Here is our new video of our 4x4 Advanced Course

Overland Expedition - Jejak warisan Jawi 4

On 9th October 2016, a press conference has been organised for our next overland trip which is expected to be flagged-off on July 2017. Our last overland trip was in year 2011 and it has been almost 4 years we have not organised any. This upcoming trip is expected to be a very challenge task for us, despite of the route but it also about the mission that we are plan to achieve.


The overland expedition will take us roughly about 24,000 km in total distance on land and will cross over borders of 16 countries. Started from Malaysia, the convoy plan to enter Thailand and then exit at Moe Sat border before we enter Myanmar's border. This is our first time to cross over Myanmar and to make an exit to India's border at Moreh, it will take us approximately 1,800 km. We have no idea what will happen when we in Myanmar as it will be a very long and the riskiest overland we ever had and hope everything will going according to what we plan.

In order to cross over from Mae Sot in Thailand and exit at Moreh, India we will have to appoint a ground handler as our guide and escort for 5 days journey and to have them as our escort has cost us .... I think you know what I meant.
Currently, we are negotiating with them and hope the journey may go on without so much hassle.

Next,  India !!!
See you guys on next post..

Advanced 4x4 course with JKR-Cawangan Perancangan Aset Bersepadu Kuala Lumpur with 10 participants. We departed approximately 9 am from KL heading to reserve forest in Raub, Pahang where the venue of the courses will take place. Accompanied with 3 training 4x4 and 1 logistic 4x4, we reached Raub town estimately 12.30 pm. During our final stop to fuel the tank, 1 of our car noticed that there was a leaking at the rear axle. Further inspected the 4x4, we have been informed that the axle bearing has ruined and need to be replace. So we looked around for a workshop and we have located a workshop to help us on the repair. However, the mechanic only available to do the job after 3 pm as he is currently in the middle of finishing his customer car which he promised that the car can be available for collection on the same day.

After further discussion, we have decided to leave the  2 4x4s to be repaired and the rest of us to continue the journey headed to Kg Sg Ulu, Raub. According to the plan, the lunch has been arranged and scheduled on 1 pm however due to the unexpected problem we only ate our lunch at approximately 3.30 pm. However, everybody is happy and took a positive reaction on what have happen. We did a course refreshment for all participants for them to be fresh when driving on the real off-road driving. Most of them have attended a basic 4x4 course last year but this time they have to put their knowledge into action.

The 2 brokedown 4x4s only reach to our location at 8.00 pm. The journey must go on!.
All participants are now feeling the enthusiasm of driving the 4x4 at night and this is will be their first time driving off-road at night.

We were driving and undergo many obstacles during the night off-road driving  such as mud-pool, river crossing, rock climbing, driving uphill and downhill. The route becomes more challenging when it comes to the rainy season and now this is the time.

We arrived at the campsite in the middle of the night and now we are starving. When you get to the campground, logistics team and our chef quickly made our dinner and we finished our dinner after 01:00. It was a long night but the participants having fun and they have learned new lesson during the night driving session.

This only the part of their learning session and tomorrow they will learn new thing again.

During this 3D2N learning session, the participants have learn new lesson about driving 4x4 in the extreme off road condition (Not really extreme actually). They have also learn about planning, problem solving, decision making, trust and most important is team building.

Hope they will put all the lesson learned and practiced them on their day to day job.

Off roads Driving Tips - Hill Climbing

Steep hills can be one of the trickiest obstacles you're likely to encounter while driving off-road. Not only have you got a gradient to contend with, but gravity is also working against you. It just doesn't seem fair.

However, science is on your side - when attempting the climb for the first time, consider the proven formula for success:

A successful climb = the correct route + sufficient traction + sufficient momentum

RULE OF THUMB

High / Low Range: Low

• Gears: Select the highest practical gear if slippery
• Suspension: Raise if necessary
• Diff lock(s): Engage
• Speed: Momentum may be needed, but ease off at you approach the top
• Note: Be prepared for failure and know how to recover from it

The route you pick depends on a number of factors which can be influenced by the following:

• Obstacles such as trees or rocks
• The presence of existing tracks
• Ruts
• Tricky 'no go' areas (such as slippery or difficult ground conditions)

The rule of thumb when climbing hills is to attack the slope using a route which minimises any side angles where possible. If you start to slide sideways you'll have very little control over your vehicle, but sliding forwards or backwards can be controlled.

