View Full Version : Has your Territory left the bitumen?
grahill
19-03-05, 12:45 PM
Thought I'd post a poll to see how many Territory owners have actually taken their vehicle off a bitumen road.
Definitions:
Soft Roading --> Accross paddocks, very shallow creek crossings, beaches, corrugated dirt roads with potholes etc.
Off Road --> Central Australia Dry weather roads, over rocks, deeper creek crossings, sand hills etc.
grahill
19-03-05, 12:49 PM
Am planning a trip to the top of South Australia in July and want to know how the Territories have handled. Much damage, how many flat tyres etc. More importantly, is the vehicle capable.
...
Off Road --> Central Australia Dry weather roads, over rocks, deeper creek crossings, sand hills etc.
I'd be surprised if someone bought a terri for the purpose explained above... I remember seeing a road test where the terri kept on bottoming out on rocks etc and it wasn’t too ling before it got stuck, so you'd definitely need a nice winch etc for any major off roading.
XplosiveR6
19-03-05, 05:59 PM
are there lift kits for the terri yet?
Laminge
19-03-05, 10:26 PM
Great Question
Would also like to know if anyone would consider taking it to Fraser
galaxy xr8
19-03-05, 10:34 PM
The Territory has a very good AWD system, one of the best, I have no doubt it can handle the rough stuff, the only thing holding it back is the ground clearance and lack of protection underneath for vunrable component's, having said that I would gladdly take one on Fraser Island.
Cheahman
20-03-05, 02:07 AM
My parents territory touched some lawn once :Whatever_ But apart from that, it hasnt left the road and probably never will.
Ford PR Man
20-03-05, 09:53 AM
One of the first trips Clancy (Zest AWD Ghia) took was to central Oz. Whitecliffs, Milperinka, Tibooburra, Sturt National Park, Cameron Corner, Fort Grey, Strzelecki Track, Cooper Creek, Innamincka, Nappa Merri and down through Warri Gate and back home via Silver City Highway.
Didn't miss a beat, despite what some press reports might indicate. Drive it sensibly (ie, slow down through washouts and, when confronted with high crowns, drive up on them rather than ploughing through them) and your Terri will do just fine.
johnydep
20-03-05, 02:00 PM
The Terri is a bit low for the above mentioned driving.
I bottomed out going through a dry creak crossing, my speed was not excessively fast. The sump gaurd took the brunt of the force, sounded like the whole front end fell off. There was no damage, except for the sump gaurd loosing a few strengthening ribs.
Following dry rivers with rocky services did cause some large bangs & thuds, some small dents were caused, I was at crawling speed.
Slow driving is recomended.
dunno but i think there needs to be a bit in the poll for non owners, so we can actually see the poll results...
What do u mean? just click on the View Poll Results (http://www.fordforums.com.au/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=87) button...
Off road means different things to different people. I took mine to Sofala along the creek, which I consider to be soft road, i.e well defined track, no real rocky or muddy stuff etc, and had no problems at all. However one of my pasangers remarked that this was fairly off road and more than he would be prepared to take his range rover on. So I guess what may be soft road for some may be well off the beaten track for others.
What do u mean? just click on the View Poll Results (http://www.fordforums.com.au/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=87) button...
oops!, my bad........ :peepwall:
Mechan1k
21-03-05, 10:22 AM
OK ... I really haven't taken it off-road ... I have driven accross paddocks and stuff like that ... but nothing too adventurous ... the Territory should do well over sand due to the fairly wide tyres on it ... especially once you have dropped the air pressure considerably.
I have just used mine for towing really .... mainly horse floats ... and out in the paddock on the odd occasion.
TX Terrie
22-03-05, 09:09 PM
It seems that both the RWD and AWD Territory's are neck and neck for Soft Roading. Not many off road Territories yet, but I assume ground clearance has something to do with this. My hubby wants to try it in the Flinders Rangers soon, so not too far from where you want to take yours Grahill. Has anyone added extra underbelly guarding etc? If so, at what cost?
TX Terrie
grahill
22-03-05, 09:25 PM
"johnydep" Seeing as though you bottomed out, was your vehicle fully loaded, and towing a camper or similar?
"Cheahman" was your parents lawn freshly watered or dry? lol
"lv619" I'd be surprised if people here didn't purchase a Territory for the chance that they might take it onto some pretty testing roads etc. I am a fool if I was the only one out of 20,000 plus Territory owners who purchased for the chance of taking it on testing roads and tracks for holidays. After all the price is far more reasonable than most 4WD's and for the slim chance they will take it off road, then I believe the Territory is far better value. I for one purchased the Territory for the chance that I will be touring mid north, with an on-road camper behind. Hopefully many trips around our beaut country is on the agenda. Although saying that its main purpose was dirt roads to and from work, and for the added safety for the family, rough tracks were considered. I am aware that clearance is an issue, but hope that it isn't too testing for the Territory. As for the winch part of your reply. Is there a substantial mounting point on the front of the Territory for a winch?
Thanks for all the comments, it is helping.
johnydep
22-03-05, 10:06 PM
"johnydep" Seeing as though you bottomed out, was your vehicle fully loaded, and towing a camper or similar?
...............
Just the family, everything else was at the camp site.
I was on a dirt road at the Flinders Ranges, doing about 50km/h, the raod had a few dry creek crossings that were either marked or easily seen. This one was not sign posted & not obvious until I was virtualy on top off it, I tried to brake, which probably made it worse by causing the nose to dive, I realised this & released the brakes at the same time as the terri bottomed out.
The crunch was so loud I thought I had lost the front bumper.
I'm not sure what would have hit the ground if I did not have the sump gaurd, but I do highly recommend you get one if you do your trip.
With careful & easy driving, I don't see why you can't go up North of S.A. I'm planning some similar trips with mine, it's not as if we are going to make our own roads, there are tracks everywhere.
It's a FORD, and I'll probably trade it in as the name suggests; FullOfRust&Dents :evillaugh
new2ford
23-03-05, 09:53 PM
are there lift kits for the terri yet?
Ford does have one - its called a Range Rover.
