Dad's comments:
The two Gen2s impressed, even with open diffs and AT tyres.
The youngsters did a bit of single tine plowing with their tow bars though!
The Touareg impressed as well, even with the "super-slip-no-grip" V-rated road tyres (255/55/18 Pirelli Scorpion STR).
The air suspension ensured that the clearance was enough not to touch anything, anywhere, any time.
With the intended 265/65/18 BFG ATs, it will be a monster.
Have to mention TC though.
I was leading and deliberately took the wrong line at an axle twister to test the TC.
The Touareg will crawl up to an obstacle and then stop at it, when a wheel looses traction. a gentle prod on the loud pedal will cause the TC to kick in and from there it just does it's thing. It works best at crawling speeds.
JP behind me in the 2.8 TD Gen2 took the same line and got stuck with no traction.
Marius in the 3.0 V6 got out to laugh at all this and was then very 'wintie' when he chose the correct line and got through it.
We sent him back to try the 'wrong' line and he could not make it at crawling speed, but did make it with a bit of momentum.
(going down)
Difflock Ally:
Everything we read said don't attempt without diff locks, but I suppose that was for going uphill!
We took a wrong turning and ended up at the top of Difflock Ally by mistake, but decided to go down in any case.
Photograhs don't show steep slopes weel, but even walking up / down there was a mission with all the loose rocks.
The problem going down is definitely not traction, but clearance - both under-body and sides of vehicles.
With the packing of rocks and carefull driving (under guidance) we made it unscathed, except for JP's one 'bling' side step.
The Tregg did not touch at all, with the air suspension giving ample clearance.
(The younsters got some training regarding guidance / spotting
).
Going up Difflock Ally at the moment will be difficult with anything because of the drought.
The rock ledges are OK, but in between these th loose rocks are in a matrix with very dry powdery material. The loose rocks therefore move very easily and that might cause some problems. The wheel will grip the loose rocks, but these will move away from underneath the wheels.
Rock sliders are highly recommended, to limit body (side) damage.
The facilities were excellent (chalet, braai area etc).
We would like to go back to enjoy the scenery once they have had some rain.
