Re:DrRobin's Northumberland Jimny

One of my front wiper blades split, so I took the opportunity to upgrade to Bosch Aero Twin

 

Good job I did, that very evening there was a massive thunderstorm and some torrential rain.

Robin

Fitted two towing eyes to the tow bar for light recovery as I have a couple of off road days coming up. 

 
 
 

The factory tow bar was tough as old boots, it blunted my 16mm drill and I had to get another to finish the job.  The eye bolts are 4t break strain, so about 750kg SWL, I will us a bridle and both eye bolts, that should easily be enough to pull me out unless I am stuck up to the axles.

Robin

I joined a local 4x4 club (North East 4x4) and had a go at their Quarry Play Day yesterday. It's the first time I have taken my Gen 4 off road on anything more than a bit of grass and it performed very well, here is the video



Comparing the Gen 4 to my older Gen 3, I would say it's better in almost every respect, the engine has a lot more low down power (need fewer revs and therefore more controlled speed), the front bumper is higher, there seems to be more travel in the suspension and the wheel arches have more room.

The hill decent worked well and I didn't need to turn traction control off in 4x4 high.

Of course there is no real difference in ground clearance, but apart from one hill where I rested the front on the ground I didn't hit or bash anything.

Overall very pleased. I have a off-road trek coming up and then of course BigJimny at Parkwood, so this was a local shake down test.

Robin

Not too muddy after getting home.

 

Robin

In June I particilated in an organised tour from Wooler to Morpeth with trailsandtracks.co.uk. It was 64 miles, much of it on tracks and lanes, it was a superb day out, weather, scenery and company were great and George/Paul had found a good mix of tracks and lanes to suit everyone.

Here is the video of the day



I was the only Jimny and as most of the rest of the group had done a few tours before I was first behind the lead car. The others in their Discos did a good job to keep up.

So impressed by George's route planning, I have signed up for two more treks this year and will look to do more next year when dates are announced.

The Jimny, with it's narrow wheel geometry could easily straddle the ruts in the track.

Robin

My dashcam view from the BigJimny meetup at Parkwood on 14th July 2024



Robin

I was slightly concerned when you started following me in BigJimny as I didn't know where I was going and seem to end up on an enduro track.

The second video from BigJimny 2024.



Robin

I have been tidying up my photos and videos and realised I never put a video together from BigJimny 2023 at Aldermaston.

So here it is


Robin

It's been a long time since I heard a recording of my voice and I have forgotten how squeaky it is! And how Northern I sound too!

I took part in my first off-road trial on Sunday 25th August with the North East 4x4 club at their camping weekend in North Yorkshire.

It was a friendly affair with a small number of 4x4s taking part, mostly Land Rover, but there was a Fiat Panda 4x4 (did amazing well) for some of the stages and of course a Jimny.

I went round clean in every round, so did a Land Rover 90, so it was declared a draw. I was well chuffed to have done so well. The LR 90 got one shunt, other longer vehicles had two shunts and none at all for a Jimny (or Fiat Panda).

The first video is of the stages


The second is the final or run off


I have another trial with the same group on Sunday, but can only make a half day, still it will be good to have another go.

Robin

Well done you, thanks for bringing proper glory to the Jimny against such strong competition!

Also, I only noticed your quarry video from spring just now. Great that the quarrymen allow such activities to local people. Looks like a fun time.