Any l494 owners go off-road?

[Burble]

Hi guys, Ive only recently bought my l494. I can't seem to find any active forums for it. This forum seems very quiet and Facebook only has boy racer groups.

Looking to chat with owners that do some offroading in their RRS.

[Gregz]

Hi ,
I have only had mine since about October last year, I took it up the Watagan forest road a couple of weeks back, went well. The road is rutted in uphill and downhill sections, but good in the flats, the road gets a lot of use from dirt-bikers. Only OR1 height required (lower offroad height, hope I have that the right way around) , not OR2. Would love to do more but don't get much time for it at the moment.
137488
Also tow a Jayco Expanda pop-top caravan now and then.
Yes this site seems fairly quiet. You will find more useful RRS info on the rrsport.co.uk forum in the General L494 section, but not necessarily much off-roading on there. Also rangerovers.net in US sometimes has interesting info .

[Burble]

Cheers Greg. There's some serious tracks in the watagans. If you get any more pics for future I'd love to see them.

I'll get onto those UK and US sites for a look.

[Disco-tastic]

I don't have an L494 but if you need someone to head out with I'm around the central coast [emoji106]

I have been 4wd with an L494 but unfortunately it was a non-low range model and the gearbox overheated not long in. Was smoother than my old D3 through wombat holes though, even without low range.

[SBD4]

I don't have an L494 but if you need someone to head out with I'm around the central coast [emoji106]

I have been 4wd with an L494 but unfortunately it was a non-low range model and the gearbox overheated not long in. Was smoother than my old D3 through wombat holes though, even without low range.
I wonder who that was....[bigwhistle]

Yep, forget any low speed off road work if you only have high range - too much slip in the torque converter.

This was the trip:
2016 D3/D4/RRS Weekend (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/nsw-and-act-reports/241931-2016-d3-d4-rrs-weekend.html)

[Graeme]

Sales hat on....

Llams kits provide OR1 height and +54mm (between OR1 and OR2) at any speed.

[Gregz]

Sales hat on....

Llams kits provide OR1 height and +54mm (between OR1 and OR2) at any speed.


Customer hat on ..... roughly what $ and who can fit it (well) not too far from me? Although I must add, it is unlikely to get a guernsey at this stage, maybe in a year or 2. swmbo is still getting over the shock of the car $. [bighmmm]

[Disco-tastic]

I wonder who that was....[bigwhistle]

Yep, forget any low speed off road work if you only have high range - too much slip in the torque converter.

This was the trip:
2016 D3/D4/RRS Weekend (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/nsw-and-act-reports/241931-2016-d3-d4-rrs-weekend.html)Haha I wasn't going to name anyone [emoji3]

[Graeme]

Customer hat on ..... PM sent. You could also ask Davis Performance Landys for a price incl fitting.

[Gregz]

PM sent. You could also ask Davis Performance Landys for a price incl fitting.

Thanks Graeme,
I'll certainly be aiming for one at some point - maybe when swmbo isn't looking [bigwhistle]
...Greg

[Gregz]

I don't have an L494 but if you need someone to head out with I'm around the central coast [emoji106]

I have been 4wd with an L494 but unfortunately it was a non-low range model and the gearbox overheated not long in. Was smoother than my old D3 through wombat holes though, even without low range.

Hi Disco-tastic, would be good to have some company .... however I have to say up front I don't have a winch and so will not do any hard core stuff, or stuff that results in bush pin-stripes. Also, I wont really know much in advance of when the opportunity may arise....may be a couple of days notice only. Sorry, life is a bit crazy / haphazard . Might be a case of waiting for the planets to align.
...Greg

[Burble]

I don't have an L494 but if you need someone to head out with I'm around the central coast [emoji106]

I have been 4wd with an L494 but unfortunately it was a non-low range model and the gearbox overheated not long in. Was smoother than my old D3 through wombat holes though, even without low range.

Thanks mate.. I live down south nowadays so haven't been up there for years. Mine has low range so hopefully it's all good.

[Burble]

I wonder who that was....[bigwhistle]

Yep, forget any low speed off road work if you only have high range - too much slip in the torque converter.

