Improving on the D4... designing the D5.

[RoverLander]

If you could sit with the LR Engineer who is designing the D5 what improvements or changes would you ask them to make?

I've now owned my D4 3.0 TDV6 HSE for 4 weeks and here is where I would start. I love my car and some of these suggestions are trivial... but hey why not ask?

Gear Display: I want to know what gear the auto box is in when in Drive. Please add the gear number next to the D on the display screen. (ie D1, D2 etc)
Spare tyre access without unloading: I’m not looking forward to the day where I have a fully loaded car on a rainy day on a muddy road. Everything will have to be unpacked to allow me to raise the back seats so I can get at the spare wheel lowering nut. Can this be located elsewhere or accessed from the rear. It still needs to be secure.
Air filter accessible via clips (not screws). If I’m going to be doing it regularly on a trip then I want it to be easy and tool free.
Trip Computer: Cycle through trip computer readouts. Currently you have to go back to vehicle set up menu to get to the trip A, B or Auto settings. Can I have two lines displayed with say Trip A or B and Auto.
GPS functionality: Mentioned in another recent post. It is difficult to use and lacks many of the functions in a windscreen mounted unit you can now purchase for around $200. Map updates for these units are around $100. I won’t be paying the $300 LR asks for an update.
Rework the plastic side covers in the rear cargo area to maximise storage space.
Auto hold use of electronic parking brake. I have this on my Passat. Once selected the car automatically turns on the electronic park brake everytime the car comes to a complete stop. You can then take your foot of the brake and simply drive off when the traffic starts to flow.
Glasses holder in upper roof area. I can’t find anywhere easy to access from the drivers seat to store my sunnies.
There is a start. I will add more as I think of them. I'll be interested to see what others suggest... but dont mention wheels:o

[rmp]

For the D4:

No restrictions on any height settings. My car, my life, I'll drive at 200km/h at offroad height if I want.

Manual overrides for all electronic settings eg centre diff lock

Anything I set stays set, no computer sneaking around behind my back.

More space under the bonnet (a la D3)

Option for 17" rims

The new Vogue TDV8 engine and transmission :cool:

Larger display for TR settings on the centre dash

Seperate displays for media and nav/info

The Vogue's dual/single screen display

Front e-locker

A detailed technical manual explaining all sorts of things about how it works so we don't need to guess

Rocksliders

Field replaceable units like aircraft. Blown ECU? Pull it out, pop in another, gone and done. You'd carry spares like you do tyres and hoses.

Some vague idea WTF is happening in the event of an error so the driver can make an informed decision instead of the car having a panic attack and deciding it's too ill to do anything.



that'll do for the moment.

I like all the original ideas as well. X 2.

[ADMIRAL]

For the D4:

No restrictions on any height settings. My car, my life, I'll drive at 200km/h at offroad height if I want.

Manual overrides for all electronic settings eg centre diff lock

Anything I set stays set, no computer sneaking around behind my back.

More space under the bonnet (a la D3)

Option for 17" rims

The new Vogue TDV8 engine and transmission :cool:

Larger display for TR settings on the centre dash

Seperate displays for media and nav/info

The Vogue's dual/single screen display

Front e-locker

A detailed technical manual explaining all sorts of things about how it works so we don't need to guess

Rocksliders

Field replaceable units like aircraft. Blown ECU? Pull it out, pop in another, gone and done. You'd carry spares like you do tyres and hoses.

Some vague idea WTF is happening in the event of an error so the driver can make an informed decision instead of the car having a panic attack and deciding it's too ill to do anything.



that'll do for the moment.

I like all the original ideas as well. X 2.

Sounds great....but would it be affordable. A D5 at $170000.00. I would stay with just affordable, and the many compromises. Perhaps something achievable such as accessories at less than 10% of the value of the vehicle.
On second thoughts...............unrestricted speed at any height. Yes I would pay for that. 17" rims ..? I think we are dreaming.

[Graeme]

...unrestricted speed at any height. Yes I would pay for that. ........ ..? I think we are dreaming.
Nah, not dreaming.

