Thoughts please guys [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

Chops

5th July 2016, 10:12 PM

I'm tossing over in my head whether or not to put sliders/steps on the D4.
It'll have a bull bar, a rear bar, and I've got the GOE wheels, but I cant seem to make up my mind if I should have sliders or not. (It'll get the compressor shield too).
I've never had a set of sliders on a car before, and I don't think I've ever really "needed" them. I've nudged the sills a few times in my younger years, but maybe luckily I've not done any damage.

So, being somewhat older, and hopefully, somewhat wiser, I'd like to think I can look at an obstacle and tackle it in a way I'm not going to do damage, even if it means maybe taking a chicken track.

Keeping in mind this is a tourer/daily and not a weekend warrior, do you think sliders are really warranted?
Your thoughts on the matter please gents.

Meken

5th July 2016, 10:22 PM

Buy llams instead and just raise it up to go over the obstacles ;)

letherm

5th July 2016, 10:48 PM

I've never had a set of sliders on a car before, and I don't think I've ever really "needed" them. I've nudged the sills a few times in my younger years, but maybe luckily I've not done any damage.

So, being somewhat older, and hopefully, somewhat wiser, I'd like to think I can look at an obstacle and tackle it in a way I'm not going to do damage, even if it means maybe taking a chicken track.

These two statements answer your own question.:):):)

Martin

Tombie

5th July 2016, 11:20 PM

Sliders also protect paint and panels...

The design on a D4 doesn't like a hit... It will take the door! Very easy to do.

Tombie

5th July 2016, 11:21 PM

I'd go the sliders and lose the rear bar for a simple carrier.

Carrier eats a lot less of your GVM.

rangieman

6th July 2016, 05:46 AM

Sliders also protect paint and panels...

The design on a D4 doesn't like a hit... It will take the door! Very easy to do.

Marcus 2 words ;)
Rocket Science it aint:cool:

Chops

6th July 2016, 06:00 AM

Outback 1

6th July 2016, 06:34 AM

2 words
HUMAN ERROR
that causes more damage than anything else prevention is always better than cure mate

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Russrobe

6th July 2016, 07:27 AM

I'm hoping to find some that extend enough to protect against non caring car door bashers in car parks too...

rocmic

6th July 2016, 07:54 AM

Marcus,
I like to think I am careful, but not as experienced as you. I have to agree with Tombie and the others. I had OEM steps on my D3 originally, they both folded up against the side of the car one day. Yes it was the first time I did a hard track - so inexperience. But I replaced them with sliders and stand off bars. I believe that they paid for themselves in damage avoided. I was far more careful, but accidental contact can and does happen.
When I got the D4 sliders were near the top of the list.
Cheers
Mike

Hugh Jars

6th July 2016, 08:02 AM

I'd go the sliders and lose the rear bar for a simple carrier.

Carrier eats a lot less of your GVM.

Gidday Tombie,
Can you point me in the direction of one of those simple carriers, please? (my first Disco arrives soon).
John.

Tombie

6th July 2016, 08:53 AM

Gidday Tombie,
Can you point me in the direction of one of those simple carriers, please? (my first Disco arrives soon).
John.

Front runner (Dolium) or Rijidij should be able to help you there..

Chops

6th July 2016, 09:15 AM

Opposite Lock also supply them too, but I'm not sure if it's rebadged or their own.

Mike, why do you say lose the full bar? I did think initially I could carry some water with it.

Tombie

6th July 2016, 10:50 AM

The weight of it is obscene. And it eats your GVM away...

You can carry 3x the water without it fitted!for the same weight.

vee8auto

6th July 2016, 11:41 AM

regarding the sliders, I suggest you find a Disco 3 or 4 with the ones (brand) you want already fitted. then do the climb-in and climb-out test in all 4 doors. then consider whether they present an awkward obstacle for all that will be using the car.

I am seriously considering a set for the D3 but the sliders on my son's D2 are a pain. Having said that, some are made wider than others. Just another of life's compromises i guess.

sheerluck

6th July 2016, 11:55 AM

Someone (Babs I think?) did a comparison of the various slider brands that were available, their price, construction and how far they stuck out.

