Terrano 1 for Canning Stock Route

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 21:48
ThreadID: 41085 Views:3975 Replies:13 FollowUps:22
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I bought 92 Terrano import 5 years ago, mainly for towing and launching boat. Installed turbo timer and auto cooler. Have driven over 100,000ks and in spite of power limitation and overheating tendancy, would trust it anywhere. However, intend to do Canning (n to s) this year -after suspension upgrade- but wonder about performance with heavy load over big sandhills. Would like to hear fom anyone who has done trip in same vehicle. Thanks
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Reply By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 21:55

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 21:55
Carrying enough fuel for 1300 kms could be a problem unless you leave the beer in Halls Creek. I think it is not a good idea to try the trip in such a car. Most people use a diesel real 4 x 4 for good reasons. If you need convincing call the police at Wiluna or Halls Creek and ask them but keep the phone away from your ear a bit.
Hope you make the right decision.
AnswerID: 214546

Follow Up By: Diver1 - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 22:09

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 22:09
Ian,
A terrano is a real 4x4 in my opinion. just because its not the standard toyo or partol.

Carrying fuel for that amount of km's is a prob for any car, unless you intend to tow a tanker....

Good luck with your planning, but yes I agree - much easier on Diesel!

Laura
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:03

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:03
Ian
Thanks for reply. You will note that others have also urged caution, which is the name of the game. One thing I will mention thougjh is that the Terrano is just a Pathfinder with a turbo diesel and some electrics: so full chassis, tough build, good ground clearance, capable coil and bar suspension. Would you have been as concerned if I had called it a Pathfinder?
I was more concerned with power at just 62kw, so hoped to hear from someone who had done, or attempted, the trek with the same vehicle. Later Terranos have done it, but they are more powerful.

Regards
Mike
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Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 22:06

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 22:06
Mike

North South Canning is harder than south north. Go to my website below to read about a Canning trek.

Fuel is avaible at Kunawarritji, Well 23 Fuel Drop or 180km return detour to Cotton Creek Community from Georgia Bore.

The CSR is about 2000km long withg 1000 dunes and 50 billion corrugations.

To carry enough fuel and water(can't always rely on the wells) will take some extreme planning. You must also consider how your Terrano will stand up to the rigors of the CSR

If you can work out what you normal fuel consumption is for bush tracks and then double it, you should find a maxim for the CSR.

Good luck

Cheers
AnswerID: 214549

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:08

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:08
Thanks Willem
What you said confirms research I have already done. I consider the Terrano a capable off-roader, but its horses for course, so value all replies. Proposed trip is on convoy of 3 or 4 - at least two Toyotos.
Regards
Mike
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Reply By: Brian B (QLD) - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:10

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:10
Mike,

Just to clarify the engine in your vehicle is a turbo diesel I gather.
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:23

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:23
Brian
Yes, TD27.

Mike
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Reply By: miker - Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:15

Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007 at 23:15
Mike, completed the CSR a few months ago. Without getting into the "real" 4WD debate it is true that the Canning is a heavy duty undertaking and the Terrano is a light/medium duty 4WD. Anything is possible but by golly you would want to be really, really well sorted & planned to the zenith as the load & general punishment of the track will test the unit severly. We took stuff we thought we'd seriously not need and used all of it by the end.

Talk to lots of people & get lots of quality advice - then make the call.

Mike.
AnswerID: 214564

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:14

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:14
Mike
Thanks. I have found from research that later model Terranos have done the trip, and other heavey duty treks but they are more powerful than the 92 Terrano/Pathfinder. Please also see my follow ups to other contributors. Basically taking your advice and seeking all available input.

Regards
Mike
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Reply By: kimprado - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 01:20

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 01:20
Mike

I'd question the ability of a Terrican to carry a full load down the Canning.

Depending on conditions it will take you around eighteen days to complete the trip from Billiluna to Wiluna

From memory the Terrican has a 70L fuel tank. If this is so, you'll need to carry up to seven Jerry cans. This is on top of the food and water.

You might get through (with a bit of luck) but the weight will have a severe impact on the car.

Regards

Kim
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Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 08:29

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 08:29
Hmmmmm....Methinks there is a shade of difference between a Nissan Terrano and a Hyundai Terracan...lol
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 16:02

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 16:02
Kimprado
Not sure if Terrican is nick name for Terrano, or you referring to Hyundai Terracan.
Weight will certainly be a factor in Terrano, but upgrading suspension and careful planning as to what goes on board and fuel stops will assist.

