When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I mean , Has anyone really taken their GL on a trail of some sort? And what were your experiences with the GL?
The closest thing i have done with GL is just driving it on the beach and getting it stuck on some soft sand . But that was my fault i didnt air down my tires. But im really thinking about taking my GL on the Pismo Dunes to see what it can do.. BTW i do not have the Offroad package. And im wondering why they would take it off for the 09 models.
Would anyone would be interested taking our GL's in some sort of MILD off road excursion in the desert? I have never done this sort of thing so im a bit of a newb so i think it would be better if i should go with people with more experience
For crossing water with the GL how deep can i go with the GL without damaging anything severe? (Up to my running boards maybe?)
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Originally Posted by Mos11b
Would anyone would be interested taking our GL's in some sort of MILD off road excursion in the desert? I have never done this sort of thing so im a bit of a newb so i think it would be better if i should go with people with more experience
For crossing water with the GL how deep can i go with the GL without damaging anything severe? (Up to my running boards maybe?)
First, in the desert where, were you thinking? We've got one or two trails here in the Phoenix area that are pretty "entry level" and fun. I'd be interested in seeing what our non-ORP babies can do myself.
Second, you should be able to go up to the point where your truck cannot breathe (where the air intake is). Ever see those Range Rovers/Land Cruisers/Jeeps/etc. with the "snorkle" up the pillar along the windsheild? That's so the engine can still breathe until that point.
Of course, then there's the issue of side-force of the flowing water (assuming it is flowing), which can take you down stream. Less than fun.
First, in the desert where, were you thinking? We've got one or two trails here in the Phoenix area that are pretty "entry level" and fun. I'd be interested in seeing what our non-ORP babies can do myself.
Second, you should be able to go up to the point where your truck cannot breathe (where the air intake is). Ever see those Range Rovers/Land Cruisers/Jeeps/etc. with the "snorkle" up the pillar along the windsheild? That's so the engine can still breathe until that point.
Of course, then there's the issue of side-force of the flowing water (assuming it is flowing), which can take you down stream. Less than fun.
STP
Well i think Phoenix is too far from me . I was thinking more of So Cal area if anyone was interested. I would really like to see what our GL's can do.. There is not many Videos on youtube showing the offroad capability.
Thanks for the explanation on crossing water.. You think i can go as deep as the top of my tires?
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Originally Posted by Mos11b
Well i think Phoenix is too far from me . I was thinking more of So Cal area if anyone was interested. I would really like to see what our GL's can do.. There is not many Videos on youtube showing the offroad capability.
Thanks for the explanation on crossing water.. You think i can go as deep as the top of my tires?
Perhaps one of our brothers in steel can suggest some moderate to light offroading places? I'm not familiar with back country off highway trails in SoCal m'self.
As for how deep you can go, that'd be a really good question to research. I'm sure there's a limitation published somewhere? Like how deep with standard suspension lowered, standard raised, and ORP raised or some such? Maybe "until your feet start getting wet," eh? I know you'd really want to dry out the carpets directly after fording something deep enough to bring water into the cabin, if you'd want to go that deep at all. Is the lower pan sealed enough with the doors to keep the deep stuff out?
Sorry guys but the pics you posted ( OFF ROAD ) are laughable.
Come on these truck can do ALOT more then that with out any damage.
TIPS
When off roading the keys is to go slow and constant over obstickels.
Learning to steer when the truck is not going anywhere is also nessasary.
Yes deflating tires is a very good idea, but not too low. 20-25 psi is fine.
We are not talking about anything crazy here but these trucks can be alot more fun if you let them.
When you know you are about to get into a muddy area DONT floor it in the middle. Go a bit faster going in and then just feather the gas through it ( resist flooring it) Steering at this point is very important. You have ot read the road not just going straight.
When you do gas it a bit let off so the tires can grab and just a little gas so they dont stop and dont spin will get you through as well.
As for how deep you can go.... well im sure you can go past your running boards but you may need to get a snorkel. This is basicly connected to your AIR INTAKE, it will come up higher out of the engine so your truck and breath under water so to speak. When you engine gets too deep in water it will stall so a snorkle will fix that. Beware water entry into the cabin if you do this. It will come through your doors seals. Always recommend going into the water by foot first all the way across so you can see if there are sharp rock that my pop your tires. Also this will tell you if there are unexpected dips or high rock that will damage your undercarage.
So go put on some rough shoes and pants, walk the river first then give it a try. Dont forget to measure the water hight while in the stream.
Good luck boys and take some good pics
PS dont take my first comment personally im just kiddin with ya
Last edited by 451/443=EW; Aug 29, 2008 at 08:22 PM.
I have a 2016 GL450 with the offroad package. I live in Southwest Colorado. I have taken my GL up Kennebec Pass in the La Plata Mountains, the area around Velocity Basin in the San Juan Mountains, the Jeep road at Chatanooga below Red Mt. Pass, and a few other places. This vehicle is awesome! I agree that the tires that are available for the 19” wheels are a big problem with offroading this car. Do you have any more info on the 18” wheel set up? I would like to try OEM 18”. Here is my research:
My plan for now is to order an OEM rim to use for a full size spare, and to buy a heavy duty jack. I am ordering a Stealth hitch which can carry a rack for a cooler and firewood. Rubber floor mats are needed, and KC lites might be nice too!
I have a pretty stock GL 350. My buddy's in-laws have several hundred acres on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and there are some very tight fire roads throughout the property. Two other guys brought Jeeps (one, an older Wrangler with rock climbing gears and all sorts of mods, the other a stock Unlimited.) The GL kept up with, and frankly did better on many of the steeper inclines, than the Unlimited. The modded Jeep had no issues anywhere. My primary concern was scratching the paint since the trails are not maintained (we had brought a chainsaw and had to stop numerous times to remove felled trees) but even though it sounded terrible with branches scraping the sides, nothing happened that worried me.
It's a good off-roader and is quite capable; I wasn't really surprised and was happy to confirm that it could keep up with more dedicated vehicles. I think the 4WD system does a really nice job and traction was never an issue on any surface. We traversed rocky roads, leaf-covered roads that were quite soft, and a couple water crossings. I didn't really take any photos but here's a video:
Great pics, just what I was looking for. I was sliding on steep dirt and mud in DSR with street tires.
I carry a chainsaw in my Bronco but the electric hedge trimmer sounds cleaner in a carpeted SUV!
I posted here too: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...6&goto=newpost If you find time maybe you can comment. I searched the forum and I can't find your postings or any others specific to "off roading" with ON/OFF ROAD equipped GLs. For the record I don't off road on public lands around here that's illegal. We have endless miles of high-clearance jeep roads.
1. What trail tire setup did you go with?
2. Is it true that the transfer case locks up but not the differentials?
Or an inverter, which you ought to have, and a line power hedge trimmer. More to set up, though. I only thought of it because I already have a battery powered unit.
I got Dick Cepek Trail Country. Still a predominantly on-road tire, which is appropriate for my usage. I also got a fifth wheel for a full-size spare. I rotate them through regularly.
I don't have the Enhanced Off-Road package, much to my chagrin. I'd love to have a low range and lockers, but no such luck. I think I can answer your question, though: It's a two-stage locking. First the transfer case and then the rear diff.
Be careful; there is an Off-Road Optics package, which includes ... the bottom cover.
