Preserving your vehicle in tricky conditions



Without wanting to start a gender-based argument, I think we can agree that in general, Women are more cautious drivers than Men. Probably.

conditions

After 2 years of Covid delays, Troy and I finally got our Botswana Camping adventure (on a budget). Because of the prohibitive cost of renting the right type of vehicle in Maun, we decided to borrow one from a close friend. So we had access to a 26 year old automatic Hilux Surf 4×4 located in Gaborone. Even if we owned our own 4×4, driving from Cape Town would have added another 6 days and a huge fuel cost. That’s the challenge Cape Townians face- We live far from the real bush.

We were to fly to Gaborone to collect the car, then drive from Gaborone to Maun. Maun to Kasane Via the Moremi National Park. After that, into Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. Then to Bulawayo and back to Gaborone. Then Fly home.

we had just one spare wheel each- Not ideal in these conditions

The roads were variously great tarmac, rubbish potholed tarmac, Good gravel, very deep and loose sand, or hard corrugated gravel with a good chance of deep water crossings. While we did have a companion vehicle we had just one spare wheel each. We also had no tow strap or shovel and normal sized tires and wheels. We had been warned to expect some extreme conditions.

Now, in general, show me a piece of gravel and I’m straight into rally special stage mode. I’d be judging the available surface grip and the fastest line, without damaging the car. In this case, my only thoughts were not to damage our car. And not to get stuck anywhere while keeping the beers as relaxed as possible in the fridge.

conditions
As a vehicle, probably far better suited to these conditions than a Hilux

It amazed us to see Government and hire Cars flying past us at top speed over the corrugations. The drivers clearly either unaware or uncaring of the damage they were causing under the vehicles. Conversations with local operators revealed huge maintenance bills. Broken brackets, dampers, springs, rims and tires. The cars get smashed to pieces which would help explain the extreme hire charges.

After nearly 3000km of which 400km were on some of the most demanding roads I’ve driven, the Surf was handed back exactly as it was received.

operating machinery in demanding environments



As we flew back into Cape Town, I contemplated the challenge and the opportunity that operating machinery in demanding environments presents. Simply fitting heavy duty suspension and tires is not the answer. Creating a skilled and motivated operator is.

1. Training- Holding a drivers license does not equip one for the challenge of driving a vehicle in such conditions. A properly focused training course that addresses the unique challenge is essential. Additionally educating the drivers in how to drive gently and smoothly.

2. Motivation- The owners of these fleets, Government, Safari operators and Hire companies could slash their operating costs. By offering cash incentives to the best driver they have, and penalizing the worst drivers. Installing a ‘black box’ that measures shock and other loads is now a cost effective way of creating a data source. It can be use to measure abuse across any fleet. Thus making it easy to identify the best, i.e. smoothest/gentlest driver. And reward them with money in their pocket. The worst get warnings and face dismissal! Suddenly everyone is driving the cars as if they own them. Tourists could stand a chance of having their rental charges refunded. If after the season they prove to be the easiest on the vehicle they win. The savings would more than compensate the hire company for this.

The immediate result is maintenance costs dropping to “normal” rates. This would allow car hire companies to drop their rates. But perhaps more importantly, open up the possibility of exploring such beautiful places to people like me. People that don’t own a properly equipped 4×4.

Read more from Craig Harper HERE or visit the Harper Sports Cars Website for more information on what services they offer.