Getting off-road

[Clivey]

Evening everyone,

After toying with several different ideas, I've finally bitten the bullet and bought myself my first 4x4. - It's a Land Rover Discovery 2 TD5.



It's a last year of production (04) and so has the centre diff lock, though the lever's stiff as it's never been used - this car has been a school run / shopping car all it's life. I would like to change that and use it for travel and touring all over the UK, across Europe etc. but would also like to get into off-roading (green lanes etc.). This is the reason I chose a Discovery 2, rather than one of it's more road-biased competitors (BMW X5 etc.).

I know I'll probably have to fit some underbody protection etc. to avoid wrecking it but would like to know where the best place to take it is to learn how to drive it properly off the tarmac. I'd like to start gently and do some "non-damaging" off-roading - I'm not afraid of getting it dirty but don't want to go to a pay and play site and smash it up in 5 minutes; this isn't a swamp buggy or stripped-out Defender on 37' tyres.

I'd like to join a club but am unsure which ones cover my area - I live in Derbyshire. How do I get started?

Edited by Clivey on Saturday 9th November 21:11

[camel_landy]

Why not book a day at one of the Land Rover Experience centres?

The Defender's drive train is very similar to your D2. Take one of them out, tell the instructor what you want to get out of the day and they'll tailor it to suit.

M

[Clivey]

camel_landy said:

Why not book a day at one of the Land Rover Experience centres?

The Defender's drive train is very similar to your D2. Take one of them out, tell the instructor what you want to get out of the day and they'll tailor it to suit.

M

I had thought about starting with their "Level 1 course" actually but wanted to find out what others thought…you work for LR don't you?

[camel_landy]

Clivey said:

I had thought about starting with their "Level 1 course" actually but wanted to find out what others thought…you work for LR don't you?

Might do...

M

[R12HCO]

Where abouts in derbyshire.

I still keep in contact with members of my old club and some friends are still active.

They guy that runs it is called glen and the club is peak and potteries 4x4. Have a search on facebook.

They mainly do greenlanes so not damaging at all really.

[Clivey]

R12HCO said:

Where abouts in derbyshire.

I still keep in contact with members of my old club and some friends are still active.

They guy that runs it is called glen and the club is peak and potteries 4x4. Have a search on facebook.

They mainly do greenlanes so not damaging at all really.

Thanks - I'll take a look. I live just a couple of miles outside Derby city centre but am obviously willing to travel.

[g7jtk]

Join here http://www.discoveryownersclub.org/phpBB3/index.ph... You should be able to see where your local section is, where and when they meet.

Edited by g7jtk on Monday 18th November 20:12

[drgoatboy]

Don't be scared of horror stories about p&p sites. They all normally have some easy sections that you can try out getting dirty. I did a few in my standard jimny and didn't do any damage or get stuck.
They are normally on £25 or so, so even if you only spend an hour there it's still relatively cheap fun.

[Clivey]

drgoatboy said:

Don't be scared of horror stories about p&p sites. They all normally have some easy sections that you can try out getting dirty. I did a few in my standard jimny and didn't do any damage or get stuck.
They are normally on £25 or so, so even if you only spend an hour there it's still relatively cheap fun.

Thanks. I had assumed that was the case but had heard otherwise from some people. To be honest, I quite like the idea as it allows me to see what the Disco can do without incurring the wrath of a thousand 4x4 hating do-gooders.

Where is the nearest suitable (as in: with a decently-sized non-destructive area) place to Derby?

[jesta1865]

if you want to consider green-laning in the future, you could do a lot worse than contact 1st overland, they do trips to Wales and Wiltshire, i also think they are thinking of the peak district etc.

they tailor the trip to the cars, i had no snorkel, and we had a kia on our trip so they made sure nothing too major (people got stuck though so not easy). they are a great bunch, will cook for you for a bit extra, and generally get everyone together.

i'm saving for a winter trip with them (£100 + plus what it costs for the discovery to go through the mot ) and hoping for snow.

toby and patrick are the lads that run it.

