Offroad training, Hohenloher Land

“All beginnings are difficult and practice makes perfect …”

This summary fits well with our first offorad driving expeirences rides during a weekend in the Hohenloher Land. Together with two others, but distinct smaller trucks (a Dutch Unimog and a Luxembourg 4×4 Sprinter), we learned how to drive under challenging off-road conditions. First of all, there is a challenge to choose the right combination between 4 differential lock positions, road and / or terrain reduction and automatic or manual shifting of one of the 12 gears. In addition the right driving technique and a careful observation of the terrain requires a certain multi-tasking capability.

Familiarity with the situation, however, Comes up quickly after we have practiced the same exercise twice. The conclusion after this very intense weekend is that Shujaa – properly driven and operated – has excellent offroad abilities. However, the weight of 17 tons has to be driven carefully, especially on soft and slippery ground (it had rained a lot at night). Despite the high learning curve during this weekend there is still a lot to learn for us. Also the practical comparison of the terrain capability and the individual advantages and disadvantages of an Unimog and a four wheel drive sprinter with our MAN 6×6 was very interesting. Next month we will go to a MAN gravel pit driving training and mid-December to Morocco to play a bit in the “sandbox”