Gravel Roads

nevetsg · 22-03-2013, 12:39 PM

Hi.

I am trying to talk me dad into getting a Mondeo TDCi over a Territory (unless he can get a diesel on the cheep). I mean, why wouldn't you... They currently have falcons.

His concern is that he lives in the bush and has to drive Gravel roads to and from home. In particular is their driveway which has a very steep section; to the point that if you fail an attempt to get up it you have to roll back down and start again..

I have not driven on any gravel so I am requesting feedback on how the FWD Mondeo handles itself?

Ducati888 · 22-03-2013, 01:35 PM

It's all about weight transfer and balance. If the hill is that steep, then weight would transfer to the rear when you ascend. Four up or with a loaded boot, even more transfer to the back (less on the front, means wheelspin, loss of traction, loss of drive and steering and braking).

A bigger issue is, what happens in the wet, and also what happens in the wet when you descend the hill? You hit the brakes and slide down, even with ABS.

If it's that steep, I'd be going AWD.

nevetsg · 22-03-2013, 02:27 PM

From experience, gravel isn't that much different in the wet to the dry. And descending shouldn't be an issue, growing up i used to just put it in 2nd and let it roll (slight controlled braking). Sisters drive their FWD hatches up there ok you just have to start with enough speed. The Mondeo is heavier and would have to tow occasionally.
AWD's are nice but off topic as RWD's handle themselves OK. I am just pushing him toward the Mondeo because I love mine so much.

mac_man_luke · 22-03-2013, 02:34 PM

IMO roads like that are what the territory is made for.

Better seating position too (especially if older..)

borntoshop666 · 23-03-2013, 02:07 PM

Hi Mate, if your Dad has to drive gravel roads to and from his House every day, stay clear of a Mondeo. The Ground Clearance is not that high, especially on the Titanium, and i would be afraid to bottom it out to often.
I bent the Diesel Cooler on mine when I drove through a Culvet on a sealed Road between Forbes and Condobolin.
Go for a Ranger or Territory
cheers Mate

nevetsg · 23-03-2013, 02:26 PM

Thanks, this is the kind of info i want.
If he can find a cheep one, he may even get the last of the falcon wagons and convert to gas. (like his past 3 cars...)

allanv6gt · 23-03-2013, 05:19 PM

My father had a series on Nissan Patrol truck-things and eventually decided on a Mondeo MC TDCI Powershift. Noice package, lots of do-dads and bling. It didn't last twelve months due to ground clearance problems going out the rifle range out back of woop-woop (I did tell him....). He now has another Patrol truck-thingy. He lives in a major regional centre.

BTW, in between a couple of Patrol truck-thingies, he owned an AWD Territory Ghia. Much more confortable. That one was moved on after getting front ball joints (designed 'under tension' I hear) and the too short flexible brake lines replaced......all under warranty.

I'm not suggesting you go buy a Patrol, but the Mondeo does not sound a good option for the country dirt road user. It's very long and very low.

Riksta · 23-03-2013, 08:32 PM

Mine loved the gravel, but there wasn't much in the way of steep hills.

whitetdci · 23-03-2013, 09:29 PM

The diesel would help on the gravel developing more torque lower in the range, but if it was up to me I would run with an Urban assault vehicle with that extra clearance needed and opt up for the 4wd variant. Just my thoughts. Borntoshop, you have to slow down for the floodways between Forbes and Condo. What speed did you hit it at ( truth now)

nevetsg · 24-03-2013, 08:46 AM

Hi, thanks for the feedback.
I know that a 4WD is not 'needed' as we have been driving it for 25 years without one.
I think that clearance, especially at certain times between grading, and FWD towing would be the issues.
I will stop pushing the Deo on him.
Either way, i am sure he is happily distracted with his new BMW K1600 GTL...

borntoshop666 · 24-03-2013, 08:56 AM

wouldnt have been more than 110-115 km/h.
well at least thats where I think it I bent the Diesel Cooler. I didnt start noticing the tiny puddles of Diesel under the Car until about a week later...

allanv6gt · 24-03-2013, 03:42 PM

Ok RIKSTA - I eat my words. Fantastic surface 'tho, easily able to exceed the national speed limit.
Hmm, some humps, nice straight road next 5km+, no-one around (clearly !!, we have photographic evidence).....

Riksta · 25-03-2013, 01:20 AM

Haha, where I took those was all 80km/h road, but definitely no one around for miles, maybe the odd car here or there. I swear it would make an awesome rally track as the road is a massive loop, would be good to have something rally spec and have the road closed to just throw laps around it, there would be great sideways action and jumps on the hills, but yeah that's never going to happen! For the record, I do obey all road rules even though it is out in the middle of nowhere.

To see what I mean about this road though look up Cape Bauer Road, Streaky Bay on Google Maps. That's where these were taken.

nevetsg · 28-03-2013, 07:25 AM

And the winner is!!
Territory diesel 4x4!
Should do them for a few years of retired living and roaming.

He is already investigating a tuning box for it...

steve.zissou · 28-03-2013, 08:39 AM

nah - str8 jeep

no question

nevetsg · 28-03-2013, 09:08 AM

If only i knew about such a car a week ago. That would have been perfect!

allanv6gt · 28-03-2013, 01:00 PM

For the record, I do obey all road rules even though it is out in the middle of nowhere.
Yeh yeh I hear you, but oh jeez the temptation....in the right kind of thing of course (i.e. not a big heavy Mondeo, but an Escort rally car ? Hmmmm)

Good luck with the Territpry. IIRC they run a Jaguar sourced diesel.

nevetsg · 28-03-2013, 01:06 PM

It is a Landrover TDV6.

ryeman · 28-03-2013, 04:01 PM

Previous version ?

nevetsg · 28-03-2013, 04:28 PM

I am not sure what you are asking?

ryeman · 28-03-2013, 04:41 PM

The Terri diesel is the previous Jag/LR series I seem to recall?

nevetsg · 28-03-2013, 04:46 PM

oh, yes. It is the older version of the engine. The new one is 3L twin turbo which would be a nice to have.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_AJ...D.2FTDV6.2FHDi

If he get the tuning box it would be about 500Nm :-O

Riksta · 29-03-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanv6gt

For the record, I do obey all road rules even though it is out in the middle of nowhere.
Yeh yeh I hear you, but oh jeez the temptation....in the right kind of thing of course (i.e. not a big heavy Mondeo, but an Escort rally car ? Hmmmm)

I swear if ever I do manage to buy the Audi UR-Quattro I desire so badly, it will be doing a trip over there ;)

nevetsg · 01-04-2013, 08:47 AM

I posted this over in the Territory forum but thought your guys may get a laugh out of it. We are guessing that the apprentice was having a bad day...
What is wrong with this installation?

ryeman · 01-04-2013, 09:04 AM

Tang welded in wrong spot, obstructing coupling?

nevetsg · 01-04-2013, 09:07 AM

My first thought, but it is simpler than that. The construction is fine... Installation is issue.

hint: you cant see the 'This side up' label for some reason..

allanv6gt · 03-04-2013, 09:29 PM

Apprentice from the UK, therefore everything happens upside down ?
Tho' doesn't explain the towball on top....hmmmmm

And does that tongue slide into the fitting or fit underneath it ?

I know, this is one of those quizzes - you know, like, "spot the ten errors".....

ryeman · 03-04-2013, 10:27 PM

[QUOTE=allanv6gt;4685932]Apprentice from the UK, therefore everything happens upside down ?
Tho' doesn't explain the towball on top....QUOTE]

What!?