For Newbies (Like Me) to LC200 and Off Roading (1 Viewer)

[Dan Higgins]

Although I have spent a couple years doing modest off roading with a Land Rover LR4 (great stuff) and learned a lot (though not nearly enough) about how to drive off road I am new to driving an LC off road. Also, being relatively inexperienced at off road driving, I am TERRIBLE at "determining the line". I get out of the vehicle and look things over and even then I am very unsure as to whether the line will work (and I take forever checking everything.) There may be some of you who are new to all this and are similarly challenged.

There are plenty of videos and training materials on off road driving best practices, etc. I've been through "formal" training a couple of times. But I still struggle to see the line. (All of which is great.)

But I checked out a couple of threads this weekend including a very good review of the 2016 LC by a group in AU. And while watching it I found myself looking closely at the line they were using and what the vehicle did as they went through it. Maybe this is a good way to envision what the lines are "possible", how the vehicle behaves, what speed is needed (or not - "slow as you can, fast as you must"), etc. Also, the one from AU is actually somewhat educational on the 2016 LC. Be sure to read the comments as well.

 

[TonyP]

The "Brake traction control" part of the first video was very interesting. There's certainly no replacement for lockers but in most case I don't see them being needed with these modern systems

 

[Markuson]

Although I have spent a couple years doing modest off roading with a Land Rover LR4 (great stuff) and learned a lot (though not nearly enough) about how to drive off road I am new to driving an LC off road. Also, being relatively inexperienced at off road driving, I am TERRIBLE at "determining the line". I get out of the vehicle and look things over and even then I am very unsure as to whether the line will work (and I take forever checking everything.) There may be some of you who are new to all this and are similarly challenged.

There are plenty of videos and training materials on off road driving best practices, etc. I've been through "formal" training a couple of times. But I still struggle to see the line. (All of which is great.)

But I checked out a couple of threads this weekend including a very good review of the 2016 LC by a group in AU. And while watching it I found myself looking closely at the line they were using and what the vehicle did as they went through it. Maybe this is a good way to envision what the lines are "possible", how the vehicle behaves, what speed is needed (or not - "slow as you can, fast as you must"), etc. Also, the one from AU is actually somewhat educational on the 2016 LC. Be sure to read the comments as well.

I would suggest you meet up with other LC owners in your area and head up a few trails with them. By following them, you not only can mimic their lines, but you'll be able to see exactly what their rigs do as they go.

One of the best things about taking my wife along on the 200's in Ouray trip this summer was that it let her actually SEE other trucks do what I've always had to convince her was OK for us to do. In the past, this made her very nervous, because it can be hard to visualize what's going on...how close you are to drops, rocks, and just how leaned a truck can be before it's in danger. The fact that she could SEE other trucks doing what we were doing completely changed her perspective and made her suddenly realize that I wasn't crazy after all.

I see you are in Denver. There are a LOT of friendly folks here in your area, and I'm sure they would be happy to have you along for some trails--though maybe it's getting messy in winter now...?

Are you interested in joining us in Breckenridge this summer? Should be all manner of experience levels and modification.

 

[Dan Higgins]

Great point, @Markuson. When I took that first lesson with Bill Burke in my LR4 almost 3 years ago (which was mostly rock ledges and steep hills) and a year later with the Land Rover instructor (which was all mud and trees) probably the biggest thing was "seeing" what the vehicle could do and feeling how it did it. Following lines was easy because I was either following the instructor or following their directions.

But, yes, winter isn't the best time for wheeling around here. In fact, the snow does not clear on some of the trails until July or later.

I do plan to join you all in Breck if my schedule allows. I've posted a couple of things on that thread. Not only is it a good opportunity to learn, it is a good opportunity to go with others in case something does happen. Are you planning to come? If so, that must mean that your body is healing.

 

[RTaylor]

Nice reminder how beastly the 200 is from the factory. The drivers of each, especially the first, seem very good at picking the right line to optimize traction and clearance. Thanks for sharing.

The '16+ electronics are pretty cool looking. I've got overhead camera and tiltmeter envy.

 

[Dan Higgins]

Overhead cam is great around town. So so offroad for the reasons the viewer mentioned. I use it a lot when parking. And in my early days with the truck, I used it to help determine if I was centered in a "lane" (lines in a parking lot) and from that determined my visual "look" for driving the truck centered in whatever trail I'm on.

Tiltmeter is also cool in helping me understand what it feels like to be at a certain side angle.