I'll see if I can find the thread. My personal view is that they are worthwhile, both from a protection point of view, and and access.

I just need to save the pennies. :(

Lukeis

6th July 2016, 12:00 PM

G'day Marcus

What is the downside of having them, the costs or the looks?

I think the cost is negligible especially compared to the savings they would present if human error did occur plus I believe the confidence they give you when negotiating tight rocks is also worth the money.

The looks? well that is personal preference.. here is mine with sliders and i think they look good even with my city wheels on but i will add two things;

Yes, my calf will usually touch the bar when exiting the car, and, no I have not yet hit them while offroad as they are a fail safe only and my first preference is to avoid the obstacle.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/l319-discovery-3-4/110958d1467773684-thoughts-please-guys-img_8580.jpg
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/l319-discovery-3-4/110959d1467773684-thoughts-please-guys-img_8586.jpg

gofish

6th July 2016, 01:56 PM

I am wanting to put a set of steel sliders on also. I think I like the look of Brad's. I had a set of ARB ones on the D2 & they were good. The other beauty of steel sliders is shopping centers...people can open their doors however they want as I know I will come off best :) I wonder if any group buys would exist....:angel:

DiscoKris

6th July 2016, 02:29 PM

Hi guys, I am new here and might be looking for a set for my disco 4.
For the reasons mentioned above but also to aid my little ones in climbing into the car (I have a 5 yr old) who finds it bit tall even in access mode.

What are some of the good brands to consider here

rangieman

6th July 2016, 03:58 PM

That's 4 words dude. :p

These are thoughts I'm having, I've seen a few hits and the damage it can do, but, does it come down to how it's driven or just bad luck. Some guys go at things like a bull at a gate, and some can be super careful and still cop a bad hit.
I'd like to think I'm not a bull :angel:

Mate Rocket and Science in my post both had the Capitals for each = 2 words:p
Also i have seen and driven where you would like to take this thing :eek: Thats why i say it aint Rocket Science:2up::tease:

Stuart02

6th July 2016, 06:06 PM

The weight of it is obscene. And it eats your GVM away...

You can carry 3x the water without it fitted!for the same weight.

Do I remember correctly that there's jerry options for one of the Front runner or Rijidij?

Stuart02

6th July 2016, 06:12 PM

Yes, my calf will usually touch the bar when exiting the car, and, no I have not yet hit them while offroad as they are a fail safe only and my first preference

Yeah they're handy but as you say, my wife has trouble not getting half the weekend on her pants just from the sills, let alone sliders.

They're also good for deflecting sticks, and depending on the design, recovery jacking

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Tombie

6th July 2016, 06:40 PM

APT will customised the stand off distance if so desired, have underplayed which prevent mud up the sides and can do a step plate on top...

Ben will happily modify to suit your needs.

Babs

6th July 2016, 11:52 PM

Rear wheel carrier I went with Frontrunner, I would love to support Murray from RidgiDidge but I think his carrier would be more suited to a defender.

I had his one on my Defender and it was the Ants Pants.

110992

You can see why I chose Frontrunner. Plus the latch to open is a more simple design.

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cjc_td5

7th July 2016, 03:52 AM

sheerluck

7th July 2016, 08:50 AM

I believe you need to run a duplicate RH indicator and tail light with the Frontrunner carrier? You don't with Murray's carrier as it sits more central on the rear.

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The position is a bit of a compromise really Chris. If you have the carrier too central, then it masks the rego plate area, and I've heard of people being pulled over for their rego plate not being visible from the required 45 degree angle.

Babs

7th July 2016, 08:57 AM

BMKal

7th July 2016, 12:34 PM

I believe you need to run a duplicate RH indicator and tail light with the Frontrunner carrier? You don't with Murray's carrier as it sits more central on the rear.

