new and wondering ...

[c.k.p]

where to get tow hooks fitted in Auckland? Thanks

[wopass]

heya mate and welcome

most garages would be able to fit these for you but i would recomend that you get it done by someone who knows 4x4's and where there strong points are. im sure one of the Aukland guys will pipe up and let you know of a good place

[TJ]

Welcome. But if you want them fitted to your truck, you might have to be forthcoming a bit more info. What are trying to fit them to? Some are easy, others need a bit more thinking.

[c.k.p]

Thanks TJ and Wopass

Just bought a newish Vitara to tow a boat - always wanted to do a bit of 4W Driving so thought I'd have a crack. Having a look through the forums at the debates around factory vs rated tow hooks, thought I'd better get an expert to take a look and give me some advice on what I need. Am based in central Auckland.

Also, thought I'd have a crack at Muriwai but I'm a proper newbie (never driven on a beach before). How suitable would Muriwai be for a complete beginner?

[Heath]

Where in Jafa land are you based? There are some capable garages who work on 4wds and would be able to give you the good oil on hooks and placement.

Also try some of these forums for info as well.

http://forum.difflock.com/viewforum.php ... 0&start=50
http://carl.outerlimits4x4.com/viewforu ... 1982dc46f3
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/index.php?P=90 ... 9789b2b&#6
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13
http://www.zukikrawlers.com/index.php
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php
http://www.auszookers.com/index.php?name=Forums
http://www.acksfaq.com/

they might help with ideas or not but they are my favorite sites for zuk stuff

For beach stuff just watch the tide times and if you can hook up with someone else until you get shown the ropes even better.

Heath

[Yahnz]

Also, thought I'd have a crack at Muriwai but I'm a proper newbie (never driven on a beach before). How suitable would Muriwai be for a complete beginner?

I've been told that Muriwai proper, i.e. the 4wd entry north of the main beach, is fine for entry (I've done that with no problems whatsoever) but the beach is known for spots with varying sand density, which can be bad news.

There is another beach entry about 11k's north of Muriwai exit, a bit past the Woodhill forest. This beach is 9k off the 16, marked as "beach access" on the sign on 16. Lots of 4wd activity there. Entry onto the beach is easy enough, and the beach is great, but coming back up over the dune can be a bit... interesting. I wouldn't attempt that one until you get more confident in your car and your skills as a driver! If the curiosity gets the better of you, speed seems to be the key to making it back up, and WATCH OUT for vehicles coming the other way!

Does anyone know if there is another entry onto that beach, further north?

Cheers,

J

[UBZ]

What sort of Tires are you running? AT's are recommended for sand driving.
Do you have a compressor? Dropping your tires pressures will give you a lot mote traction on the sand and doesn't chew up the trials half as much.
Make sure you take a long handle shovel , snatch strap , rated shackles and preferably some one else in a 4x4 to pull you out.

The closer you get to the sand banks / dunes / cliffs the deeper the sand will be in general.
I normally try to get on the beach 2-3 hrs after high tide so as to have more time up my sleeve and access to the harder sand near the waters edge.

Speed limit is now 50km/hr . It is a paper road so road rules apply .I try to slow down in areas where people are fishing etc and always keep an eye open for kids.

At the very top of the beach is a Conservation Area and NZAF Defense / Training / Live fire Area, these areas are restricted , No Access to public. As is Woodhill forest itself

The only other thing is to watch out for is the car wreaks , they can be quite hard to see and most are partially buried.

I could be keen for a beach run in the near future. (if I can manage to put the Zuk back together )
Anyone else interested?

[TJ]

I could be keen for a beach run in the near future. (if I can manage to put the Zuk back together )
Anyone else interested?

What sort of dates do you have in mind?

[UBZ]

16th /or 17th Feb
23rd / or 24th Feb
1st / or 2nd March

I'm open really , depends on interest.

Chris

[c.k.p]

I'd definitely be keen - can't do the 23/24 Feb or the 2nd of March but any of the other dates would be fine.

Responses to the other questions:
Where in Jafa land are you based? Mt Eden - still keen to hear if there are any good 4WD savvy garages around here

What sort of Tires are you running? AT's are recommended for sand driving.
I've only got road tires (Bridgestone Dueller HT 687, 225/70/R16's) - how critical are AT tires for the sand? I've read that road tyres do ok on the sand.

Do you have a compressor?
Yep, got a compressor, snatch strap, shackles, shovels etc

Re the Tow Hooks:
The Vitara seems to have a proper Towing loop on the front - seems strong and some of the Suzuki forums imply they are ok for recovery. At the back I've got a pretty solid towbar (the type where you can unbolt and remove the ball and bar from the towbar frame), but no hooks. Was thinking that I could use this for recovery (I'd remove the towball/bar and use a couple of rated shackles through existing holes in the frame). Would these be good enough for on the sand?