My Chiffon Ivory JB74 SZ5 - blog/mods/build thread

When you did your road test you had the supplementary grill fitted but have now reverted to the standard design. Did you have a problem?

Roger

Got a new Jimny accessory for Christmas. So have got it fitted. Very quick and easy to fit too.

One of my few complaints with the Jimny is the lack of USB and 12v power points. Thankfully this can be solved with this addition (from JimnyStyle).

It plugs into the existing 12v socket and in return gives you 2 x 12v sockets and 2 x USB ports. Plus retaining the factory USB port that you need to connect to the stereo.

Now I have somewhere to plug a radio in (CB/PMR446) I'll be sorting something out.

Before:


After:

So we eventually got some snow, first lot in 2 winters for the area.

I actually had a job to do and was out in the Matbro delivering water when it came down.





By the time I left the road was nicely covered. Sadly lots of complete and utter idiots about, but made it back safely enough.



But I'd gone out in the Range Rover, not the Jimny. But I can't complain, the Range Rover went really well in the snow. Despite having owned it for quite a few years. This was the first time I'd got to drive it in the snow. Super impressed with the Kuhmo MT51's, they worked very very well in the somewhat wet snow.

It really felt like it would go anywhere with ease. And did so.




But I was keen to try the Jimny out in the snow too and the Maxxis Wormdrive tyres. But I had to wait until the next day.

Despite the snow being quite wet and great for snowballs and snowmen, the overnight low temps meant it had frosted by this morning and gone much more brittle. And a lot more icy. Sadly, most of the snow on the roads had also gone. Bar some side roads. But there were icy patches and slush about.

As a long time Land Rover owner I've always been used to permanent 4 wheel drive. Where you can run between tarmac and slippery sections without needing to do anything. The Part-time 4 wheel drive in the Jimny does require a bit more driver intervention in switching back and forth between 2-Hi and 4-Hi. And if left in 2-Hi you do feel somewhat less confident in it.

That said it still went brilliantly. And the tyres impressed too. It would have been nice to get a full back to back with the MT51's on the Range Rover. But I'd say they are close, with the edge to the MT51's on snowy roads.


I did however get chance for a bit of a play off road.

Some mud was showing by this time. But still quite a lot of frosted snow. Here the Maxxis Wormdirves simply surpassed expectations. I know the TCS on the Jimny helps and is brilliant in its own right too. But the entire combination was unstoppable... pretty much. Very very pleased with how it went and also pleased with my choice of tyres. I wouldn't not expect an AT to be able to perform so well in such conditions.




My brother had his Trail Hawk out too, he is running winters. Hugely capable too, although somewhat less sure footed on this terrain in these conditions. And the tyres while great on road could clearly be seen working less well than the All Terrains off of it.

That said, for the comfort and on road ability of the Trail Hawk with its all independent suspension, I find it in many ways more impressive than the new Defender as an all round capable vehicle.




Short vid to follow....

 

Towbar update:

Fitted a towbar yesterday. I opted for the the Tow Trust one in the end (thanks for the recommendation Lambert). As the Suzuki one seems hard to find in stock and pricey.

Thus far quite pleased, got it for a good price in the end. It came well boxed and packaged with adequate instructions.

Fitting is pretty simple, remove the rear bumper, which actually comes off super easy, although the electric plugs put up more of a fight to undo (rear lights).

Then you have two side brackets that bolt to each chassis rail and the bar bolts between them. Then the quick release bolts to the bar.






Very glad I decided to fit myself, it gave me chance to apply Dinitrol to some areas I couldn't reach previously.

And I found some rust!! On the near side chassis mounting point for the body.


I assume this was a paint defect or chip at manufacture with exposed metal that has started to rust. Not really very good on a vehicle that is only 18 months old or so.

I treated it with a rust neutraliser and then sprayed with Dinitrol.


The bar look like it hangs down really low, but it isn't actually any lower than the factory rear tow/recovery points. And needs to be this low to clear the rear bumper. I think off road there is the potential for it to impact the ground, but suspect it won't be a major problem.








All fitted and back together. Very impressed with the 'quick release' mechanism. It really is very quick and easy to fit and remove the hitch.










I haven't towed with it yet. I still need to get the electrics fitted. But I did try the old sheep trailer on the back for size.


The tow bar comes with a small bag and it happily fits perfectly into the rear storage tray in the back of the Jimny. So easy to keep with the vehicle should I need it.

Looking shiny after a wash