Graham, John et al
Yup! I concur!! driver skill is very important, actually, in my estimation
it is crucial, and is not due to luck whether you rip them or not. Loading
correctly is also very important and I load stuff in such a way that the
heaviest stuff are right down there mid length of vehicle right behind the
front seats - find the lowest centre of gravity possible and you avoid
perhaps 80% of problems that affect axles, chassis, weight ratio/weight
shift. Centre of gravity MUST be as low as it can be - this way loaded
weight doesn't compromise either the vehicle or the driver, and heavy loads
must be strapped down tight. I use heavy duty ratchet tie downs and cargo
nets. Last time I spent two months in the sahara I was loaded up with
perhaps three quarters of a tonne. I once slipped down a dune sideways at 45
degrees - I thought I was done for, but I was fine.
Renate
You wrote "The driver. Probably more
important than tyre brand, size, pressure, etc., The driver can destroy
the best tyres or preserve the cheapest tyres... simple."
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