Is the Touareg really a 4WD

[dmm_au]

I saw the maxtrax at the 4x4 expo in Melbourne last weekend.
$249. When I have a 4WD I'll get a set. They are also working on a roof rack and spare tire mount for the things.

I don't agree they'll make the other recovery methods redundant,but could be invaluable in componsating for a vehicle with IFS and therefore less wheel travel.

[Flipper Dog]

The US military had developed the original concept during the 2nd world war out of aluminium.
Not really designed for vehicle use at first but as part of a temporary aircraft runaway on the sands of the Pacific islands. The idea took off and it ended up as part of just about every jeep/4WD from the Pacific to North Africa to winter in Western Europe. With the increase of Army surplus after the war and the knowledge returned soldiers had these items became more common place for the more challenging driving conditions the post war provided.
The main problem with the original mat was it was cumbersome and took up much needed space on smaller vehicles, great to see a light weight version now available.

Not that I have any interest in this product either but I can vouch for the general idea as I have been using simular types for years. A pair of these with a good turfer winch and the trusty shovel have saved my bacon many times.

Flipper Dog

[Transporter]

I saw the maxtrax at the 4x4 expo in Melbourne last weekend.
$249. When I have a 4WD I'll get a set. They are also working on a roof rack and spare tire mount for the things.

I don't agree they'll make the other recovery methods redundant,but could be invaluable in componsating for a vehicle with IFS and therefore less wheel travel.

Many years ago, I bought something simillar at BigW it is blue in colour I still have it in my shed the trouble is that it takes space in cargo area. Yeah and it was much cheaper-still very well made.

[geoff7]

"On the driving lights I was wondering if it would be possible to make a temporary mount that attached to the roof racks, so it could be added only when going bush?"

If you get the "Bi-xenon Headlights with cornering lights and cleaning system" you will not need spot lights or driving lights... they are stunning.

[dmm_au]

I think it would be possible to do just that.
The is a picture online of a Cayanne with driving lights on a roof bar and a detachable snorkel.

Rhino Roof racks have driving light attachments in their catalog, so one could mount several driving lights on a cross piece attached to the lengthwise roof racks.

http://www.rhinorack.com/

Aerial and Light mounts

http://www.rhinorack.com/AccSubCategory_Aerial---Light-Brackets_24.aspx

Not sure how you get power up there though.
Also not sure how you'd switch them on and off from the cabin.

[dmm_au]

Hey Neil on the recovery points......

Isn't there two ?

Yep. I found this picture on Flickr. Can reproduce it here unfortunately.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneighturbo/363483256/

It shows a Touareg as a support vechicle in the Dakar ralley.
Not both recovery points have the eye screwed in.

I like the little driving lights mounted under the roof rack. Neat.

[bobzed57]

If you're think of extra lights, check the ADRs. I believe that you're only allowed to have 6 forward facing lights all up and none are allowed to be over 1.2m.

I may well be wrong noting all the utes getting about that have enough candle power to melt bitumen.

Cheers

Bob