Regards
Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Julie P (VIC) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 20:04

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 20:04
Terrican -???? Big difference - having had a Terrani (I) 2.7td 1992 and done heaps of big heavy stuff towing a fully laden off road camper trailer 0- I would trust it to go anywhere you could take the bigger trols or toyos - using a lot less fuel. Now have Terrano II 2.7 turbo diesel - and feel the same confidence in it.
jules
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Friday, Jan 12, 2007 at 00:26

Friday, Jan 12, 2007 at 00:26
Jules
Interesting that you had 92 Terrano and upgraded to 97. I have been so impressed with my 92 these past 5 years that I have considered going for later model- though they are fairly rare.
Had a look at one some time ago and felt it seemed smaller & somehow less substantial. It was 2.7 diesel, not 2.4 petrol.
Would very much like to know how you rate/compare the two.

Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Julie P (VIC) - Saturday, Jan 13, 2007 at 10:29

Saturday, Jan 13, 2007 at 10:29
Hi Mike - I'm not th etechnical one in the family - but we have found the Terrano II to be every bit as good as the old grey girl - economy of fuel is fantastic - in 2005 we went round the block - just over 20,000ks cost us $3000 - not too bad when the average price was 1.25 litre we didn't think. Drove into the Bungle Bungles with trailer - absolutely no problem - Gibb River Rd - ditto - anywhere else we have taken it, it has never let us down. Parts are a bit easier to obtain than for the import because they were sold new here in Australia. We only upgraded because I drive it all the time - and travelling 1 hour each way to work daily - I wanted something not quite as "trucky" - and the Terrano II is certainly that - we have of course the 2.7TDI - which is I think top fo the range and it is great to drive, loves towing the camper, and loves to be on the road. The longer you drive, the less fuel you use it seems. If you decide to upgrade - let me know and I can help you out with a manual (on CD).
As for size - no smaller - maybe a bit more plastic some places but pretty strong all the same - we haven't done anything to the suspension or anything like that.
They are higher than the old ones as well - so you have great ground clearance.
jules
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Reply By: Trevor W(Brisbane) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 02:23

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 02:23
We did the trip Aug 2005 with 2.8 ltr diesel Pajero 1997 model with 200,000 kms on clock
Put new Alternator and Water Pump on and new clutch, New Shocks and full suspension ,underbody check before the trip.Used around 130 litres diesel from Bililuna to Fuel at the Aboriginal Settlement. The trip south was in my opinion better than going North as all the Tag along tours go very hard and dig up the dunes on the South faces.It is also so nice to get to Durba Springs and spend a couple of days resting before the relatively short run to Wiluna. Stay at Wiluna Grape just outside town to the East.
Main thing is to travel as light as possible as the corrigations are severe on suspension.Carry a spare set of shock absorbers bolted to your chassis rails and tie wired in plastic bags wrapped in tape under the car.Run pressures at around 22 psi and travel with at least 1 or 2 more vehicles. Hire a Sat Phone and have all the contact numbers from the Web Site-see trip reports section
Have a good trip
AnswerID: 214572

Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 06:38

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 06:38
Trevor,

I would agree with you comments except the part about "as all the Tag along tours go very hard and dig up the dunes on the South faces." Unless you have been with every Tag along tour that travels the Canning how can you say that honestly.

Wayne
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Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 08:25

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 08:25
Hi Wayne

Agree.

Maybe he meant Operators with large 4x4's like MAN or UNIMOG

OR people towing trailers and not running the right tyre pressures.

The list goes on....lol

On our first CSR trek we had a particularly bumpy ride on the south side of the dunes after busting both front shocks and not having spares. Lesson learned.

I found that having to rush a dune after going round a corner(north/south)(up to Well 35) very hard going. Recent forays on the CSR have been a lot easier even when towing a trailer. I have now removed the roof rack and have whittled the weight in the GQ down substantially. Not sure if I will do the CSR again as there are too many other remote places to visit...lol

Cheers
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:21

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:21
Trevor
Thanks for on-the-ground info and advice. Whether I go in this wagon, or upgrade, we have a convoy of 3 or 4 all mature age experienced drivers/campers and have sat phone gps radiios etc. Good advice about shockies.