Hi guys - I tried to stick with one forum but I can see forum-crawling is a bit of a trend so I've given in to the inevitable.
On topic, my RWD TX does very well on Sydney region's hairy, rocky bush tracks but I'm aware of the limits.
new2ford
23-03-05, 09:57 PM
BTW when I saw the title to this thread I thought it meant failing to take a bend in the highway! I hope no Terris have done that yet! I read a review of ther Nissan Patrol recently that referred to its propensity to do just that. The reviewer suggested the answer was better driver education. What about better design?
Mechan1k
23-03-05, 10:54 PM
I reckon it would be pretty damn hard to get a Terri to fail to take a bend on a highway .... unless you fell asleep at the wheel.
Mine seems to stick to the road .. like shit to a blanket.
LOL
Steve_T
26-03-05, 04:05 AM
Just to comment on the winch question... I reckon if you're driving a Territory you'd know the vehicle has limits compared to a Troop Carrier for example and drive within the vehicles limits and you'll get far and probably do it without getting stuck. If you wanna carry a winch for safety's sake (never a bad idea) I'd suggest packing a hand winch in the back. The Territory ain't the sort of vehicle that you should be getting into extreme enough circumstances often enough to need a vehicle mounted winch. Also (a fact which a lot of 'extreme' 4x4 owners often fail to realise) when you get stuck in/on something, it's usually easier and better for your vehicle to pull yourself backwards out of it and then have another go driving a different line etc. than it is to pull yourself the rest of the way through it - most peoples' front-mounted winches are less than ideal in a lot of circumstances whereas a hand winch can at least be used from front or back. It's a little more hassle to use but you should virtually never have to anyway. Lastly, a vehicle mounted winch adds a lot of weight right over the front most part of your vehicle - never really a good thing - esp. if you hardly ever use it.
Steve.
Went down the SE of SA for easter(Round Robe-Millecent area) with my G/F's family and did a bit of 4x4ing in the dune's around there. We met up with a mate who has a AWD territory with XR 18's on it who had done a fair bit of off-roading in the past with other vehicles. I was quite surprised at how well it did, he only got stuck once on the beach were it bottomed out in some mega deep soft sand, but that was half on purpose just messing around, On the tracks through the dunes it went ok as long as he kept it movin fairly well an up in the rev range were it made some grunt. It was an auto and it tended to bog down as first gear is to high for serious 4x4ing.
He was saying that the way the suspension is setup with the driveshafts an such, that lifting it a few inches would be quite easy and not add to much angle to the uni's an chop em out.
He reckons ford have plans to release a high ride version with more off-road capabilities.
Saying all that, i wouldn't try serious 4x4ing in one without a decent amount of recovery gear eg. shovel an winch unless ya had someelse there with a serious 4x4 to tow ya out.
grahill
30-03-05, 07:48 AM
When we go mid north in July in our new Territory TS ($46,000 with optional extras), will be traveling with my parents (new 4x4 dual cab Navarra $44,000) and their friend (new 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser traytop $56,000). Don't think I'll have too many hassels with them if I get stuck. Thanks Steve_T for the tip on towing backwards. A towbar is a lot more reassuring than a winch on the front end.
The only concern I have is going with two 4x4's. They may tend to go places the Territory can't. Follow the leader doesn't see fun when I'll be left going back. Maybe they'll be considerate, who knows.
The only concern I have is going with two 4x4's.
But Grahill, at least you'll be more comfortable and safer than them for the vast majority of the trip. Look forward to your report on the trip. Unless they go rock climbing or areas that need low range I bet you'll get just as far.
When we go mid north in July in our new Territory TS ($46,000 with optional extras), will be traveling with my parents (new 4x4 dual cab Navarra $44,000) and their friend (new 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser traytop $56,000). Don't think I'll have too many hassels with them if I get stuck. Thanks Steve_T for the tip on towing backwards. A towbar is a lot more reassuring than a winch on the front end.
The only concern I have is going with two 4x4's. They may tend to go places the Territory can't. Follow the leader doesn't see fun when I'll be left going back. Maybe they'll be considerate, who knows.
If ya gonna go 4x4ing in rocky ground ya might wanna invest in some decent off-road tyres as they have alot stronger sidewall and are less likely to get slashed on a sharp rock, plus then ya have the ability to let the pressure down to around 15psi when travelling in sand and getting alot more spread out of the tyre which equals more surface area. Dunno what size rims the territory's come with but to get decent 4x4 tyres at a reasonable price ya need 15 or 16 inch wheels. 15's are preferable and give ya a much larger choice of tyres.
akiklovich
30-03-05, 10:12 PM
A nice RTV Territory with AWD and rear diff locking, under body protection, higher ride, downhill decent control, 4x4 tires and a of choice TX or Ghia interior trim would put many 4wd's to shame in my opinion...
johnydep
19-04-05, 10:06 PM
I just re-found this article http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=5255&vf=1
They gave the Terri a hard time, it was also a early test build.
We met up with a mate who has a AWD territory with XR 18's on it who had done a fair bit of off-roading in the past with other vehicles.
Considering the XR 18's aren't load rated to carry the Territory's weight I'm surprised you didn't bust a rim 4x4ing......
Mines been up the dirt road that my in-laws live on and that's about it. Thats why I bought a RWD, no intentions of going off-road. If I ever do, the father-in-law has an '05 Pajero Exceed that I can play swapsies with :hihi:
Matty
allypally
29-09-05, 10:38 PM
I suppose driving over a white Cats eye dividing the lanes on the freeway isn't too radical?
Peter B
29-09-05, 11:03 PM
I suppose driving over a white Cats eye dividing the lanes on the freeway isn't too radical?
It was probably more than the cat had in mind.
I am planning a trip to Fraser Island so has anyone given the Territory a good go on all beach conditions. I was talking to Soutside Ford in Brissy and they apparently loaned a Terri to Rusell Ingall for the weekend and he went to Fraser Is. Apparenlty he said it was great.
Any comments would be appreciated
YGOSLO
Laminge
01-10-05, 08:38 PM
Make sure you plan your trip
Set the car up for sand driving, if possible follow as many other 4wd as possible
Your going to get caught, make sure you got the gear to get out!
