How Capable is the Freelander 2?

[Pristine Christine]

Thinking of taking my Freelander 2 to Fraser Island. Are these cars capable in in stock mode in the sand? Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park (Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing) (https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/) recommends high lift vehicles with low range (but they would be accomodating for the tourist that has never been off road and just hired a 4wd). Any tips for taking the Freelander 2 to Fraser island, done plenty of off roading just never in the Freelander.

[ozjeff62]

I don't even have a Freelander yet, but I did Fraser years ago in a vehicle that was probably very unsuitable - small underpowered petrol engine, very skinny tyres, yaddah yaddah.

I'd say - get some off-road practise done. That will get you used to knowing where your tyres are, where your low points are, how to use the wonderful torque of your Freeo, and how the different terrain modes work. Make sure you deflate your tyres very low - less than 20 psi if you can.

Momentum is king. Turn down the slope, not up. Watch for loose deep sand and don't stop in it. Pretty much the same techniques for any fourby.

HTH

Jeff

[ramblingboy42]

very capable.

I met a guy in Birdsville towing a camper trailer and he had just crossed the Simpson.

He was continuing on , I think, a round Australia trip , but he said with a big smile on his face, that non Land Rover owners were shocked and stunned to believe he had just been where they had been in their Prados, Patrols, Cruisers etc.

I guess the Discovery Sports have taken it's place now.

[354 chamberlain]

Thinking of taking my Freelander 2 to Fraser Island. Are these cars capable in in stock mode in the sand? Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park (Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing) (https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/) recommends high lift vehicles with low range (but they would be accomodating for the tourist that has never been off road and just hired a 4wd). Any tips for taking the Freelander 2 to Fraser island, done plenty of off roading just never in the Freelander.

When you are using sand trs mode make sure that you turn off the dsc so that it does not think the vehicle is unstable as it lurches about in the sand ,once the dsc decides that it is unstable it will start to apply breaking to individual wheels and next thing you are stuck . Check that it is off every time as it will switch its self on every time you change a setting or turn the vehicle off . I have also been told that if you get stuck in sand put it in rock and mud and reverse out .I haven't had to try that yet and have been in some pretty heavy sand .
Doug

[Tins]

I guess the Discovery Sports have taken it's place now.

More like the Evoque. But agreed, F2s will surprise.

[rar110]

There’s been a few posts on AULRO about FL2s crossing the Simpson etc. one by Vesko. This is from his website

My trip to the Red Centre 4 – Rumen Marinov (https://rumenmarinov.com/my-trip-to-the-red-centre-4/)

[Shoogs]

30 Years ago before Landrovers kicked in I had a series of Subaru's, not to dissimilar to Freelanders in terms of clearance and ability, Gunbarrel, Bilbunya, Great Central Road, little buggers went 99% of everywhere, as do Freelanders...

[trout1105]

My younger brother had an old subaru that had the spare wheel mounted atop the engine and that went places that even a horse would struggle with.
From what i have read the freelanders are just as capable.[thumbsupbig]

[donh54]

Our old Freelander 1 used to shock people with the places it could go! Secret was to be aware of the lack of ground clearance, and plan your line accordingly. Also, have a good look underneath the car. If it's anything like it's earlier cousin, everything vulnerable is really well protected, so a bit of bumping and scraping can be done without damage.
In case the worst does happen, make sure you have sorted good, safe recovery points for both front and rear.
Get out and have fun - they are a really capable vehicle, in the right hands.
[thumbsupbig][thumbsupbig]

[bnicho]

I know someone who did Frazer in a first gen Rav4!


If you know what you are doing, a Freelander 2 will be fine. They are a very underrated vehicle.

[Bohica]

Quite capable, the wading depth is 500mm, my Disco 2 is only 400mm. Look at the first car in this video

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq0L1ef_8Bg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBATSU4aGvg)

[timax]

Biggest problem will be when you follow other peoples deep wheel ruts. You will belly it on the hump between them.
Dont overload it and air down. You dont have 35 series tyres or anything silly like that i hope.

[Teigs]

There’s been a few posts on AULRO about FL2s crossing the Simpson etc. one by Vesko. This is from his website

My trip to the Red Centre 4 – Rumen Marinov (https://rumenmarinov.com/my-trip-to-the-red-centre-4/)

Thats a good read, thanks for sharing

[Teigs]

Biggest problem will be when you follow other peoples deep wheel ruts. You will belly it on the hump between them.
Dont overload it and air down. You dont have 35 series tyres or anything silly like that i hope.

Just standard road tyres now but were planning on getting a croos road/all terrain tyre like Coopers - Any suggestions?

[Teigs]

When you are using sand trs mode make sure that you turn off the dsc so that it does not think the vehicle is unstable as it lurches about in the sand ,once the dsc decides that it is unstable it will start to apply breaking to individual wheels and next thing you are stuck . Check that it is off every time as it will switch its self on every time you change a setting or turn the vehicle off . I have also been told that if you get stuck in sand put it in rock and mud and reverse out .I haven't had to try that yet and have been in some pretty heavy sand .
Doug

Hey Doug - sorry to be dumb but whats the DSC?

[PhilipA]

I used to go there with a VW type 3 wagon once upon a time.

But IMHO the biggest problem will be wheel tracks on the inland tracks and at Inskip Point, Hooke Point,and Middle Rocks. With the number of dumb arse drivers who do not air down the tracks will be terrible if it is dry and during school holidays. If you go just after heavy rain and away from school holidays it will be easy.

It's easy to drive along the beach at lowish tides, just like a highway.

Have a look at "I got bogged at Inskip" if you want to see what I mean.

I personally would not take a Freelander there but if that is what you have , then go to it.
A sand driving course with The Range Rover Club of NSW ( or another training provider) would be good preparation.
Regards PhilipA

[timax]

Just standard road tyres now but were planning on getting a croos road/all terrain tyre like Coopers - Any suggestions?

Yes my suggestion is a highway tyre. Steer clear of wide tyres and steer clear of aggressive tread. You want a skinny tall tyre aired down so it sits on top of the sand and doesn't dig in or act as a plough. Travel as light as you can and momentum will be your friend. In the harder sections drive it like you stole it. Dont use your brakes and make sure you stop nose down a hill.

[bnicho]

Hey Doug - sorry to be dumb but whats the DSC?

Dynamic Stability Control. There's a button to kill it on the centre console, near the Terrain Response dial.

Cheers,