Advice on a new vehicle? (to augment or replace the LR3)

[CMGRover]

I've driven a '10 Suburban 4x4 off road in the mountains, broke the ice that went over one puddle, got out fine though. It was very comfortable, but it was nowhere near the handling levels of any Jeep or Rover I've driven.

I'm going on a weeks vacation to the mountains in my LR3 this weekend, 4 people, one very spoiled dog. Now my old vehicle probably had more room cargo wise, but not by much. Plus we're packing extra light, since we can do laundry there (something for the wife to do, after she finishes cooking ). We shall see. I don't have any roof baskets either.

But hey, at least I don't have to worry about getting stuck on the driveway.

 

[NickLR3HSE]

how about the new Infiniti QX56, just redesigned. Know someone who had the old style and he loved it. it was 4 wd and he lived near the beach and never complained about it being a problem.

 

[CMGRover]

One of my son's friends has a QX56, the 4wd/Awd one....they wish they would've kept their 04 Disco II. It gets stuck pulling their boat out of the water, they have to get a Jeep to help it out.

 

[toddjb122]

Great responses, thanks!!! Yeah, I did a quick detailed look after this post and didn't get anywhere. I even looked at the RR at the dealership since it seems a little wider and found out that its 2nd row seats do NOT fold flat. That rules out me looking for a used RR. RRS is out because I might as well stay LR3/LR4 and get more space.

I'll have to look around and see if there is a narrow roof rack tray that can sit next to my Yakima box. If so, that would hold more luggage but I'd definitely be exceeding the weight of the factory rack rails.

I did forget about the option of lowering the middle section of the 2nd row while leaving the outsides up for child seats. That may help a lot as it makes a larger area for the dog. I hate those little tow behind trailers, but those may be an option. Think I'll look at a hitch mounted tray first, though.

On the minivan topic I got two good responses from friends who I had asked...

Whatever you do don't get a minivan. Jim has one and we give him crap every time we see him. He also has 3 kids and a dog. With you guys at 2 kids and a dog minivan its practical and makes sense for a lot of families but not for our lifestyle and use. Only a small fraction of people actually use 4x4's and we are in that group.

This one is classic. Try it out yourself...

I love the minivan, think it makes perfect engineering sense, and then one of my engineers said to me once – have you ever met eyes with a man driving a minivan while driving your SUV? I said no. He said pay attention next time, and I did.

It made me sad inside. For both of us.

 

[ChesapeakeRover]

This one is classic. Try it out yourself...

That is hilarious, i totally did that today... the man had a similar look on his face to my dog after day we picked him up they day he got fixed... But i think the pooch got over it, this guy looked like he'd had the minivan for AWHILE... I swear on all that is holy i will never own a minivan

 

[goinsurfin]

Focusing on the roof to maximize roof space, I have 58" bars with a Thule evolution box (16 cu ft). The 58" width allows for my box, a long board and 1 bike. However based on your needs, have you considered any of the following?

1. Switch out your existing roof rails for the new versions found on the LR4 that extend over the driver area too. Here you gain length for long boats, canoes, and long boards. However, I have seen all of this gear mounted without any issues on the current roof rail setup- but will it work for you? Plus the extended roof rails only come in polished silver.

2. Add Yakima Control towers with 58" cross bars. Your existing box and the Yakima Basketcase cargo rack might fit side by side with some extra space too. If not, you can also go up to 66" cross bars- I believe they are shorter than the max. width from mirror to mirror.

3. Land Rover cargo box for the trailer hitch. Not sure on how much weight the box holds but could be something to also consider if still available..

Hope this helps...

 

[pvangura]

Although I don't have kids, I figured I'll throw my opinion out there also, being that I frequently travel with my 2 dogs, wife and waaaayyyy too much stuff.

In my opinion, the LR3 can't be beat (in its size class) for usable cargo space. The rear of the vehicle is square and tall, allowing almost anything to fit back there; however that's where my dogs ride, so careful packing and a roof rack are necessary. Every year, we travel from Denver to Pittsburgh (~1500 miles) for the holidays, and we usually bring along a 3rd adult for the ride, plus our 2 dogs, my snowboard gear and all the crap we need for 2 weeks away from home. Any luggage that won't be needed until we reach our destination, as well as my snowboard gear goes on the roof rack. We fold down, at most, one seat and put anything else we need (snacks, backpacks, etc.) in that area. It's quite comfortable...I've also made that particular trip in an Audi Q7, which was HORRENDOUS. The Q7 is a very nice vehicle, but its too low and curvy for carrying a lot of stuff inside, and the V6 is way underpowered on the highway loaded down with gear.

Additionally, about 10 of my friends come visit me in Denver every year for a week of skiing, and the LR3 is our main mode of transport (plus whatever one of the guys rents). Last time they were here, we took 6 grown men, all their bags, ski equipment, etc. in the LR3. Granted, I had to rig up the ski rack and roof basket to be on at the same time, and the trip was only about 1.5 hours...but its a testament to just how much you can fit in/on the LR3.

I'll have to look around and see if there is a narrow roof rack tray that can sit next to my Yakima box. If so, that would hold more luggage but I'd definitely be exceeding the weight of the factory rack rails.

You could always have one made at a local fab shop. I wouldn't be excessively worried about that weight limit...I routinely walk around on my fully loaded roof basket that is supported by 2 Yakima cross bars and the factory rails.

-Paul

 

[ChesapeakeRover]

I wouldn't be excessively worried about that weight limit..
-Paul

Same, i have definitely exceeded the weight limit of the factory stated limit of the rock rails, maybe its was more displaced because my rack attaches at more places than the cross bars do, but i do assume the weight limit is most likely understated.

 

[pvangura]

but i do assume the weight limit is most likely understated.

I was told once (by my dealer) that the limit is stated as a function of how much weight you can add to roof before affecting the side hill rollover angle, rather than how much weight the rails can handle....may or may not be true.

-Paul

 

[ChesapeakeRover]

I would absolutely believe that, I've had upwards of 600lbs on my rack, and not a problem, and now that i have my full sized Cooper STT up on top (weighing in at 100lbs) + the rod mod my side slope has definitely been reduced by a degrees