Soon you will be able to buy a plug-in module that allows urestricted speed raised to off-road or 60% off-road, or lowered to access or 60% access, or off-road or 60% access, or access or 60% off-road, or even your own max height or 60% of that. Both the RRS and D3/4 drivers should be happy!

[Disco4SE]

Nah, not dreaming.

Soon you will be able to buy a plug-in module that allows urestricted speed raised to off-road or 60% off-road, or lowered to access or 60% access, or off-road or 60% access, or access or 60% off-road, or even your own max height or 60% of that. Both the RRS and D3/4 drivers should be happy!
Graeme, I would imagine this would greatly effect your warranty, as the handling, braking etc of the vehicle has been set up at the standard ride height.
I couldnt imagine hooking in to a long sweeping bend at 100Kph and expecting it to handle as if it were at standard height.
Having said this, I agree........it would be good if it were not limited to 40Kph.
Cheers, Craig

[Neil P]

....Spare tyre access without unloading .... raise the back seats so I can get at the spare wheel lowering nut ...

You never have to raise the seats , after a 2 min. mod .

......... doesn't your D4 hold on a hill , my D3 copes well with a 1:3 .......

[rmp]

It's warn at 40 lower at 50.

For those with D3s older than 3 years who cares about warranty!

Graeme....love your work!

[Neil P]

...Nah, not dreaming...

Don't let LRA discover your Identity or location ; CaverD3 was
contacted by their Legal Team .............. :o

[rmp]

Don't let LRA discover your Identity or location ; CaverD3 was
contacted by their Legal Team .............. :o

....and he still seems to be walking and talking.

[Neil P]

... and using alot of toilet paper

[clubagreenie]

LR can't be that scary. They aren't a big brother because if they were they'd hear what we're saying. Proof they don't is they seem to do everything the opposite.

And I carry spare bog roll in the car anyway

[RoverLander]

Some more good suggestions... I guess I was looking more for the things that could be done without significant additional cost to the next model. More the things that anoy you in the day to day use of the car or things that could be added with little cost to make the car more useuable.

[Graeme]

as the handling, braking etc of the vehicle has been set up at the standard ride height.
I couldnt imagine hooking in to a long sweeping bend at 100Kph and expecting it to handle as if it were at standard height.
You should experience the handling when partly lowered - a real sports car, and looks grouse too! Surprisingly it rides most bumps very well, even on my driveway, but the occasional one is really felt.

I wont be selling them myself.

[Chris Preso]

Having been in my new 2.7 for only a couple of weeks, I miss the overhead storage above the driver and front passenger seats in my D2. A great space for lots of stuff. Loving the D4, a dream to drive.

[gps-au]

Having been in my new 2.7 for only a couple of weeks, I miss the overhead storage above the driver and front passenger seats in my D2. A great space for lots of stuff. Loving the D4, a dream to drive.

Strange.... I would have thought Department of the Interior Car Consoles & 4WD Storage Drawers overhead consoles roof consoles custom built consoles 4WD interiors storage systems vehicle consoles radio console dashboard pod four wheel drive (http://www.consoles.com.au/) would have done one for the D3 and D4 to come.... but the D3 isn't even listed.

I do miss having an overhead console.

[ADMIRAL]

Nah, not dreaming.

Soon you will be able to buy a plug-in module that allows urestricted speed raised to off-road or 60% off-road, or lowered to access or 60% access, or off-road or 60% access, or access or 60% off-road, or even your own max height or 60% of that. Both the RRS and D3/4 drivers should be happy!

Is that the ' Made in Germany ' with a cost in the thousands ?

[ADMIRAL]

Some more good suggestions... I guess I was looking more for the things that could be done without significant additional cost to the next model. More the things that anoy you in the day to day use of the car or things that could be added with little cost to make the car more useuable.

Righto...seriously.



The ability to increase the speed before the suspension drops, or at least an increase in the threshold from 50 to something a little more reasonable...say 90kmh. I think we could live with that.



Next, increase the std fuel tank capacity. A little creative thinking should get the std tank up to something more reasonable. A minimum of 125 litres should be achievable.



A tiny bit more thinking to provide a location for a dual battery without having to move/modify anything. It would not be difficult.