I am planning a trip to Fraser Island so has anyone given the Territory a good go on all beach conditions. I was talking to Soutside Ford in Brissy and they apparently loaned a Terri to Rusell Ingall for the weekend and he went to Fraser Is. Apparenlty he said it was great.
Any comments would be appreciated
YGOSLO
Hey tony our other car is an all wheel drive terri we have taken it on the beaches on bribie island and it was great just let the tyres down to about 20 psi and it went every where and did it easy.
We have all so raised ours an inch and a half for more clearance.
Ian
Black Terra
02-10-05, 05:40 AM
Hey tony our other car is an all wheel drive terri we have taken it on the beaches on bribie island and it was great just let the tyres down to about 20 psi and it went every where and did it easy.
We have all so raised ours an inch and a half for more clearance.
Ian
Yes the tyres are an important point as the first time we went on to soft sand left them at 36 lol...
Also some say to turn off the first level of traction control so does not reduce engine power.
Hey Goldie how did you raise your Territory & has it affected road handling much?
We would all love to know that 1 :hihi:
And lastly a BIG welcome to the Territory Forum :wink_2:
Yes the tyres are an important point as the first time we went on to soft sand left them at 36 lol...
Also some say to turn off the first level of traction control so does not reduce engine power.
Hey Goldie how did you raise your Territory & has it affected road handling much?
We would all love to know that 1 :hihi:
And lastly a BIG welcome to the Territory Forum :wink_2:
We turned the traction control right off to let the tyres do the work.
King springs do a spring set up to raise the terri.
You will need very good front spring compressors to do it the are really strong.
Road handling seems to be the same.
And thanks for the welcome.
Ian
Black Terra
02-10-05, 10:41 AM
We turned the traction control right off to let the tyres do the work.
King springs do a spring set up to raise the terri.
You will need very good front spring compressors to do it the are really strong.
Road handling seems to be the same.
And thanks for the welcome.
Ian
Thanks for the info Ian & I think I may if I decide to get them let an expert fit them as I no longer have access to a hoist or workshop :(
Also would not wish to bugger up the Terra with my Mechanical skills :frazzled:
Wondering if you would have any Pics to show us with the extra height :wink:
territory_owner
05-10-05, 09:47 PM
My wife just drove hers up to Tiboburra and Innaminka and Napimerri Station all on various grade dirt roads and gibber plain. She was also towing a jayco Expanda poptop (which had been lifted by putting the axle under the leaf springs)
Handled really well but the vibration caused a few problems. One window fell off its slide becasue the plastic stop inside the door broke which prevented the door from closing. easily fixed but couldn't open the window once the Innmainka garage had a look at it - and driving without the door closed back to the garage in the dust was not so good. 12v power plug in front dash has broken and needs replacing. Most importantly one of the welds on the pertol tank guard broke which caused the guard to rub against the rear wheel drive shaft - and Ford are saying we broke it as opposed to it being a flawed weld but we are still discussing this. Our view is it is supposed to be able to drive on dirt roads even if there is the occasional rock or 2.
But it was an easy trip becasue the Terri is so comfortable to drive. Note we had an extra spare and that took some finding and the cos of the tyre was enough to make my eyes bleed.
Black Terra
01-11-05, 04:25 PM
King springs make higher coils now for the Terra :)
lpg_falcon
01-11-05, 08:23 PM
Took mine to Flinders last month.
Handled it very well.
I must add I saw a Falcon Wagon out there as well, maybe a BA or AU.
The roads were pretty good I thought.
We drove through bracina gorge, it is more like a creek bed than a round.
Very rocky, round boulders etc. Take it slow you will be OK.
I think the falcon did well to get there but I think if he took it slow he would also be OK.
If you went fast you would bottom out in Falcon.
If you went fast in Territory you would be likely to flick up a boulder and damage yourself I think.
lpg_falcon.
johnydep
04-11-05, 12:26 AM
Took mine to Flinders last month.
Handled it very well.
I must add I saw a Falcon Wagon out there as well, maybe a BA or AU.
The roads were pretty good I thought.
We drove through bracina gorge, it is more like a creek bed than a round.
Very rocky, round boulders etc. Take it slow you will be OK.
I think the falcon did well to get there but I think if he took it slow he would also be OK.
If you went fast you would bottom out in Falcon.
If you went fast in Territory you would be likely to flick up a boulder and damage yourself I think.
lpg_falcon.
Sounds like you had lots of fun, any photots?
Great Question
Would also like to know if anyone would consider taking it to Fraser
an awd, even maybe a rwd, could handle this easy, the car was signed off there
:1syellow1
Black Terra
22-11-05, 07:38 PM
Why does this message above keep appearing as a new post when it is not?
Is the same message & has been for days.
Please fix.
Every time someone votes = new content, and so it is the same as a new written post
Mark
Black Terra
22-11-05, 09:18 PM
Oh I see, votes without comments.
It is all clear to me now, pity it did not show when clicking on last new post the last person who voted :)
grahill
23-11-05, 10:16 PM
The date that the post was added will appear above the avatar.
Interesting to see so many RWD's have done some soft roading. It was expected that the AWD's would be higher, however they aren't that far ahead.
new2ford
23-11-05, 10:39 PM
The date that the post was added will appear above the avatar.
Interesting to see so many RWD's have done some soft roading. It was expected that the AWD's would be higher, however they aren't that far ahead.
As I used to say in the early days of the Territory forum grahill, before all these fancy 4WDs came along most of us got along quite happily in the bush in various types of 2WDs. People forget that. Then the 4WDs came along and ploughed up the tracks. But in Sydney sandstone country my RWD still gets along tracks famously. Just a matter of watching the weather mainly.
grahill
24-11-05, 07:55 AM
Dito. And yes we have also gone to some great places in our RWD. A bit of negotiation, take it slow and (I agree with you new2ford) watch the weather. We were rained in for a week at Innaminka this year. We were the only RWD vehicle, camped waiting, fishing with well over 30 4WD's. It was great having a hand held UHF with us, as you could listen to all of the 4WD's pasing us saying, "Hey that was a Ford Territory". Not having an aerial on top, generally falled them into thinking we were radioless. One even came up to us when we were rained in, saying how he was a professional and we shouldn't go out for a few days in our 4WD. He was shocked when I corrected him by saying it was a RWD.