Regards
Mike
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Reply By: robak (QLD) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:03

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:03
Mike

I have a terrano (92) and agree that it's a very capable vehicle I wonder if the vehcile has enough storage space for such a trip. Are you planning to tow a trailer perhaps?

Also - I saw on some forum that a standard patrol fuel tank fits perfectly in the terrano which will increase your fuel capacity slightly.
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:28

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:28
Robak
Thanks for reply. If I use the terrano, will take out back seats, install a roof rack, and as one other contributor said, plan and plan again. Cant take trailers on Canning without lenghty detour, so none in group taking trailers. But 3-4 cars will allow some flexability in equipment to be carried.

Will check out the fuel tank aspect.

Regards
MIKE
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Reply By: Member - Crazie (VIC) - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:11

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:11
Mike

Do your planning, then do it again. Carry spares and emergency gear (fuel and water adds alot of weight, carry plenty of both). Know your 4wd back to front and in between. Take out things you dont need and let the big men with their big 4x4 beat their chests. All vehicles may break, you cannot do anytrhing but be prepared to repair if required.

Only thing I would say, if it is overheating now, hot days and sundunes are only going to multiply this.

Ads
AnswerID: 214625

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:35

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:35
Crazie
Thanks for reply. Am across need for meticulous planning (group meeting planned for later this month against July start). Had the Terrano 5 years and whilst it is tip top now, it will have bolt by bolt check if I decide to take it on this trip.
I mentioned tendancy to overheat only because it is a Terrano characteristic if you push them. Needle goes up but comes down within minutes when you take the pressure off. I would do complete flush and consider replacing radiator. Problem not restricted to Terranos!

Ragards
Mike
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Reply By: DIO - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:15

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 10:15
......"in spite of power limitation and overheating tendancy...!

From all accounts, carrying axtra fuel, water, food, general supplies and recovery gear = a HEAVY VEHICLE. Canning presents with lots of sand crossings, slow/low gear going = ENGINE OVERHEATING.

If your vehicle has an overheating problem now just imagine the problems you could encounter on 'the track' ?

Perhaps you might need to sort your vehicle before proceeding too far with your planning.
AnswerID: 214627

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:42

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:42
Dio
Only a tendancy to overheat when pushed. Is common to Terranos and can be only marginally rectified. Just something to keep an eye on, but would bring cooling system to optimum before setting out.
Still hoping someone will post who has done the trip in the same vehicle.

Regards
Mike
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Reply By: Steve63 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 11:13

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 11:13
Can't comment on the Terrano's ability but have seen plenty of other vehicles out there besides the larger vehicles (Cruiser, Patrol and Disco). From memory have seen Hilux, Navara, triton, ford explorer, Jackaroo, pathfinder. You need to be pretty sure of your vehicle and your skills.

In my opinion north to south is the easier route.

We carried a lot of spares and didn't use any but others we know have wreaked a full set of new shocks. This seems to be a very common problem. To take enough gear (spares, fuel, water) your vehicle is quite heavily loaded. It can also be very hot even in winter so your overheating tendency could be a cause for concern. We were there last August and there were several days over 40.

You do tend to spend a lot of time in low range. We averaged a little over 100km/day.

We had a relatively new vehicle and did several practice runs down the border track until we had all the issues sorted. The sand is very different but it gives you some idea. If you load your vehicle up as for the Canning and have issues on the Border track you would need to think seriously if the CSR was a good idea.

My advice to anyone doing the CSR is to be very well prepared. You can not be over prepared. If possible travel with someone. Having said that we did most of it by ourselves and others do. It just adds to the risk. Drive conservatively. Someone (more than one if possible) should have some long range comms (HF or Sat phone). UHF is essential equipment even if you are by yourself. There is a sign on the southern end asking everyone to use ch40. You still need to scan as a lot of groups either ignore this advice or think it does not apply to them. We tend to transmit location info every 10 km or so and avoided several possible head ons this way.

The other option is to only do part of the CSR.

In reality you are weighing up a bunch of risks and trying to decide if it is worth it. Recovery from the CSR will cost a lot of money. There are plenty of burnt out vehicles along the CSR to remind you of what can happen.

Hope this helps you decide.

