Thread: Sand Driving

Originally Posted by timax

Im also interested in how a D4 is on the sand with standard tyres.
I have a TD5 Defender at the moment with an Auto transmission . It is fantastic in the sand due to the 85 series tyres and light weight. We have never been stuck and often pass heavier cars that are.
We are thinking of Buying a D4.
SO the D4 has low profile tyres and is much heavier.
What id like to know is are there any of you who are experienced in the sand with a D4 and can give some pointers.
Do the tyres bag at all? Im guessing not. And what about the Compomotive rims with 18 in tyres. I imagine they bag a little more but is it enough.
Tim

Ive just put a set of maxxis at 980's(255/55/19) on my D4, and have spent the last week on sand, and am not impressed(disappointed would be more accurate). I had a triton before the D4, with proper/normal sized tyres and it would put a D4 with 19's to shame on sand. I'm really wanting to try 18" tyres on the beach to see how much difference it makes before I make a final decision about the discos sand performance.

Wazz, that odd. I’ve not matched that experience. I find the D4 great in sand on the 19” (obviously can always be better). 15psi, Sand mode, DSC off, and I was happily pulling a camper through soft sand.

Comparing a very light Triton to a rather hefty D4 on sand is not exactly an Apples for Apples comparison.

That would be like comparing my wife’s old Vitara Soft top to the Triton....

Wazz, what pressures were you on? What terrain setting? Was DSC turned off every time? And.... what range were you in?

My D4 doesn’t mind sand at all, once all these factors are in play..

Originally Posted by Wazz

Ive just put a set of maxxis at 980's(255/55/19) on my D4, and have spent the last week on sand, and am not impressed(disappointed would be more accurate). I had a triton before the D4, with proper/normal sized tyres and it would put a D4 with 19's to shame on sand. I'm really wanting to try 18" tyres on the beach to see how much difference it makes before I make a final decision about the discos sand performance.

Funny you should say that as I snatched a Triton out that was bogged to rails only two weeks ago, I'm on the 980 19's as well!
Cheers
Scott.

that is my (experienced on sand) opinion. it actually dissapointed my brother(a range rover & Defender owner of 10+ years) who was considering a disco, to the point of leaning towards a 200 series instead. But like i said, i will try smaller rims with proper tyres before i make a final decision.

I would love to hear of someones experience who has actually given the 19's a good go before going to compomotive 18's?? and if it actually did make a big difference?

And comparing a disco 4 to any other 4wd is a fair comparison, especially a stock work ute!

Not quite.. comparing a D4 to anything of similar size and weight is a fair comparison.
Expecting 2.7t to behave like 1.7t on sand is not...

Maybe a comparison between a D2 with 16 inch rims against a D4 with 19 inch rims would be more appropriate ?
Both trucks are very capable off roaders and are similar weights.
I have noticed though that there are not too many D2's fitted with the 18 inch rim options and most tend to have the 16 inch type.

Exactly. Compare the D4 to a 200 series for example. Cheers