Peter B
23-12-05, 02:45 PM
Dito. And yes we have also gone to some great places in our RWD. A bit of negotiation, take it slow and (I agree with you new2ford) watch the weather. We were rained in for a week at Innaminka this year. We were the only RWD vehicle, camped waiting, fishing with well over 30 4WD's. It was great having a hand held UHF with us, as you could listen to all of the 4WD's pasing us saying, "Hey that was a Ford Territory". Not having an aerial on top, generally falled them into thinking we were radioless. One even came up to us when we were rained in, saying how he was a professional and we shouldn't go out for a few days in our 4WD. He was shocked when I corrected him by saying it was a RWD.
I'm inclined to think a 4WD is a good way to get into trouble-the go anywhere, do anything mentality, and then you get into strife in a remote area, or stuck in the sand or wheel ruts. At least with a RWD you realise the limitations and don't over extend. A good RWD will get you to just about any place worth seeing. If not, go on a 4WD tour for those odd spots.
outback_ute
23-12-05, 11:49 PM
Peter you are right, you need to be very self-sufficient. I remember watching one show (might have been Les Hiddens) where they got to a mud hole on a track in the middle of nowhere and purposely went in and got stuck to demonstrate the recovery.
Here is a pic of a track I took my ute up, it is about the limit of gradient it will do, and one of the berms reached the limit of the clearance as the steepness meant more attention was being given to maintaining momentum than picking the ideal line. It is hard to get a true representation in a photo however, everything looks flatter than what it is!
Re the Flinders Ranges, I was there last year and saw most of it (ask if you want more info) and most places are accessible by formed gravel roads, there is not much demand for a 4wd at all.
Strapper
09-01-06, 07:06 AM
Guys
I do a fair amount of civil project management work here in Auckland. One of my clients owns and operates landfills.
I had an instance where I was touring the site with a contractor and decided to go straight up a fairly steep hill (maybe 1 in 10) with longish (6") wet grass. The contractor reackoned his Hilux wouldn't get up there. Off we went and all was going swimingly so about half way up I decided to stop. The others blokes response was that we'd definitely have to back down now. I started off with mild throttle without much luck (no traction control). So I turned the traction control back on and just floored it. The ABS went nuts and the Terri slowly pulled away again leaving two big black marks in the wet grass. The contractor was absolutely astounded! I was pleasantly pleased myself and the chest swelled a couple of inches.
Also great in the loose stuff with both TC and DSC turned off. Lovely big 4 wheel drifts that are sooooo easy to control. Luvin it!!
SILVERMOTO
01-05-06, 06:17 PM
King springs make higher coils now for the Terra :)
Fulcrum suspension also do higher springs for territory it raises the vehicle between 38mm-40mm the cost they quoted was $683.00 fitted, there company vehicle has been done but I have not seen it as yet [brisbane fulcrum moorooka] I am still thinking about .Has anybody out there done the raise and are they happy with it. thanks
manjar68
11-06-06, 07:53 PM
We originally bought the AWD Terry to take camping etc, around Vic, and it has been on several trips off road, all very successfully and very comfortably. I enrolled in a 4WD training course out at Werribee and was beating my chest with pride at the abilities of the car. We did everything the Prado's et al could do with only one exception, and even some of them couldn't do that climb!!. I will post some photos shortly.
We also went on a road trip from Vic through to Alice Springs over Xmas, and took some off road detours, and again, Terry never missed a beat. It loved being driven, handled the off road to the gorge's with ease, and never looked liked letting me down.
Only advice to anyone heading there, is to watch out for the soft red dust roads (especially arond Ayres Rock), they are a lot softer than sand and provided a few hairy moments. Photos to follow again shortly.
Just got back from a week in the vic high lands went for the snow but there was none.
But we did the 4x4 trekks down there and what can i say.
The terri did all we asked it and it was so comfortable and easy to drive in some of the roughest roads or tracks i have seen.
The landcriuser guys said not to take the terri there as it would not handle the track geuss what they are now eating there words and wonder why they spent so much money on there criusers to see a terri go in the same places.
The look on there faces made up for not seeing snow.
Ian
Couldnt wait to get mine on some dirt.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/conspics/Territory/IMG_1750copycopy.jpg
Thats Mrs Con G driving.
Great action shot Con, where was this taken?
Making the most of Sydneys recent damp spell I see :)
Great action shot Con, where was this taken?
This was at Thirlmere Lakes National Park in the south western outskirts of Sydney, near Picton.
bfiipursuit
15-06-06, 07:59 PM
CON your game driving throu that in the RWD.
I wouldnt take my RWD thru that, id be scared it would stop halfway and spin!
bfiipursuit
15-06-06, 08:02 PM
also howd u get it clean again afterwards??
CON your game driving throu that in the RWD.
I wouldnt take my RWD thru that, id be scared it would stop halfway and spin!
It wasnt that bad. While camping some years back in my VR V6 commodore we got rained in and on the way out a part of the dirt road had flooded. It was about thigh deep and. I had no choice but to go through. Talk about scary, I had waves coming over the bonnet. I was sure it was going to stop halfway through but it made it. I had alot more respect for that car afterwards.
also howd u get it clean again afterwards??
That was a job and a half, had to be done in stages. The pic was taken on Monday and only today Iv'e just finished cleaning it.
outback_ute
16-06-06, 01:07 AM
Making the most of Sydneys recent damp spell I see :)
Watering the garden lol
Couldnt wait to get mine on some dirt. Thats Mrs Con G driving.
Nice pic!! :notworthy
Hi Guys
the biggest issue I have with taking the T off the track is the lack of recovery points. Christ knows where you would attach the snatch strap on the front?
At the rear the tow bar is the only point and that is not always the best option. You can generate some big force pulling out a bogged car.
