Why Did The Defender Beat The Discovery 5? This was a tough decision. These cars are very similar. Engines are similar, dimensions are similar, towing credentials are similar. They play in the same sandbox. Yet, they have very different personalities. In the end, I decided that Discovery is the better all-around car while the Defender… Continue reading Defender vs Discovery 5: Which Is Better Touring 4WD?
Month: January 2022
How Reliable Is My Land Rover Discovery?
I bought my D4 brand new. Almost the next day I began to think that it was a lemon. The car was flat bedded back to the dealer at least 5 times in the first 6 months of its life. It had turbo issues, electrical issues, a snapped CV (during some mild 4WDing at Stockton… Continue reading How Reliable Is My Land Rover Discovery?
The Psychology Of 4WD Ownership
We love our 4WDs. They’re not soulless, practical solutions to the problem of locomotion. Whether we like it or are aware of it, our cars form parts of our identities. As humans, we identify with certain brands that we feel support our perception of ourselves. Being a Toyota owner means something. Being a Land Rover… Continue reading The Psychology Of 4WD Ownership
3 Biggest 4WD Payload Killers
Payload is important because very few 4WDs can act as capable, reliable tourers in their stock form. In most cases, you’ll need to add about 150-500 kg of aftermarket equipment in order to raise the car’s survivability, offroad performance and practicality. Such items are: bullbar winch door sill protection bash plates suspension lift light truck… Continue reading 3 Biggest 4WD Payload Killers
How To Choose The Best 4WD For Touring Australia
Choosing the best touring 4WD starts with comparing GCMs, GVMs and payload figures. You need to make sure that the 4WD you plan to buy can tow your caravan and carry your gear. But beyond that, 5 other critical factors come into play. 1. Comfort. Specifically, interior comfort. Before you push back with “who cares… Continue reading How To Choose The Best 4WD For Touring Australia
GVM vs GCM vs TBM: Which Are You Most Likely To Exceed?
Exceeding your GVM, GCM or rear axle load is easier than you’d think. Let me break it down. Your large 20-21-foot van weighs about 2700 – 3000 kg tare, depending on options and build. (Some vans are a bit heavier while some are a bit lighter, but this is a good ballpark) Before you tow… Continue reading GVM vs GCM vs TBM: Which Are You Most Likely To Exceed?
Why Most 3.5 Tonne Towing Capacity Claims Are False
Manufacturers love to boast about their big 3.5 and 4.5 tonne towing capacities. Unfortunately, these are mostly untrue. To understand why, we need to take a step back and understand that there are two types of trailers: Pig. Has 1 axle group, which is located near the middle of the trailer. Dog. Has 2 axle… Continue reading Why Most 3.5 Tonne Towing Capacity Claims Are False
Does A GVM Upgrade Increase Your Towing Capacity?
Having a GVM upgrade allows you to go touring with all of the equipment that you need. It means you can carry water, extra fuel, extra spare tyres, tools and accessories. But there are some caveats that you must take into account. Not all GVM upgrades increase your towing capacity. In the case of the… Continue reading Does A GVM Upgrade Increase Your Towing Capacity?