Before going off-road, get to know the vehicle in all respects. For instance does it steer nicely, do the brakes function properly, is the suspension in good order? Is the transmission working perfectly, i.e. the main gearbox and transfer box? The last thing you want when descending your first steep hill off-road is for either the main gearbox or transfer box to drop into neutral. Oh? It happens to even the tidiest little Land Rover purchased.
All Land Rover vehicles have a chassis. Don’t take it for granted that what the towing hook is bolted to is solid.
The rear crossmember could be terribly rusted through, which could cause unbelievable problems if the back of the vehicle parted company when being recovered backwards or when you are recovering someone else forwards, or you may have badly rusted dumb irons on the front at the point where the bumper attaches to the chassis.
Imagine being stuck up to your axles in mud and being recovered forward. The vehicle in front takes off, the rope tightens with a jolt, and then there’s a bang and a lurch. You sound the horn to stop your friend from continuing with the impossible. He stops; you both get out and look at the front of your beloved Land Rover. The bumper has moved a good three inches forward taking the front leaf springs and axle with it. The chassis has snapped behind the front spring hangers, the front prop shaft has fallen apart, the axle being connected only by the now horizontal rear spring shackles. And the whole of the front of the vehicle has dropped alarmingly. Even worse, you are stranded miles from anywhere.
Have it Serviced
Whatever vehicle you use, and whatever its age, the best way to ensure that it is ready to be taken off-road is to have it serviced regularly.
If you are to do a lot of off-road driving on a regular basis, i.e. most weekends, then expect to tighten up the servicing schedules enormously. As a rule of thumb, at least halve the mileage between each service, if not more! Especially if you enjoy driving muddy water areas.
lAND ROVER SERIES OFF ROAD
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