Have any of you guys fitted rated recovery hooks. if so where, how and pictures please.
Thanks
Brendon
bfiipursuit
25-10-06, 04:08 PM
You can get a Towpoint from the front, i know the rear one is factory fit coz they have to change the rear bar but im not sure about the front one, i could do with one just incase!
At the rear the tow bar is the only point and that is not always the best option. You can generate some big force pulling out a bogged car.
Have any of you guys fitted rated recovery hooks. if so where, how and pictures please.
Did someone mention recovery stuff?
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h320/mark_david/DSC02767.jpg
I am sure if you have a Hayman Reese towbar you could have this to attach and it would let you be pulled out of any where. LOL
Tow Hitch Receiver
Mounts into Hayman Reese Hitch Receivers and provides a suitable point for straps. Locks into the hitch receiver using standard pin. Should only be used with quality rated tow bars.
From: http://www.4x4store.com.au/Tow-Hitc...r-pr-71097.html
Price: $55.00 plus free shipping (You Save 8%)
I'll get some pics of it attached to the ob bar this weekend.
"Indiana" Jones
25-10-06, 09:19 PM
Hi Guys
the biggest issue I have with taking the T off the track is the lack of recovery points. Christ knows where you would attach the snatch strap on the front?
At the rear the tow bar is the only point and that is not always the best option. You can generate some big force pulling out a bogged car.
Have any of you guys fitted rated recovery hooks. if so where, how and pictures please.
Thanks
Brendon
Hey there BJJ,
When we did a trip to Stockton beach we made some inquiries and came up with the following as the best options
Recovery points (http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpost.php?p=618044&postcount=96)
I will admit though we never actually tried the front one during the trip. The towbar worked fine though.
The front recovery point supplied by Ford screws in as the offside bottom of the grill (sorry no photo) but I really doubt the strength of this point.
Sorry I can't be of more help but remember we actually have a road vehicle with some off road capability, leave the heavy stuff to the true off roaders and you should be okay.
Cheers
Fulcrum suspension also do higher springs for territory it raises the vehicle between 38mm-40mm the cost they quoted was $683.00 fitted, there company vehicle has been done but I have not seen it as yet [brisbane fulcrum moorooka] I am still thinking about .Has anybody out there done the raise and are they happy with it. thanks
I fitted a set of Industrial Engineers and Spring Makers (Adelaide) raised springs (about 1.5 inches) with the heavy duty rear spring option and am quite happy with it. The caster angle gets reduced on the front end and took one shim at the front mount of the top control arm to bring it back to standard. The cost was $340.00 supply only in April this year. The rear set was pretty easy to fit (spring compressor and hydraulic press) but the front ones were a bugger, in hindsight the $100 per axle fitting cost would have been well worth it for the front at least. I still managed to get bogged but have far less bottoming out problems now.
Hey there BJJ,
but remember we actually have a road vehicle with some off road capability, leave the heavy stuff to the true off roaders and you should be okay.
Cheers
Yep fully aware of that. It is just when what looks okay and hard turns out to be otherwise. Easily Accessable recovery points can make a bog just a slight inconvenience rather than a drama
BTW thanks to all for your feed back on my question. It is very much appreciated.
Brendon
StookEB
30-10-06, 12:41 AM
Sorry I can't be of more help but remember we actually have a road vehicle with some off road capability, leave the heavy stuff to the true off roaders and you should be okay.
Cheers
I was just reading through this old thread and was suprised at what the teritory can do for a city person's 4WD (sorry). I usually drive my dads hilux if we go 4wding, we offen tow a large trailler( large suspension, big tires) with around a ton or so of wood and it performs great, especially up hills due to low range gearing.
I love the new territory and it is great off-road for most peoples needs, but can never beat a true 4WD.
I'm curious what would a territory perform like with low range gearing like in most 4WD's, is it possible to fit a manual with the AWD system?
bfiipursuit
06-11-06, 06:47 PM
I was just reading through this old thread and was suprised at what the teritory can do for a city person's 4WD (sorry). I usually drive my dads hilux if we go 4wding, we offen tow a large trailler( large suspension, big tires) with around a ton or so of wood and it performs great, especially up hills due to low range gearing.
I love the new territory and it is great off-road for most peoples needs, but can never beat a true 4WD.
I'm curious what would a territory perform like with low range gearing like in most 4WD's, is it possible to fit a manual with the AWD system?
No possibility with Manual.
These cars are fabulous and **** all over Landcruisers and Prados overall, as you can do both with them. They arent a hardcore 4wd but they will do the soft stuff easy, even our RWD's can do it as proven a few weekends ago by myself and I Con with the offroad work hes done.
Green X
25-11-06, 01:30 AM
What is Off-road is open to interpretation, the territory has it’s place as does a Landcruiser and other real 4WD’s, The Territory will kill a Cruiser on road but once the Black top ends it is all over a Territory will not get where a True 4WD can.
came across a Suzuki XL7 the other week wile out 4Wding with some friends and it was struggling in conditions that really weren’t that hard.
FTGAutosalvage
18-12-06, 10:18 PM
I was just reading through this old thread and was suprised at what the teritory can do for a city person's 4WD (sorry). I usually drive my dads hilux if we go 4wding, we offen tow a large trailler( large suspension, big tires) with around a ton or so of wood and it performs great, especially up hills due to low range gearing.
I love the new territory and it is great off-road for most peoples needs, but can never beat a true 4WD.
I'm curious what would a territory perform like with low range gearing like in most 4WD's, is it possible to fit a manual with the AWD system?
why would you want to put a manual in?? the gearing in the AWD with an auto is fantastic to begin with , especially the 6spd autos.
i wonder if mine will be the first with a big lift and a set of decent off road tyres on it?? winch and a 4" stainless snorkle .
but i can say i will keep the auto. much better than a manual
....I wonder if mine will be the first with a big lift and a set of decent off road tyres on it?? winch and a 4" stainless snorkle .....
This'll be good to see. You wrecking yard guys have all the fun :wavey:
StookEB
19-12-06, 11:56 PM
I was just curious as i'v never driven one, or seen on our local beaches. I don't think hardly any city drivers (we get alot) will get on our local beaches in a teritory, due to it being that soft, 6sp might be different though. How low psi can the stock tyres handle?
