I was hoping there would be a sticky for those of us who are n00bs to having the Touareg off-road, but alas there was not.
I'm not a total offroad n00b, as I'm usually out in my ZJ
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I've picked up some Canyon wheels and installed some 255/75/17 BFG MT KM takeoffs from a friend's 2013 Wrangler Rubicon. They have definitely hurt the road manners of the car, but I know they'll be beneficial on the dirt.
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So, to the questions:
1) Lockers. The user manual states that, when in 4LO, the center and rear diffs lock automatically, presumably when excessive slip is detected. Is that the case in reality, or does the manual engagement do a better job? Also, how does the traction control handle wheel speed differentials on the front axle?
2) Sway bar disconnect. While I know this was a factory option, it doesn't appear to have been available to those of us in the USA. Plus, a couple of wrenches and zip ties are a whole bunch cheaper and more reliable than a hydraulic system. Though, how beneficial is disconnecting the front bars on an IFS vehicle? I'm used to SFA where it's a huge benefit, but is it worth the effort in regards to articulation and ride quality off road in the Treg?
3) Air suspension settings - when to use XTra. Is this best used just for clearing obstacles that might otherwise hit under the center of the vehicle, or is it actually beneficial for climbing over specific obstacles? Meaning, is there enough suspension articulation at that setting that you can climb and maneuver with it, or is it better suited for going over a rock in the middle of a trail?
4) Hill assist. How well does this work offroad? Can I actually expect a controlled descent in 4LO and the transmission in D or S mode, or am I best served shifting it manually?
That's it for now. Hope to have some good photos and video from the excursion on Sunday.
PS: Anyone in the San Diego region who would want to join us up in the North Ramona area is welcome!
Ramona north - Dirtopia, the Off-Road Encyclopedia
I'm not a total offroad n00b, as I'm usually out in my ZJ
I've picked up some Canyon wheels and installed some 255/75/17 BFG MT KM takeoffs from a friend's 2013 Wrangler Rubicon. They have definitely hurt the road manners of the car, but I know they'll be beneficial on the dirt.
So, to the questions:
1) Lockers. The user manual states that, when in 4LO, the center and rear diffs lock automatically, presumably when excessive slip is detected. Is that the case in reality, or does the manual engagement do a better job? Also, how does the traction control handle wheel speed differentials on the front axle?
2) Sway bar disconnect. While I know this was a factory option, it doesn't appear to have been available to those of us in the USA. Plus, a couple of wrenches and zip ties are a whole bunch cheaper and more reliable than a hydraulic system. Though, how beneficial is disconnecting the front bars on an IFS vehicle? I'm used to SFA where it's a huge benefit, but is it worth the effort in regards to articulation and ride quality off road in the Treg?
3) Air suspension settings - when to use XTra. Is this best used just for clearing obstacles that might otherwise hit under the center of the vehicle, or is it actually beneficial for climbing over specific obstacles? Meaning, is there enough suspension articulation at that setting that you can climb and maneuver with it, or is it better suited for going over a rock in the middle of a trail?
4) Hill assist. How well does this work offroad? Can I actually expect a controlled descent in 4LO and the transmission in D or S mode, or am I best served shifting it manually?
That's it for now. Hope to have some good photos and video from the excursion on Sunday.
PS: Anyone in the San Diego region who would want to join us up in the North Ramona area is welcome!
Ramona north - Dirtopia, the Off-Road Encyclopedia
