SsangYong 4WD Club of Australia Inc.

NEWSLETTER No. 4

May 2011

OUR 2011 COMMITTEE

President: Marco Kuipers South Australia Marco

Vice President: Dave Heal Western Australia Qute

Secretary: Robert Kelly New South Wales rjk

Treasurer: Christine Gilmour New South Wales chairlady

Trip Coordinator: Darren Read New South Wales kiwidread

Member Representative: Graeme Mellor South Australia Grumpy

Member Representative: Jim Bakker Queensland JimB

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

These are held bi-monthly throughout the year. The next meeting is scheduled for 22 June. Minutes

will be circulated to Club members for their information.

If you want to obtain more information about the Club, contact any committee member by means of

our Forum. We recommend that new readers first register as a forum member. Forum membership

is free. To become a club member, a completed application form and payment must be received by

the Treasurer/Membership Secretary.

Club events will be run by regional groups listed on the Forum. Members from other regions or

states visiting any region will be very welcome to join the locals on a trip. Posting details of your

intended visit may well be reason enough for a special trip to show you around. We are that

welcoming.

NEW MEMBERS

Owners of SsangYong vehicles are welcome to come on one trip as a visitor to try us out, but are

required to obey the instructions of the trip leader at all times. If you then join the Club, your

membership fees covers affiliation, PL insurance and the cost of running our Forum. Even if you are

not keen on driving your SsangYong in the dirt – as it was designed to do, your support of the

Forum’s running costs by joining is worth it to you, for the handy tips provided by other members to

help keep your SsangYong performing on road or off.

TRIP CALENDAR

1. Stockton Beach NSW. Start at Lavis Lane Service Station. Date: 22 May. Graeme Mellor’s visit

to Newcastle. Contact: Darren Read

2. Reillys Resort Qld. Start at Gold Coast Date: t.b.a. when Rob Kelly is next visiting

Queensland. Contact: Jim Bakker

3. High Country Vic. Date: t.b.a. Contact Jason Bult

4. St. Albans NSW. Date t.b.a. Contact Christine Gilmour

PRESIDENT:

Mario Kuipers

VICE PRESIDENT:

Dave Heal

SECRETARY & EDITOR: It has been my pleasure to work with the Committee during our first

year as an incorporated association. I have documented our progress and have enjoyed preparing

our Newsletter. The Committee has successfully got through the job of establishing a truly national,

one brand owners/enthusiasts club, with members from WA, SA, NSW & Qld joining in 2010. There

is room to spread further, as we have many forum members in all states.

We affiliated with Four Wheel Drive South Australia, which enabled us to obtain very competitive

insurance cover through the national body’s insurance broker at competitive rates. Because of our

national links, the broker can offer a number of insurance covers at members’ rates for vehicles,

camping equipment, campers/caravans and even house & contents. These are just some of the

advantages of being a Club member. You cannot put a price on the camaraderie, the combined

knowledge of places and trips and the chance to meet and participate in our excellent annual

gatherings.

The 2011 Gathering was held at Halls Gap in the Grampians, Vic. This was our third national event

and those Forum members from Victoria who joined us as new members, left as good friends after a

great five day event. During the Gathering we held our Annual General Meeting and reviewed the 12

months operations since incorporation. Our new Committee was elected, with its strength now up

to the desired number of seven, comprising the four office bearers and three general members, one

of which Darren Read, is our Trip Coordinator. Darren was our 2011 Gathering organiser, and during

the official bit, he was awarded the 2011 billqce perpetual trophy for his efforts. Our new members

from Victoria enjoyed the Gathering so much that they are currently considering their regional trip

program. Add Victoria to our participating states list...

Robert Kelly

TREASURER & MEMBERSHIP:

As Treasurer of the SsangYong 4WD Club of Australia I’d like to thank those members who have

renewed their Membership from last year (our first year of Incorporation), and to thank those new

members who have joined this year so far. A Treasurers report was presented at the AGM, and will

be sent with the minutes to Members.

I’d like to urge those interested Forum users to consider joining the Club, as I think all those who

have participated in both our driving and social activities would agree that the friendship offered and

the opportunity to drive and socialize with other members has been well worthwhile. Although we

are not numerically a large group as yet, the enthusiasm of all the participants at the National Meet,

showed what mateship and comradeship can bring to our outings.

