Hello,

I had a quick question I hope I could get answered. How do the Discoverys handle washboard dirt roads?

Here is some back ground of where I am coming from: I just sold a 1992 Jeep Wrangler as my family size is about to outnumber seat-belts in the Jeep. Most of the off-roading I do I would consider "mild". I like to explore/camp a lot, which ends up traveling mostly on washboard dirt roads. But I sometimes run into more extreme stuff, but nothing I couldn't do with the ground clearance of a Disco. I'm not too keen on rolling vehicles. Most of the places I explore are So. Cal, AZ, and UT.

Back on topic, I also owned a 2005 Grand Cherokee that was absolutely wonderful on dirt roads, no jarring, creaking, rattling, much better than the wrangler. So I was wondering where the Discovery would fit in?

Thanks for your help and time. I have been able to learn a lot on this forum.

 

Like a beast... If the washboards are small and frequent enough, you don't really feel anything. If they're bigger you'll feel the vibrations. I was very surprised at how well this truck handles. I've gotten pretty good at getting it sideways around corners on loose gravel. I've held a full 3/4 drift at around 35mph without worrying I'll roll over.

 

I agree! Not only do you not really feel them, if you lower your tire psi to 25-30 lbs then you really don't feel anything with just washboard roads. (NOTE) Look at the side wall of the tire to see what the MAX is, then judge accordingly. If you lower down to 25-30lbs of air don't drive 55mph when you pull out on the tarmac and head into town. I go no faster than 45. Just pull off and let people go around. Then air up. Or buy a air compressor that goes into your cigar lighter.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Glad to hear it wont rattle your teeth out and doors off .

Now I need to continue my search for a clean disco. Are the handling characteristics pretty similar between the Disco I and II?

 

I think you'll be just fine with a Discovery! The handling on Discovery 2 was improved and it's not as squeaky inside. Another thing to be aware of on the Discovery 2 models is the ACE system:


ACE is only fitted to some Discovery 2 models, a lot of people don't like them because they are alittle noisy and pricey to service, on the other hand I think the added measure to prevent or reduce body roll on a otherwise top heavy rig is very useful. Just something to think about.

 

You have to do something pretty ridiculous to roll it. Mine is lifted 3" and fitted with a fair amount of things on the roof ---->



.... and it feels stable even when intentionally over correcting a maneuver to see how it reacts.

 

Thanks for the info. Mainly when I referred to rolling a vehicle I was referring to getting into extreme conditions i.e. nasty off camber boulder crawling...not necessarily rolling over on a dirt road. I stated that's one of the reason I don't like to go to extreme.

TRIARII: Good to know that you think the II is better than the I. I am having a hard time deciding which one to go with. I guess that is a good dilemma though.

Street: Your rig looks really sweet. That's the look/stance I would love to have someday. Thanks