Yes, you should be able to lower the spare ex factory without having to empty the cargo area ! Definitely a negative in a vehicle of this cost & class.



Finally, a few handles to assist getting onto and out of. Hopeless at present with the airbags taking the most likely locations, and the seats now using a metal rod pedestal for the headrest. This is a serious issue for those vertically challenged. Perhaps some comments from those who have graduated from a D3 to a D4 ? Are the D3 seats with the handle in the headrest a better option ?
I forgot....yes one uprated brake package for the different motor options, with calipers & rotors of a size to allow the fitment of rims down to 17" if desired. The saving on having one brake package on the production line, should make this at least a consideration.

[rmp]

Are the D3 seats with the handle in the headrest a better option ?

No.

If there was complete control over the suspension you could drop it with the doors open.

There could even be another ride height setting of "Load a Dwarf".

Part of my "total manual override" approach.

Thought of another one, manual override for the electronic tailgate release.

[gps-au]

No.

There could even be another ride height setting of "Load a Dwarf".




Now lets be politically correct.....

"Load a height impaired person"

[Disco4SE]

Righto...seriously.



The ability to increase the speed before the suspension drops, or at least an increase in the threshold from 50 to something a little more reasonable...say 90kmh. I think we could live with that.


Next, increase the std fuel tank capacity. A little creative thinking should get the std tank up to something more reasonable. A minimum of 125 litres should be achievable.


A tiny bit more thinking to provide a location for a dual battery without having to move/modify anything. It would not be difficult.


Yes, you should be able to lower the spare ex factory without having to empty the cargo area ! Definitely a negative in a vehicle of this cost & class.


Finally, a few handles to assist getting onto and out of. Hopeless at present with the airbags taking the most likely locations, and the seats now using a metal rod pedestal for the headrest. This is a serious issue for those vertically challenged. Perhaps some comments from those who have graduated from a D3 to a D4 ? Are the D3 seats with the handle in the headrest a better option ?

Yes, I agree with all of the above.
I have also found that with the far rear seats up, I cannot fit my fridge in whereas I could with the LC100. Could do with a bit more room here.

[stig0000]

A DIP STICK FOR THE DAM ENGINE:mad::mad:

[Slunnie]

Not that I have one, but larger diameter tyres, less weight, more suspension travel, front diff lock, and particularly a much bigger fuel tank.

[scarry]

Haven't got one,but i recon a larger fuel tank would be top of the wish list of many owners,also a dip stick for the engine,bit less weight & option of 17" rims.......

Now can someone send this thread over to LR?

[Disco4SE]

Haven't got one,but i recon a larger fuel tank would be top of the wish list of many owners,also a dip stick for the engine,bit less weight & option of 17" rims.......

Now can someone send this thread over to LR?

Do you think they would listen? Wilst they are selling plenty, I think not

[chuck]

I think suspension control is my wish.
Even if they upped the lowering speed to 60kmh.
Selectable grounding height would be great - lets face it most times when we need this one we risk doing damage to the undercarriage & are probably going very slowly.

Larger tyres & more conventional sizes would be good ie 32".

Regards

Chuck

[Graeme]

Is that the ' Made in Germany ' with a cost in the thousands ?
Made in Oz, and no.

[sniegy]

For me,
I would ask for 2 things (although i would like lots of things for free...)

1. Larger Fuel Tank/s
2. Higher Profile Tyres (giving an overall bigger circumference). Eg: 255/75/18 or 255/70/19 & 255/65/20....



Just thinking out loud.....

[ADMIRAL]

Made in Oz, and no.

Sounds interesting. I'll look forward to more detail.

[AGRO]

Hi,

I just got D4, 2.7 so I got dip stick. I had the beast 2mths now and am well pleased.

Desired

1..

17" Wheel Option should be able to happen ex factory. The French market has the option for 17" rims but LR Australia absolutely, positively and stubbornly will not import base mosels with 17" rims.

2..

AT tyres should be available at delivery as an option. They are specified in the LR brochure but LR Australia refuse to deliver without cost AT tyres.

3..

Increased off road height spead - 60-80kms/hr seems reasonable

4..

Selectable Extended Offroad height constrained by speed and TC mode rather than using a jack or a bump.

