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MQ Triton at the Triple Diamond 4WD Club Training Weekend

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  • Mitsubishi Australia
    Member
    • Feb 2016
    • 99
    • Sydney

    MQ Triton at the Triple Diamond 4WD Club Training Weekend

    Recently we sent our social correspondent Robert Green along to the June Triple Diamond 4WD Club training weekend in his 16 MY Triton to get a taste of some proper off-road driving and learn some valuable skills.

    For over 25 years the Triple Diamond 4WD Club, formerly known as the Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club, have been organizing day and weekend trips around NSW and ACT. Providing comprehensive driver and vehicle awareness training to members is a strong focus within the club, with training weekends being held three times a year in the Lake Lyelle/Mt. Walker area.



    Late Friday afternoon we hitched up the camp trailer to the new Triton and escaped the hustle of Sydney, arriving at the picturesque Lake Lyell site just on 6pm. Following a brief meet and greet with the team, we set up the tent before settling down to a gourmet meal of tinned soup around the much needed fire.

    Temperatures reached a low of -3 degree’s overnight so there was no shortage of frost and ice about in the morning. The rest of the club rolled in during breakfast, ready for the theory component of the training. Three trainers presented the theory session, which outlined the plans for the weekend, a few basic 4WD technical details and allowed new members to ask any questions before heading out.





    Following lunch the group assembled into our convoy before setting off to our first technical driving experience. This section was called the Quarry, a dusty uphill section aimed to test tyre grip and driver nerves, a good indication of what was to come for the remainder of the weekend.





    Two laps were completed of the Quarry circuit, one with road pressures of 35psi all around, followed by a lap at 22psi front and 20psi rear tyre pressure offering far more grip and compliance throughout the circuit.



    The next stage of the training involved a steep incline and crossing two ruts on the way up, emphasizing the importance of keeping all 4 wheels in contact with the dirt for effective off-road driving.







    With falling light, it was time to call it a day and head back to camp making a pit stop along the way to collect firewood with another night of below zero temperatures expected.



    Sunday started around the fire for breakfast and coffee while we waited for the temperature to reach positive figures. After some preparation for the day we regrouped and left to our next training location at 9:45am.



    As we ventured further into the beautiful Marrangaroo National Park and Rydel region we overcame a number of self-guided and trainer guided sections, finding new confidence behind the wheel with each obstacle. The day also included two river crossings, the first through the Coxs River, which to our surprise meant driving into the river and following it for 50-100m before exiting. A challenge I’m not sure I would have tackled alone, but with the careful guidance of the training team we went for it and confidently drove out the other end.





    With the free car wash out of the way, it was off to a lovely spot at a bend in the river for lunch and our vehicle recovery talk. After lunch we completed some more technical sections and our second river crossing, this time deep enough to create a nice bow wave in front of the new triton as it sailed from bank to bank.





    Our final stop for the day was a well-used bog section, where we purposely sunk a vehicle up to its axels for the snatch recovery demonstration. The mighty Triton had no trouble pulling out a helpless Land Rover, reinforcing its capabilities as an off-road vehicle.







    We made our way back to camp for a hasty pack up and round of goodbyes to the team from the Triple Diamond 4WD club before hitting the road back to Sydney.

    After spending some time with the Triton over the last couple of months, on the beach, around town, along many fire trails, muddy paddocks and towed our camp trailer over a thousand KM’s of mixed terrain it has impressed on many levels. Though not being the most experienced four wheelers we had some reservations about how a standard Mitsubishi Triton would handle the conditions we were encountered throughout the weekend.



    But to say the Triton is just a road going, luxury tradie vehicle would be selling it short. The Triton impressed off-road, soaking up a number of challenging trails, helped along by plenty of torque, tractable gearing and surprisingly generous ground clearance. These factors alone combine to make less experienced drivers look and feel like well seasoned off roaders!

    Big thanks to Triple Diamond 4WD club for letting us come along and take part in the weekend’s program. You put on a professional, well organized event and are a great bunch to spend time with.


    For more information about the all-new 2016 Mitsubishi Triton, click HERE.
    Or visit: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/vehicles/triton
    Last edited by Mitsubishi Australia; 02-03-16, 12:52 PM.
  • Pickle
    Administrator
    • Jun 2007
    • 6882
    • All over Oz

    #2
    Good crew those Triple Diamond guys. Often see a few down here for the Pajero Challenge
    Dave
    NX Pampas Cat GLS MY16
    Member 1228 Pajero Club

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    • RG76
      Senior Member
      • Feb 2013
      • 347
      • Sydney

      #3
      Anyone on the forum who's a member of the Triple Diamond Club? I'm looking at joining next year and any feedback would be great
      2015 MQ Triton GLS Manual, TJM XGS Suspension, TJM rear step/towbar, TJM Snorkel, Projecta Dual Battery, Bridgestone MT 674's...Eaton rear E-locker

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