I was just curious as i'v never driven one, or seen on our local beaches. I don't think hardly any city drivers (we get alot) will get on our local beaches in a teritory, due to it being that soft, 6sp might be different though. How low psi can the stock tyres handle?
Territory's not going on beaches, that's just ridiculous.
Here ya go EArulz;
http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/500/Follow-the-leader.jpg
More terry's on beaches if you click these thumbnails; http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/1363/thumbs/Raptor_waves.JPG (http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/showgallery.php?cat=1363) and http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/1347/thumbs/MVC-191F.JPG (http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/showgallery.php?cat=1347)
johnydep
20-12-06, 09:44 AM
Territory's not going on beaches, that's just ridiculous.
Here ya go EArulz;
http://www.fordforums.com.au/photos/data/500/Follow-the-leader.jpg
:yelrotflm
I like it, and that photo is a definite poster shot :eclipsee_
Well, I cant go by without dropping a mention of my beach experiences.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/conspics/Boat%20Harbour/IMG_2984copy.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/conspics/Boat%20Harbour/IMG_2990copy.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h292/conspics/Boat%20Harbour/IMG_2901.jpg
Did I mention mines only a RWD??
bfiipursuit
15-01-07, 01:12 PM
Hey con, did you ever bother getting your bonnet fixed? as in the factory crease?
Hey con, did you ever bother getting your bonnet fixed? as in the factory crease?
I never notice it so I haven't bothered doing anything.
What about you??
bfiipursuit
15-01-07, 03:15 PM
Nah, car wont be here for that long i figured, will have to upgrade it in another 12 months to something with a hole in the bonnet.
OleFella
07-03-07, 10:48 PM
Before I do anything, I would think a snorkel. Any help
OZQUAD44
27-03-07, 10:30 PM
I'm taking my terry up to stockton at easter and wasn't even going to attempt to take it on the sand, but since seeing those photos I'm slowly comming around.
What tyre pressure do you guys recommend and how do you set up your traction control settings. The manual says the following:
1. turn TC off for sand, and
2. Don't drop tyre pressures.
From my experience in FWDing (lets just say its been part of my job for the last 18yrs) I find the second point strange and I'm a bit scepital of the first one too.
Anyone towed a trailer over sand in their Terries?
Thanks in advance
I dropped my tyres down to 20psi.
As for traction control its a bit of a grey area for me, leave it on and it will brake whatever wheel is spinning as well as reducing engine power, so it can be a bit difficult trying to keep up momentum when your losing engine power, turn it off and you lose that braking of individual wheels. I found its fine leaving it on during the firmer stuff, and turning it off during the real soft stuff and plowing through with a whole lot of flooring.
Just a reminder the photos above (my car) is a RWD only. AWD's have DSC which can be switched in stages (i.e no loss of engine power while still retaining individual wheel braking and so) I'll let someone with an AWD explain it further as im not all that familiar with it.
Also if yours is a RWD I dont think it would handle Stockton too well from what Ive heard about the place. The place where these photos were taken is really tame for sand driving so dont let that deceive you.
We dropped our tyres down to around 18psi I think, whether that really made much difference I can't comment. We also had TC turned fully off.
The only time you'll have trouble is if it's chopped up or really deep soft sand, run out of ground clearance (which can happen rather easily) and they stop real quick. Dragging that huge muffler and fuel tank through the sand isn't easy. The roads in and out are a challenge but make it to the beach or reasonably firm dunes and you'll be fine.
If yours is a RWD I wouldn't go beyond the carpark, but that's just me.
allypally
28-03-07, 08:58 AM
I recently did a run along the beach north of Noosa. 50klms each way. Some of the running was in deep soft sand, and I eventually got bogged when I lost momentum due to a slower troop carrier in front of me. I ran 40psi, which probably assisted in my getting stuck, but it was so heavy, I doubt if any pressure adjustments would have helped. Also played with the DSC, which at the start I left in the normal position. It was sure working overtime. Clearance was also an issue in the soft sand, but on the hard sand, the car drove like on a highway.
Reccomendation is to do beach driving ONLY when the tide is going out (ebb), and make sure you are off the beach before the rising half tide.
There are some pics in the below link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58746541@N00/sets/72057594117964745/
OZQUAD44
28-03-07, 09:12 PM
Yeah its AWD, from my experience of lavis lane on my ATV's, I'm not too sure it would go down either track to the sand.
One is good but at the end it has a bit of a climb to get up onto the dunes
The other is flatter but much more chopped up.
I was wondering if anyone had taken an AWD Terry out to the dunes via lavis lane?
Buddy 1
28-03-07, 09:59 PM
We dropped our tyres down to around 18psi I think, whether that really made much difference I can't comment. We also had TC turned fully off.
The only time you'll have trouble is if it's chopped up or really deep soft sand, run out of ground clearance (which can happen rather easily) and they stop real quick. Dragging that huge muffler and fuel tank through the sand isn't easy. The roads in and out are a challenge but make it to the beach or reasonably firm dunes and you'll be fine.
If yours is a RWD I wouldn't go beyond the carpark, but that's just me.
Yes it was 18 Psi thanks to the Stuan Tyre Deflators I supplied :)
And take it from me as I have driven with them at full pressure & at 18 Psi it does make a huge differance & if you click on the link below you can see why.
http://www.staunproducts.com/benefits.php
http://www.pps.net.au/4wdencounter/4wdtech/sand_driving.html#Tyre%20pressures
Oh & a Forum member recently did use Lavis lane however from what I have heard I would use the Anna Bay entrance both ways.
Martyvan
28-03-07, 10:34 PM
There are some pics in the below link
Looks like you either had children with you on this trip, who placed a lot of sand in front of the rim, or you were wheels safety handling test, beach component prior to the photo :)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/417263975_cae3e72be5_b.jpg
allypally
28-03-07, 11:36 PM
[QUOTE=Martyvan]Looks like you either had children with you on this trip, who placed a lot of sand in front of the rim, or you were wheels safety handling test, beach component prior to the photo :)
/QUOTE]
No kids, no sand packing. Prior to shot I was in deep soft sand upto the chassis
I gotta say...that is a beautiful photo!
bdennis
10-04-07, 09:10 AM
Over the Easter Holidays, packed the family up and went to Dinner Plane near Mt Hotham in Vic..
