powershift
Full Access Member
Been off-roading a lot exploring through the mountains looking for places to camp and enjoying time off. Today the OsmAnd app took me on a wild goose chase and it seemed like I was on another ATV trail that was pretty fun, but when I got back to camp I noticed a bulge in the left rear. I've never had this bulge before so I'm curious what everyone thinks?
When in technical sections, the speedo doesn't even register so I'm not driving fast by any means, except through water crossings. I did about 3-4 MPH in case there was mud. I didn't air down either, just kinda went for it until I realized that the app was taking me across mountain ranges.
One guy rolled his ATV trying to back down and he couldn't right it so I helped him out and picked it up for him. Then there was a case where I pulled off on a cliff shoulder and there was about 1.5" of clearance to my paint for 6 ATV's that passed. Luckily they all had communication. The leader said there was another pack coming so I waited at a pull out for a set of 4 ATV's lagging behind to come up because there was no turn-outs all the way down one of the mountains
The pic below is where all 4 wheels lost traction. I was surprised the approach angle was compatible because its super steep. The rig before me had BFG KO2's and it didn't make it up either.
I have more shots of technical sections the LR4 wouldn't make it over, but landroverworld is not upload them. So far the biggest problems have been ground clearance and tire strength. I was trying to cut over a mountain to get off the trail and onto a forest road that pushed my limits while alone. I almost crested but came up upon a spot I was pretty darn sure I'd be setting the frame on dirt and unloading all 4 wheels where someone else got stuck and had the same wheel base length and a little more clearance.
Then there is the tire problem where I'm not sure what to do about it. There is the BFG Trail Terrain that is attractive and fits the factory rims, but there isn't any data that says the BFG has stronger side walls than what I already have. There is plenty of contact patch remaining, probably a good 20k miles. I might just use the spare to replace the bulged tire, but I love taking the LR4 out in the country like this even on ATV trails and think I could easily get a blow-out. Does anyone have suggestions on how to keep off-roading without damaging tires? Would airing down these tires (or any tires) help at all?
When in technical sections, the speedo doesn't even register so I'm not driving fast by any means, except through water crossings. I did about 3-4 MPH in case there was mud. I didn't air down either, just kinda went for it until I realized that the app was taking me across mountain ranges.
One guy rolled his ATV trying to back down and he couldn't right it so I helped him out and picked it up for him. Then there was a case where I pulled off on a cliff shoulder and there was about 1.5" of clearance to my paint for 6 ATV's that passed. Luckily they all had communication. The leader said there was another pack coming so I waited at a pull out for a set of 4 ATV's lagging behind to come up because there was no turn-outs all the way down one of the mountains
The pic below is where all 4 wheels lost traction. I was surprised the approach angle was compatible because its super steep. The rig before me had BFG KO2's and it didn't make it up either.
I have more shots of technical sections the LR4 wouldn't make it over, but landroverworld is not upload them. So far the biggest problems have been ground clearance and tire strength. I was trying to cut over a mountain to get off the trail and onto a forest road that pushed my limits while alone. I almost crested but came up upon a spot I was pretty darn sure I'd be setting the frame on dirt and unloading all 4 wheels where someone else got stuck and had the same wheel base length and a little more clearance.
Then there is the tire problem where I'm not sure what to do about it. There is the BFG Trail Terrain that is attractive and fits the factory rims, but there isn't any data that says the BFG has stronger side walls than what I already have. There is plenty of contact patch remaining, probably a good 20k miles. I might just use the spare to replace the bulged tire, but I love taking the LR4 out in the country like this even on ATV trails and think I could easily get a blow-out. Does anyone have suggestions on how to keep off-roading without damaging tires? Would airing down these tires (or any tires) help at all?
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