Howdy Everyone!

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Mirth · #1 Post by **Mirth** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:48 pm

A couple of off-road store staff (of the North Vancouver variety) helped me to set up my new-to-me 2008 Land Rover LR3 with some of the necessary off-road gear.

During my conversation with them, they confirmed my suspicions that going off-roading on my own, especially when off-roading is totally new to me, would be similar to running into a police station with a loaded handgun. (that was their way of saying "don't go off roading as a newbie alone", I think.)

They suggested that, since I'm in a Land Rover, that there is a group of people where I might fit in fairly well. They said that it was a good group, and they'd ensure I didn't kill myself or my truck on my first excursion into the wild.

[side note: Rover-Landers of BC was that group of people, in case it wasn't clear before]

So, my name is Jonathan, although in the forums I usually go by the nickname "Mirth" (no, I won't explain that to you... but, I'm sure you'll find out when we meet face to face)

I'm driving the LR3, which took me all of about 20 seconds to fall in love with. I've had other SUVs (Explorer and a Trailblazer) but they, now I've driven the LR3, were not really 4x4s.

My experience is limited off the main roads, however, I did join the a Land Rover formal excursion about a week after buying the truck. We went out and about the Squamish area for a day's sight seeing, and it was wonderful. They had a "Land Rover Play Pen" setup for after the off-roading. We did some blind-fold driving through a course, drove on the see-saw, and it was all great fun. (no, for those who would like to know, I didn't manage to get the truck to balance horizontally on the see-saw. Not for lack of trying. Whoever set the 2 minute time limit was smoking something illegal, I'm sure!)

I'm hoping to join up as a member of the club, and then get some field experience while being around those who really know. I'm not a stranger to the outdoors, as I'm in the Air Force Reserves... but that is a far cry from driving places a car can't go.

Hope you'll excuse my horrible sense of humour and let me in! Someone said that the club wasn't very active, but it seems you are doing stuff, even up to a fancy holiday dinner... Maybe I'll be in time to join everyone for that.

<ooph>

Just got a poke in the rib from my wife. Aparently, I didn't mention that she is my better half and is with me through the 4x4 fun. So, sounds like it'll be a membership for two. ;)

Looking forward to the adventures!

Cheers,

--Jonathan "Mirth" G.

Glenn D. · #2 Post by **Glenn D.** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 1:09 am

Sounds like you'll fit right in!! Which pocket are you keys in??!!!

Glenn ;)

John · #3 Post by **John** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:12 am

Welcome to the group!

rayhyland · #4 Post by **rayhyland** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:07 am

Great to have you Mirth. We live near Hope BC and go off the pavement all the time, (at least a few times each month) often simple scenic little local day trails so feel free to visit and join us whenever you are free.

Cheers

Ray and family.

Mirth · #5 Post by **Mirth** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:15 am

Sorry, it won't be THAT easy. I've just swallowed them to ensure their safety. ;) Now the truck really IS part of me. Too bad the keys are not proximity ones...

Glenn D. wrote:Sounds like you'll fit right in!! Which pocket are you keys in??!!!

Glenn ;)

Mirth · #6 Post by **Mirth** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:19 am

I'm IN! Can't wait, in fact. I have not really modified the truck from the factory spec, but I'm told that a factory spec Rover is enough.

I'm going to try and figure out how the registration for membership process goes, but I'm assuming that your trips are all planned through the message board here. I'd hate to miss one.

I'm hoping to start out easy and work my way up, as I still need to gain trust in myself and the truck's abilities; call it "Ford Explorer Syndrome" but my experiences with that truck were not positive.

EDIT: I'm now officially a Rover-Landers member! Yay! Hope that will give me access to all the secret-and-confidential trips! [looks around to see if any non-members are watching]

rayhyland wrote:Great to have you Mirth. We live near Hope BC and go off the pavement all the time, (at least a few times each month) often simple scenic little local day trails so feel free to visit and join us whenever you are free.

Cheers

Ray and family.

Doc Tari · #7 Post by **Doc Tari** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 2:01 pm

Welcome! I think you'll find the club is plenty active, often more so than many of us are able to take advange of. The club's executive has done a great job this year in having at least one club outting each month. With advice from many of the experienced members, you shouldn't hesitate to go for any of the runs. Also, be sure to come out to Founder's Day and the Snow Flake Chase.

Regards,
Pete

rhino_ed · #8 Post by **rhino_ed** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:19 pm

I think I saw you downtown the other day... Anyway, I was admiring someones grey very well equipped LR3 with a Rover-Landers sticker on the back.
And yes, welcome to a real 4x4 and the club that I still haven't formally joined. :oops:
Tires and membership this week for sure. :)

Bill E. · #9 Post by **Bill E.** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:01 pm

Like Pete said, definitely come out to to Founder's Day in January. We will have a short off road course outside of the Agriplex for you to play on and then you can come inside and warm up while showing off your new Land Rover. What better way to waste a cold January day. Then if your up for it you can come out on our annual Snow Flake Chase on the following day. Don't worry about getting stuck, it's guaranteed :twisted:

DaveB · #10 Post by **DaveB** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:35 pm

Mirth,

I allowed you access to the members area shortly after your membership came through. My wife, Pamela is the membership co-ordinator and she has a package coming out your way very soon.

