Do I need a Roll Bar?

Lightweight88 · Gate Opener Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Odometer: 17

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and the Club (and offroading!). I have a series 3 Lightweight and would like to enter it in RTV events. I see from the rules info that came through with my membership that " any vehicle which in the opinion of the CoC does not give sufficient rollover protection in the form of a hard roof or rollbar.... may be excluded". My Lightweight is a soft top so I'm guessing I need a cage or bar ?!!

What spec of rollbar do I need for RTVs? Can you recommend any suppliers? I've contacted Performance and Protection who are quoting £242+vat for a hoop and stays kit.

Thanks in advance,
hope to see you at an RTV soon!
M

crazymac · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

Yes, minimum rear hoop, cross brace and stays, which must be fastened to the chassis.

definately safer, and to be honest, that seems a reasonable price!

also try here

http://www.whitbread-offroad.co.uk/home.php3

http://www.exactfabrication.co.uk/

North off road

QT

Malcolm Whitbread really know his stuff.

gazguzzler · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:10 pm Post subject:

I believe the Rules state you maybe excluded from a course (not the event) if the Cof C doesn't feel you have suitable roll over protection. IE if a course looks bad, for your own safety you will be excluded from it.

So a rollbar is always the best solution, or a cheaper (and not as good solution) is to fit a truck cab or hard top roof.

Have you been along to watch yet?

In your situation I would put a truck cab on for the time being and do a few events and then decide what you want to do from there. You will probably find after a few events you will want tyres and things. You can always take the truck cab back off again.

Also I believe CrazyMac isnt a member of our club (given where he is from), you DONT need a rollcage of any specific spec in our club for RTVs.

See you along sometime

Phil

Lightweight88 · Gate Opener Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Odometer: 17

Crazymac / Phil,

Thanks for the replies.

Phil, thanks for the truck cab idea.

I did come along and watch at an event last year. I hope to come along on the 20th to watch. Can you tell me how I can get directions to the event?

Many thanks,
Malcolm

crazymac · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject:

It depends on your club and what rules they follow doesn't it?

The west wales club used to allow a truck cab/ full roof as sufficient in classes 1 and 2, but although "technically" the trials were considered suitable for all, in reality they were CCV not RTV!

at the end of the 2006 season, they announced that for the coming season ALL vehicles must have a minimum rear hoop, cross brace and stays and that it must comform to MSA regs! That scuppered my machine for a bit as although I had the rear hoop etc, it wasn't one continious loop, so fell foul! (bloody annoying!)

As gazguzzler says, a truck cab should be fine for most RTV trial sections, and remember a VERY important point,

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DRIVE ANY SECTION OR PART OF A SECTION THAT YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH!! (sorry for shouting Embarassed

)

If you read the ground well (it will come with experience) you will realise that sometimes its not worth driving on, cos you may sustain damage or just get really stuck and hold things up with a lengthy recovery! for no actual gain in the points!

The most important thing is to enjoy, get a truck cab on and go for it! you can always dd a rear hoop etc in later without spoiling the machine.

bertie_bas205 · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject:

My question would be..... Do you really think a truck cab would protect you if the vehicle rolls ?????

Bertie.

gazguzzler · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:17 am Post subject:

Lightweight88 · Gate Opener Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Odometer: 17

thanks for the replies.

I am referring to the BORDC rules. I'm going to keep looking into options for rollbars but go along to the Balloch Wood RTV this month and hopefully meet with some of you guys before going ahead.

What is the best way to get directions to the event?

Many thanks
Malcolm

crazymac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

crazymac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

crazymac · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:43 am Post subject:

AndyH aka Mad4x4 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:14 am Post subject:

RTV at Lenabo about 3 Years ago ..

Lightweight88 · Gate Opener Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Odometer: 17

Good point well made!