This was the trip:
2016 D3/D4/RRS Weekend (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/nsw-and-act-reports/241931-2016-d3-d4-rrs-weekend.html)


Just had a look at those videos Sean. Videos never show how steep it really is. At least you're using it off-road.

[Burble]

Sales hat on....

Llams kits provide OR1 height and +54mm (between OR1 and OR2) at any speed.

G'day Graeme. Thanks for posting. Ive been looking at the llams kit but info on how it works on a 494 is scarce. I'm confused by how much it will lift in each mode. Are you saying it will lift +54mm over OR1 (so approx 80mm over normal height) and +54mm over OR2 (so approx 130mm over normal)?.. considering that OR2 is not user selectable in the 494 does this effectively mean you only get user selectable up to 80mm and that's restricted to a certain speed. Sorry confused.

Tim

[Disco-tastic]

Hi Disco-tastic, would be good to have some company .... however I have to say up front I don't have a winch and so will not do any hard core stuff, or stuff that results in bush pin-stripes. Also, I wont really know much in advance of when the opportunity may arise....may be a couple of days notice only. Sorry, life is a bit crazy / haphazard . Might be a case of waiting for the planets to align.
...GregThis is the track I usually do in ourimbah state forest with new people:

Everyone needs an Audi - YouTube (https://youtu.be/1W-us1RAWMk)

If an Audi can do it then the rangie should do it standing on its head :D

I don't remember getting bush pin stripes there but it changes every time I'm there.

That said, I'm keen for any excuse to get out and can do main watagans tracks or Stockton beach

Cheers

Dan

[Graeme]

The system has 3 height adjustments (low, medium raised and high raised) to whatever height is selected. When used in normal height mode the changes are approx -20mm, +35mm (=OR1) and +55mm but the height changes may reduce slightly when used with other height modes. The high setting can also be configured to be OR2's 65mm. The changes are not affected by speed but the height mode's height is, so using Llams medium with OR2 (+65mm) will provide around 90mm above normal height until the vehicle drops to OR1 height mode resulting in +65/70mm then down to normal height mode at which time only the Llams +35mm remains. Using Llams high increases the various heights by around 20mm.

The same kit fitted to an L405 has height changes of -20mm, +40mm (=OR1) and +60mm which can be configured to be OR2 (+75mm). The L462 D5 has the same height changes as the L405 but has leads applicable to the L462.

[Graeme]

. considering that OR2 is not user selectable in the 494 I think that you're including extended and super-extended modes as normal off-road heights. Off-road height mode provides OR2 if selected at slow speeds or OR1 if selected at higher speeds or the vehicle auto lowers from OR2 to OR1 as speed increases then lowers to normal height as speed increases more. If grounded whilst in off-road mode then extended mode is invoked at which time super-extended mode can be invoked by holding the brake pedal and raise switches for the appropriate times.

[Burble]

I think that you're including extended and super-extended modes as normal off-road heights. Off-road height mode provides OR2 if selected at slow speeds or OR1 if selected at higher speeds or the vehicle auto lowers from OR2 to OR1 as speed increases then lowers to normal height as speed increases more. If grounded whilst in off-road mode then extended mode is invoked at which time super-extended mode can be invoked by holding the brake pedal and raise switches for the appropriate times.

Thanks for the info Graeme. In my 494 I can only select low (access), normal (standard) and off-road (raised, presumably OR1). Are you saying it will automatically go onto OR2 (extended) if grounded, and OR3 (super extended) if grounded and manually select with brake pedal+switch trick?

From reading your email it sounds like I can leave the car in "normal" and set the llams to high and get +65mm in all speeds, and if I also set the car to OR1 raised I will get +85mm up to a certain speed. Is that correct?

[Graeme]

When off-road height is selected the vehicle will raise to either OR1 (+35mm) or OR2 (+65mm) depending on speed, assuming that the speed is within the allowable range. There is no height mode called OR3 as extended and super-extended heights can only be used if the vehicle thinks that it is grounded. Llams can provide the equivalent of extended and super-extended height without being grounded and is often used to prevent grounding but needs to be used with caution as the suspension doesn't have a lot of flex at this height.