5..

Larger fuel tank

[Disco4SE]

Hi,

I just got D4, 2.7 so I got dip stick. I had the beast 2mths now and am well pleased.

Desired

1..

17" Wheel Option should be able to happen ex factory. The French market has the option for 17" rims but LR Australia absolutely, positively and stubbornly will not import base mosels with 17" rims.

2..

AT tyres should be available at delivery as an option. They are specified in the LR brochure but LR Australia refuse to deliver without cost AT tyres.

3..

Increased off road height spead - 60-80kms/hr seems reasonable

4..

Selectable Extended Offroad height constrained by speed and TC mode rather than using a jack or a bump.

5..

Larger fuel tank
As a matter of interest, has anyone passed on any of this valuable information to LR? Both this, and previous posts?

[rmp]

Remember where LR makes its money. It's not froms sales to Aussie offroaders and most of our mods are offroad-specific. Very few non-offroader owners would even consider the items we list disadvantages, and some would consider them negatives such as taller tyres.

That said it doesn't hurt to flick it on. However, car manufacturers are very bad at reading forums, they've not really caught up with the Internet in general as of yet.

[Guss]

Nah, not dreaming.

Soon you will be able to buy a plug-in module that allows urestricted speed raised to off-road or 60% off-road, or lowered to access or 60% access, or off-road or 60% access, or access or 60% off-road, or even your own max height or 60% of that. Both the RRS and D3/4 drivers should be happy!

More info please.. and yes this is what I would like on the D5,

plus a larger fuel tank,
a better tow hitch,
an Air Compressor fitting to access the on board compressor as standard,
better access to the front tow point,
and flexable mud guards

[Graeme]

More info please..
Hopefully available within 6 weeks with proper info as it gets closer.

[clubagreenie]

As a matter of interest, has anyone passed on any of this valuable information to LR? Both this, and previous posts?

Why? It's like doing your tax return, a whole lot of effort for very little return.

[JDNSW]

I note that one item everyone mentions - bigger fuel tank. This is something that is applicable to the well heeled inner city dweller who is their primary customer - these occasionally drive long distances, and even if they do not, the fluctuations in fuel costs in Australian cities makes a large tank a valuable asset. And far too many cars sold here over the years (including most Landrovers - both my Landrovers have extra tanks!) have had far too small a tank.

John

[rmp]

I agree the range is too short (better way to think than tank too small) but for everyone else it's not a concern, and even less so in Europe. Aussies and offroaders are a tiny Disco market. LR would sell more cars, or be able to charge a higher price if they invested in other features than the ones we are describing many of which can be fixed aftermarket. Also, how many people are not buying the car because of these features? It is a slightly different question to 'what do you want' -- as we've moved on to 'what should LR do'.

[DiscoWeb]

I note that one item everyone mentions - bigger fuel tank. This is something that is applicable to the well heeled inner city dweller who is their primary customer - these occasionally drive long distances, and even if they do not, the fluctuations in fuel costs in Australian cities makes a large tank a valuable asset. And far too many cars sold here over the years (including most Landrovers - both my Landrovers have extra tanks!) have had far too small a tank.

John

I do not agree that this is a limiting factor for 99% of the buyers and particularly city owners.

The fact you can pack a D3 with the family and gear, fill the tank and drive 700 - 800 km means you can get to the snow and part way back on one tank, up to the Hunter and back, the Blue Mountains, that beach house 2 -3 hrs from the city etc, i.e do almost everything you the majority would want to do noting you drive past numerous service stations along these routes.

Realistically this is probably the extent of most owners "long distance" driving and I think most city owners would scratch their heads about need a bigger tank.

My prior car was a Subaru Forrester, 400 -500 km saw that out so from a range point of view the TDV6 is excellent, if I came from a Prado I might have a different point of view.

Now when I start thinking and planning outback travel and real long distance touring then sure a bigger tank would come into my wish list, just as a roo bar, 2nd battery etc would however as RMP said, there real is is only a very small number who need this capacity on a regular basis.

This is a very similar argument as to why LR went to 19" rims and not 18 or even 17" rims for the D4, most buyers do not see this as a limitation as most vehicles really only ever see blacktop.

