How is a current MK III offroad?

[Bhos]

Hi all,

I've heard rumors that the Mk III is actually pretty competent offroad (not rock climbing) and was wondering if anyone has taken one out, done any upgrades, etc.? Pics would be great, too.

 

[WoldD90]

They do just fine on reasonable trails. Changing the tires helps. Back in 2003, a new one was built up with bumpers, sliders, winch and skid plates and featured in a LR magazine.

 

[Red90]

The traction control is pretty amazing. Wheel travel, size, weight and no room for decent tires limits what they can do...

 

[dcwhybrew]

Hi all,

I've heard rumors that the Mk III is actually pretty competent offroad (not rock climbing) and was wondering if anyone has taken one out, done any upgrades, etc.? Pics would be great, too.

You might go over to rangerovers.net and ask those guys (if you haven't already). I think there may be one or two guys over on expeditionexchange.com that are wheeling their MKIIIs too.

 

[ntan]

They're great - very capable, very comfortable, and surprisingly reliable (in my experience with them anyways). Like people said, lack of an aftermarket is a big limiting factor, along with the inability to fit larger tires. Realistically, the largest tire size you can fit on one is a bit under 33" without major mods. Also, you can't squeeze 18" rims onto the newer ones (2010+) because of the brakes (and same with the '06+ supercharged versions unless you get Compmotive rims from the UK). Great expedition vehicle though - super comfortable and enough room for almost anything you would need. Also, I'm sold on traction control... it's amazing what it gets you through.

My old '05:

Only mods on my current one are sliders and larger ATs. Trip last year:
Black Rock 2011

 

[Snagger]

Are you talking about the L322 Range Rover or the Discovery 3 (LR3)? Both are very capable, despite their size and weight, though basic models of the D3 have coils instead or air suspension and manual transmissions, which reduces the ability of terrain response somewhat. The Range Rovers are very reliable, too.

 

[ColoDisco]

I watched a LR3 with 19's and street tires go up a steep slope and not even slip one tire. After watching that we are getting a LR3 as our next vehicle.

 

[Bhos]

Thanks everyone, and yes it is the Range Rover. Although, I am looking at the LR4 as well. The 3rd row and extra cargo length do have some appeal. Moderate wheeling, light expedition work are my main interests.

So Ntan, will the Compomotives fit on the 2010+ MK IIIs?

 

[nwoods]

Send a pm to jholder on this forum (though he is on seldom). He found an inexpensive suspension gadget solution to allow him to fully manipulate the suspension and clear faults without even stopping, and that is the only negative with the mkIII, besides the really crappy tires and limited aftermarket bumper/slider options.

 

[nwoods]

Also, one of my SCLR buddies has a MkIII that he's done a lot to, and done a lot with. He has ton of photos and videos online:
http://netshumo.smugmug.com/

 

[Bhos]

Thanks Nathan, as always, very helpful.

 

[MattScott]

I've always wanted a MK III - I think there'd be nothing cooler than wheeling the piss out of it, because you can get one for cheaper than a Wrangler now.

 

[ntan]

Thanks everyone, and yes it is the Range Rover. Although, I am looking at the LR4 as well. The 3rd row and extra cargo length do have some appeal. Moderate wheeling, light expedition work are my main interests.

So Ntan, will the Compomotives fit on the 2010+ MK IIIs?

The Compmotives will not fit over the SC brakes, but not sure about the regular HSE. If the HSE uses the same brakes as the 2010 LR4s, then they should fit if they offer them in the HSE hub pattern. If you're going for something for moderate wheeling, I'd recommend going for a pre-10 so that you have the option to fit 18" rims.

 

[REDROVER]

Also, one of my SCLR buddies has a MkIII that he's done a lot to, and done a lot with. He has ton of photos and videos online:
http://netshumo.smugmug.com/

oh John is a always at the club events with his rover , i never seen him get stuck or have hard time, but i asked him last time about the reliability and his answer was, i spend so much on maintenance on this rover that i could of got second one ) his words,

here is apic of his beautiful rover next to my junk

 

[nwoods]

oh John is a always at the club events with his rover , i never seen him get stuck or have hard time, but i asked him last time about the reliability and his answer was, i spend so much on maintenance on this rover that i could of got second one ) his words.

Lol, I think you need to take that with a grain of salt. I heard him mutter something similar about Yoko once, around the time she made him buy an air conditioner for their tent