Where Llams works well is to maintain height equivalent to OR1 or +55 mm to allow either slow speed over rough ground without the stiff ride at OR2 height or decent speed on not-so-smooth roads or tracks and high-crown outback roads. It also works well to increase OR2 (+65 mm) by another 30 mm or so for more clearance when traversing very rocky tracks.

Yes, for faster travel leave the height as normal height and use Llams medium if the gravel road is quite good, or high at either +55 or +65 depending on how the system was last configured then change to OR1 if still within the allowable speed range for 85/95 respectively. However travelling raised 85/95 mm at speeds approaching OR1's speed limit of 80 kph might not be such a good idea.

Apologies to readers who have no interest in what Llams can provide.

[Gregz]

Thanks for the info Graeme. In my 494 I can only select low (access), normal (standard) and off-road (raised, presumably OR1). Are you saying it will automatically go onto OR2 (extended) if grounded, and OR3 (super extended) if grounded and manually select with brake pedal+switch trick?

From reading your email it sounds like I can leave the car in "normal" and set the llams to high and get +65mm in all speeds, and if I also set the car to OR1 raised I will get +85mm up to a certain speed. Is that correct?


Hi Burble, from the manual:

The Off-Road 1 height is 35 mm above the normal height setting, up to a maximum vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The Off-Road 2 height is 65 mm above the normal height setting, up to a maximum vehicle speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). The suspension height can change automatically between these heights.
The Off-Road 2 height can be manually selected when at Off-Road 1 height, at any vehicle speed up to 40 km/h (25 mph). Press the up-arrow button on the electronic air suspension system controls.

[Gregz]

Yes, for faster travel leave the height as normal height and use Llams medium if the gravel road is quite good, or high at either +55 or +65 depending on how the system was last configured then change to OR1 if still within the allowable speed range for 85/95 respectively. However travelling raised 85/95 mm at speeds approaching OR1's speed limit of 80 kph might not be such a good idea.



Years (decades) ago I had a '85 RRC that I took up the Silver City highway to Tibooburra, the gravel was good and 100kph was easily maintained, but there was the occasional larger rock, easily cleared by the RRC but potentially damaging to other models that lower the suspension at higher speeds. The Llams would be ideal for this sort of situation IMHO .

[Graeme]

Llams was developed because D3 exhaust pipes where it goes under the diff were getting destroyed on outback roads with the slightest of crowns and that the vehicle had to slow to 35 kph before off-road height could be selected when approaching dry creek beds. That Llams has found other uses on rocky fire-trails and city streets was not envisaged.

I still have my '84 RRC that I took up the Silver City Hwy in '96 to visit the Corner Country, which bit me badly and from which I hope never to recover. My L322 skims along my rutted gravel lane at 100 kph on +30 mm.

[Gregz]

I still have my '84 RRC that I took up the Silver City Hwy in '96 to visit the Corner Country, which bit me badly and from which I hope never to recover. My L322 skims along my rutted gravel lane at 100 kph on +30 mm.

Hi Graeme, one thing I remember fondly of that vintage RRC was the ride comfort , I could go from the pavement onto gravel and it would seem like I was still driving on the pavement, so smooth. I would be interested in your take on that since you have both a RRC and a more recent air-sprung model . To me the later models still do not match that level of ride comfort on gravel available in that RRC ( apart from the pitchyness due to the 100" wheelbase) .... am I remembering through rose coloured glasses?
...Greg

[Graeme]

I had 2 D2s and a D4 and was always trying to match the RRC's ride, giving up and opting for the L322 with CVDs. The CVDs surpass even the RRC's ride and control except for slow rough ruts where the CVDs being soft on slow movement and the cross-link valves being open causes the L322 to ride those ruts quite harshly.

[Geedublya]

I only just picked up my L494. I won't be going off-road for the sake of it but it will being going on the beach and be used to access 4WD only camping spots I use. There is also my mates farm which has the driveway from hell that I will tow my 2.8t caravan into.
I've got a transfer case and E-diff so I expect it to be quite capable. I just need to source some 20" rims to replace the 22s it came with. 275 55 20 should give me a fair bit more sidewall for better rock protection and a softer ride.

