Freelander 2 Off Road Recovery Point

[WynneHenderson]

Hi there, this is my first experience with the AULRO forum, and I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised!
I have recently bought a Freelander 2 and now want to join some local 4WD clubs in the Brisbane area to learn how to get the most out of my Landie.
Trouble is, I need front and rear off road recovery points before I can go on the club trips abd according to my owners' manual, the front ring and rear hook fitted are only tie down and towing points. They say clearly that they are not off road recovery points.
I have a LR tow bar fitted, so my off road rear recovery point should be ok.
How do I get a front off road recovery point which is both accepted by the 4WD clubs, and accepted by LR and my insurer's, so I don't compromise my insurance coverage and car warranty?
Your help would be greatly appreciated. Surely I can't be the only Freelander 2 owner who wants to go off road?
Regards,
Wynne Henderson

[djhampson]

I had a FL2 and used it off road a bit with GCLRO.

The front recovery point is more than strong enough for snatch recoveries. Its part of the front frame and is well supported.

I suggest you get someone in the club to take a look at the front point to remove any doubt.

The guys in GCLRO did this and they had no worries with the factory points.

Anyhow both of my recovery points have been used for recoveries although I never got it really stuck. Once or twice they were used just to gently pull the FL2 over a nasty rock ledge.

Which club are you joining?

[Psimpson7]

I'd recommend the Gold Coast club aswell. They are very active with loads of trips, ranging from camping to extreme trips, and also do driver training.

Rgds
Pete

[VladTepes]

i think Wynne's concern is that apparently the vehicle handbook makes mention of teh fact that the "recovery hook" is NOT be be used for off road recoveries, and that there could be insurance / legal / life threatening issues as a result. Perhaps someone with an FL2 can have a look at the owners manual and quoteit ere for our edification ?

Oh and the Gold Coast club is good, as is the Brisbane club which I'm in.
Of course, we're better looking ! :p

[djhampson]

The manual states clearly that both the front and rear towing eyes are designed for on-road recovery only.

However, I suspect that LR are covering their backsides.

The only other option is to fit a Mantec bash plate which comes with rated points. I think its at least $1k so it a big investment.

[djhampson]

I forgot to add the section from the manual....

[DiscoDan]

WARNINGS
The towing eyes at the front and rear of
the vehicle are designed for on-road
recovery only. If they are used for any other
purpose it may result in vehicle damage and
serious injury.
Never use the towing eyes to tow a
trailer, caravan etc. Doing so may result
in vehicle damage and serious injury.
CAUTION
Remove the front towing eye cover
before driving off-road to prevent
damage or loss.

Had to laugh a this, don't use for off road, however remove cover before going off road:eek:

I think the same is said for the D2 as well, oh well, I guess I will get to test this theory on Saturday.

Thanks for posting this information djhampson it has really helped, mind you I don't need too many excuses to get another Land Rover into the B4WDC. We are off to Cyrstalvale this weekend, so should be a good one.

[camel_landy]

The front & rear rings are rated to 1.5 x GVM & we use them all the time for recovery.

M

[rmp]

Is it 1.5 x GVM or GCM? Believe it is the latter although the numbers may be very close.

Either way they're ok.

[camel_landy]

Is it 1.5 x GVM or GCM? Believe it is the latter although the numbers may be very close.

Either way they're ok.

GCM??

We use different terms over here...

M

[rmp]

In Australia GCM is Gross Combination Mass, the maximum the total of the vehicle and trailer may weigh. GTM is Gross Trailer Mass, the weight of the trailer minus the towball mass (TBM). From distant memory in Europe and/or UK GTM is Gross Train Mass, equivalent to GCM.

GCM is not necessarily the GVM plus the maximum permitted ATM (total weight of trailer), not least because there are rear axle load limits which must not be exceeded and that would certainly be the case with a very heavy trailer non-steerable trailer and vehicle at GVM.

I have no concerns about using the FL2 hooks and commend LR on being one of the few manufacturers to provide these important safety devices.

[101RRS]

Just a slight diversion.

Camel Landy - Mark

Where did you put rated recovery points on your Freelander 1. While OK for towing, I doubt the standard front tow hook would be suitable for snatch type recoveries.

