So I bought a 2005 LR3 and want to go off-roading for the first time. I was wondering if more experienced off-roaders could clue me in as to whether the LR3 is a good off-roader or if it can't really compete with modified jeeps and land cruisers. I also noticed that other cars such as the Hummer H2 have better aproach and departure angles then the LR3, but is that everything? I hope my car is better at off-roading than the garish H2. Also if you guys could give me some advice on where a good place to off road around LA for beginners is, that would be awesome. I currently have a roof rack, brush guard, and 6 Hella lights on my car. Anywhere I could find a reliable good winch for under $400? Thanks so much and all opinions will be appreciated!

 

The LR3 is better then the D2 and Defender and Toyota. The air suspension allows higher departure angles and other stuff. But the trick to knowing how to offroad is to learn the vehicle first and use that knowledge before you get into trouble. In other words those fancy gadgets are not of much use if you don't use before you get stuck. The are designed to prevent you from getting stuck. I would suggest taking a day trip to Mount Carmel, CA to the LR Experience school. They will help you learn to offroad and guide you in all aspects of training including winch recovery and other stuff. They use brand new LR4s and Range Rovers so don't worry your vehicle will be able to perform the same as theirs. If you were in the East I would suggest the schools in NC and VT. Although if you want to make a nice weekend of it during the fall, the VT school is getting busy due to the leaves changing and all the people coming up for that.

 

because the LR3 is nearly 7000 lbs, a $400 winch isn't going to cut it. At a min you'll need a Warn 8000 series, but most use 9000 series with the most popular being the Warn 9.5 XP

 

Thanks, both helpful answers

 

Yes you can keep up with the Jeep guys, with the right tires you can go most places they do. I take my LR3 with the local Jeep Club all the time, some of these guys run 40" tires and I can go almost anywhere they go. The only exception is extreme rock crawling. Fixing stuff when it breaks is expensive though. I run Johnson Rods, Goodyear MT\R tires, Rover Specialties Rock Sliders and a Warn XP 9.5.

Happy Wheeling

 

Thanks, those Johnson rods look awesome! Are they bad for the car at all If I use them full time?

 

johnson rods keep the car up all the time. when you offroad you put it in offroad height and it will do the same. johnson rods are only for looks. They are useful for sand at higher speeds.

 

Oh so I thought when you put it in off road mode it then goes even higher (then it would normally without the rods)

 

If you haven't looked at their website here is the link LR3 Lift Kit - Johnson Rods - Range Rover Sport Lift Kit

When I have them on I run in Normal mode and when things get more extreme I pop it into off road for the extra clearance, works like a charm!!!

 

Thats why i'm wondering if it stretches the airbags. It says on the website that in normal mode it's like regular off-road mode, and then when you put it in off road mode it goes 2.5 inches more than that.