We now have some Club caps (very swish with rubberized tyre tracks and our Club name), and some

stickers for sale, these will be available on the Forum soon. Those of us who were at the Grampians

are already sporting ours!!

In conclusion I’d like to thank all the Committee members for their time over the past year, and

welcome our two new Committee members. I look forward to working with you, and seeing the Club

go from strength to strength this year.

Christine Gilmore

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER

Name: Graeme Mellor

Age: 50

Lives: Millicent Limestone Coast. SA.

Vehicle: 2007 Actyon Sports

Hey everyone, thanks to the group who attended the gathering at the Grampians and nominated

and voted me into the fold of the committee as one of the two the member representatives, Shop

Stewards if you like...only difference is we don't have whistles and can't get you a day off work.

As your representative it is my job to pass forward ideas and comments from you the members to

the committee for discussion. This is the best way for us as a club to grow and improve, it is only

through member input and support the committee can work to give you what you want in the club.

Over the next 12 months or so I will try to get a few trips sorted for those interested in the SA and

Vic regions, so keep an eye on the event calendars. On the other hand if anyone is keen to do a trip

don't hesitate to post the details on the forum to let others know and so that we can ensure it is

sanctioned under our insurance.

Don't be shy, drop me a line and say G'Day, I know there are a few of us down the southern end of

the country, so let’s show the northerners how to do it.

Graeme

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER

Name: Jim Bakker

Lives: Mermaid Beach Qld.

Vehicle: Rexton 2

As a newly elected committee member I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself.

My name is Jim Bakker (JimB) and by profession I am a Surveyor. My wife and I both retired from the

work force in 2003 . On retirement I purchased, as a second vehicle, a 2000 Korando 3.2 Litre

manual, to use as our four wheel drive, as I lost the works Pajero on retirement.

We had a lot of fun with this car, but because SsangYong had disappeared from the Australian scene,

did not feel comfortable taking it out west, in case we had a mechanical problem, as parts were

nearly impossible to obtain, thanks to poor support by Daewoo. Hence we sold the Korando and

bought a Ford Escape XLS which served us well although thirstier on fuel than the Korando, and of

course did not have low range.

In 2007 we saw a 2005 Ssangyong Rexton 270xdi Limited advertised at a dealers (20000 Kms and

significantly below its original retail price), so the Escape went and we were again back into a

SsangYong. It did a trip to Darwin Gregory Nat Park and Lawn Hill and never missed a beat. All up we

covered approx 40000 kms in it.

We kept this vehicle till January of this year, when we traded up to the current Rexton 2, which to

date has done about 3500 kms. Because of circumstance we were unable to attend the Grampians

meet this year but really enjoyed the 2010 meet. We met some really nice people there and have

stayed in touch with some of them. We think that if the next meet 2012 should be at Alice Springs

we will make every effort to attend.

The biggest problem with our club as far as meets are concerned is the vast distances between the

different venues especially if you live in WA or Qld.

I hope that my appointment as committee member will be of some help to keep the club viable and I

encourage the many non-financial members we have, to consider putting their hand in their pocket

and become financial, so as to enable the club to keep operating. We all get something out of the

web site so it would be good to put something back.

Looking forward to serving this year

Jim

THIS EDITION’S MEMBER PROFILE

Name: Graeme Mellor

Forum Username: Grumpy

Location: Millicent, Limestone Coast South Australia

Age: 50

Job: Retired Ex Army

How did you end up with an Actyon? In 2007:

I was looking for a replacement vehicle to tow my proposed new boat, after a few weeks of looking

and procrastinating at the other brands the Mrs at the time spotted the advert for the Actyon Sports

in the local rag and I went had a look. After a bit of tooing and froing I got to go for a test drive and

liked it, had another couple of drives including taking it off road and fell in love with it.

How much more have you spent on modifications since you bought your Actyon Sports?

Too bloody much about $12000 in all - Well first thing was the Tonneau cover ($450) and Tow Bar

($500) then eventually the 3XM Canopy and ECB bar work and a pair of Rhino baskets for the OzTent

and a pair of whisper bars for the cabin top loads (about $4500), then came the first set of spotties

Narva 175's ($200) which have since been upgraded to Lightforce Blitz 240's ($400), the dual battery

system runs a Redarc isolator ($70) (mates rates) and a 105a/hr Deep Cycle AGM battery ($375) and

the latest mod is the 40mm suspension lift, that works very nicely (about $1500).