Cheers

Garry

[SuperMono]

Where did you put rated recovery points on your Freelander 1. While OK for towing, I doubt the standard front tow hook would be suitable for snatch type recoveries.

On the slight diversions, the later model F1 has a different front loop than the earlier models, certainly my 2002 is heavier than earlier models I have looked at.
A couple of the LROCV trainers have looked at mine and had no concerns about use for typical recovery use.

[101RRS]

the later model F1 has a different front loop than the earlier models, certainly my 2002 is heavier than earlier models I have looked at.

Mine is one of the earliest F1s - 98 but actually made in 97.

Garry

[camel_landy]

Where did you put rated recovery points on your Freelander 1. While OK for towing, I doubt the standard front tow hook would be suitable for snatch type recoveries.

Hi Garry,

The front recovery points on mine were made by Safety Devices and are as follows...

There are 2x 3.5tonne tow jaws on a specially constructed 'A' frame. This 'A' frame runs down the front of the car and is bolted to the sub frame underneath (it's also what the bash plates are mounted to). It is also bolted to the front end of the chassis through a pair of extension posts which bolt to the chassis legs and then protrude through the bumper.

Make sense??

M

PS... Being a Camel, mine too is one of the very early ones. ;)

[101RRS]

Hi Garry,

There are 2x 3.5tonne tow jaws on a specially constructed 'A' frame. This 'A' frame runs down the front of the car and is bolted to the sub frame underneath (it's also what the bash plates are mounted to). It is also bolted to the front end of the chassis through a pair of extension posts which bolt to the chassis legs and then protrude through the bumper.

That is sort of how I figured it would go. No one spot would be strong enough though I thought the lower front below the main chassis where the aluminium undertray frame bolts to the front on the car under the radiator would be strong enough if a point was mounted on either side of the car and a load sharing bridle used during recoveries - I doubt one point by itself would be enough for high load snatches.

Garry

[camel_landy]

No one spot would be strong enough though I thought the lower front below the main chassis where the aluminium undertray frame bolts to the front on the car under the radiator would be strong enough...

Oh yeah, I forgot about that one. The 'A' frame bolts to there too... :D

M

[Neville Klein]

I purchased my F2 11 months ago and the sales guy pointed to the front and rear recovery points and stated that they are off road recovery points. NevilleK

[Meken]

We've had our 08 f2 snatched out of very deep sand (sitting on it belly with all wheels spinning) on the front hook no problems. (Was before I worked out they go best with tyres below 13psi - darn low profile tyres)

[354 chamberlain]

I have used my rear recovery point to pull a glx landcruser wagon bogged to the pan in a roadside drain and the mud was like glue. Used a lifting sling and a dead pull and removed two and a half tonne vechicle with almost no effort and no wheel spin with my wheels sinking about 40mm into the ground . Sounds like whoever told you that they were not suitable is a mine saftey officer who issues written warnings for not having your top shirt button done up in 35 plus heat .
Doug

[Meken]

I have used my rear recovery point to pull a glx landcruser wagon bogged to the pan in a roadside drain and the mud was like glue. Used a lifting sling and a dead pull and removed two and a half tonne vechicle with almost no effort and no wheel spin with my wheels sinking about 40mm into the ground . Sounds like whoever told you that they were not suitable is a mine saftey officer who issues written warnings for not having your top shirt button done up in 35 plus heat .
Doug


An you elaborate on the lifting sling setup?

[354 chamberlain]

Meken , the sling is a webbing type that is a full circle with a rated capicity of 2000kg for verticle lifts ,no rating for horizontal pulls but probably has a saftey factor of twice that or more . I use a bow shackle (3/4 dia pin) to attach it either end and it is about 2.3 mtr long .I have 2 of the and they roll up and fit neatly in the spare wheel well . They have a little stretch but not much no good for snatching . Checked the mounting of the recovery points and the rear is bolted solidly to the sub frame but the front is on a cross member and not quite as solid I would not let the vechicle be snatched out by the front recovrey point a gentle dead pull would probably be much better
Doug

[Meken]

Thanks Doug yes I now see what you mean by lifting sling - I'm familiar with them (architect)