Right i have just read this entire thread, james r leard to respect others before intelligence before you go shouting your mouth off and telling them they are full of horse****!
From what i have read on here you have don't seem to be capable of maintaining a friendship or even a working relationship long enough to go on a 'mates' laning trip, hence your need to pay for it!
Your disrespect and contempt for everyone else's opinion is amazing, i have discussed protrax with someone who went on one when i was out with my mates the general gist of the conversation was the guy would never go anywhere near them again.
18 vehicles in convoy be it as a single group or 2 groups that met up is NOT acceptable! even my little brother could tell you that and he's 13
i think an 18 vehicle convoy will do some damage thats 36tons of vehicle overall (vehicle + passengers and kit) especially if some most of them are running mud tyres
every vehicle on a laning trip should have a minimum amount of recovery kit and knowledge front and rear recovery points (not lashing points), a decent rated rope or strop, rated shackles and a spade
go now slag off what i have said ......... i'm waiting