Techniques For Climbing Steep Hill - Manual Transmission Vehicles

1. Recce the route on foot - ensure it's safe to climb, and consider the consequences if you fail half way up. The less grip there is available, the shallower the angle you'll be able to tackle.
2. Once you're back in the car, hold the car stationary on the foot brake. This acts on all four wheels, and has power assistance, unlike the handbrake which tends to act on the rear wheels only.
3. Select a suitable gear for the surface - if the surface is slippery, higher gears provide less torque and thus more traction in slippery conditions. If you're on a high grip or uneven surface a low gear may be a more sensible choice as it will provide maximum control at low speeds
4. Set the throttle - don't rev the engine, but select engine revs which allow the engine to exploit the power band (3000 rpm is a good guide)
5. Progressively release the clutch and do a test run - attempt to climb a few meters of the hill to determine how slippery it is. If you're getting a lot of wheelspin then you'll need a fair amount of momentum to complete the climb. If it's too slippery, perhaps now is the time to find an alternative route.
6. If there is sufficient grip, attempt the climb using a run on the flat is necessary. Be prepared to recover from failure.

FALLING TO CLIMB

If you've failed to make it to the top, the chances are it's either because of one of the following:

• Lack of grip - if there isn't enough friction available between the tyre and the ground surface to get you to the top, you're going to need more momentum. More speed, however means more danger so make sure you're confident about your decision.
• Lack of momentum - if you fail to get to to the top due to a lack of momentum, you're likely to stall or simply run out of steam and may even stall the engine. If you do stall, don't panic and hit the clutch, but follow the guide to recovery shown below.

RECOVERING FROM A FAILED HILL CLIMB DUE TO LACK OF TRACTION OR MOMENTUM  (MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING):

1. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
2. Look behind you and make sure the coast is clear
3. Engage reverse gear
4. Release the clutch to the point of bite
5. Swiftly but smoothly take your foot off the brake, fully release the clutch, and allow engine braking to slow your descent (avoid the brakes)
6. Follow the line which minimises any side slopes - keep the vehicle straight
7. Determine whether it's safe to have another attempt
8. Attempt the climb with more speed, using a run up if necessary

If the slope if so slippery that the wheels are locking due to engine braking - you may need to gently apply some throttle to regain traction, then release the throttle gently to re-establish braking.

RECOVERING FROM A FAILED HILL CLIMB DUE TO ENGINE STALL (MANUAL TRANSMISSION):

1. Hold the vehicle using the foot brake
2. Check to see if anyone noticed - this could be embarrassing!
3. Clutch in and select reverse gear (engine is still off at this point)
4. Release clutch and gently release the foot brake
5. Now the car will be held on the slope purely by transmission, and may start to move backwards if the slope is very steep
6. Check behind you then restart the engine while in gear (this will ensure engine braking operates from the moment you start to move)
7. Avoid using the brakes and reverse down the hill using engine braking for another attempt.

RECOVERING FROM A STALL IN AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:

It's unlikely that you'll stall an auto, but it can happen. If this does occur, hold the foot brake firmly and restart the engine (you'll probably need to select N or P first). Now follow the stages shown below.

Recovery due to lack of traction or insufficient traction or momentum in an automatic vehicle:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
2. Look behind you and make sure the coast is clear
3. Engage reverse gear
4. Smoothly take your foot off the brake and allow engine braking to slow your descent
5. Follow the line which minimises any side slopes - keep the vehicle straight and avoid the brakes
6. Determine whether it's safe to have another attempt
7. Attempt the climb with more speed, using a run up if necessary

RECOVERING FROM A SIDEWAYS SLIDE

If you have no choice but to ascend the hill using a side angle, drive as slowly as possible using a light throttle and a high gear to reduce the chances of spinning wheels or a slide. Sometimes a slide is unavoidable and there will be a temporary loss of control. 