Steve

AnswerID: 214647

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:56

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 15:56
Steve
Thanks for comprehensive reply. Terrano is a Pathfinder with Turbo diesel and is a good mid size off roader in my opinion. But CSR is more than a Sunday drive, hence my search for information, and particularly someone who has done the trip in the same vehicle. I know later model (more powerful) Terranos have done it.
My vehicle does not have a particular overheating problem but all Terranos tend toward overheating when pushed. Cool down quickly when pressure off.
Planned trip is for 3-4 vehicles, all mature age particpants experienced in bush and with all equipment.
Input from yourself and others will help me decide whether to spend money on this vehicle or upgrade. Problem is I like this vehicle!
Will pass on your advice re use of radio at upcoming meeting of group.

Regards
Mike
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Follow Up By: Steve63 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 16:37

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 16:37
Hi Mike,
As you are going in a group you may want to revise how much recovery gear you personally take. 8 snatch straps in the group would be over kill. If you can loose a bit of weight (100kg or so) it may make a lot of difference, particularly in the late afternoon when the sand is hot and becomes very loose. Should also add that some of the more difficult dunes have alternate softer options as well (not that they are always obvious).

Steve
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 10:53

Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 10:53
Steve
Thanks again. Will take comments to team meeting.

Mike
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Reply By: Diver1 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 21:23

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 21:23
Mike,

I would love to know how you go when its all done...

Power limitations....i was gonna buy one a few years back..insurance stoppped me ($2800/yr!!)...i thought the power in them is pretty good...its a 3lt yeah??

With the cooling have you thought of changing the radiator??

Storage is only a design and brains away so you'll be right....have heard that there is now fuel available from the community at well 33.......if you can get a hold of Vivian from Vic she'll be able to tell ya...she was there this year in sept...she also had fuel flown in at a certain spot too....

with fuel consumption Id go off what you may use in the bush then doube it and it'll give you some room to move....havent done the canning but on our trip we used anywhere from 19lt - 28lt / 100km on petrol (80 series landy ) - in snad, dirt, the usual track stuff...

Good luck...and dont worry about those who call it a pretend 4wd....its a pathfinder with a different badge basically.......just like with a 4runner v surf.....same thing!!!

Laura
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Follow Up By: Mike44 - Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 23:52

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007 at 23:52
Laura
Thanks for your comments,and previous comment re abilities of Terrano. Mine is a 2.7 turbo and later models also 2.7 until recent option of 3litre in UK. Motoring writers prefer 2.7.
Have read many account of owners trying to improve cooling, but only minimal improvements noted. Nevertheless, I may go to a 3 core radiator. Extended fuel availablilty will be a bonus in terms of reducing weight.
Interesting about Vivian, as a lady friend of one of our party did the trip with a girlfriend last year in a Toyota dual cab (i think) with lots of bundy. Have spoken to her and no doubt team will get together with her for specific information.
Trip still a way off (July) but hope to be able to post something of interest in due course.

Cheers
Mike
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Reply By: miker - Friday, Jan 12, 2007 at 22:52

Friday, Jan 12, 2007 at 22:52
Mike, I know everyone has their story but just for the record, when we did the CSR last year I became bogged trying to recover our second vehicle from some flooded low lands around Lake Gregory (VKS 737 members may have read the article in the newsletter) wet electronics killed our motors & the HF radios soon drained 3 of our 4 batteries. The "back-up" sat-phone was the hero of the day for communication & I'd never rely on just the HF radio if I repeated the trip. Just some food for thought 'cause there is no doubt that "Murphy" frequents the fabulous CSR regularly. Have fun planning.

Mike.
AnswerID: 215022

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 10:46

Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 10:46
Mike
Murphy and I have been on first name terms for years. Will take your comments to team meeting. Thanks.

Mike
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Reply By: robak (QLD) - Monday, Jan 15, 2007 at 11:53

Monday, Jan 15, 2007 at 11:53
Mike

Your best option would be to contact oskar (he visits this site only occasionally). He has done some modifications on his terrano and travelled extensivelly in it.

You can find his email address on post 20883.

Btw with the overheating - add some extra silicone fluid (about $12 from toyota) into the fan hub and that seems to decrease the temerature.

Good luck

R.
AnswerID: 215398

Follow Up By: Mike44 - Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 10:50

Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 10:50
Robak
Thanks. I have had a look at some of Oscar's stuff. Will think out some specific wuestions and give him a try.

Mike
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