Coddy Posted June 18, 2004 Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 Hi Malroy I checked out the indespension web site but could not see the "Sand Skipper" even after a search. May I ask where you obtained yours? Many thanks Codfather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Removed Posted June 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2004 In a rush, Just legging it out the door, But that is EXACTLY the thing I was after. Will read about it properly in the morning and thank you then. Brilliant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam F Posted June 19, 2004 Report Share Posted June 19, 2004 Marc, Weve been out 4x4 shopping today, and the balance is tipping towards the Rav4. Id be interested to hear your views all round about them. I appreciate you struggled (the whole point of this thread) with the boat on the sand, but bearing in mind all of my launching / retreaving is done on concrete slips, do you think I will be OK? The stats give max trailer weight of 1500kgs (my boat is 1200kg) and has a torque figure of 141lb/ft. Not brave enough to trust a freelander, the RAV4 looks a good comprimse, as it will spend 98% of its like nipping around town - shopping!. BTW what model is yours? We are looking at a 5dr VX 2.0l 2002 model. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Posted June 19, 2004 Report Share Posted June 19, 2004 Hi Adam, In all honestly and even with the bad things that I had posted about the RAV4 it is a great car. I think now after speaking to the technical people at Toyota I was just expecting that little bit to much from it. As Malroy says, you have to be careful with any 4x4 and with only ever having Landrovers in the past (discovery's & 90's) I think I was expecting the same performance off road from the RAV4. I think my problem came down to the water table mentioned earlier. When we launch at high water it is quite a steep sloping beach so no problems, retrieving at low water though the beach goes level and flat and I think this is where the water table comes in to it. I think my trailer and boat will be slightly heavier than yours coming in at around 1300 kg, but the car can handle this with no problems. We do have a slip at South Shields I sometimes use which is concrete/shingle and I've never had a problem there even when its full of weed and this can get very slippery. Again I think the problem I had was with the water table and me panicking and digging the car further in to the sand thinking how the hell am I going to explain this one to Lisa. Running about town the cars great, loads of space, high seating, nippy, economic and looks good as well. The only thing I'm not sure on is the tailgate, It only opens about 3/4 of the way, I have been told this is because they have had problems with the spare wheel being carried on the rear door (as with most 4x4) and the weight pulling on the hinges. On saying this at least the have done something about it as on every discovery I've had the rear door hinges have gone and the door used to drop every time it was opened. Toyota also give me a hand written guarantee/warranty on the paint and body work for 11 years. I explained to them what I would be using it for and that its 'bum' would from time to time be in salt water but they were so confident they give me it in writing!. From experience I would also go for the removable tow bar as it does seem to 'stick out' a little when the rear door is open (ouch shins) although I don't know if this lowers its towing capacity. If you do buy one and find a way of removing that annoying bloody seat belt klaxon, let me know. Give me a shout if I can help any. Marc. Marc@encore-kitchens.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Removed Posted June 19, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2004 Sorry that was me above, took so long to type it, it logged me out. Also forgot to mention its a 04, 2.0 litre, Automatic, 5 door XT3, V V T i. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam F Posted June 20, 2004 Report Share Posted June 20, 2004 Thanks Marc - very helpful, and also re-assuring. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newboy Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 I'm surprised no one mention some of the non run of the mill 4x4, like volvo v70 4x4 or Audi quattro. Both have been out a little while and 2nd hand price are very reasonable. No sure of the audi, but I've had a 240 glt and 850 glt estate before, although they weren't the 4x4 version but both packed an extremely powerful punch, they will tow anything (almost). Since most of our lanuchng and retrieving are done on hardslip/concrete, the 4x4 traction is surely all we need?! The volvo might not be the cheapest car to run, but reliablity is excellent, and there are enough volvo specialist about to keep the service costs down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malroy Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Sand Skipper. Yes your quite right, its not shown on their web site, which is why it took me a little time to source one at the time. I got mine from the BOLTON store, however if you give any of the stores a ring they should be able to source one from head depot. They are not cheap, I think mine was around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coddy Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Hi Malroy Thanks for that. Seems a triffle expensive but I am sure it works well Don't think the FPO will appreciate me spending that sort of money just before our holiday or house move! Coddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob F Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 Newboy, yes you've got my vote. I'd prefer a car-like 4x4 like the volvo. However, FPO prefered the Sukuki cus it was higher up and therefore easier to get in and out. Bob F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul D Posted June 21, 2004 Report Share Posted June 21, 2004 HRV is fine for concrete slipways and is car like. Just wish it had a little more power. Personally, I fancy the look of the X-Trail ( diesel one ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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