To recover from this situation, you need to heavy end first to allow gravity to help, rather than hinder:

1. Do not hit the brakes or press the clutch - this may be your first instinct but will only lock the wheels or disengage the drive
2. Steer down the slope to get the heavier front of the car pointing down slope
3. If the front refuses to come round, try using some gentle throttle to assist the turn
4. One the car is pointing downhill, ensure you are off the gas and allow engine braking to slow the descent

Just wanna to share our video for our dearest friend....

JKR 4x4 Basic Driving Course

It has been a great days for 9 staffs of Jabatan Kerja Raya, Cawangan Aset Bersepadu when they have completed a 3D2N 4x4 Basic Training handled by Blackwind Adventure Team.

Within this 3D2N they have completed all the syllabus on how to drive a 4x4. Taught theoretically from day one, they have learned how the 4x4 system works and the important components of 4x4 vehicles including the techniques on driving 4x4 in many terrain conditions. It is essential for them to know better about the vehicle before they can start driving it. "When you know better you will drive better". The most vital is they will know how to drive safely and how to avoid accident during driving.

Once they have taught how to drive 4x4, now this is the time to put their knowledge into action. Learning how to drive 4x4 in various type of terrains will make they more careful and alert along the driving path to ensure their safety. Guided by the experience driver as their co-pilot, they have learned step-by-step of driving 4x4 in off-road conditions. Driving uphill, down hill, muddy, river crossing and bridge crossing are some of the off-road driving obstacles they have gone through. Driving with caution and knowledge has build confidence in their driving. They have enjoyed and felt safe when driving with knowledge and for few of the the participants it is their first experience driving a 4x4 in off-road condition and they have completed the driving successfully with zero accident.

Additionally, with in this course they also been introduced and taught how to used many types of recovery tools ussually used during off-road session. It is important to bring along the recovery tools equipment during off-road session and know how to use them, it is also important that they handle the tools safely.

On overall, the participants have completed the course with success and they have brought back home the knowledges and experiences and applied them in their day-to-day job.

4x4 Real Challenge Team Building

When we talk about team building, what matters is stressed?

The main principles which are the foundation of team building such as communication, trust, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, decision making and self-esteem are important elements in building a good team.

Extreme 4x4 sport is among one of the best activities to educate individuals towards building a good attitude and indirectly building a good team. In doing 4x4 activities such as off-road which are usually carried out in group, all of team building elements are essential to determine whether the group activities complete the journey according to the plan or not and reach the destination safe and sound. What ever the obstacles they faced were handled with care as the safety of the members of the group and vehicles are most important. Every steps and decision made by the leader are taken seriously and every members of the group have been designated with task to help the group pass through the obstacles safely. The group have to deal with the real situation and everything have to be solved even under the most tough condition. There are nobody left behind and even under the critical condition at least if the decision is made to leave their vehicles in the jungle. In other words, there are no selfish attitude should exist in the team. Communication, trust and teamwork among the members in the group is vital to ensure the goal is achieved.

As for us through these 4x4 extreme activities have educated us to be a positive-minded people. We have learned to handle any problems, obstacles or challenges with knowledges and experiences and not just barely based on assumption and its help us maintain high morale of the group. Never give up, use critical thinking and smart thinking have to be our attitude . Through this experiences made us ready to face the challenges in real life.

However, not all 4x4 off-roader have these positive attitudes and for some of them happen to be in our group during our off-road trips, it will their first and last time with us if they are not willing to change the attitude.

At the end of every off-road journey, the members in the group will feel the satisfaction of what they have gone through.

That is why in our opinion to have a good team, the members of the group have to experience the situation themselves and then they will learn the importance of having the positive attitude and thereafter they will feel that they are belong to the team.