Welcome. Dave

Mirth · #11 Post by **Mirth** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:33 pm

Thanks Dave!

I'm really looking forward to getting involved with you guys. I just hope that my LR3 will keep up with all your fancy customized rigs... Oh well, I know two things going into this:

1) There will be SOMEONE nice enough to help me get out of anything I'm in, and
2) There is always the membership area for me to get advice on how to "not do it again".

I'm the "charge in guns blazing" sort of person, so hopefully there is a some group members with the "help the idiot get out of the jam" personalities too. <grin>

See you all at the dinner!

Regards,

Jonathan "Mirth"

Dave wrote:Mirth,

I allowed you access to the members area shortly after your membership came through. My wife, Pamela is the membership co-ordinator and she has a package coming out your way very soon.

Welcome. Dave

Mirth · #12 Post by **Mirth** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:38 pm

I have to say, that almost 50% of the voters want to knock me out and drive off in the truck... I'm running out of time for the "anti-truck-napping" alarm installation.

What would you guys recommend:
-the high amp wires in the seat?
-the high amp wires in the door handles?
-the 900 decible police siren in the headliner?
-autodoor closers and locks with water that fills up the cabin? (I like this one, but it is hard to clean up after)

;)

rayhyland · #13 Post by **rayhyland** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 10:16 pm

Short notice Mirth, but I think I may try to drive up Mt Cheam tomorrow as I pass through Chilliwack.

Want to try out that fancy traction control?

Ray

Mobile 604 889 2169

PaulC · #14 Post by **PaulC** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 6:52 am

Hi Mirth and family, welcome and what a great choice in the LR3. I might have missed this, but what year is it and is it an HSE?

If it’s not an HSE/and or doesn’t have the rear differential locker I don’t believe you’ll have a full-size spare tire back there. :?:

If you going to be a frequent trail participant one of the first place to spend some dollars is acquiring the full-size spare.

FYI- if you do head off into the deep snow (more than half way up the wheels) try Mud/Ruts it will allow for more active throttle and a lot more will spin. :idea:

Don’t be afraid to turn off DSC in deep mud and snow it will also help.
:idea:

also posted on FB site

Mirth · #15 Post by **Mirth** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:58 am

rayhyland wrote:Short notice Mirth, but I think I may try to drive up Mt Cheam tomorrow as I pass through Chilliwack.

Want to try out that fancy traction control?

Ray

Mobile 604 889 2169

Wow, do I wish I could.

Unfortunately, I have to work Mon-Fri... I'm stuck enjoying the wilderness-- from the Land Rover perspective-- on evenings and weekends...

Thanks for the invite though!

Mirth · #16 Post by **Mirth** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 11:10 am

Excellent information, thank you Paul!

We have the 2008 HSE, mostly loaded, but there are a couple options missing. We have the full size spare stored under the truck as we have the 3rd row seating (7 total). It is a heavy beast, so if the snow gets really deep, I'll probably end up tunneling under rather than driving over it.

I'm fairly sure it has the rear diff lock, but I'm not that familiar with how to ensure it does.

Thanks again for the suggestions, knowledge is power!

--Jonathan

PaulC wrote:Hi Mirth and family, welcome and what a great choice in the LR3. I might have missed this, but what year is it and is it an HSE?

If it’s not an HSE/and or doesn’t have the rear differential locker I don’t believe you’ll have a full-size spare tire back there. :?:

If you going to be a frequent trail participant one of the first place to spend some dollars is acquiring the full-size spare.

FYI- if you do head off into the deep snow (more than half way up the wheels) try Mud/Ruts it will allow for more active throttle and a lot more will spin. :idea:

Don’t be afraid to turn off DSC in deep mud and snow it will also help.
:idea:

also posted on FB site

PaulC · #17 Post by **PaulC** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:21 pm

It use to be if LR3 had a full size spare it had rear diff lock.

You can check by crawling under the rear diff and looking for the motor/electrical housing near top front of diff.

Or by observing the 4x4x info screen in loose conditions (especially in Low Range & Rock Crawl mode) and the rear diff lock symbol will illuminate on activation of the rear diff lock.
:idea:

The Rover-Landers of BC

The Rover-Landers of BC

Howdy Everyone!

Should we let this "Mirth" guy into the club, or should we just leave him in the middle of nowhere after taking his LR3?

Howdy Everyone!

I'd love to join the adventures... Scenic trails are great!

Concerns...