Gear selection

I have just been watchig a video on youtube and i was wondering what gear to be in in different situations, as far as i was aware you only really use 1st gear low range when you are decending steep slopes and rock crawling, can anyone shed some light on what gear and when 1 st gear would be used off road?

here is the video and was wondering what gear you would be in @ 30 seconds [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjckyBhbrIM"]YouTube - Land Rover green laning in Wales - part 1[/nomedia]

hold on while i get my lz crystal ball

that will tell me what landy you have,also what engine you have and also whether you have an auto or manuel box

but to guess an answer to yr qs 2nd gear low range is the most common choice of gear selection
1st gear is really only for steep descent or very very tricky situations

Yer sorry got a discovery 300tdi 1995, 5 door. Just after watching the videos on youtube i just wondered when you would use 1st gear? Need some help

Ow it's a manual we went green laning in wales and we cane across a step along a rocky trail, the step was about 1.5 - 2 ft high and it was slightly up hill, so I was thinking would it be a 1 st gear job or would you need a bit of momentum to get up and over, also I have always used 2 nd gear for gullies and ditches but watching videos and reading lro I came to the conclusion that was wrong? Some info and expert opinions would be appreciated!

The driver needs to decide what gear is best every single second when driving off road. Just like regular steering and throttle and braking decision must be constantly made.

It's part of driving. You cannot predetermined what gear you need, see how it feels to drive and choose the most appropriate gear.

If you are unable to decide what gear is appropriate then you need some off road training - this will make you a better driver than you thought you would be.

Cheers.

Mr Noisy said:

It's part of driving. You cannot predetermined what gear you need, see how it feels to drive and choose the most appropriate gear.

Click to expand...

of course you can..i wouldnt approach a steep hill or a deep water section and then decide half way thru i need to select a different gear..

most would be approached in 2nd gear which would be predetermined before i committed myself

I just did a bit of off-road tuition last Wednesday (three hours) using their vehicle (defender with a 300TDi.) The instructors opinion was generally "down to go down & up to go up." By this he was referring to 1st and 2nd gears.

We went down some really steep bits and it was 1st every time, most inclines were in 2nd. diff lock in on all the steep bits. As you come down, if she starts to slip then throttle up. I know it sounds crazy to most drivers, but keep your feet off the brake and clutch when going down and use the throttle to control your descent. I found it amazing that you throttle up to slow down!

The course was brilliant - Pethshireoffroad.co.uk at Glenfarg.

Thanks i have just been thinking and thats some really obvious but extreamly useful advice. Thank you for some useful help

I agree with the down for down, up for up. Works in MOST situations. There'll always be exceptions. Experience will allow you to judge what and where best suits.

wiltshire landyman said:

of course you can..i wouldnt approach a steep hill or a deep water section and then decide half way thru i need to select a different gear..

most would be approached in 2nd gear which would be predetermined before i committed myself

Click to expand...

Change gear to match the speed you require, regardless of water crossings etc.Slopes are slightly differrent, being in netreul on a slope aint a brilliant idea.

goonarmy said:

Change gear to match the speed you require, regardless of water crossings etc.Slopes are slightly differrent, being in netreul on a slope aint a brilliant idea.

Click to expand...

Really? why not?:lol:

Vagrent said:

Really? why not?:lol:

Click to expand...

:crazy_driver: :crazy_driver::screaming_bug_eye_f :screaming_bug_eye_f:bump2: :crutch:

Vagrent said:

Really? why not?:lol:

Click to expand...

does save on mpg tho.....

bluesticky1 said:

I agree with the down for down, up for up. Works in MOST situations. There'll always be exceptions. Experience will allow you to judge what and where best suits.

Click to expand...

obviously there will be an exception somewhere, but tbh when i have been off roading admittedly not for long but i have never found any exceptions.

I lOvE mY lAnDy said:

obviously there will be an exception somewhere, but tbh when i have been off roading admittedly not for long but i have never found any exceptions.

Click to expand...

Bearing in mind that my original post was referring to STEEP declines, then the down for down & up for up would be best method to adopt. However, the most obvious exception to the rule would be for lesser declines where 2nd (or possibly even 3rd) would suffice.

Hi there, I am just in the process of changing all my off road stuff from my 200tdi Disco manual to a 300tdi auto Disco. My thoughts are other than when going down a steep hill then leave gear leaver in low box and Drive, going down a steep hill then first.

What are your thoughts guys?

Cheers

I agree but try it and see for yourself!

Whats better for off roading then a amnual or an auto??

Diahatsu Amnual every time. Lovely little 4wd buggies they are

I lOvE mY lAnDy said:

Whats better for off roading then a amnual or an auto??

Click to expand...

Newer Landrovers i.e. 2004 on, I'd say auto is best.
Pre 2004 manual.