Understanding Diffrential and LSD (Limited Slip Differential)

Before we know more about LSD, let learn what is Differential or open Differential..(in Malay we called it "Nenas")

This video might helps you...

Now we know what is Diffrential and now we learn what is LSD (Limited Slip Differential)or Automotive limited-slip differentials all contain a few basic elements. First, all have a gear train that, like an open differential, allows the output shafts to spin at different speeds while holding the sum of their speeds proportional to that of the input shaft.

Second, all have some sort of mechanism that applies a torque (internal to the differential) that resists the relative motion of the output shafts. In simple terms, this means they have some mechanism which resists a speed difference between the outputs, by creating a resisting torque between either the two outputs, or the outputs and the differential housing. There are many mechanisms used to create this resisting torque. The type of limited-slip differential typically gets its name from the design of this resisting mechanism. 

When an open differential does its job, it ensures the same amount of torque travels to each wheel. The amount of torque actually applied to the wheels is limited by only two factors: equipment and traction. On the equipment side of the equation, you need an engine capable of producing the power and gears up to the task of transferring it. As far as traction goes, the wheel needs to be able to grip the ground without slipping, which can occur on wet roads or even on dry ones if you floor the vehicle at a standstill. But what if only one wheel is on wet rooad or in the mud? You wind up with one wheel spinning freely over the slippery substance, while the other wheel is reduced to the same torque. In other words, you'll have one wheel spinning in the mud and one wheel not rotating at all.

Limited slip differentials use various mechanisms to allow normal differential action during turns, while also solving the problem of slippage. When one powered tire slips, the LSD transfers more torque to the nonslipping wheel. In this situation, a limited-slip differential prevents excessive power from being allocated to one wheel, and thereby keeping both wheels in powered rotation.

Hope you'll know the important that your 4x4 to have LSD..

Learn from this video ......




Driving your 4x4 with knowledge!

10 Things To Do After Driving Off-Road

For some reason, it also important to do an inspection after off-road. It will help us to maintain our 4x4 vehicle at the good running condition. Just as you put a lot of thought and preparation into your trip before you go for off-road, you should also take the time afterward to ensure that your vehicle and gear survived the drive and are ready for the next adventure. Even a mild off-road course can affect your vehicle.

First and foremost, do a thorough inspection of your vehicle to make sure that it is in safe driving condition. You should not take the vehicle onto roads, especially the highway, if there are significant structural or other safety issues.

1. Air up your tires. Don’t try to drive on pavement with your   tires low on pressure. Not only will you have difficulty handling the vehicle, but you risk serious damage to tires and rims. Check your tire pressure the following morning. It can drop 2 to 5 PSI overnight. Remember that you aired up when the tires were hot.
2. Wash and vacuum your vehicle. This will help prevent the spread of weed seeds to other areas. It also makes it easier to spot any fluid leaks and damage that needs repairing. Invasive plants are a problem all, caused in part by people driving in multiple areas—sometimes even in different states—without cleaning their vehicles between trips. As a result, they spread noxious weeds to new locations. Be a good sport and clean your vehicle after each off-road drive.
3. Wash your engine. Drive to an appropriate facility, turn off the engine, and hose it down. With a clean engine, you can spot any leak that has developed, as well as a loose bolt, hose, clamp, or other part. 
4. Check fluid levels, fan or serpentine belt, and other parts. If you do this frequently enough, you will become accustomed to your engine compartment, and it will be easier to spot a problem or potential problem when one occurs.
5. Examine the differential and transmission for cracks and the fluids for water.
6. Inspect and clean drum brakes, if applicable. Pull off the drums and clean out any mud or sand inside. That will wear down your brakes in a hurry. This is a good time to adjust your brakes or even replace the shoes, if needed.
7. Inspect CV boots, struts and shocks, and other underbody parts. Any need replacing? Take a look at joints, bearings, and other parts that may need regreasing. What about the nuts and bolts that hold the axle and suspension together? The vehicle’s suspension system (track bar, control arm, shocks, and spring) are very susceptible to loosening and affect the drivability. Problems with any one of these items could cause damage to the drive train over time.
8. Push and pull on the suspension to see if anything is loose. Push on the side of the vehicle. Are the track bars loose? Have a friend rotate the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the tie rod ends.
9. Inspect your tools. Are they clean, in order, and accessible?
10. Clean and restock any fluids or gear (including medical supplies, spare parts, and fire extinguisher) you used or that became damaged (such as recovery straps). Create a list of repairs and other actions items during the trip or on the way home while it is still fresh in your mind. Make sure you put back all the essential items, and that your vehicle is tidy and prepared for your next trip. 

