I would be sending their CEO an Email....then publish response on this forum.

Every winter we get tips for snow driving.They state the obvious every year!

....this issue is of major concern...Hotham needs to address this ASAP

They need to make it easier for their consumers....

They need to provide a better response in dealing with these issues on the mountain when consumers approach their staff.

At the very least .....Ticket stations should have additive or kero on hand ...and can issue it for minimal cost should patrons enquire.
They need to improve their response....they need to treat their customers with more respect!

 

I agree with this in parts...

Yes absolutely poor response, and doesnt matter whether it was RMB or Lift co a complaint should be made. The ladies and gents taking these calls are most likely not mechanics or diesel specialists and should simply state that. Yes have something on the website which probs should read " If driving a diesel to Mt Hotham please contact your vehicle manufacturer about Alpine Diesel and or additives to prevent "waxing".

The RMB should not be making claims about how to run your vehicle or what to put in it. Similarly they should not be selling additives as it could adversely affect or damage the engine, and they would be liable. Also they would need to carry every brand, and have a diesel specialist on hand to provide advice. I would not be going near this with a barge pole!

How much easier can it be made:
1. the road is sealed from top to bottom
2. the is yellow lines and snow poles, now with lights on them.
3. there is lighting in some chain bays
4. there is a website with plenty of info, could there be more yes there can always be more
5. there is something like 50+ signs that state, chains must be carried, danger, snow and ice, drive slowly etc etc
6. the vehicle owner must take responsibility, and not simply blame everyone else which seems to be the trend in modern society
7. the road is cleared 24 hrs/day
8. the RMB/Lift Co is not in charge of the fuel companies and how they manage diesel blends
9, The RMB/Lift Co do not manufacture vehicles
10. The RMB/Lift Co are not in charge of the road
11. and last but not least the RMB/Lift Co do not manage the weather

 

RACV man/woman......!

We need to get him signed up on this forum to give us the relevant information and breakdown of stats relating to diesel waxing issue.

 

Can i ask what date this was (your departure morning)?

And also how many nights your car was parked at Hotham?

I would also email Vail. Their customer service experience is vastly better than anything i have every seen in Australia. I agree that they should be providing helpful tips.

But its an interesting issue. So many people don't believe it, disagree with Australia getting cold enough etc. Pretty shit if as non believers they then had a go at resort staff.

However i do agree its not their fault to provide emergency accommodation 'tips'.

Not sure about RACV, but NRMA platinum members of which you MUST be a member of if your car is over a tonne (which a lot of 4wd are) would have paid for your nights accom. But they wouldn't have sourced it for you.

Same as Travel insurance don't find you a doctor.

 

Urgh, that sucks @GC1 . We left on Saturday lunchtime and were lucky. Filled up my 70L tank with 60L of alpine diesel in Caltex Myrtleford, plus half a bottle of additive. Started first go, but I was worried it wouldn't. Car totally buried!

 

> Car totally buried!

That will keep in warmer then air temp often, as snow/ice is zero degrees, the air temp can be much lower.

 

Car igloo!

 

True that!

 

Good tip.

Will be shoveling on. .... instead of off from now on.

 

Stick nose into bank....and build upnlittle wall around wheel arches etc..

Team Bears still place blanket over top of engine....newspaper,old jumpers etcetc
Just not near battery terminals*****

But diesels still need “anti wax”treatment prior to driving up Mt.

And we still have woollen footy beanie over fuel filter element!

 

You need 90+% alpine diesel for it to be effective you’ll find the people having issues are using a blend.
Last weekend I ran bp Alpine diesel with no issues but it was 100%. Hell I even got a guy going within 45mins by adding a special
Blend of diesel into his car and using a torch under the engine bay.

Fill up with alpine diesel and treat what’s in the tank you won’t have an issue.