Is the Ford Explorer any good off-road?
Discussion
Hi folks, i'm looking at trying out a pay and play day. My wife has bought me one for my birthday. However, have two choices, I can either use the provided vehicles (Landy or Jeep) OR if I take my own vehicle I can exchange what the wife has paid for for more time under instruction (about 50% more time).
My mate has an explorer which he said I could use if I so wish. So, should I stick with the instruction in Landy/ Jeep, or have a go in the explorer? How capable is it off-road?
My mate has an explorer which he said I could use if I so wish. So, should I stick with the instruction in Landy/ Jeep, or have a go in the explorer? How capable is it off-road?
Sadly there is no quick or simple answer to this.
But the main ingredients to off road use are grip and traction.
Grip comes directly from the tyres. A good set of tyres will get you a lot of places where the same vehicle on the wrong set will not likely go anywhere well or with ease.
So what tyres has the Explorer got and do you know the terrain you’ll be driving on?
Some driving schools use only road tyres and AT’s. Often because noting more is needed, they are cheap to replace, won’t wear too quick and because they ultimately offer lower grip means arguably more fun and less chance of breaking diffs and axles.
Traction comes from keeping wheels on the ground and/or uses devices to ensure power is sent to all wheels in contact with the ground. The later is achieved by traction control systems and locking axle diffs. I don’t know if the explorer has any of these though.
The former, keeping the wheels on the ground comes from having a good suspension system allowing plenty of flex and articulation. Land Rover’s and Jeeps are so good out of the box as they use live axles and have plenty of both. Also as one side of a live axle lifts it pushes down on the opposite wheel.
Independent suspension setups IRS or IFS do not have this ability and generally suffer off road. Unless they have locking diffs and traction control systems.
Even the current Disco 3 and 4 need lots of help off road due to being IRS/IFS. They have a rear locking diff (optional), a very advanced traction control system and a “live axle simulator” where there are air bogs to actually push the wheels down when the opposite on is lifted. Mimicking a live axle setup.
Ground clearance is also a concern. As you don’t want to get beached in some deep ruts.
Other things to consider the Explorer is a fairly chunky vehicle. So if it should take a knock would it be a problem?
I’m afraid I don’t know much about the Explorer. So I can’t really tell you yay or nay.
On one hand it could breeze the course and simply give you more behind the wheel time.
But on the flip side it may be a total pig, get stuck and end up with damage.
Without knowing more about where you are going and the setup of the Ford there is no way to answer.
Sorry
But the main ingredients to off road use are grip and traction.
Grip comes directly from the tyres. A good set of tyres will get you a lot of places where the same vehicle on the wrong set will not likely go anywhere well or with ease.
So what tyres has the Explorer got and do you know the terrain you’ll be driving on?
Some driving schools use only road tyres and AT’s. Often because noting more is needed, they are cheap to replace, won’t wear too quick and because they ultimately offer lower grip means arguably more fun and less chance of breaking diffs and axles.
Traction comes from keeping wheels on the ground and/or uses devices to ensure power is sent to all wheels in contact with the ground. The later is achieved by traction control systems and locking axle diffs. I don’t know if the explorer has any of these though.
The former, keeping the wheels on the ground comes from having a good suspension system allowing plenty of flex and articulation. Land Rover’s and Jeeps are so good out of the box as they use live axles and have plenty of both. Also as one side of a live axle lifts it pushes down on the opposite wheel.
Independent suspension setups IRS or IFS do not have this ability and generally suffer off road. Unless they have locking diffs and traction control systems.
Even the current Disco 3 and 4 need lots of help off road due to being IRS/IFS. They have a rear locking diff (optional), a very advanced traction control system and a “live axle simulator” where there are air bogs to actually push the wheels down when the opposite on is lifted. Mimicking a live axle setup.
Ground clearance is also a concern. As you don’t want to get beached in some deep ruts.
Other things to consider the Explorer is a fairly chunky vehicle. So if it should take a knock would it be a problem?
I’m afraid I don’t know much about the Explorer. So I can’t really tell you yay or nay.
On one hand it could breeze the course and simply give you more behind the wheel time.
But on the flip side it may be a total pig, get stuck and end up with damage.
Without knowing more about where you are going and the setup of the Ford there is no way to answer.
Sorry
did my lantra offroad course in 08 in one of these 3ltr crewcab. very impressive loads of low down torque. driving round a course near breacon. much better and a lot more comfort than a defender. i was very suprised for somthing that i thought was a builders pick up. i'll never look at a ranger in the sameway again!
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