Now if a bigger tank was a no cost option then it would be a box I would tick but otherwise it would not influence my buying decision.

Not meaning to put reality into the wish list but my 2c worth ?

George

[CaverD3]

As RMP said Aus is a very small market. Most of what we need for touring here in OZ only applies to us and the SA market.
LR Aus should be pushing for these changes; instead when a modification is proposed they try to stop it:


An independent journalist interviewed me about my adjustable rod ("Air-Up") system and an article was published in Overlander magazine saying the system is in development and will be available from Mitchell Bros when ready.
The system defaults to factory specification when off or if it fails. Gives an extra 30mm of height in all settings and is controlled from a switch on the dash (next to the light switch, but can be installed anywhere) Also has a nitto fitting to plug in an airline for the tyres (on MY05-MY08; bung at the front of the tank was deleted in the MY09 model).



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/06/376.jpg


The result of this was that LR set their lawyers onto me.
LR claimed the modification was illegal using VSI50 to justify their position and threatened to take an injunction out to stop the development or sale of my modification demanding I agree not to develop any system for LR air suspensions. (particularly ironic given that VSI50 also would have made all LR air suspension systems illegal)
When challenged as to what legal basis they intended to use to precede they finally admitted that the device was not illegal (as VSI50 was never enacted) and just said they would take no responsibility etc. (which is the situation for all aftermarket modifications and accessories)
It is up to the regulatory authorities to enforce regulations not LR. LR stated in their final response that they had spoken to the RTA and confirmed it was not illegal.



What surprised me and frankly I cannot understand was Overlanders attitude when they published what I take was a response to LR Aus contacting them. In it they advised that in their opinion you should not change the air suspension on a Land Rover. They quoted LR as saying they opposed the modification and it was illegal. Overlander did not approach myself or Mitchell Bros for a response to LR accusation or investigate the issue further.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/06/377.jpg

LR are within their rights to refuse a warranty claim if they believe a modification caused the failure (fair enough). It should be at your own risk but a manufacturer cannot void your whole warranty if you modify the vehicle.

Previously Overlander had pointed out the problem of the vehicles lowering at 50kph and suggested it should be a higher speed. This was denied in their response. Also they had also written in opposition to VSI50.

LR implied in their response to be careful before advertising in magazines like Overlander. :o :confused::mad:
So as long as you don't advertise or publish modifications in a national magazine you should be OK.

[gghaggis]

So as long as you don't advertise or publish modifications in a national magazine you should be OK.

A sobering experience, and one to keep in mind.

I recall someone on a couple of the D3 sites several years ago claiming to be an LR engineer looking for input on revising the specs for the next car (what became the D4). It was a similar list to the ones presented in this thread. I think the only thing that made it through was the repositioning of the terrain response control - not what you'd call a major update!

Cheers,

Gordon

[CaverD3]

LR really do not listen.
They lost a lot of the 4WD of the year comps because they didn't listen. (I wonder how many sales that lost them).
19 inch minimum wheels and no place for a second battery lost it a lot of points in bushability. Both easily fixed by small design change.
The only reason why LR Aust changed the tow hitch on the D4 was because Mitchell Bros making a better one.
What they produced was the best they could with the specs from LR head office.
They also oppose the Mitch hitch as well. :angel:
Don't hold your breath for the height at speed change.:angel:

Land Rover are the only manufacturer to take such an attitude to aftermarket additions.:mad:
They clearly did not read the article properly and reacted without thinking. Their lawyers also jumped the gun using regulations before they were enacted. But it gives some idea of what Land Rover would do if they were. It would also have made some spring mods illegal as well.

I think the guy was probably fired for using his initiative asking on a forum.:Rolling:

[Graeme]

What surprised me and frankly I cannot understand was Overlanders attitude when they published what I take was a response to LR Aus contacting them. In it they advised that in their opinion you should not change the air suspension on a Land Rover. They quoted LR as saying they opposed the modification and it was illegal.
This smacks of Overlander being scared into thinking they needed to protect themselves legally so effectively retracted their earlier support for the system, rather than having changed their mind on its ability to perform a task.