Please remember that this tasks highlighted are not absolete and it's up to us how we want to maintain our 4x4 vehicles at the best condition.

Happy Off Roading!

Source : http://www.4x4training.com

Malaysian Flood Disaster Relief Mission

Malaysians were shocked by the massive floods that have hit the country in turn cost the country millions of dollars. Kelantan and Terengganu are two countries that are hardest hit by the destruction.

Floods that hit the country in December 2014 was the worst since 1971.

Number of residents who have moved to evacuation centers reached more than 200,000 people and the destruction caused by the flooding has caused many have lost their lives, property and life.

The government and the people of Malaysia have united humanitarian aid to the states involved, especially in Kuala Krai, regions hardest hit by the destruction. The government and the people of Malaysia have united humanitarian aid to the states involved.

Blackwind Adventure Team is no exception also helped send donations to the affected areas, particularly in the state of Kelantan. Among the contributions that have distributed food, medicine, clothing, clean water and essential needs of the family. A total of 8 units of 4x4 vehicles have been deployed to Kelantan to transport the donations collected and forwarded directly to the people involved. 4x4 vehicles turns into a much-needed vehicle for delivering assistance to the place where that can not be passed by the ordinary vehicles.

Hopefully, with the assistance delivered can help reduce the burden of those affected by the flood.

4x4 Basic Driving Course - TIPS & KITS

Blackwind Adventure Team has organised another Basic 4x4 Driving Course.

The participants have been taught the importants principle and rules of "TIPS & KITS" to incalculate the safe driving not only for 4x4 driving but for all type of vehicles. It is very important to learn the rules and the principles for
safe driving.

When driving 4x4 especially in off-road condition, it is important and infact became the principles of every 4x4 drivers to emphasis "SAFETY FIRST". Is not how fast we can reach our destination but how to reach our destination safe and steady. When going off-road the drivers and their vehicles must be prepared with "tools and kits" for the worst scenario. Everything have to be take into consideration and the preparation is vital.



Why every off-roader need to make modification to their 4x4, of course, so that their 4x4 can overcome every obstacle they will face. Expected the unexpected then what should they do...make preparation.

There were a few tips we gave to the participants. In order to understand the principles better, they have to drive the 4x4 and feel the driving, understand the vehicles and the route, don't assume and many more...with the hope that they have learned all the knowledges, tips and techniques and apply what they have learned into their daily life and works.

OVERLAND FAMILY TRIP

Blackwind Adventure Team a.k.a B.A.T have organised an Overland Family Trips on 08/12/12 to 12/12/12 as continuenity of our tradition to organise an event or program every year. It was started in year 2008, when have organised the off road trip to Mat Daling on 08.08.08 and 09.09.09, 10.10.10, 11.11.11 and this year 12.12.12.

How ever this year we start the trip on 08/12/12 and we end on 12.12 am on 12/12/12 and we do make it when I myself reached our home exactly on 12.12 am 12/12/12.

The trip started from Klang to Kg Budu, Benta in Pahang and continue to Cameron Highland and end up at Kuala Kangsar, Perak at our "Dusun" where we spent our holiday in the jungle and sleeping in the tents.
We have a truly holidays while eating King of fruits "Durian" and other local fruit and the same times enjoying our time bathing the water stream.

With total of 95 participants and 18 vehicles consist of 4x4 and cars we manage to travel approximately 1,000 km.

It is a very memorable trip especially for our kids and familys when we spent our time together.