They luckily didn’t really overlap too much apart from tyres. So a bit of a summary for both of them. Both had around 25 attendees (I got to say hello to Chas at one
)1. Angelgroup day hosted by Engel. R700
2. Four wheel drive club SA. R600 as a non club member
First the day with Engels course
This turned out to be more of a workshop but we were warned to bring PPE, hand lotion for us office beauties, and some old clothing.
It was well catered for with drinks, snacks, even some braai meat for anyone who forgot to bring.
The focus was a lot on tyres as we were told, tyres will be our biggest letdown in the field. There were a few hi lifts which after a bit of demo, we got to play with.
We practically broke beads, tried numerous patches, plugs, glues, tubes, a whole bunch of items to play with. There was a table full of things to test. Even stitching a sidewall. Yes, my stock jack can debead a tyre and I can remove it from the rim with my car tools and 1 hour of effort.
I liked the lessons on the valve tools, and we were even given a valve tool and some spare valves for one day.
There was also welding, some info on radiator fixes, rubber tube problems, all with a practical demo. “is this possible, is that possible, lets try it” kind of attitude which I liked. A lot of other smaller bits like tool show and tell. He welded with 12V starter batteries while not probable, was cool to see.
The theory parts which lasted about 3 hours was presented on a white board, it was more of an overview on parts with some electrical knowledge given.
Many theories and myths I knew about, were tried and tested, and we were given the space to try all this and ask questions before we need to try it in the bush. The content was up to date with the latest repair ideas, batteries, DIY products.
I had to bug out at 3pm though while the course was still running.
The four wheel drive club South Africa Course.
This was mostly sit down, theory, but hordes of info. Tea and coffee with a cash bar available.
Most of the engines critical components were run through. Things like how to troubleshoot a faulty starter, what are the symptoms of a brake leak, and then some breakdown scenarios split up to some made up teams. Broken coil/leaf spring, total tyre loss etc.
It was presented via a power point, the course had a general feel that it was a repeated course that happens once a year kind of deal. We were also sent a breakdown of the course after the day as a summary to help for the future.
The presenter you could tell had decades of knowledge on the subject and could answer any question. There wasn't much on the newer age of products, only the old tried and true stuff.
Lots of trip examples with what was done to get going again and how convoys are prepped for travel into the unknown.
I learnt a ton about electrical especially, simple things like tying a wire without breaking was a nice touch. Also a table full of basically every tool that you would come across in someone's vehicle with an explanation attached.
I again had to bug out at 3pm from the course.
I liked that both had the same answers to many myths and questions such as additives, recovery safety, engine safety, tyre pressures and such.
If I had to recommend one, I couldn’t say as I am a novice with bush repair and both courses really added a lot of value to me and did not overlap.
Gun to my head, Angelgroup had the practical experience I would want in the bush which is what its all about, right?
