Just wondering if anyone knows of any publications/books that I can purchase in relation to utilising my 4WD. I am interested in travelling anywhere within Thailand that requires a four-wheel-drive to get to different locations. Anyone’s help would be very much appreciated!!

MOVED to Motoring forum.

 

There would be numerous facebook groups worth exploring.

 

Just a suggestion.

What part of Thailand are you based?

There are many 4x4 clubs, I have to say some are a bit questionable in their green credentials.

I know of some competition 4x4s clubs/events and there are also groups that do charitable 4x4 stuff getting to places where ordinary transport can't reach.

 

most of my 4x4 was solo but I did some in groups md met others.

So you cold just go to arms where 4x4s are used and you'll meet up with people.

You could also try Laos.

I live in Central Pattaya & need to get away but am unable to obtain English maps/locations for various tracks/off-roading ????????????????????????????

Am yet to see any 4wd clubs/sites that are in English. Only one that I know of is a paid four-wheel-drive course/track near Kanchanaburi ????

20 hours ago, jack7106 said:

I live in Central Pattaya & need to get away but am unable to obtain English maps/locations for various tracks/off-roading ????????????????????????????

Am yet to see any 4wd clubs/sites that are in English. Only one that I know of is a paid four-wheel-drive course/track near Kanchanaburi ????

Do you speak Thai?

what is your vehicle like?

 

I found a few places around Chonburi and Rayong on my own. There are various areas behind the industrial estates that are yet to be built on and there are opportunities to explore around there.

Go behind Bang Phra reservoir towards Khao Keow Zoo and there is land round the back there that was used by local 4x4 people. I haven't been there for a few years now but it was quite challenging in parts - if it hasn't been built on.

 

Around Dok Krai dam near Rayong (https://goo.gl/maps/ZBFvWJechR6ywe7V9) - if you look at the map, you'll see a huge area that is crossed by a rectangular block-style road system - this is largely undeveloped land and there is opportunity there to explore. There are many locals who have off road vehicles there - I just used to drive up and ask them where was good to go...they were more than happy to show me.

 

at Nong Kham - (13°07'44.6"N 101°01'58.1"E) is a garage called "HelpCar" - they do a lot of work on 4x4s - and take part in local competitions - they will be able to give you information but you'll need to speak Thai.

 

Wang Chang reservoir towards Klaeng on route 344 can be circumnavigated by 4x4 depending on the water levels. If it gets muddy, you'll need a locking diff. in parts.

The motorcycle people in the North , GTRider have lots of maps that cover their areas.

Hobo maps also are VERY good for some areas - they give detailed descriptions of trails some suitable for 4x4.

 

What sort of vehicle do you have?

 

A good source of off-load equipment is VVP on the M7 going into BKK. - they are enthusiasts and will give you advice about where to go and who to see.

 

Most off-roading I did alone with one vehicle (not really that safe). About 4 or 5 years ago I used to go in convoy with a group of Thai enthusiasts from Chonburi. They could be contacted through Stock Cart 4x4. (https://www.facebook.com/Stockcart4x4), They are on the southbound carriageway just after the Ford dealership on Sukhumvit near Bangsaen / Chonburi - they may now be ARB dealers. I did a convoy with them down to Suratthani and Nakon Sri Thammarat doing flood relief a few years back - they do charitable projects using 4x4s. Mind you mine was relatively small compared to some the monsters they use!

 

Nearer to Bang Saen on the Southbound carriageway before the turning to the Nong mon bypass is "top Power" - they proudly show an ARB sign in the front. I haven'tbeen there for some time, largely because they just didn't know what they were talking about when it came to 4x4 accessories. however they may have learned more by now and again could put you in touch with local enthusiasts.

 

I guess my two most useful contacts were Stock Cart and VVP....they are suppliers of 4x4 ante but are used by enthusiasts nd were very good to me over the years.

 

as I said I did a lot of touring in my 4x4 both in Thailand and Laos and though never really went off road on purpose found it enabled me to explore national; parks and dirt roads that your would not have considered in a saloon or even standard 4x4 pickup.

 

Eventually I discard paper maps in general in favour ofGoogle maps in Thailand and OSMD in Laos. The only paper maps I kept were Hobo and GTRider

 

 

Thank you kindly Thunglom????????????????????
I have a Ford Ranger Wildtrak  4x4 with only 40,000 km on it and this needs to be rectified. I appreciate your extensive feedback and want to thank you kindly. All the best mate and take care????????????????????

6 hours ago, jack7106 said:

Thank you kindly Thunglom????????????????????
I have a Ford Ranger Wildtrak  4x4 with only 40,000 km on it and this needs to be rectified. I appreciate your extensive feedback and want to thank you kindly. All the best mate and take care????????????????????

"Rectified"?? - not sure what spec that is at present - in Thailand. I covered a lot of miles in mine over 15 years. Firstly a Mitsu Strada, which I raised a couple of inches. Then a Navara with a 5 in lift and various mods inc locking diffs. Between them I covered over 500,000 km. The most useful thing I found was increase in ground clearance. This was also improved by large tyres. the locking diffs were seldom used but got me out of some serious mud on occasions. I think a snorkel might have been useful....

Parts and accessories- ARB have a factory in Amata Nakorn and MCC have a factory in Bang Bueng, if you are looking for bull bars etc. VVP have everything. ( http://www.vvp4x4.com )

here is the Hobo maps address...

 

https://hobomaps.com/GoldenNorthMap.html

 

Wander around their site - their maps are fantastically useful if you want to explore some dirt roads. They are particularly good in Laos and Northern Thailand

Good trail maps for north Thailand are available from GTR website: https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/gtr-maps-promotion-10-discount-free-delivery.15673/

Hey Jack, 

 

mate I’m just about to get into 4wd off-roading and camping etc. if your keen to catch up maybe we could suss them together or something. I’m also an Aussie in Pattaya. 
 

just about to do a 2014 Vigo champ build. ????

 

hit me up mate.