Whilst inside there is the Navman MY75 ($400) linked to the reversing camera ($25 Ebay special),

UHF ($300) and a Barrett 550 HF with Autotune antenna ($1500 2nd hand of Trading Post) and to

keep the bevvies and grub cool is a small Engel cooler for the back seat and in the tray is a 60l

EvaKool fridge ($900) & 40 Engel Freezer ($1000).

Mods to be added in the future are bash plates under the important bits at the front, rear barwork

including dual wheel carriers, 235/85R16 rubbers all round and some half decent side steps, fit up of

solar panels to rooftop, in the longer term will be a larger fuel tank and a LPG gas fitup.

What 4WD experience did you have before the Actyon Sports?

A little under 15 years driving series 2, 2a and 3 and 110 defender Landrovers, Cruiser troopies,

Patrols and the inimitable Unimog as well as the good old International Mk 1 and 5 around all parts

of the north of Queensland and the not so friendly parts of NSW.

How much 4WDing have you done in the Actyon Sports?

I have been fortunate in moving to the Limestone Coast that there are always tracks to explore, on

most weekends I am to be found down one of the tracks in the area and if I'm not there I will be

most likely on the road to somewhere where there is a track or mud hole to play in, I have done over

39,000 k's this year and if there is a dirt road or track to be used I will use it instead of the boring old

black top.

Has your Actyon Sports ever let you down?

No, it has always got me home safe, but did had some issues with the engine light which was a

computer glitch after a front end prang.

What do you like most about your Actyon Sports?

EVERYTHING, it does what I ask it to do when ever & where ever, it is a no nonsence vehicle that is

very comfortable to drive, and, the amazing amount of inclusions that other brands charge a lot for

is the real winner. The limited 4WD accessories and dealerships is perhaps its main downfall but, this

is slowly being overcome. Overall the quality has been excellent though.

Graeme – same one as before!

NATIONAL GATHERING REPORTS

EARLY ARRIVALS

Several of the members planned to arrive at the caravan park at Hall’s Gap on the Thursday 14th

April, and set up camp in order to attend the winery trip on the following day.

As we (Christine & Billy) pulled up at Reception in the Musso there was an Actyon parked in front of

us with “Grumpy” emblazoned on the side, so this was obviously one of “us”. After introductions

were made, we discovered we had adjoining camp sites – the joking and laughing started then, and

continued the whole weekend as Graeme and Billy bounced off each other! It’s amazing how much

camping gear came forth from that Actyon.....

Soon to arrive were Darren, Melissa, Angela & little Delta (who has really been born into the Club

and should be our Mascot!). Now Darren’s camper trailer is well worth a look – the original tub from

his Musso, with Musso wheels to match – and the tent is virtually a mansion – well done Darren &

Mel. Also with a camper trailer and impressive tent set up were Jason, Mary & Pierce whose camp

site was in the same area as Darren’s. It’s hard to believe three years had passed since first meeting

Jason and family at the first Meet in 2008 at the Flinders Ranges. Rob & Jacqui were on the scene

soon after with their caravan and made short work of setting up close to Graeme, Christine & Billy.

We knew we had a new member arriving from Adelaide, Peter in the Musso wagon, along with his

cousin Paul, who were staying in a cabin in the park, so it was great to meet them both later that

evening at the campfire.

Christine

WINERIES TOUR

Friday morning and we set off for tour of local wineries, organized by Christine (Chairlady) which

began at Best’s Great Western. This is a historic winery, being founded in the 1860’s, but which

remains a relatively small boutique operation, with the cellar door being part of the old stables. We

had a short tour here, including some underground cellars

Some of us at Best’s Winery Cellar

and tasted several wines. I was particularly intrigued by their “Nursery Block” red, which is made

from grapes grown in the original block planted with a large variety of vines, some of which have still

not been identified. On then to Seppelts – a huge operation – at which we were booked to do their

underground “drives”, or cellars, tour, dug in 1865. Everyone agreed this was well worth looking at