[100SRV]

jesta1865 said:

if you want to consider green-laning in the future, you could do a lot worse than contact 1st overland, they do trips to Wales and Wiltshire, i also think they are thinking of the peak district etc.

they tailor the trip to the cars, i had no snorkel, and we had a kia on our trip so they made sure nothing too major (people got stuck though so not easy). they are a great bunch, will cook for you for a bit extra, and generally get everyone together.

i'm saving for a winter trip with them (£100 + plus what it costs for the discovery to go through the mot ) and hoping for snow.

toby and patrick are the lads that run it.

Alternatively you could join GLASS for a lot less and have access to representatives who know the unsurfaced rights of way in their county like the back of their hand...the Wiltshire rep also happens to be one of the founders of GLASS and is a very knowledgeable chap. PM me if you want to know more...

[bobzilla7]

And membership to GLASS is a lot less than £100 and much of it will go back in to protecting our rights to drive unsurfaced roads.

[jesta1865]

100SRV said:

Alternatively you could join GLASS for a lot less and have access to representatives who know the unsurfaced rights of way in their county like the back of their hand...the Wiltshire rep also happens to be one of the founders of GLASS and is a very knowledgeable chap. PM me if you want to know more...

i was suggesting that he goes out with properly supervised and researched groups, not some guy who has a map.

they are members of GLASS as well IIRC.

[300bhp/ton]

Clivey said:

drgoatboy said:

Don't be scared of horror stories about p&p sites. They all normally have some easy sections that you can try out getting dirty. I did a few in my standard jimny and didn't do any damage or get stuck.
They are normally on £25 or so, so even if you only spend an hour there it's still relatively cheap fun.

Thanks. I had assumed that was the case but had heard otherwise from some people. To be honest, I quite like the idea as it allows me to see what the Disco can do without incurring the wrath of a thousand 4x4 hating do-gooders.

Where is the nearest suitable (as in: with a decently-sized non-destructive area) place to Derby?

P&P are likely fine, although will vary from place to place. That said, a Jimny is quite different to a D2.

Main thing being it's a heck of a lot smaller, so less chance of pranging it.

There is no reason why you can't self teach off roading, but you really ought to do some reading up on how to drive 'safely' off road. If in doubt, then participating with others or having some sort of tuition would be highly advisable.

There are some fairly basic do's and don't's off roading. And YouTube serves to prove there are many idiots out there who shouldn't be off roading.


In terms of using a D2 off road, while you may not want to damage it, damage is sadly part of off roading. So go in eyes open that you might do something.

Most likely is the front bumper and valance. Not sure if it's removable on the D2 like on RRC's. But it will be very easy to damage it off road. The rear bumper and body is also vulnerable also.

And if you are anywhere with trees, then a scratched or dented panel (door, wing, etc) is ever so easy to do.

Lastly wheels. Alloys are generally fine, but if it's a rocky location they may get scratched. Also as it's now winter and most places are fairly wet, I suspect you might struggle on normal road tyres. To the point that I'd say it's foolish to off road such a vehicle without at least some AT's on, even more so if you are on your own.

Think about it, you wouldn't play football on wet grass in trainers would you?

[100SRV]

jesta1865 said:

i was suggesting that he goes out with properly supervised and researched groups, not some guy who has a map.

they are members of GLASS as well IIRC.

Like a GLASS rep? ;-)

[Martin4x4]

Frickley Off road is 1 hour north of you at Doncaster it costs £25 per vehicle per day. It has plenty of variety and many easy routes. My first time driving of road was at Frickley in my then standard 200TDi and My club Hull4x4 go there regularly. Some video of Discovery 200TDi at Frickley. There is also a good site at KORC / Kirton in Lindsey.

