Thread: Quick question

Stuart,

Thanks for showing me the error of my ways in driving a inadequate D1 off road, I will from now on only drive it on flat ground until I can get someone to retrofit HDC.

I'm not knocking HDC, it has its use and I admit I have been known to use it occassionally on the D3, with the early version HDC on the D2 it is not a good thing and most people in the bush turn it off when going down steep hills and on the D1 it just doesn't exist, so a driver learns the strengths and weaknesses of their vehicle and gets on with driving it to the conditions off road, sometimes even down very steep rough declines. Personally I think all 4x4 drivers should learn how to negotiate challenging off road driving while not using electonic aids, because one day you may have no choice in the matter.

In the meantime while I look for someone to retrofit the HDC to the D1 could you please send me one of your manuals you speak about on 4x4 driving, then I to can learn as much about the theory of off road driving as you have.

cheers,
Terry

LR thought it prudent to cancel the D2's HDC if it theorised that the brakes were overheating, leaving the driver without any HDC and supposedly overly hot brakes.

Originally Posted by TerryO

When 1st in low isn't enough to slow me down then that is when I use the brakes, which are still nice and cool and working well because I don't use HDC.

For the forums newer members who are asking these questions my advice is to go do a decent driver training course which are essential if you want to find out how to drive safely and well off road the correct way. In the Sydney basin I would recommend joining the Range Rover Club, their courses are very good and are also free once your a member.

cheers,
Terry

TerryO,

I agree with you regarding the above technique, particularly when you are not slipping and sliding. For all but the steepest decent I find 1st low providing plenty of engine braking and a gentle application of brakes just keeps it from running away on the really steep stuff.

Additionally I have found when it gets slippery, HDC works better than manual braking as it leaves you free to steer and use the accelerator to regain traction. Obviously this is not an option in vehicles that do not have HDC but hey no reason not to use good technology when it is available and actually does a better job in certain circumstances.

Also as a member of the Range Rover Club of NSW I can also attest to the fact that their driver training days are really worthwhile. The trainers really know and love the LR products, the days are structured in such a way that you get plenty of opportunity to watch and then try things and are progressive so you do the beginners course then the advanced courses.

Combined with joining them on some of their day trips etc membership is a very worthwhile investment and supports a club that supports the brand.

George

Originally Posted by TerryO

In the meantime while I look for someone to retrofit the HDC to the D1 could you please send me one of your manuals you speak about on 4x4 driving, then I to can learn as much about the theory of off road driving as you have.

cheers,
Terry

Lol - a manual gearbox, not a book - don't think I can afford the freight on that, sorry! Don't worry, I learned in the bush what not to do in 4WDs, luckily in fleet vehicles cos at times I did it the hard way, scared the $#&% out of myself and was very lucky.

As a previously passionate detester of automatic 4WDs based on my experiences, the way I see it is that if it weren't for HDC, I'd have been able to buy a manual D4, and for that reason it sucks! And yeah, the HDC in my manual D2 was definitely not worth bothering with!

Cheers.

Originally Posted by TerryO

Stuart,

I will from now on only drive it on flat ground until I can get someone to retrofit HDC.

I'm officially biting my tongue, btw!

Originally Posted by Stuart02

I'm officially biting my tongue, btw!

Hmmm! ...So your biting your tongue over something I said tongue in cheek.


cheers,
Terry