– just imagine a million bottles of historic wine almost too fragile to be moved. Seppelts Great

Western were known for their sparkling wines (can’t call them Champagne nowadays),

All bottled up at Seppelts

in particular for introducing to the world the sparkling Shiraz. We then adjourned to the country pub

at Great Western village for some lunch to soak up any excess alcohol. After lunch we headed off to

Ararat, and despite a couple of unintended tours of the back streets of Ararat (GPS’s are NOT

perfect!!), we arrived at Fratin Bros vineyard. Now this was on the other end of the scale to Seppelts

– a very small family vineyard with the cellar door in a shed behind the house. We had Chardonnay,

Shiraz and Merlot on offer here, I purchased some very decent Chardonnay (special price because

they had not had time to put any labels on it). Imagine our surprise on leaving Ararat and heading

back towards Halls Gap via Moyston we heard a call on the CB saying “Any SsangYongs about??” (We

use channel 14 on CB when travelling in a group, and all had either CB’s fitted or hand held radios). It

was our President Marco & Sonia, who had driven over from Adelaide that morning and were

heading off to find us on our tour. Marco was driving the same road as us but in the opposite

direction, so he soon spotted us and joined in the convoy. Greetings and introductions followed on

our arrival at The Gap vineyard. There was a wide range of wines here to taste, with some lesser

known varieties such as Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio on offer as well as fortifieds, Chardonnay and

Shiraz, to round off our day.

Christine

GRAMPIANS TRIPS

Trip Report for Northern Grampians Drive Participants Darren, Melissa, Angela & Delta (Trip Leader) Musso Sports Jason, Mary & Pierce Rexton Duncan & Family Actyon Sports Peter & Paul Musso Wagon Sonia & Marco Not in a Ssangyong Rob & Jacquie Rexton Christine and Billy Musso Sports Graeme with Dave (Qute) tagalong Actyon Sports There was a leisurely start to the day due to most of the park being closed due to the January Floods. We finally gathered at 9:30 to get a brief run down for the day before heading out to the park. The early part of the drive was on very tame dirt roads, we headed down Mt Zero road and the red gum lease track onto Fyans Creek Road where the trip leader stop to avoid a domestic with his “navigator”. We then headed down Pines Road and spotted the Osler track but decided to check it out later in the day. We had a brief stop at the Heatherlie Quarry and then drove the Heatherlie track. This was a rough track, but did not pose any problems to most, even Peter where it was his first time off road”. This took us out back onto Pines Road again. At this point we had the first incident of the trip. Duncan’s Actyon experienced a check engine issue that would not reset. Rather than risk getting stuck out in the bush, Duncan chose to play it safe and head back to camp. The rest of the group then headed up to the Gulgurn reserve carpark for lunch. As the car park was very crowded, we chose to head back up the road and take a side track and chose a nice clearing (just off the Gulgurn Manjun Shelter walking track) for lunch.

After lunch we headed back up Mt Zero road and tackled the only “Open” 4wd track in the park, Copper Mine Track. There were no major challenges to this track except for the sandy start to it. We carried on to Pohlner Road and had a brief stop at the Mt Zero picnic area. Driving back up Pohlner Road we spotted what looked to be an interesting side track. Around the first corner was a reasonably challenging hill climb that required us to lock in low range for the first time. This track proved to be the first real challenge for the day with plenty of ascents and descents to keep us on or toes. The end of the track ensured correct wheel placement was needed due to some severe rutting. We all made it through with no issues.

As the day was getting late, we chose to head home and tackle Ostlers track on the way back to camp.

After about a km down the track we encountered the first of 3 trees across the track. Out came the chain saw for this one, and we soon had it cleared. A little further on and another tree, this one we all managed to drag off the track. After about 500m was came across a large trunk blocking the main track. There was a new track being created around it, but to save further damage, we chose to drag it out of the way. The first attempt saw the rope break, so out came a wire tow rope. This was hooked around the tree and dragged out by the lead Musso.

The rest of the tree was pushed off the track by hand and we carried on our way. This was when all the fun started. Around a corner was a nice little bog hole. It did not appear to difficult, so I put the car into low range and drove through with no real issues ( there was a little spinning for traction, but the car did not slow down). Jason in the Rexton came through ok, followed by Marco and Sonia. Peter tried the hard line as well, and half way through came to a stop. While working out the best method to recover Peter’s Musso, we spotted some small fish falling off the cars that made it through.

