Hi all,

We are a family of 6 who love the outdoors and try to get away camping as often as we can. We've been talking about the lap of Oz for a few years and finally stumped up the first step by getting our first real car - capable of some actual exploring.

We've had the Isuzu MUX from the start of the year, but due to lockdown (we're in Melbourne) we've only just clicked over 3k KMs.

Now we can I want to get out and about, we have Casper booked in for a GVM and other goodies upgrade in Dec - and looking to fit some new A/T soon.
The only issue left for an upgrade is the driver.
I'm looking for suggestions for a good 4WD course or ideas on how a total noob can get some experience without destroying the car.

Super eager to get some experienced advice on the first steps.

Cheers,
Steve

Hi Steve,

Great call to upgrade the weakest link, the driver. I did the same when I jumped into 4wding a couple of years ago upgrading from a 60 series to 76 Landcruiser and not wanting wreck it.
Highly recommend the driving course at Mountain Top Experience - http://www.mountaintopexperience.com/training/
We covered theory for a few hours on different type of 4wds, terrain, equipment etc. so you really think about the features of your MUX, and when you should be adjusting or putting them to use. And then the rest of the weekend was out on the tracks around Rawson/Walhalla getting hands on experience.
Ron and Marcus were superb and gave alot of practical advice and sharing of their experience (even came in handy when performing a 3.5hr recovery of a vehicle over the weekend).

Hope that helps,
Allister

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G’day Steve.
I run a 4WD training organisation, we specialise in basic training for those who are just starting out.
The only issue is we are in Brisbane, You can give me a call if you need some advice.
Regards, Brian.

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Where are you located mate? What part of Vic? That'll dictate who can reach out to you and pass on some worldly advice.
Also, if you've got insta flick oz_overland a message, he's central Vic based, drives an mux and is a great driver trainer

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Hi Steve

Very smart investment is to invest some mods into yourself cause modern cars are so capable with stock lift and tyres it’s almost scary with where some inexperienced 4wders end up with the car and family before they call it once that are stuck. Then they have no idea on how to safely get out of where they have ended up.
If you wanna travel up to the south coast of Nsw for a 4wd trip I would recommend Great Divide 4wd Tours. Best service and so knowledgeable about all sorts of vehicles. They have a property with all of the different training situations and camping on site and every well priced when I did it was priced for two people so partners can come alone cause it’s important that the other half understands different 4wd techniques as you will need to work as a team to make the calls on weather to drive a track depending on conditions.
Have a cracking time in the new rig and make the most of the adventures

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+1 for Mountain Top Experience. Very thorough theory & practical exercises.
Dump the kids for a romatic weekend away with with the co-pilot ;-)

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In Vic - PNL 4WD
I did my 4WD instructor course there, but now up in sunny Darwin.

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Steve
Add another non paid endorsement for Ron Camier and his team at Mountain Top Experience.
They are based in Rawson near Morwell.
You won't go past this group-they are smart and friendly people.
Dom

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Hi Steve
There are courses run by private companies but I know that 4WDVictoria do run one. Not sure of the cost but is a theory night session usually a Tuesday I think 7.pm -9.00pm and then a one day practical. Usually a Saturday. Their office is in Mitcham. If you ring and speak with Alison she will steer you in the right direction. Hope this helps
Cheers Christine Burr

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Each state has Isuzu 4WD Club which is run by Isuzu. Get in touch with your dealer or do a internet search to find them.

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Steve

Great thinking. Some really great advice from a lot of people on this forum. If you are up on the Sunshine Coast during your travels, look us up and we will certainly discuss your needs and requirements
Best regards Safe travelling with the family
Regards
XDrive

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Steve, we did an off road towing course preceded by an off road driving course with Getabout training. The latter course gave us a 20% insurance discount with Club 4x4. I don't know whether other insurance companies do the same thing. Getabout is national and Government accredited.
One thing to think about is whether the training outfit you are looking at is accredited. Most that I looked at are not. Any outfit can hang out a shingle and call itself an off road trainer. But, if ever you need to apply for a job that requires off road skills, an accredited course will be important.
I have been running around in a 4WD for more than 40 years, have towed over the Simpson and still learned a great deal from these courses.
I have no connection with Getabout.
Keith

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Hi Steve,
I went to the Melbourne 4x4 Training near Werribee I thought it was good get a basic understanding of how your car handles different obstacles.

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G'day Steve.
If I could recommend anyone for 4wd training days it would have to be Mountain Top Experience 4wd tours.
Ron/owner and operator, has been running tours through the vic high country for many years now and has a very professional crew on board.
Very nice people and they will teach you not just how to drive but how to drive in a safe manner so you enjoy your trip more.
Jesse.

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My wife and I have done 2 courses with I-Venture Club Isuzu Australia
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1037221519652418
David Wilson is an excellent instructor
Our first course was a 1-day experience at the State 4WD Centre near Werribee. That was a great introduction.
Our second course was a 3-day experience in Tasmania that included mud and sand driving.
These courses are Isuzu-specific and run in every state.
All the best
Jim

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