[RoverLander]

Some great suggestions and some more thoughts:
Darn I forgot to mention fuel capacity. 125l would be a great improvement and would probably cause me to buy a D5... as long as they leave the spare wheel under the car (and able to be lowered without emptying the cargo out). Did someone say they got 700-800km from their standard tank? I havent tested this but suspect I would get around 600 and maybe a lucky 700 out of a D4 HSE 3.0TDV6.
Tyre options at purchase time would be fantastic. Your intended use of the vehicle dictates the type of tyres you need. I asked when purchasing and this wan’t an option at my dealer. Do other manufacturers / dealers do this?
Air compressor connection.. wow that should just be a simple attachment to the air tank.. neat!
What’s the issue with manual override for electronic tail gate... is this an issue when the battery is flat... ie you can’t open the tailgate?
BTW I’m sure that the Land Rover Marketing team would be well across this type of internet chatter. Large organisations are quickly waking up to the need to monitor and react to internet content (I work for a large organisation that has now been doing this for 6 months). So lets let them know what we want. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind some extra D5 sales. Land Rover.... are you out there??
I don’t agree that some of the improvements identified are more for 4x4ing in Australia and so not of big enough concern to LR. If that was the case then Toyota and Nissan would also only have small fuel tanks as well.
Re the suspension mod. What you do to your vehicle should be your own business... as long as you know all the facts at the time of deciding. I personally would not want to stuff around with the suspension and most major systems in the car. The car has been tested as a package and mostly I will keep it standard so as to maximise reliability.

[rmp]

European Prados don't get long-range tanks. Prados are much higher volume of course, and I can't see a special build for a Discovery. After all, who would not buy a Discovery because of the range knowing it's fixable aftermarket? In any case you'd want proper long range, like 160L+, otherwise you'd be in the Patrol/LC200 situation where it's better than what it could have been but still people buy plenty of aftermarket tanks.

Plenty of dealers will swap tyres for you. Just ask. Several times ;-)

[CaverD3]

Air compressor connection.. wow that should just be a simple attachment to the air tank.. neat![/FONT]

Mitchell Bros do that. :D "Air off KIt" (byproduct of the suspension kit). Useful addition but not enough in the resevoir (9L at 240psi) to air up all tyres from sand pressures but useful re-fill after for smaller pressure reductions (and slow leaks).
MY09 and above is more complicated. No front bung, but I just put a kit on a D4 and had made a special connection and braket behind the air tank.


BTW I’m sure that the Land Rover Marketing team would be well across this type of internet chatter. Large organisations are quickly waking up to the need to monitor and react to internet content (I work for a large organisation that has now been doing this for 6 months). So lets let them know what we want. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind some extra D5 sales. Land Rover.... are you out there??

Wishfull thinking. :angel: We can only hope. But if the read this does not meen they will listen or do anything about it.


I don’t agree that some of the improvements identified are more for 4x4ing in Australia and so not of big enough concern to LR. If that was the case then Toyota and Nissan would also only have small fuel tanks as well.

Different markets unfortunately. Aus and Africa are big markeys for Toyota/Nissan, small for LR. Europe and UK are big for Land Rover small for Toyota/Nissan in fact Landcruisers are plebs cars in Europe LR are prestige.
It is matter of how much clout LR Aus have or more to the point how much effort they are prepared to lobby LR Head Office.


Re the suspension mod. What you do to your vehicle should be your own business... as long as you know all the facts at the time of deciding. I personally would not want to stuff around with the suspension and most major systems in the car. The car has been tested as a package and mostly I will keep it standard so as to maximise reliability.

Land Rover did not think it was up to the owner. :mad:
They seemed to think it was their vehicle. :angel:
They over-reacted without knowing anything about the mod and The magazine responded without asking.

If you think the way the factory suspension is set up, fine. There are may who don't and would like more flexibility.
Advantage of my system is that it does not interfere with the electronics it just self levels higher.

[CaverD3]

This smacks of Overlander being scared into thinking they needed to protect themselves legally so effectively retracted their earlier support for the system, rather than having changed their mind on its ability to perform a task.