[AB SCV8]

I use to have a 2014 SDV8 and did some off-roading in it including a week on Fraser Island, the car was great in the soft sand but the 22's didn't handle the inland tracks very well, the exposed tree roads caused one puncture and some deformation on 2 other tires

[discojools]

A friend came with us on a Simpson Desert and Hay River track trip in his SDV6 RRS a couple of years ago. Had 275/55/20 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs fitted. You can now get the same size in BFG ATs which would be even better. He had someone make a rack for the boot to mount fridge extra fuel and water. Also had Dual battery fitted by Sniegy at MLR. Had a small roof rack also which carried extra spare tyre and canvas bag with clothes etc in it. Main problem was not being able to remove rear seats which restricted how much he could carry. So most of the food and all of the recovery gear and other stuff were carried by me in my D4 and our mate in his 79 series trayback.
The RRS ate Big Red and was easily the most powerful and economical of the bunch. Funnily the only car that had it's bonnet up was the Landcruiser, the battery mount came loose!

137731

[Burble]

I only just picked up my L494. I won't be going off-road for the sake of it but it will being going on the beach and be used to access 4WD only camping spots I use. There is also my mates farm which has the driveway from hell that I will tow my 2.8t caravan into.
I've got a transfer case and E-diff so I expect it to be quite capable. I just need to source some 20" rims to replace the 22s it came with. 275 55 20 should give me a fair bit more sidewall for better rock protection and a softer ride.

I think we have the same model. The original Land Rover brochure says the AB was optionally available with 19" wheels... But everything I read online says 20" in the minimum due to the big brembos.

[Burble]

I use to have a 2014 SDV8 and did some off-roading in it including a week on Fraser Island, the car was great in the soft sand but the 22's didn't handle the inland tracks very well, the exposed tree roads caused one puncture and some deformation on 2 other tires

I see your ID is SCV8.. how does the new one compare to the SDV8?

[Burble]

Hi Burble, from the manual:

The Off-Road 1 height is 35 mm above the normal height setting, up to a maximum vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The Off-Road 2 height is 65 mm above the normal height setting, up to a maximum vehicle speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). The suspension height can change automatically between these heights.
The Off-Road 2 height can be manually selected when at Off-Road 1 height, at any vehicle speed up to 40 km/h (25 mph). Press the up-arrow button on the electronic air suspension system controls.



Thanks Greg. I need to get my trailer measure out and see what's going on. When I select off-road it goes up by what looks like 50mm, but that's it..pressing the button again does nothing.

[Graeme]

The only time pressing the raise switch will change height from OR1 to OR2 is when OR1 has been selected by the suspension system (can't be done by the driver) by virtue of the speed at which the car is travelling then the vehicle slowed to such a speed that full off-road height (OR2) is allowed.

To test, select off-road height whilst stopped (OR2), drive with speed up to 55 kph (lowers to OR1), stop, open the driver's door then press the raise switch, get out then close the door and watch the vehicle raise from OR1 to OR2.

[Burble]

A friend came with us on a Simpson Desert and Hay River track trip in his SDV6 RRS a couple of years ago. Had 275/55/20 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs fitted. ... Funnily the only car that had it's bonnet up was the Landcruiser, the battery mount came loose!



Glad to hear the 20s worked ok discojools. My biggest issue for Simpson is probably fuel capacity.. there doesn't appear to be any long range tank options.

[Burble]

The only time pressing the raise switch will change height from OR1 to OR2 is when OR1 has been selected by the suspension system (can't be done by the driver) by virtue of the speed at which the car is travelling then the vehicle slowed to such a speed that full off-road height (OR2) is allowed.

To test, select off-road height whilst stopped (OR2), drive with speed up to 55 kph (lowers to OR1), stop, open the driver's door then press the raise switch, get out then close the door and watch the vehicle raise from OR1 to OR2.

Graeme, the lightbulb has just come on.. I finally understand what you and Greg have been trying to explain to me. Thanks for your perseverance.

Has anyone on the forum done the install on a 494?.. if so how hard was it to remove the interior trims to install without breaking bits?