Did some very mild off roading..
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/brendandennis/Territory/PrecipicePlane-MtHotham2Medium.jpg
and
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/brendandennis/Territory/PrecipicePlane-MtHotham5Medium.jpg
The road out to Precipce plane was rocky and as this was the first time off road plus being by our selves (no recovery assistance or gear) took it very easy.. :eclipsee_
I've read this thread a few times, looked at some photos (mine) that are just still shots, parked in the dirt out west and thought, nah but tonight decided to say yeah.
My first off road shots were from a day trip to Gunderbooka National Park in October '06. We drove up to the park from Cobar 111kms then turned off to the dirt track (graded etc.) and drove along the road till the corrugations were just too rough to bear. We peeled off into the sandy, dusty but smoother table drain for the next 15 or so km's till we got to the turnoff to the first of a few stops. There we saw the Aboriginal rock art and a few million flies. I took a moving shot of Mrs. Jock trying to run me down as well.
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=29088&stc=1
We had lunch and shared it with the flies and ants. No.1 son took a photo of the truck in the shade of a tree.
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=29091&stc=1
Then we drove to the other side of the park to see a big gorge thing which was quite good. I took some more photos again of a parked car in the dirt, near a tree with dust all over it (I got a deflector after this).
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=29089&stc=1
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=29090&stc=1
We drove part way back to Cobar and I clumb (?) a tree and caught a bearded dragon - yay! dinner! I had Mrs Jock take a shot of it, my son#2 and me - that's another shot.http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=29092&stc=1
These shots do not convey the roads we went over. There was a lot of beaten track sort of stuff, corrugations, some deep bulldust like you see in the movies and there was also some really sharp rock crushed up on the road into Bennet's Gorge. It was flying out everywhere but I have to say the T wasn't injured by any of this. Actually, the car went amazingly well through the narrow roads into the sites - it's really just a few pastoral leases reclaimed by Govco's green faction on behalf of the National Parks mob. Interesting to note they have destroyed all the tanks (dams to the citified folks) so as to return it all to how it was ? dead roos everywhere and what a treat! At one point, I went a bit hot into a corner and just drove through it although I knew the TC was going into action and it never felt like anything other than a safe exit was possible. Great feature!
So, the T went pretty well, there were 4 adults and 3 children on board, just under 13l/100km for the round trip and we had a great day of comfort and safe motoring in the kind of outback - I have to quantify this statement by saying my old Hardtop 626 RWD went places I wouldn't like the T to go but I know that I would rather the T any day.
Jock
<sorry 'bout the thumbnails, I am only on a pleb account so can't match Allypally's or I_con's photographic splendour!>
allypally
14-04-07, 07:07 PM
Nice Images. I think the Territory looks a natural model in offroad photos.
pistonbroken
16-06-07, 04:58 AM
1 week after we got our awd ghia we did a 10000 trip around most of OZ.Did the loop road from kings canyon N.T.Also did some of the birdsville track,some of the strezleki track and the best bit was walkers crossing around the moomba gas fields in SA.Started off really rocky then turned to soft sand,then firm sand.Cased out a few times at 100kph on the birdsville track.I was lucky not to break a transfer case on the football sized rocks I hit.The muffler looks pretty second hand.I had 1 punchture with about 15km of dirt left after camerons corner.Fixed it myself and put it back on.Never used the spare.The terri was amazing.It was smooth and quite and reliable.Fuel economy was terrible at 170kph though.Around 19.5l/100km.The only other cars we saw out there were ALL landruisers and patrols.
If I was doing it again,I would fit some raised king springs and maybe some 235/65r17 H/T tyres to lift it a little.And some konis if I had the money.
GT Falcon
05-08-07, 10:25 PM
Went to Lancelin today, around 150kms north of Perth. Plenty of soft sand but didn't get it bog or stuck once. Quite a capable AWD imo, key to driving it succesfully was to keep momentum up. Tyre pressures were dropped to 16psi.
Apologies for the wind noise and picture quality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVZfcGDq3F8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llVkhVRudmk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSzrRSY4Xgw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9d1aLKNheE
bfiipursuit
05-08-07, 10:31 PM
Uve got more balls then me cheif... Well done...
how much damage did you do to the car tho, and i hope you cleaned that sand out!!
GT Falcon
05-08-07, 10:45 PM
Uve got more balls then me cheif... Well done...
how much damage did you do to the car tho, and i hope you cleaned that sand out!!
That's nothing compared to the other stuff we got up to at Lancelin, including driving along the beach in the water....unfortunately no video's. The videos do not show the actual steepness of the dunes. I deactivated the power reduction of the DSC to allow maximum available power. Remember, I've debunged it and it's running around 14psi boost.
The TTG really surprised some other 4WD owners, including Jeep and Toyota owners. I'd like to raise it 50mm and get decent off road/sand tyres on factory 17" steel wheels for this kind of stuff.
No damage at all, but will be investing in the sump gaurd kit. Spent about half an hour vacuuming sand out of the car though!
Impressive stuff! Vids are good, have you any stills to post up too?
They do run great on the beach and wet stuff - funtastic
Personally, haven't used the TTG in offroad anger yet, heading back to Robe this Summer I think. Did have a good go or twelve beach, mud, hills in the SX AWD Ghia though and only ever came away impressed.
Note..apparently the Turbos have more holes in the sump guard (exhaust heat) than the standard n/a T one like I have yet to fit. Would like to see some feedback on a T with airbags and Wrangler MTRs seem to be the go on the LR3s and RRSports and would work on the 18s - allowing 20s for the road.
No damage at all, but will be investing in the sump gaurd kit. Spent about half an hour vacuuming sand out of the car though!
