LR3...what I've learned so far (accessories, etc...)

[couchsachraga]

1) Most, but not all Land Rover Dealerships in the US are almost useless. I know more about the vehicles than they do. I realize I'm an 'enthusiast', but I'm not as knowledgeable or zealous as many out there.
2) The Hannibal Roof Rack is pricey, but well built, with the exception of the "feet" (the bits that fit in the roof rails need to be ground down more so they fit "the long way" and don't rattle around. about 1/3rd of mine were ground properly...the rest need a bit of time on the grinder, and then buffing on a wire wheel to take the edge off. It's not as long, or has as many attachment points as some of the competition. If I had to do it all over again I think I'd order a Front Runner from Equipt1.
3) There are some PHENEOMENAL companies out there supporting LR3s. Atlantic British (at least Eric Riston), Paul May (Equipt1.com ) are two. We'll see how Traxide in AU goes...so far so good.
4) The terrain response system really does make a difference. I'm used to off-roading in a Series IIa, and though for long term durability wise I'd put the SIIa up against anything, for comfort and unreal ability the LR3 is great. It's not so much what I don't NEED to do or think about with the LR3 versus the SIIa...it's the extra capabilities it gives you...fine tuning, if you will. It's also a lot less tiring to drive. The SIIa gives me the bigger smile, though.
5) The cruise control is ridiculous...how Land Rover can believe that a variance of 6-10 mph is "within acceptable tollerances is beyond me (that's 3-5mph faster or slower than the speed you set)
6) The stock wrangler HP's, as we know, are likewise ridiculous. Thankfully there are at least a few alternatives now.
7) Install things like the rear ladder and tow hitch / lights yourself. It is really rather simple, and the dealers charge for too much for what they actually have to do. that said, I DID pay for mine, mostly to throw the local dealer a bone, so to speak, as in 2.5 months they were unable to find the LR3 I wanted, so I purchased mine elsewhere.
8) A freezer-fridge (such as a national luna) is truely a wonderful thing...cold drinks (and ice cream ) on a hot day miles from nowhere is pure luxury (especially if you're used to trips in the Series instead )
9) The Yakima rack system is great on the LR3, too, and when combined with the Hannibal makes it easy to take on and off. For some reason the satellite radio cuts out when the "double" rack system is on, but not when just the Hannibal is on. I'm not a big satellite radio fan, but it was fun for a few months anyway.
10) The PTI (Phone Integration System) WAS built in to many LR3s (at least until 2008), but good luck finding a phone that will work (most are from 2003-05). There may be a way to at least patch in to the antenna. Still working on that one.
11) Gas mileage...not as bad as I would have thought. Just around town it is fairly abysmal (15-17), but mixed with highway driving gets me to just under 20, and long trips 20-22 so far....and that interstate in hilly areas (upstate NY...Adirondacks)
12) ARB winch bumper does indeed look good on the vehicle....
13) Hannibal rack coupled with a roof top tent (Eezi Awn in my case) makes a GREAT luxury camping set up, and leaves plenty of room in the vehicle for other stuff...and people!

[ArmyRover]

some pretty good points there but how about some LR3 porn!

[couchsachraga]

All in good time (I just got a new digital camera...).

There is a post somewhere with my '68 in it.

Where in NH are you? I lived in Barrington for a bit, and later in Bradford, VT (right on the NH border).

[couchsachraga]

Well, I finally have "reasonable" tyres on, and I must say I'm a little disappointed. I went with the Nitto Terra Grapplers, and they rub! 285/60 18's - they are rubbing against the chassis piece behind the tyre when turned in close to fully, or fully, in "normal" driving mode.

I haven't had a chance to give the tyres a good test offroad yet...soon, hopefully.

[ArmyRover]

Nashua NH is where I call home for now. I really can't give any advice on the tires for that one I have no experience with the LR3.

[sideview]

Originally Posted by couchsachraga

Well, I finally have "reasonable" tyres on, and I must say I'm a little disappointed. I went with the Nitto Terra Grapplers, and they rub! 285/60 18's - they are rubbing against the chassis piece behind the tyre when turned in close to fully, or fully, in "normal" driving mode.

I haven't had a chance to give the tyres a good test offroad yet...soon, hopefully.

Mine only rub on the plastic wheel wells a bit on full turn. Every truck seems to "sit" a little differently though.