The decision of a non-commercial vehicle owner to purchase a pickup or SUV, is usually born out of necessity. In Trinidad & Tobago, potholes and roads in various states of disrepair are commonplace as are unpaved gravel and dirt roads, and pathways. Land owners, developers, farmers and nature seekers regularly traverse these areas where obstacles, undulations, hills and slippery surfaces would render regular cars useless. And as seen in the last week, we have floods, where the height and the engine’s ability to breathe moved to the top of the priority list in terms of passing through flooded areas.
In the view of the current law, it seems that owners should anticipate all their needs at the time of purchasing such a vehicle, and if the factory doesn’t supply it, they should simply buy a different vehicle or suffer. They should also ignore the fact that there is an entire aftermarket industry dedicated to solving the issues of individual owner needs. It is rumoured that licensing officers have been detaining owners of modified pickups, requesting that they be re-certified for road-worthiness, or in some instances actually issuing tickets. The 4×4 and off-road associations, fraternities and communities have been under scrutiny after helping those under water, just days after the devastating floods hit various parts of Trinidad & Tobago. In our eyes, these actions are herioc and exemplary, they really deserve our thanks instead.
Popular modifications include vehicle lift kits, larger wheels and tyres, off-road tyres, snorkel breathers, engine power enhancers, light bars, aftermarket lights and low-visibility and fog lamps, racks, tray covers, over-fenders, brush bars, winches and more. While there is no denying that many owners also add items that enhance their vehicle’s style to their personal liking, the overwhelming majority of modifications are indeed functional in terms of upgrading the vehicle’s capabilities. None of it is rocket science and most modifications can be performed by regular mechanics and off-road vehicle specialists. The one complaint that I have heard of from car owners is the kicking up of pebbles and debris from off-road tyres, resulting in windshield damage– mud flaps and larger fenders could easily solve this one.
rganised 4×4 groups include:
• Side B Offroad Group
• Trinidad Trail Seekers
• TrailBlazers Offroad Club
• Hilux Club of Trinidad and Tobago
• Ford Ranger Club of T&T (FRCTT)
• Mazda B2500 T&T
• Mudaholics
• Team Torque
• Abs Offroad
• Mud-outlaws
• Isuzu 4×4 Club
• L200 Group of Trinidad and Tobago
• Gear Tech
• Out a Control Off-roaders
• Jimny Club TT
• Navara Club TT
Article credits Zorce Magazine.
http://www.zorce.com/2014Z3/index.php/departments/departments/motorsports/off-road/757-off-roaders-under-scrutiny-helpful-now-helpless
My 2 cents they should acknowledge these vehicles as a huge plus in time of natural disasters and should simply do ah special inspection bay to verify or approve the mods done to picks so they can be safe on the nations roads instead of using. Us in time of need and then charging us for the same .