The sump guard is well worth the expense if you are off-roading with the possibility of bottoming out. And it provides another place for more sand to accumulate :)
Buddy 1
17-08-07, 11:30 AM
Fantastic Vids & Reminds me of Betty (Our Terra) at Stockton with the only Differance being yours takes off faster & has an Impressive amount of Grunt even on the Sand (must have not been very soft on the flat or it would have Dug in even more than a NA Terra).
Very Enjoyable to watch :)
Martyvan
17-08-07, 05:33 PM
They are awesome vids... just have to show them to my old man now :)
NeoTasticTerror
15-10-07, 12:42 AM
Be careful...Vic High country tracks have lots of mounds for preventing erosion & directing water flow off tracks... all seem to made just high enough that you must plough through them in your tera, sounds horrible but the bash plates can take a beating!.
Car got through & over everything...except a one meter deep bog hole
fmindum
11-02-08, 11:06 PM
Had a ball this last hour reading this thread. I have an AWD TS (Silk) on order, fully loaded with 7 seats, Sports leather trim, HD tow bar, and nearly all possible options. Now waiting 3 weeks (Grrr!) until I get hold of it, having just sold the TX RWD we had for 3 years.
Loved the Black TX so much, had to upgrade ! We did a reasonable amount of soft roading, recently around the Grampians and I was astounded with the surety of this vehicle off road. We're now planning a 3 month trip through Flinders Ranges, through the Oodnadatta to Lake Eyre, across to Coober Pedy, up the guts, around and about the centre, then up to Darwin, Kakadu, across the gulf to Cairns and back down the east coast, (hopefully via Fraser Isl) all towing an off-road Jayco Swan. I was definitely nervous until I read this thread, but I can now see that I'm not a trailblazer (pardon the pun) in this area.
I guess overall the moral of the story is one of knowing your limitations, regardless of what you're driving. I think you guys have definitely shown that the limitations are not as great as I thought...
Cheers
FPVwannabe
12-02-08, 04:00 PM
If you do get to Fraser be careful. As good as the terri is, if you take it on the inland sand tracks your sure to get stuck. We did it in a Landcruiser and even that struggled in some spots. Also the sand getting off the ferries can be very soft too, but usually plenty of 4wd's there that can help if you get into trouble. Kakadu alone can take you a month to explore if you want it to. Good luck.
SeduceXR
26-02-08, 10:14 PM
Anyone towed a trailer over sand in their Terries?
Thanks in advance
We regularly tow our jetski (~400kg) through sand to get it to the beach at boat harbour, Kurnell in our AWD terri. Does the job fairly well without any trouble. Only had it stuck once bceause I had stopped in deep soft sand to avoid another oncoming 4WD.
Isn't it time this thread and all the other old ones be closed and locked?
FPVwannabe
04-04-08, 07:56 PM
^^^^^^ what he said.
i have little faith in this poll "honesty"
possably all post's are soccer mum's/dad's..
seeing the dirt at safeway's.
Within 24 hours of picking up our new toy it was making tracks on the seven mile beach national park near Gerroa. So I can say it has left the bitumen
scottmeister
22-04-08, 05:32 PM
Personally, I don't think beach driving counts as off road. Just about any car (even RWD) with tyres are low pressure would be fine.
I'd pay money to see a territory get more than a few hundred metres on any track in the alpine national park. :yelrotflm
paulie0735
22-04-08, 08:44 PM
Personally, I don't think beach driving counts as off road. Just about any car (even RWD) with tyres are low pressure would be fine.
I'd pay money to see a territory get more than a few hundred metres on any track in the alpine national park. :yelrotflm
personally, you are entitled to your opinion. personally, I don't think anybody here cares about them much.
allypally
22-04-08, 09:13 PM
personally, you are entitled to your opinion. personally, I don't think anybody here cares about them much.Don't beat around the bush. Tell it how it is.http://www.fordforums.com.au/images/icons/icon11.gif
Re the Flinders Ranges, I was there last year and saw most of it (ask if you want more info) and most places are accessible by formed gravel roads, there is not much demand for a 4wd at all.[/QUOTE]
Theres plenty of 4x4ing in the Flinders all the way to hard core stuff where most of the spectacular scenery is seen. The main roads through that region only offer passing glimpses...though a Terry has no hope.
visit: www.saafwdc.asn.au/tracks.htm#flinders for PAR's
I found an old article (2004) of a trip to Cameron's Corner with an AWD Territory and several other vehicles. Interesting comments.
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=5254&vf=10
You either click the above link with the Control button held or copy and paste it into the address bar.
I have done some recent driving on rough roads - so glad I have a Territory to handle the bumps and ruts and pot holes.
One particular bad one is Epping Road. Maybe another NSW government plan to "encourage" drivers onto the M2 toll road so they aren't financially exposed by a drop in numbers.
How about the other major roads with a toll road close by? Parramatta Rd?
mafiaen4cer
15-03-09, 05:02 PM
I'd be surprised if someone bought a terri for the purpose explained above... I remember seeing a road test where the terri kept on bottoming out on rocks etc and it wasn’t too ling before it got stuck, so you'd definitely need a nice winch etc for any major off roading.
i live in the pilbara in w.a. i agree they are not designed for off road conditions except if you know what you are doing and have real experience in off roading 4X4 driving you can stick a territory in some awsome places to win a few bets between mates and just to rub there noses in it i have 4X4 wheel drived with my territory never been bogged never been stuck never had one doubt that i was ever gonna have to get help in the two and a half years i have owned my 2004 awd territory i have rescued 2 landrovers 1 rangerover and 4 landcruisers 2 nissans im giving this as example due to its the driver that makes the car go where it goes and does what it does put a inexperienced driver behind the wheel and a car is usless
syterritory
16-03-09, 11:28 PM
When you think back pre 25 years, these areas were crossed every day by 2wd utilities. I've got photos taken in fw NSW of the older 1920's vehicles that opened up the country to cars. Back in the late 60's An Austin 1800 front wheel drive crossed the centre of Australia east to west. I think accompanied by a Morris 1100. It really is the driving that counts.
A lot of people still believe that a 4wd just gives some people the chance to get into deeper trouble!
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