Beach driving in the Freelander 2

[dpf]

I finally got a chance to get my Freelander 2 on the sand and to say I was impressed is a massive understatement!

We headed up to Double Island Point (Noosa North Shore) on what had to be one of the best SEQ weekends of the year. I was travelling with a Prado and I was a little nervous about how the Freelander 2 would go. I shouldn't have worried, not once did it feel like we were going to get stuck and the low clearance only got me one time when we left the beach for the inland tracks. 17inc Pirelli Scorpian ATRS at 18psi, sand mode and DSC off, and no problem!

I did do a bit of damage from that one incident getting off the beach, but I'm going to get the Mantec bash plates to make sure that doesn't happen again.

Going from the Defender to a Freelander was not an easy decision for me, and I couldn't afford a newish Discovery. I was worried the Freelander would not be able to take me to the places I want a 4x4 for, namely the islands and beach's of SEQ. The Freelander 2 is fantastic, I don't smile every time I get in it like the Defender, but my better half is alot happier in it, especially for long journeys! And now I feel confidant I can take it offroad, I'm very happy!

[sheerluck]

Beautiful picture there. A classic Queensland beach shot complete with unbroken blue skies, white sands and clear water.

[mikehzz]

If you really get stuck in soft sand, don't forget to try mud/ruts before you hit the floor pan. :)

[freemander]

Don't forget to take it out in the bush as well, I took mine out to the back of Lithgow (Mt Walker) with a bunch of guys from the forum a few weeks ago, all with larger 4wd's. We tackled a steep rutted hill known as Firetruck Hill (I think) and it kept up with a Landcruiser, 2 Discos, and past a Pajero and Pathfinder. Everyone was impressed on how it performed. They say it will go anywhere a Defender will go, just a little slower, I believe it!!!

[Crimdog]

What inland track did the damage? I was up that way with freelander a few weeks ago, such a good drive...

[dpf]

The damage came from the exit at the bottom of Teewah back onto the road to the ferry.

The beach had been eroded right at the entry to the track creating a bit of a ledge and it just didn't quite have the clearance to get the rear over without scraping the fuel tank.

[Crimdog]

Yeah getting of the beach was the only slight challenge I had as well. Fortunately I came off unscathed (I think). Paradise up there hey :)