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 !

[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

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