Tripmeter
A precise supplementary instrument for measuring the distance driven – more accurate than the standard odometer. The co-driver's key tool, often called a tripmaster.
What is a tripmeter?
The tripmeter is a precise supplementary instrument that measures the distance driven far more accurately than the standard odometer. It is the co-driver's key tool: only by comparing the distances given in the roadbook with the distance actually driven can the team know at every tulip where it stands. Colloquially the tripmeter is often simply called a tripmaster, after the classic ‘Halda Tripmaster’.
Don't forget to calibrate
The measurement depends on tyre pressure, tyre size and driving style, so the tripmeter must be calibrated before every rally – usually against a reference distance measured by the organiser. Even small errors add up over a long day and distort every distance figure.
Devices and types
| Device / brand | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Halda Tripmaster / Twinmaster | mechanical (classic) | Calibrated by changing gear wheels; not manufactured for decades, sought-after and expensive; at strict historic events often the only period-correct addition allowed. |
| Prestel (RallyeMaster) | mechanical / electromechanical (made in Germany) | German maker (Prestel+Gemmer) with a range from the hourglass class to rally computers; the RallyeMaster odometers with two counters are accepted at many classic events. |
| Brantz | electronic | Distance-only dual display, affordable, easy to calibrate and widely accepted. |
| Terratrip | electronic rally computer | Distance to several decimal places, switchable between kilometres and miles (models such as 101 Plus, 202+, 303+). |
| Blunik | regularity computer | More than a tripmeter: it monitors prescribed averages, continuously recalculates deviations and offers speed tables, some with GPS. |
| Zero Time | regularity computer (high-end) | Italian maker from Bergamo (since 2020); its flagship Zero 3 combines a chronometer, tripmeter and average-speed computer in one device, showing times, distances and deviations in real time. |
GPS tripmeters are easier to fit, but many organisers of classic rallies treat them like navigation devices and do not allow them – it is worth checking the regulations.
Glossary from A to Z
Related terms
Odometer
The distance counter built into every vehicle and the simplest form of distance recorder. Usually too imprecise for rally navigation – the more accurate tripmeter is used for that.
Odometer check
A short, measured section at the start of a TSD rally where the crew compares its odometer with the official distance (also odometer calibration run, OCR).
Correction factor
The factor from the odometer check used to convert the rallymaster's distances to the crew's own odometer – calculated as 'official distance divided by your own'.