If you want to go Green laning the Derby Dales are a great place to be and you don't need to pay anybody. Discovery Owners club mentioned already, but also checkout MROC and Buxton Land Rover Club

Edited by Martin4x4 on Friday 22 November 21:18

[Clivey]

Thanks everyone for the advice. - I've been unexpectedly busy this week so although I've read your responses I apologise as I haven't had chance to reply!

g7jtk said:

Join here http://www.discoveryownersclub.org/phpBB3/index.ph... You should be able to see where your local section is, where and when they meet.

Edited by g7jtk on Monday 18th November 20:12

Thanks - I've already joined the Discovery 2 Boy's Club forum ( www.d2bc.co.uk ) and have spoken to a few people on there. I expect there's an overlap (same members on both sites) but will join Discovery Owners Club too to make sure I don't miss anything.

100SRV said:

jesta1865 said:

if you want to consider green-laning in the future, you could do a lot worse than contact 1st overland, they do trips to Wales and Wiltshire, i also think they are thinking of the peak district etc.

they tailor the trip to the cars, i had no snorkel, and we had a kia on our trip so they made sure nothing too major (people got stuck though so not easy). they are a great bunch, will cook for you for a bit extra, and generally get everyone together.

i'm saving for a winter trip with them (£100 + plus what it costs for the discovery to go through the mot ) and hoping for snow.

toby and patrick are the lads that run it.

Alternatively you could join GLASS for a lot less and have access to representatives who know the unsurfaced rights of way in their county like the back of their hand...the Wiltshire rep also happens to be one of the founders of GLASS and is a very knowledgeable chap. PM me if you want to know more...

Had a quick browse of the 1st Overland website; looks like the kind of thing I'd be interested in. I'll definitely consider them, thanks. As for GLASS; I've been thinking about that too. It seems that if you know where to look, there are still plenty of opportunities to go green-laning / off road in the UK…which is nice when there are so many NIMBYs / do-gooders around.

300bhp/ton said:

There is no reason why you can't self teach off roading, but you really ought to do some reading up on how to drive 'safely' off road. If in doubt, then participating with others or having some sort of tuition would be highly advisable.

There are some fairly basic do's and don't's off roading. And YouTube serves to prove there are many idiots out there who shouldn't be off roaring.

I've spent the last year or so trying to do as much research as possible (and yes; have seen the type of YouTube videos you're referring to - funny and scary at the same time!) but I think I've got to the point where I need to get off the computer and get some real experience / training.

300bhp/ton said:

In terms of using a D2 off road, while you may not want to damage it, damage is sadly part of off roading. So go in eyes open that you might do something.

Most likely is the front bumper and valance. Not sure if it's removable on the D2 like on RRC's. But it will be very easy to damage it off road. The rear bumper and body is also vulnerable also.

I completely understand and TBH don't plan to do anything more than the gentle stuff without modifying the vehicle because I think it would be wasteful and pointless to wreck it (I paid top money for an immaculate example of a top-spec, late model D2).

I intend to replace the bumpers, for example, with heavy duty / low profile aftermarket ones because I wouldn't want to smash-up my immaculate factory parts (which will be taken off, wrapped-up and stored).

I'm also looking at rock sliders with tree bars (also handy as a step for my partner as she's smaller than me), diff & steering guards etc. - I have no qualms with spending money, gradually, to get it protected before I do any damage. I'll stay away from the challenging stuff until I'm properly prepared.

Long term, this Disco is a project for me; I'd like an "expedition vehicle" to tour the UK and Europe etc. in as well as go green-laning, to off-road sites etc etc. - I like the idea of this sort of thing:

300bhp/ton said:

And if you are anywhere with trees, then a scratched or dented panel (door, wing, etc) is ever so easy to do.

I accept that; my intention is to do what I can to protect the vehicle, but ultimately I accept that there's an element of risk when off-road (just as there is when driving a performance car quickly TBH).

300bhp/ton said:

Lastly wheels. Alloys are generally fine, but if it's a rocky location they may get scratched. Also as it's now winter and most places are fairly wet, I suspect you might struggle on normal road tyres. To the point that I'd say it's foolish to off road such a vehicle without at least some AT's on, even more so if you are on your own.

