Now the new RRS is making low range a pricey optional got to thinking is it really needed

When first introduced we were looking at engines producing less than 100bhp and a 4 speed gearbox. Low range effectivly enabled more power to be applied when needed.

Nowadys with the auto 8 speed, computers and engines producing in excess of 200 bhp I am beging to think its not really required for most off roading situations.

Both my Disco 4 and RRS were very rarely put in low range and can only recall the real need for it, to apply rock crawl mode in Wales a couple of times, though everything else managed it ok without such gadgetry it was not as controlled.

My off roading has been middle of the road stuff and can appreciate that perhaps extreme off roading might call for a low range, but really I cannot see that low range is now needed for anything else.

Are we getting to hung up on this and letting Landrover take advantage of us by using this to empty our wallets quicker  Now driving a rather smart looking Van

In 13 years and a long list of LR's never used/needed low ratio - even dabbled in off roading with FL1, D2 and FL2

I guess if you go offroading for work or serious hobby it might be useful in very bad conditions  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

Low range can be useful when towing too; it's not just for serious off roading.

The low range option on the new RRS is actually quite cheap compared to the cost of some of the other options. If you spec the dynamic option you get the low range box anyway. I'd rather have a useful option, such as a low range box than an expensive frippery like diamond turned alloys. But maybe that's just me... 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Used every week (towing) 2016 RRS 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography Dynamic in Montalcino Red and Stealth Kit

I have towed a big twin axle for 3 years, always stay on farm sites in fields and have also pulled motorhomes out that have got stuck but never felt I needed low ratio

I can see if you were launching big boats on a slipway or similar it might be useful though  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

In the sport ive used low range twice "off road" but a few times towing (not this one last one)

Im my disco towing and lots of off roading...low range should be thought of as just another range of gears...it has lots of uses - it certainly isnt low range = off road.

The most useful thing i was taught by a farmer was to use low range to help move large trailers and for the sake of pressing a button - boy was he right Mike

2014 Facelift Discovery

I used the low range box when we had snow earlier this year to give me some better traction and control up/down some slopes as I was (and am still) running Conti Sport Contacts. ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

Hadn't given towing a thought to be honest, no carvan or boat just a little P6 trailer.

Seems a lot of caravans towed by soft roaders and even Freelanders though would rather have a low range than fancy wheels to scratch and kerb Now driving a rather smart looking Van

muddywheels wrote:

I have towed a big twin axle for 3 years, always stay on farm sites in fields and have also pulled motorhomes out that have got stuck but never felt I needed low ratio

I can see if you were launching big boats on a slipway or similar it might be useful though

Caravans aren't that heavy compared to what the RRS can and does tow though. Low range comes in useful when towing heavy loads on long inclines where speeds can get low. It's better for the gearbox if you use low range in these circumstances - long slow towing in high range can overheat the gearbox.

It's also useful in situations where you might otherwise need to ride the brakes on a long slow descent, particularly in slippery conditions. As mse says, low range is just another set of ratios and have their uses away from muddy places  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

I grew up in the middle east and off-roading on the sand dunes never required low range. I hadn't ever thought about towing to be honest.

In real terms, I can't say I particularly need 4 wheel drive. Until I do (it was quite entertaining beating Porsches and a Maserati at traffic lights with 1/4 throttle during the snow). I would consider how much low range costs and how heavy it is. If it adds up to the weight savings on the new models it's probably not worth it for the mpg hit alone.

If you're worried about the mpg effect of the weight of a low range box on a 2.3-2.5 tonne vehicle then I think you're buying the wrong vehicle in the first place.

I seem to remember reading that the low range box adds about 15kg to the weight of a new Sport. It also adds £410 to the cost of a £60k new Sport. It brings with it TR2 and active dynamics in the form of the off road pack.

The new RRS without the off road pack (or the off/on road pack) is basically a big Evoque. It should sell well to city types I guess...  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Its the low speed handling it give you when towing.

Creeping the trailer backwards in high ratio is all or nothing on the throttle. Put it into low range and it will creep on idle revs whilst you simply dab the brakes.

Going forwards is similar, in high ratio the RRS tends to select 2nd gear which means the revs build with nothing happening until the turbos kick in and you leap forwards.

So its all about control. In fact, backwards up a small slope is almost impossible without low ratio as you have to have enough push to not only move the trailer but also to release the reversing mechanism on the trailer brakes.

My trailer with boat weighs 1.5 tonnes. 2016 RRS 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography Dynamic in Montalcino Red and Stealth Kit

zango1 wrote:

I grew up in the middle east and off-roading on the sand dunes never required low range. I hadn't ever thought about towing to be honest.

mlines wrote:

Its the low speed handling it give you when towing.

Creeping the trailer backwards in high ratio is all or nothing on the throttle. Put it into low range and it will creep on idle revs whilst you simply dab the brakes.

Going forwards is similar, in high ratio the RRS tends to select 2nd gear which means the revs build with nothing happening until the turbos kick in and you leap forwards.

So its all about control. In fact, backwards up a small slope is almost impossible without low ratio as you have to have enough push to not only move the trailer but also to release the reversing mechanism on the trailer brakes.

My trailer with boat weighs 1.5 tonnes.

I use mud ruts setting to reduce throttle response when I'm towing and want more control  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

Low range gives more control in some situations. M&R on it's own is good, M&R + LR is better. Selecting an off road programme gives you the locking centre differential. Adding LR gives lots of control going down hill as well.

TR and LR are toolkit that, when used correctly, gives impressive ability to our 2.5tonne leather-lined luxury 4x4. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed