbox”. Turned out that was the wrong answer ?

Looking for somewhere new to launch the kayak earlier today, I found this quiet spot and had it all to myself ?

To cut a long story short, my new 4 season tyres couldn’t defy the laws of gravity and this was the view from my dash cam on the way out, courtesy of a very kind landscape gardener that just happened to be passing as I set off on foot to look for a very kind 4x4 driver.

Should’ve opted for 4 wheel drive in the other thread ?

 

[sylvester1954]

I am staggered time and again with the appalling lack of traction on our Kingham. More than once we have got "stuck" driving up a reasonably steep road on a sharp bend when it is wet and the surface is a bit gravelly resulting in some hair raising maneuvers as we try to either climb or reverse downhill.
We are ultra careful when we select a grass pitch in the wet as once again the tyres can't get a grip.
Having nearly 50 years of driving cars, trucks, tractors etc l would like to think that l know what l am doing in those situations.

 

[Kingham]

I can’t level that same complaint at mine, in over 24000 miles this is the first time it’s been stuck and was entirely my fault. Never had an issue on wet grass, although I usually walk test it first and never lacked grip on tracks or roads.

The only other time mine got stuck was after being directed to park on grass to offload our kayaks at a symposium. Within seconds my front wheels had stopped in a bog. The Ford Fiesta that I was told to park near, was also stuck !!

 

[PeteH]

Front wheel drive?.

 

[Kingham]

Front wheel drive?.

Yup ?

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[PeteH]

Trying to reverse out didn't help I assume?

 

[Kingham]

Trying to reverse out didn't help I assume?

Failed too, in fact it didn’t get as far as forwards had, which surprised me.

The sticking point was a steeper bit which you can see on the pic if you zoom in. The fronts cleared it, but I’d lost so much speed, there wasn’t enough momentum to drag the rears over the steep bit. I didn’t even reach the steep bit in reverse.

 

[PeteH]

Failed too, in fact it didn’t get as far as forwards had, which surprised me.

The sticking point was a steeper bit which you can see on the pic if you zoom in. The fronts cleared it, but I’d lost so much speed, there wasn’t enough momentum to drag the rears over the steep bit. I didn’t even reach the steep bit in reverse.

One known issue with (I assume the Fiat) Gearbox is the alleged use of some of the First gear "Train", which apparently goes to make the reverse gear a higher (overall) gear than First!. It was one issue raised by those who where involved in the "Juddergate" "debate" of a few years back.

 

[Blue Knight]

That first pic has to be one of the best I've ever seen. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns up in AS' next sales brochure.

A new Fiat 4x4 could well be up your street Ken.

 

[Figaro]

On the upside it looks a great kayak spot

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[Landy Andy]

Love it.

Making mine 4X4 was my reply on Roberts post. I can’t believe how bad these are off of the tarmac, and they aren’t that great on it.

At least you got. ?? But shame it was a Jap one that saved you.

 

[TerryL]

What tyres are fitted? From comments I've read over the years some brands/types are very good on wet grass and/or muddy conditions, others are hopeless.

We've got Continental Vanco2 Winter tyres, which we use all year round. The only time we've ever got stuck was when the pitch we were told to use became an absolute bog when it didn't half rain! But once it had dried out, in 24 hours (we weren't actually trying to leave, just reposition) we got out ourselves with very little drama.

I was once told that four wheel drive only gets you further into the mire..............................!

 

[Kingham]

What tyres are fitted? From comments I've read over the years some brands/types are very good on wet grass and/or muddy conditions, others are hopeless......

Michelin Agilis Crossclimates and to be fair to them, I accept full responsibility for taking the van down to the point, especially after the previous day’s heavy rain.

The picture doesn’t do the steepness justice and they performed well up the first part of the climb, as wet as the grass was. It was a short steep bit half way up where physics took over and I think that with a longer run up, it would have made it up under its own steam.

I think the tyres would have easily coped with a more level camping field and I won’t shy away from future tests of their limits on behalf of the forum

 

[Manic]

I’m not surprised, that looks steep.
Great photo though.

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

I'd have parked at the top and slid down the grass in the kayak. But I know nothing of kayak's or their worth, so maybe that's why you drove down!

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[Kingham]

I'd have parked at the top and slid down the grass in the kayak. But I know nothing of kayak's or their worth, so maybe that's why you drove down!

A ‘seal entry’ is what you’re describing and might’ve been fun in my own kayak, but this is a demonstrator on loan to me, so I have to take more care of it ?

 

[Onemanandhisdog]

A ‘seal entry’ is what you’re describing and might’ve been fun in my own kayak, but this is a demonstrator on loan to me, so I have to take more care of it ?

Ah yes, like the lifeboats on the back of big cargo ships pointing 45 degrees down at the water, I'd love to have a go in one of those!

 

[1ten]

If it is any consolation I have seen a few 4x4s on road tyres get very stuck on wet grass, its almost as bad as ice! I wouldn't have fancied trying that slope in our van, I got stuck in a wet grass car park on the flat last year, very embarrassing!

 

[Paddywack]

A ‘seal entry’ is what you’re describing and might’ve been fun in my own kayak, but this is a demonstrator on loan to me, so I have to take more care of it ?

Oh pray tell Ken, what were you demoing today? From the distance picture looks P&H?

And more importantly what conclusions were reached?

 

[Kingham]

Oh pray tell Ken, what were you demoing today? From the distance picture looks P&H?

And more importantly what conclusions were reached?

It’s a Rockpool Bach Eto and is in my very short shortlist of only two contenders, the other being a P&H Cetus.

I’ve got the Eto on an extended demo/loan from Karitek and still struggling to decide between the two. Both are excellent, but have their pros and cons.

This afternoon’s blast out to Ross Island....

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[Paddywack]

Rockpool Eto - nice, I've been a fan of Rockpool since the early days - in fact i had the original Alaw off them - they were keen to see if it suited the "larger" paddler.

I used to get the P&H boats at trade through work, Mike as a small business couldn't afford to match that but I was happy to pay the extra for the ergonomics and better build quality. Twenty years on we've got two Tarans and two Alaw Bachs - been through a couple of GTs on the way.

I did try the original Cetus (now the HV) but found it felt a bit wallowing and sluggish - especiallydown wind / in surf, in fact back then I went for the GT.

Can you tell I'm biased! Whichever you go for you'll be smiling when you get it.

 

[ambulancekidd]

Looks like Carrich Island on the Solway Ken?

Made the mistake of walking out there one day, the mud is horrendous but, its a pretty island.

 

[StephDeLux]

To be fair to the Ducato and the Cross Climate, I've had a Nissan Patrol stuck on something that looked much easier than that!

This was the situation:

The camera is level! It was just a patch of very smooth, hard but damp earth. Got out of it thanks to recovery carpets called Soltrack:

They are light and effective for that kind of situation. I still have them and they'll take residence in the garage once we get our MH.

 

[Kingham]

Looks like Carrich Island on the Solway Ken?

Made the mistake of walking out there one day, the mud is horrendous but, its a pretty island.

Yes, it’s Carrick foreshore, looking out at Ardwall island.

 

[Off da Grid]

Those lifeboats that the big ships and oil rigs use free fall into the sea and are fully enclosed as they do a dive before resurfacing.
I believe you sit backwards in them so you don’t break your neck when you hit the water.

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