Yes, I didn't think it had anything to do with the other article where a editor was a guest at Eastnor.:angel:

No, they said that they have never thought the Land Rover air suspension needed to be changed. This is a general comment about LRs not specifically this modification and a change in their previous position on the vehicle. (which was why they probably published the article)

[DiscoWeb]

This smacks of Overlander being scared into thinking they needed to protect themselves legally so effectively retracted their earlier support for the system, rather than having changed their mind on its ability to perform a task.

I think the greater likelihood, rightly or wrongly is that LR would be a major source of ad revenue for Overlander and other mags, most back covers carry the Defender or general LR adds so it is not hard to understand why they might have reacted this way. Legal threats just give them the avenue to back away.:bangin:

I am in no way saying that makes it acceptable but reality dictates that hard earned $ from a major client often trumps standing up for what is right.:thumbsdown:

The key point it that LR does not appear to support the after market suppliers for their products.

The fact that ARB have taken so long to come up with a design for a D4 bar points the fact that they probably get little or no support from LR to produce bull bars and other items for a majority of the LR range. There is obviously a volume argument from ARB's point of view as well v's say a Prado but the point remains that LR could offer some assistance in this area.

Not sure if this is the same for Defenders etc but I bet Toyota,Nissan etc provide some of these after market suppliers with a lot more support than LR as after market accessories and make their truck more "bushable" it is such a large part of their brand.

As has been said it is highly unlikely any of this "feedback" will get acted upon, and lets face it the base vehicles are pretty high quality otherwise we would not be on this forum saying mostly good things about them !!!

George

[rmp]

The fact that ARB have taken so long to come up with a design for a D4 bar points the fact that they probably get little or no support from LR to produce bull bars and other items for a majority of the LR range. There is obviously a volume argument from ARB's point of view as well v's say a Prado but the point remains that LR could offer some assistance in this area.

Not sure if this is the same for Defenders etc but I bet Toyota,Nissan etc provide some of these after market suppliers with a lot more support than LR as after market accessories and make their truck more "bushable" it is such a large part of their brand.


You'd lose your bet. No Aussie manufacturer gets any significant support from any car maker, unlike the situation in the USA.

Extended development times for aftermarket products are due to priorities. Your point re volume is correct. What's more important, making a bar for a D4 or something else like a Prado 150 which would have many time the sales? It doesn't help that the D4 is one of the more complex vehicles.

[rmp]

Where can your kit be bought?

[CaverD3]

Who me?
Mitchell Bros as in article.

Or install yourself.

[jonesfam]

I like the idea of being able to have "Off Road" height at a faster speed, but what I would really like is all heights to be driver selectable.
So I could select "extended" height before I get bogged or grounded on a log & "Super Extended" for those deep washouts.
The rear (3rd row) seats to be fold-able from the tail gate instead of the back door.
The second row to be slid-able a little. The cubbies beside the third row lids to stay up without having to hold them.
Wipers that can be flipped away from the windscreen. The wiper/indicator switches on the correct sides.
Til-table head rests.
Under seat draw on the front passengers seat.

Saying all that - be it D3 or D4 it is a fantastic car & I just love the thing.:p
Jonesfam

[Graeme]

So I could select "extended" height before I get bogged or grounded
Extended is about the same as off-road + (off-road - on-road) and off-road + (off-road - access) is about super-extended, so both possible with a little help.

[mowog]

I just finished a trip with van attached. The single biggest issue was fuel capacity. The D4 needs a bigger fuel tank if you tow into remote areas. Experience shows that not all places have low flow pumps. Also something to watch for in wild areas is wrong pump nozzles fitted to diesel pumps. I found an Unleaded nozzle fitted to a diesel pump.

So that brings on another need mod. The ability to take a high flow nozzle.

My effective range with the van attached was 400klm that gave me a margin of around 80klm. In remote areas that can mean your walking.

[Graeme]

So that brings on another need mod. The ability to take a high flow nozzle.
I have to use a large nozzle almost every time so just hold the nozzle squarely against the bottom.
A decent sized tank is definitely on my list.

[rmp]

I have to use a large nozzle almost every time so just hold the nozzle squarely against the bottom.

Yes I have that problem too.