 

[ryanCA]

Nice reminder how beastly the 200 is from the factory. The drivers of each, especially the first, seem very good at picking the right line to optimize traction and clearance. Thanks for sharing.

The '16+ electronics are pretty cool looking. I've got overhead camera and tiltmeter envy.

Agree
Great videos

Showed even in stock mall crawl status LC can ball out hard

Of course in the USA you can't be a member of this forum without buying sliders first

 

[mcgaskins]

Of course in the USA you can't be a member of this forum without buying sliders first

If you've ever wheeled a truck without sliders and smashed the rockers you'd know how valid the advice is to add sliders first. Sure many people add them without needing them because they don't wheel, but if you actually wheel on things like rocks you need sliders on virtually all LCs from the 80 series on to avoid very expensive body damage.

 

[ryanCA]

If you've ever wheeled a truck without sliders and smashed the rockers you'd know how valid the advice is to add sliders first. Sure many people add them without needing them because they don't wheel, but if you actually wheel on things like rocks you need sliders on virtually all LCs from the 80 series on to avoid very expensive body damage.

Didn't say sliders are bad. This is a newbie thread and the video posted are GREAT for newbies to watch to see the capabilities who aren't like many of us who grew up on LC and Patrols for last 45 years.


Been wheeling our Nissan patrols and LC since the mid 80s

The videos that were posted first one was bone stock truck

Second was front bumper only

Just making a observation that there was no sliders

Good day

 

[mark71]

Best part of first video was the sound of that diesel V8!

 

[Dan Higgins]

Best part of first video was the sound of that diesel V8!

True. I have noticed the sound of the V8 on my LC more of late. Not sure why. But I also remember that when I had my LR4, others on that forum often commented on the V8 as most of them had older (2013 and earlier LR4s which had a V8). I had a 2014 and that had changed to a SCV6. I had no experience with a V8. (Except for the 429 4-barrel in my dad's station wagon in the early 1970s.). I didn't know what I was missing. What is nice with the 2016 LC is the combination of the V8 and the 8-speed transmission (if the new-ish tranny proves to hold up over time.). I feel much better about towing with the LC than I did with the LR4.

 

[Romer]

Come to the local Land Cruiser Club meeting tomorrow night at Stevenson West. First Wednesday of every month execpt for May when we put on Cruise Moab. I joined in 2004 having wheeled a bit and learned a lot of techniques from fellow club members. We feel that is what a club is supposed to do. We also never leave anyone or their vehicle on a trail. When I had little experience, I had no problem wheeling alone. Now that I have some I always go with a buddy. Anyone can get hung up and could use a strap now and then. Check out our club forum.

Rising Sun Member Forums - Powered by vBulletin

You dont have to be a member to hang out or go wheeling with us on any of the posted events in the 4weel staging events. Want to go offroad, start a thread and work out a time and place with others.

There are a few of us 200 owners members. I think there are now 5 200's in the club if you count Slee, Myself, Matt, Jackson and Not sure if Dave joined

 

[mcgaskins]

I second coming to a Rising Sun meeting. It's probably the best club I've ever been a part of automotive or other!

 

[Dan Higgins]

Thanks for the tip on Rising Sun! Great idea. I have a 6:30 meeting down south tomorrow night but if it is over in time I'll drive on up. I know where Stevinson's is. I'll bring an application.

 

[Romer]

You wont be able to join tomorrow. You have to go to an event and a meeting (Tomorrow counts) any wheeling trip with members counts. The reason is it gives you a chance to hang out and get to know us and make sure thats what you want before we take your money. Non members are not treated any different and can hang and wheel with us as long as you wish. One guy hung out with us for 5 years before joining.

Ina couple of weeks Cruise Moab opens up and thats the first week of May. We run guided trail runs and help spot new folks over obstacles and then hang out at Slickrock campground at night with Slee, Kurt Williams, Cruiser Dan and aheeemmm Romer There are trail runs for all levels of drivers and its a blast. The Vendor night on Thursday is awesome with all your favorite vendors right there showing their wares

 

[Dan Higgins]

Thanks! Not sure if I'll make it tonight with the weather that's moving in. (Not concerned about the snow as much as the other drivers.) But I'll try to make future meetings. As for Cruise Moab, I typically have a business trip the first week of each May. That may change this year but for now the mid-week involvement with Cruise Moab would be a no-go. If I can make it I'll help out however I can. And if possible I'll join any easy-moderate trail runs this summer if I am around.