X-Trail on sand dunes
Submitted: Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 09:51
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X-Trail Fan
Has anyone any experience driving an X Trail in
sand dune country?
I live in the lower Blue Mountains. I'm trying to find people who are familiar with the Nissan X Trail's off road capabilities particularly in sand dunes.
Is a transmission oil cooler advisable, how
well does it cope with dunes, what tyres and tyre pressure have they tried. I've been invited to go to the
Simpson Desert and I only have my X Trail. It may be a challenge but I need to make whatever changes will help. Talking to someone who has pushed theirs a bit would be good. I used to drive my old Landrover Series 2 in all terrain, so I am a reasonably competent driver. My mate has a Patrol Diesel Turbo, so I'll have help if I get into trouble. I wouldn't mind trying it out on dunes but I don't know where the nearest accessible big sand dunes are. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Reply By: kev.h - Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 10:33
Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 10:33
Try this site as there a few Xtrail owners posting on this site
Pathfinders' Club of Australia Inc.
www.pcoa.org.au
also on our club trip to the simpson we had a Kia Sportage and he did not have many problems, had a couple of goes at some of the dunes due to clearance.
On Frazer Island we did see several Xtrails -soft sand proved difficult with standard type tyres ,again i think it was clearance,
Tips fit the biggest set of at tyres you can and have your front
suspension adjusted as high as possible this will give you the max clearence then go for it as you say you've got big brother nissan to help if needed
enjoy Kev
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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 13:52
Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 13:52
The Sportage has low range and is not a "soft" roader such as the X-trail. In fact the Kia has front and rear live axels making it more of a 4wd than most on the market today.
My concern mainly would be the lack of low range for when the going get's tough. But I spose if it's kitted out correctly and you've got a Patrol there to help out it probally won't be too bad.
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Follow Up By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 16:40
Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 16:40
Sorry..Sportage only has live rear (LSD) and IFS.
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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 17:23
Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 17:23
I was sure the older model had 4 coils... Oh
well.
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Follow Up By: kev.h - Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 21:11
Sunday, Jun 12, 2005 at 21:11
Kia was definatly ifs. I only mentioned it for size comparison on the sand it probably had less clearance than the Xtrail
Kev
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Follow Up By: GaryInOz (Vic) - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 08:15
Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 08:15
Sportage is a coil sprung IFS. Ground clearance standard is 205 mm (lowest point - rear diff), the front clearance under the
suspension as
well as the chassis (standard) is 250 mm ( both actual measurements). Doubt whether the X-Trail comes close, even by the manufacturers exagerated claims. It isnt just about clearance but approach/departure/rampover angles too.
I have done a lift and larger tyres on
mine, 255 mm to rear diff, and 340 mm to the chassis and front
suspension. I now have ~60* approach, 45* departure and 28* rampover.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Kylie in the exy - Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 12:17
Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 12:17
The All Wheel Drive Club of Victoria, the only club currently in Vic caters for the "soft Roaders". The club is 80% xtrails, they have done some pretty ruggered stuff with the cars. Having the highest torque and power rating in there class they are a more than capable vehicle. No the exy dosent have low range, so as long as you maintain control and know the limits of the vehicle you can still go to some great
places. With a set of Simex Centipedes on, your ground clearance is a good 220mm. Anyway, have a look at the club site at www.awd.4wdvic.org/
FollowupID:
371289
Reply By: Member - RockyOne - Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 09:04
Monday, Jun 13, 2005 at 09:04
Hi Brian,Re Frontera 2-door..Yes it has a transfer box giving it the advantage of "dual range" Was a magic rig..Cruze all day the 1000clix from here to Bris at 120 back then.No "flash for cash" then on country roads.As long as you don't put on big wheels to change ratios too much,should be ok..
Airing down has a slight effect of giving you a lower gear ratio anyway.Smaller effective tyre dia.Everyone gets stuck sooner or later.Part of the fun.Like motorcycling,we are expert riders 'till we slide down the road the first time..Then we re-evaluate our skill levels.Part of the "learning experience"
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Reply By: flappa - Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 16:36
Tuesday, Jun 14, 2005 at 16:36
Load the X Trail up to somewhere like you would for an extended trip.
Go for a weekend driving
Stockton will ALL that gear aboard.
Make sure you have PROPER RATED RECOVERY points attached , and see what happens ?
Plenty of other vehicles around to pull you out when you get stuck.
This question was asked a little while ago.
Is the Xtrail suitable for doing the Simpson. Quick answer is . . NO , its NOT SUITABLE , but , given the right conditions , driver , and support vehicles (you mention other 4wd vehicles), then I have no doubt the Xtrail CAN do the Simpson.
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