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Not with the Frontrunner Chris. It's the WA made "Outback Accessories" RWC that I have on the back of mine that needs to have an additional RH tail light assembly fitted. ;)

I actually prefer having the spare wheel mounted further to the right - it does not block my rear vision at all in that position. I also have my fridge mounted on the right in the back so that it can slide out without opening the lower tailgate. The fridge blocks enough of my rear vision - I don't need a spare wheel blocking more of it (and I usually have the centre headrest removed for the same reason). I don't have the luxury of a reversing camera on mine. The only thing that I have done is change the "additional" tail light to a round LED assembly from LED Industries - looks much better than the horrible square trailer light they supply with the Outback Accessories RWC, and gets ride of the incandescent globes.

TerryO

8th July 2016, 04:25 AM

Hi Chops,

If you think you need the compressor guard because of the places you use your Disco then in my opinion I would be fitting sliders at the same time. Both are great investments in protecting your vehicle. Bang for your buck Brad's are the go and offer great protection.

Plus they give you a strong step, when the door is open to put things on or take things off the roof racks etc.

Bytemrk

10th July 2016, 08:38 PM

Hey Chops,

As you know, some of the gear on mine was on it when I bought the car, some I added.

As Tombie points out, weight can be an issue - it all adds up.

If I was building mine again, I'd do exactly what Mike suggested, I'd keep the sliders, but I'd look for a much lighter rear wheel arrangement.

I'm hoping to find some that extend enough to protect against non caring car door bashers in car parks too...

Parking in offroad mode, with some extra help from LLams seems to put my sliders at a perfect height :D

Chops

10th July 2016, 10:51 PM

Thanks one and all, God I love this forum.
Will have a think about the rear bar which I know I can have either a full or part bar so to speak.
I really want the full bar for the same reason as your theory on the sliders. A bit of insurance against tossers that cant park.
I'll get the sliders, and I'll be getting the GOE units. A bit lighter than others from what I can find, and if they do get damaged, so long as they protect the sills, they will have done their job and can be replaced/repaired.
I've got a bit of extra time to make a decision as I've been informed that, for LR to send it off to the shop to have this gear fitted before I pick it up, which is what I wanted, this will add extra onto the tax at the end. I'm already paying more for this car than I wanted to, so to pay tax twice on extra's is right out of the question.

Babs

10th July 2016, 11:56 PM

Thanks one and all, God I love this forum. Will have a think about the rear bar which I know I can have either a full or part bar so to speak. I really want the full bar for the same reason as your theory on the sliders. A bit of insurance against tossers that cant park. I'll get the sliders, and I'll be getting the GOE units. A bit lighter than others from what I can find, and if they do get damaged, so long as they protect the sills, they will have done their job and can be replaced/repaired. I've got a bit of extra time to make a decision as I've been informed that, for LR to send it off to the shop to have this gear fitted before I pick it up, which is what I wanted, this will add extra onto the tax at the end. I'm already paying more for this car than I wanted to, so to pay tax twice on extra's is right out of the question.

Chops, I don't think Land Rover will put those after markets on for you, as they would be liable for warranties, wether it be direct or indirectly related to the product.

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Chops

11th July 2016, 06:01 AM

Yeah, they were going to drop it off and pick it up after the fact, but then told me of the "extra" I'd be paying,,, suggested I do it myself if I wanted to save a bit of coin.
Maybe that's just their way of not having to deal with warranty issues should something arise, I don't know. But they are happy to do it for me if I really want.
Either way, I'm not fussed, it was more for me not having to organise stuff myself, and they get to show off a cool car.

Disco-tastic

11th July 2016, 07:58 AM

I can't think of any warranty issues you would have with sliders. They don't affect anything else...

Cheers

Dan

sheerluck

11th July 2016, 08:00 AM

I can't think of any warranty issues you would have with sliders. They don't affect anything else...

Cheers

Dan

Paint or corrosion warranty perhaps.....?

Babs

11th July 2016, 09:47 AM

I really don't think there would be a warranty issue it's more the fact that they normally wouldn't agree to fitting something you organise.

If they are happy to fit for the little extra I think it would be worth it, then you don't have to run around getting it done yourself :)

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Tombie

11th July 2016, 10:23 AM

Considering there is a mandate release document that states LR dealers will NOT fit accessories other than Genuine LR and Tint and Brake Controllers.. I'm very surprised they are offering to do this work.

They can get in big trouble with their head office for doing this...