Think about it, you wouldn't play football on wet grass in trainers would you?

I nearly jumped for joy when I went to view mine and it had a brand new set of General Grabber ATs on it (spare doesn't match so I'll have to buy another though). - They're 255/55/R18s on the standard 18" wheels so I think they'll be ideal for daily use as well as for lanes etc. (unless you're telling me otherwise). - I might also buy a set of 16" wheels with MTs on though depending on how I get on.

Is there anything else I need to consider / am overlooking / have missed etc?

[curdman]

The goldern rule "Never go green laning on your own" There are plenty of 4x4 Clubs, google it. Landrover Experience day as suggested in other posts is a good idea.

I watched others and self taught myself way back when. Joining a club and riding shotgun with others more experienced will aid you aswell.

Ebay is you friend for diff guards,fuel tank guard, Rock sliders, Snorkel if your planning on wading deep etc etc, or if wait until the new year theres plenty of shows to go to where you can pick up a few bargains.

When I had my Defender BFG A/T were ok, but on some serious P&P sites I would get stuck, I changed them for BFG M/T and never looked back, and considering they where M/T there was hardly any road noise from them.

[100SRV]

curdman said:

The goldern rule "Never go green laning on your own" There are plenty of 4x4 Clubs, google it. Landrover Experience day as suggested in other posts is a good idea.

I watched others and self taught myself way back when. Joining a club and riding shotgun with others more experienced will aid you aswell.

Ebay is you friend for diff guards,fuel tank guard, Rock sliders, Snorkel if your planning on wading deep etc etc, or if wait until the new year theres plenty of shows to go to where you can pick up a few bargains.

When I had my Defender BFG A/T were ok, but on some serious P&P sites I would get stuck, I changed them for BFG M/T and never looked back, and considering they where M/T there was hardly any road noise from them.

Don't forget to replace the tooth-pick track rod for something more robust too...I see lots of tooled up 'Rover products with £££ spent on tyres, lights and winches yet the spindly track rod and low-slung steering damper (you Discovery boys know who you are) are retained ready to end your day by snagging on a small rock. Spend your money wisely and improve the critical parts first. To relocate the steering damper on Discos have a look at the installation used on the Defender, not difficult to do but worth the effort.

Some spares are useful too - easy to replace bits that allow you to get home.

[Clivey]

100SRV said:

curdman said:

The goldern rule "Never go green laning on your own" There are plenty of 4x4 Clubs, google it. Landrover Experience day as suggested in other posts is a good idea.

I watched others and self taught myself way back when. Joining a club and riding shotgun with others more experienced will aid you aswell.

Ebay is you friend for diff guards,fuel tank guard, Rock sliders, Snorkel if your planning on wading deep etc etc, or if wait until the new year theres plenty of shows to go to where you can pick up a few bargains.

When I had my Defender BFG A/T were ok, but on some serious P&P sites I would get stuck, I changed them for BFG M/T and never looked back, and considering they where M/T there was hardly any road noise from them.

Don't forget to replace the tooth-pick track rod for something more robust too...I see lots of tooled up 'Rover products with £££ spent on tyres, lights and winches yet the spindly track rod and low-slung steering damper (you Discovery boys know who you are) are retained ready to end your day by snagging on a small rock. Spend your money wisely and improve the critical parts first. To relocate the steering damper on Discos have a look at the installation used on the Defender, not difficult to do but worth the effort.

Some spares are useful too - easy to replace bits that allow you to get home.

OK thanks; I'll be sure to beef-up the steering. I did look at a steering guard from TerraFirma but I don't think it'll fit without cutting-up the standard bumper - I'd rather do it at the same time as fitting a winch bumper.

By the way, who makes the best quality parts for the Discovery? I'd rather not "buy cheap and buy twice".

I'm currently trying to arrange to tag along with some members of the D2 Boys Club forum when they next go (gentle) laning in the East Midlands…and I can't wait for the snow this winter!