[Graeme]

Gaining access to the suspension module's connectors is quick, having only to remove the cover over the rear fuse panel area, pull the weather seal away from the cover at the rear of the fuse panel area then un-clipping the cover. However I can't comment on what's involved in removing tread-plates to run the switch lead to the front or to the centre console nor the mounting of the switch.

[AB SCV8]

I see your ID is SCV8.. how does the new one compare to the SDV8?

Burble I have loved the 3 V8 diesel I have had 2 of the old 3.6 tdv8's and 1 of the SDV8 and just picked up the new SCV8 2 weeks ago and am loving the extra power and the sound it makes. The SDV8 was quick and in sport/dynamic mode would really go but the SCV8 is another level of power.

[Gregz]

... However I can't comment on what's involved in removing tread-plates to run the switch lead to the front or to the centre console nor the mounting of the switch.

Hi Burble, somebody on the forum has links to a WSM for RRS (2014) which should be close enough for trim removal purposes. Taking a look at it, before attempting the tread plate removals you may wish to have replacement plastic clips on hand, it says the plastic ones should be replaced, not sure how real that is.

[Gregz]

Graeme, the lightbulb has just come on.. I finally understand what you and Greg have been trying to explain to me. Thanks for your perseverance.



Hi Burble, yes the manual is a little confusing regarding this, you would expect that when pressing the up button from normal mode it would go to OR1 (as I thought it did too), but in fact it goes straight to OR2, and you can see it on the 4x4 info screen. Pressing the down button at this point takes you straight back to normal height.

As Graeme says, only the vehicle itself can select OR1, which it does from OR2 height when you speed up over 50 kph. Then it stays at OR1 height until you press the up button again while travelling less than 40kph. I think the manual needs re-writing.

[Burble]

Thanks for all the info gents... It's very helpful.

Gregz.. that WSM would be very handy...Ive searched high and low for it.

[Gregz]

Thanks for all the info gents... It's very helpful.

Gregz.. that WSM would be very handy...Ive searched high and low for it.

Hi Burble, check the My Files link on this page in a post from Naks.
MY2017 RR and RRS Recall (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/range-rover/258245-my2017-rr-rrs-recall.html)

...Greg

[Geedublya]

Hi Burble, check the My Files link on this page in a post from Naks.
MY2017 RR and RRS Recall (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/range-rover/258245-my2017-rr-rrs-recall.html)

...Greg

Or just click here (https://www.mediafire.com/folder/bmioajx5v76k7/RR) and download RRSL494WSM2014.zip. Thanks for finding the thread with the link Greg I was searching for it to post up here but couldn't find it.

[Burble]

THANKS!!!

[Gojaria]

I have a new RRS. Located in Canberra and would live to do some off roading if anyone is keen.

[Bails]

I think we may all have difference ideas of what is off road. I do a lot of single track dirt, just did Muswellbrook , Gundy , Timor , Nundle Tamworth , followed by Tamworth Moree via Upper Horton Terry Hi Hi. This car sure isn't as dust proof as my Touareg. Off blacktop handling is very good and rattles are few. This trip I had my OME 22 wheels on, they got a bit cut up on the side walls .

[georgien]

A friend came with us on a Simpson Desert and Hay River track trip in his SDV6 RRS a couple of years ago. Had 275/55/20 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs fitted. You can now get the same size in BFG ATs which would be even better. He had someone make a rack for the boot to mount fridge extra fuel and water. Also had Dual battery fitted by Sniegy at MLR. Had a small roof rack also which carried extra spare tyre and canvas bag with clothes etc in it. Main problem was not being able to remove rear seats which restricted how much he could carry. So most of the food and all of the recovery gear and other stuff were carried by me in my D4 and our mate in his 79 series trayback.
The RRS ate Big Red and was easily the most powerful and economical of the bunch. Funnily the only car that had it's bonnet up was the Landcruiser, the battery mount came loose!


Hi discojools
Above you say "Main problem was not being able to remove rear seats " What was the issue exactly as this is I would like to do to extend the cargo space of my MY17 RRS
Thanks for your input !

[discojools]

I think the problem was that the rear seats have sensors in them to let the computer know whether they are occupied or not. I did ask my dealer about this and they couldn't tell me how to do it. But that was 5 years ago. There might be more info on it now though. I will ask my indie about it, he might know.