Chops

11th July 2016, 10:47 AM

They didn't offer, I asked them to do it, which two guys said yes. Then two other guys got involved, one told me about the extra tax, at which point I said "no thanks, I guess I'll get it done myself". The other guy who would, or could have said about the warranty stuff didn't then say anything. However, he had told me about the ARB not being warranted because LR had not approved the test.
Maybe if I'd have said I'll pay the extra, perhaps he may have said no go.

AnD3rew

11th July 2016, 10:58 AM

I can't think of any warranty issues you would have with sliders. They don't affect anything else...

Cheers

Dan

I have read opinions that sliders may not be complaint with ADRs for vehicles with side airbags as they may interfere with sensors for airbag deployment.

BMKal

11th July 2016, 11:49 AM

I have read opinions that sliders may not be complaint with ADRs for vehicles with side airbags as they may interfere with sensors for airbag deployment.

Wouldn't place too much faith in that claim, as Land Rover themselves offer sliders (if you could call them that) as an accessory and will install them. I have a set of the Land Rover tubes on mine, fitted at the dealership. They look good, but nowhere near as strong as the after-market ones available. I've already bent one of mine up into the sill. Tube itself seems strong enough, but the mounting brackets are crap. One of these days, I'll get around to pulling them off and beefing them up a bit - it won't be difficult.

BMKal

11th July 2016, 11:57 AM

Chops, you can get around the "tax" issue by asking your dealer to give you two separate invoices - one for the bare bones vehicle, and a second for the supply and installation of accessories etc. My dealer in Perth had no problem doing this. In fact, the first invoice (for the vehicle) was from the dealership's sales department, and the second (for window tinting, floor mats, ARB Bullbar which they arranged to have installed at ARB around the corner) was issued by the dealership's parts and service department. I only paid the luxury car tax on the first invoice.

I've never had any difficulty with the dealership I bought my D4 from installing after-market parts etc. They had the ARB Bullbar installed (it was actually cheaper through them than I was quoted directly by ARB) - and they also installed the Akebono brake pads which I supplied (with new OEM Land Rover rotors and sensors) during a routine service. They have been monitoring the performance / wear of the Akebono pads since installation, and so far have said that they are very impressed by them.

Chops

11th July 2016, 12:44 PM

Nice one Brian, I might look into that.
I just would have liked to drive straight out of the dealer to the bush :D
It's not a problem me taking to OL to have the work done, their only just around the corner from me. I might talk to them, see what they say to that, especially if they are able to get a discount on parts,, could be beneficial.

Meken

11th July 2016, 07:38 PM

Wouldn't place too much faith in that claim, as Land Rover themselves offer sliders (if you could call them that) as an accessory and will install them. I have a set of the Land Rover tubes on mine, fitted at the dealership. They look good, but nowhere near as strong as the after-market ones available. I've already bent one of mine up into the sill. Tube itself seems strong enough, but the mounting brackets are crap. One of these days, I'll get around to pulling them off and beefing them up a bit - it won't be difficult.

I have the same happen - tube keeps rolling in close to the sill with the smallest load applied - thinking same thing - find someone who's good at welding stainless to beef up the mounting brackets

BMKal

11th July 2016, 08:16 PM

I have the same happen - tube keeps rolling in close to the sill with the smallest load applied - thinking same thing - find someone who's good at welding stainless to beef up the mounting brackets

I've been meaning to do it for a while. Get some stainless fillets cut to fit inside the original brackets, drill them and weld them in. I've got the gear to weld them here in the shed, and while my welding is "average" and would probably do the job, my young bloke is way better at it than I am. He can probably get the fillets cut at his work as well - I haven't really got the gear at home for that part of the job.

I've only bent the left hand side brackets on mine once so far - and it wasn't exactly a "small" load applied. I bottomed out on a large rock pretty hard. I had expected the tube itself to be damaged, but only a couple of pretty minor scratches on the underside of it - the tubes themselves are stronger than I would have thought. I still wouldn't rate them for serious off-road work though, even with the mounting brackets beefed up. They look nice and will protect against "minor" knocks - but something like Gordon's or the APT after-market units look much stronger. ;)