The snatch strap was connected to the recovery vehicle (the only non SsangYong in the group) and just pulled out with a flat tow. Rob came through next, but was careful about his lines and avoided the muck. Billy was next in the Musso Sports, and found the same obstacle as Peter did. Another flat tow and he was out. Grumpy in the Actyon tried the same line and met the same result. After being recovered, he asked if he could try again, via a different line, thinking he could do it. He reversed back via the safe route Rob took, and attempted the new line. He was going well, but then appeared to slide into a rut, with the expected result, and another recovery.

The sun was beginning to set now so we decided to carry on and found no more surprises on the track. It was a short drive back to camp from here. Darren

NORTHERN GRAMPIANS NIGHT DRIVE

Participants Darren Musso Sports Graeme Actyon Sports On the Monday evening after all the other attendees had left to continue their holidays or return home, Grumpy and I went back up to the Heatherlie Track and Ostlers Track. We left camp after dinner about 8:30 pm and headed up Mount Zero road, stopping about half way to the start of the Heatherlie track to check and adjust our driving lights (It was the first time I had used mine). We got to the start of the track and engaged 4H. The track seemed easier than when we drove it in the day light and looked like it had had a bull dozer down it since we drove it 2 days before. The only real obstacle was the rutted out spot at the end. We then went down the Ostler track and made good progress past the relocated trees. This track appeared different in the dark and a few times we were left wondering if we were on the right path. We eventually arrived at the bog hole (It seemed longer than it actually was) and got out to check the tracks around the hole. Due to it being dark, and starting to cool down, we both chose the chicken track around the side and arrived back on the road about 10 minutes later. The highlight from this drive for me was seeing the wildlife out after dark. There were a number of Kangaroo’s along the side of the track, plus one possum that decided to run across the road in from of me.

LITTLE DESERT NP TRIP

Participants Darren & Angela Read (Trip Leader) Musso Sports Peter & Paul Musso Wagon Sonia & Marco Not in a Ssangyong Rob & Jacqui Rexton Christine and Billy Musso Sports Graeme with Dave (Qute) tagalong Actyon Sports The day started out at the campsite with a brief overview of the recovery equipment before departing for Horsham to check the track conditions in the park at the visitor centre. The drive up to Horsham consisted of a bit of radio banter between the vehicles with some bad musical renditions coming from Grumpy’s vehicle interspersed with some general knowledge questions. After the visitor centre, we stopped in town for coffee at the bakery. Some people got quite settled here and had to be dragged away to continue with the trip. We continued up the Western Highway to Pimpino and then turned down a road we (ok, I thought) thought would get us into the park. We turned off onto what looked to be the start of the desert tracks, but this led us down the Wimera River Track in the West Wail Flora Reserve (yes it was a Public reserve). There was some Sandy tracks near the start so we dropped our tyre pressures with the expectation of entering the desert. The drive through here was quite scenic and there was clear evidence of the floods earlier in the year.

After driving through the reserve for about an hour, we exited via a farmers drive way and stopped to check maps to work out how to get to the Little Desert. A few wrong turns later

with speeds kept down to save re-inflating the tyres, we stopped for lunch at Natimuk Lake.

Vehicles lined up at lunch stop

After-Lunch Stop at Natimuk Lake

After an extended lunch, we finally made it to the desert proper and proceeded up the Salt Lake Track. Billy had a edge of the seat moment as he entered the park forgetting that he had not engaged 4wd.

