Member - Terry G (NSW) replied:

This was discussed at some length in post 49213 yesterday. My view was and still is that the Kluger doesn't have enough clearance to handle the dunes. Bear in mind that it will lose probably 2" in clearance when it drops to the required 16 - 18psi.

tessa

Willem replied:

I came across a X-Trail on the French Line in the Simpson a month or so ago. The driver reported having little difficulty. Tyre pressures down to 18psi saw them skirt over the dunes even if the body was dragging a bit over sand humps.

Like with all non serious 4x4's or 2WD's. You can take 'em there but will you bring 'em back????...LOL

Cheers

Member - GeeTee (NT) replied:

We had a Kluger with us on the Canning Stock Route recently. Amazing vehicle...... OK they were not heavily loaded and had removed the bash plates from the underbelly. It was quite amazing how it "ate" the sand dunes. Had a bit of trouble with clearance over some of the rocky stuff but all in all took it in its stride!

Member - lyndon K (SA) replied:

Don't you all remember the add
"where you take it is up to you"
just loved that one, was that a case of "just don't complain after" :))

Member - Davoe (Nullagine) replied:

I think all the naysayers might be surprised at what some of these soft roaders are like in the sand
- Heaps of power
- Light weight
= Sand weopon

Col88 replied:

I think sand is the one place where soft roaders shine.

I also have an outback and it is great on sand, light with heaps of power.

Keep in mind things like tow points if they are needed, are they up to it? Pressures make a huge difference.

Just remember though, if anywhere is going to find you out, it is Stockton on a soft day.

Member - Coyote (QLD) replied:

I have to say that Stockton is VERY similar to ROBE and nearby sand dunes/ beach areas.. I have driven my outback on QLD beaches on numerous occaisons, just be prepared to get skull dragged over the entry/exit points at tiems where the real 4WDS have left ruts that leave the softroaders without clearance. However I would say that many a real 4WD has struggled on Stockton and Robe. These beaches are far softer than 'most' I would say that yes you will oprbably get away wit a soft roader for a while, but it is a matter of time/luck before you get stuck, just one dune too high, one valley to soft etc and in some places if you drive into a valley even a real 4WD wont be able to sntatch you out f it as it will be struggling itself. I wouldn't do it.. My rule of thumb is " if you have doubts and you dont have a way of getting out - DON'T DO IT" Without a winch or suitable snatching points you are tempting fate.

4be replied:

Had my Kluger for just on 12 months, and totally agree that it is a very nice vehicle. Sold it just on a week ago and got a Prado.

Be aware of overheating the xmsn is probably the main thing. Just deflate your tyres and give it a go. We took our Kluger on Rainbow Beach with no probs. But if you want more hard core driving it would be wise to upgrade to a Prado.