The desert track was a fairly easy track with the only incident being a potential brake failure on the Actyon. A brief stop on the track to determine the impact saw Grumpy clear out half the desert from under his truck trying to diagnose what the issue was. No sign of any leaks (after the brief panic from the a/c dripping) we continued on. As the shadows were starting to get long we decided to call it quits and head up to the Sanctuary Picnic ground to air up. The video of the track can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMOQKpRDJtU Peter & Paul left us here as they had to head back to Melbourne, the rest of us headed out to the Western Highway and headed back to camp Darren

SSANGYONG 2011 PRESENTATION NIGHT/SOCIALIZING

Our AGM was held round the campfire on Saturday evening of the 16th April, followed by our now

traditional Presentation night. SsangYong Australia via their Marketing Manager Michelle Rowney

were very generous in providing promotional goods for prizes, which are keenly sought after by

participants. We also had some wine to give away, and our annual billqce Memorial Trophy, in

memory of Bill Pritchard, one of our very early Forum contributors. This traditionally is awarded to

the main organizer of the National Meet, and this year went to Darren Read,(kiwidread) who did

such a great job planning our drives. The Furtherest Travelled Award (Driving) of a SsangYong jacket

went to Rob Kelly from Aberglasslyn NSW, while his wife Jacqui received a polo shirt as Best Shiraz

Taster. Technically our Vice President Dave Heal who flew over from Perth clocked up more

kilometres! It shows the measure of dedication that Dave put in the effort to fly then hire a car &

drive up from Melbourne for the event. Dave was awarded a polo shirt for the most helpful posts on

the forum. The Champion Wood Carrying Award of a polo shirt went to Angela, Darren & Melissa’s

young daughter for trying to lug logs bigger than herself, and along the same lines Billy was awarded

a jacket as the Chainsaw award. We certainly had a good campfire each night! Pierce, Jason &

Mary’s son, received a polo for the most energetic camper, while his Dad Jason received a pack of

Hunter Valley wines as the “Recoverer” Award, for pulling vehicles out of the boghole with his

Rexton, as did Marco, our President who was also instrumental in recovery. Peter received a polo

shirt as the Oldest Vehicle with his Musso wagon. and not only that, but he also collected a hamper

of luxury goods from Hunter Valley Chocolates! Graeme received a jacket and a sticker as Most

Readable Ute – you have to see it to understand!! Darren also received a jacket for having a

matching Musso trailer & ute. The first prize in our raffle, a luxury hamper of goods from Hunter

Valley Chocolates, was won by Peter. The second prize for the raffle was a 4WD Atlas donated by

Dave heal and won by Sonia.

Special awards of a bottle of the Club’s commemorative wine, with SsangYong WD Club of

Australia National Meet 2001 The Grampians on the label, went to each car.

In appreciation of the support of the event by SsangYong Australia two bottles commemorative

bottles were sent as a thank you to the Company.

Finally, an auction was held of set of each the commemorative wines (Sparkling, Merlot & Port) which

raised $80 for Club funds, the set going to Darren Read as the highest bidder.

For most of us the Sunday evening was our final night at Halls Gap, so we adjourned to the local

tavern for a meal and some relaxing drinks – good food, wine (in my case anyway) and good

company – what more could a SsangYong driver wish for!!

Christine

2012 NATIONAL GATHERING

Forum discussions have already begun to select the location. Members should post their views on

the Forum to help decide on site & timing.

Code of Conduct – Off Road Driving

1. Obey the laws and regulations for Recreational Vehicles that apply

to public lands.

2. Respect the cultural, heritage and environmental values of public/private land, by obeying restrictions that may apply.

3. Respect our flora and fauna. Stop and look, but never disturb. 4. Keep to formed vehicle tracks.

5. Keep the environment clean. Carry your own, and any other, rubbish out.

6. Keep your vehicle mechanically sound and clean to reduce the environmental impact.

7. Adopt minimal impact camping and driving practices. 8. Seek permission before driving on private land. Do not disturb

livestock or watering points, leave gates as found. 9. Take adequate water, food, fuel, basic spares and a first aid kit on

trips. In remote areas travel with another vehicle and have Royal Flying Doctor Service, or equivalent emergency contact by radio or

satellite.

10. Plan ahead and lodge trip details with a responsible person. 11. Enjoy your recreation and respect the rights of others.

12. Support four-wheel drive touring as a legitimate family activity.

13. Consider joining an affiliated four-wheel drive Club.

THIS CODE SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL RECREATIONAL FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE POLICY.

Produced by Four Wheel Drive Australia in the interest of promoting

responsible recreational vehicle use.

For advice and assistance in meeting the requirements of this Code of Conduct contact the

Public Relations Officer, ANFWDC PO Box 79, CANBERRA ACT 2601

Copyright holder

Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc., August 2010