| vicpai |
After carefully studying the UNDERBODY DESIGN - the way the components on the undercarriage reside (muffler including the tailpipe, suspension components, approach angle, departure angle etc.) it seems to me that, although the MDX and Pilot are supposed to be IDENTICAL mechanical twins for the most part, the Honda Pilot is better designed for moderate off-road driving
Specifically, the overall ground clearance of the Pilot seems better (slightly higher off the ground). Besides this, the underbody components seem "better tucked away" out of harm's reach making Honda's claim to MEDIUM DUTY-OFF ROAD ABILITY more realistic for the Honda Pilot
Can anyone shed some light on this and affirm or reject this thought and give some reasons to support their findings/claims |
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| vicpai |
| .......ramp breakover angle: |
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| renov8r |
They ought to let tigmd99 bash an Oddy through the IDENTICAL course...
Kidding aside, none of those situations really have the kind of GNARLY stuff would get you hung-up with any reasonable 4WD vehicle, whether it was one of those really ancient AWD Civic wagons or whatever...
That said, I do wonder if skidplates will be available for the Pilot/MDX at any time, my guess is the factory doesn't want to encourage offroading the way Nissan or even Toyo does-- difference between off-roading as an end in itself VS need to take unpaved road/path to get to scenic cabin etc. (BTW Subu has a commercial in a similar vein, though WRC series hardly seems to jibe with that...)
I wonder if any Pilot or MDX owners HAVE gotten the exhuast hung-up???? |
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| kflint |
Yep. First time off road, I hit a rock with the muffler while starting up a hill. Fortunately, didn't do any damage. I was on a moderately improved logging road, not rock crawling.
While the VTM-4 system seems reasonably capable, there really isn't a lot of clearance under an MDX. The lack of skid plates and limited articulation in the suspension led me to move really slowly and listen very carefully. Fortunately, I had my daughter get out and spot me. I also missed having a true low range coming down hills.
As between a Pilot and an MDX, I couldn't see any real difference in clearance. I test drove Pilots quite extensively on two occassions before buying my MDX, and took a good lock at the undersides of both vehicles. |
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| BaldEagle |
I would guess that MDX owners would be somewhat less likely than Pilot owners to do any serious off road use. The fact that it is upscale, has more luxury, costs more, and only comes with leather seats makes it less appealing for off road use.
Honda appears to be marketing with this in mind also. I cringe when I see that Pilot commercial with the 4 muddy guys getting in the Pilot. No way would I allow anyone covered in mud to get into my MDX.
For me I will use my MDX to get to the Sky slopes but no off road. Well not quite true, did have some fun on the sand at the beach last week. |
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| Fireblade6 |
guys...Vipai proved it...Am not going to argue on that topic...Pictures are worth a thousand words.
NICE! I have to admit, I purchase the MDX for street driving only never intend it for off-road and I think Acura clearly understand and see that in terms of focusing the MDX for the consumers that want a vehicle like MDX.
How else do you think Acura/Honda would come out with the Pilot? I think honda/Acura definitely know what they are doing in terms of infiltrating the vehicle consumer market. I have been eyeing the two companies for awhile in terms of its vehicles and there is definitely a pattern.
Thanks Vicpai for sharing with us. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by vicpai
Specifically, the overall ground clearance of the Pilot seems better (slightly higher off the ground). Besides this, the underbody components seem "better tucked away" out of harm's reach...
Can anyone shed some light on this and affirm or reject this thought and give some reasons to support their findings/claims
Vic,
All we can do is offer some facts and some conjecture. The following are the facts (sorry for the formatting);
PilotEX MDX
Wheelbase (in.) 106.3 106.3 in (2700 mm
Length (in.) 188.0 188.5 in (4789 mm)
Height (in.) 71.7 71.3 in (1811 mm
Width (in.) 77.3 77.0 in (1955 mm)
Track (in., front/rear)66.3 / 66.5 66.3 in /66.5 in
Angle of Approach/Departure/Breakover (degrees)
28.5/23.0/21 28°/21°/21°
Minimum Ground Clearance (in.)8.0 8.0 in (203 mm)
The Pilot and the MDX (as opposed the the Ody;) ) appear to be, for all intents and purposes, identical in the undercarriage. Aside from the obvious wheelbase, track and ground clearance, which are identical, even the Angles of Approach/Departure are within degrees of each other with the Pilot having the better departure angle probably due to its fractionally shorter length and different shaped bumper. But most importantly, the Breakover angles are the same. If the Pilot had things "better tucked away" it should have allowed for a greater breakover angle. Since the suspensions are the same (and since it is very likely that the floorpans themselves are the same), the only thing I could think of that they could modify would be the route of the exhaust/muffler (which is a potential weak spot on the MDX). Is the Pilot any different in that regard? |
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| bareyb |
| I don't think either one was intended for any type of true off roading. These are really "all weather" vehicles that simply have more ground clearance than a car. Useful for those suburbanites who have steeper than normal driveways. The lack of skid plate in my opinion is simply a way to save cost. Unfortunately, many will be fooled into thinking these things are made for off roading and will tempt fate. I've seen the pictures that prove it. I think the ground clearance gives a false sense of security. I feel any vehicle that calls itself an SUV should have some type of skid plate if not just for the times when somebody will try to "climb a curb" that's just a tad too high and slam bottom. I'd rather have a dented skid plate than a cracked oil pan... |
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| Fireblade6 |
BareyB-
The scene goes like that on a Television Honda commercial:
Anartica- showing glaciers and ice and a dog sledder "alone" going accross the antartic on his dog sled. Then a narrator comes on saying, "welcome to the Honda 'ultra rugged' SUV Pilot." the Pilot driver giving the dog sledder the eye and drives pass him.
Ever seen that commercial? In the history of Honda vehicle, I have never hear Honda claims something that they will not back up their words with.... Hmmmmmm:rolleyes: |
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| xcel |
Hi Fireblade6:
___I can bet you and I will never drive our MDX’s along the same trail blazed by a dog sledder either … In fact, I highly doubt our MDX’s could go down a paved road w/ 2 ft. of snow let alone a trail with the same whether cut by a tracked military vehicle, snowmobile, dog sledder, or otherwise. I am sure it would be a very short ride irregardless of what Honda has to say about it ;)
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by bareyb
I don't think either one was intended for any type of true off roading. These are really "all weather" vehicles that simply have more ground clearance than a car. Useful for those suburbanites who have steeper than normal driveways. The lack of skid plate in my opinion is simply a way to save cost. Unfortunately, many will be fooled into thinking these things are made for off roading and will tempt fate. I've seen the pictures that prove it. I think the ground clearance gives a false sense of security. I feel any vehicle that calls itself an SUV should have some type of skid plate if not just for the times when somebody will try to "climb a curb" that's just a tad too high and slam bottom. I'd rather have a dented skid plate than a cracked oil pan...
.......however, I think the biggest limiting factor to off-roadability is the poor ground clearance......There are too many suspension and other underbody components dangerously close to the ground (rear supension control arms, a section of the tailpipe just before entering the muffler and the muffler itself) and add to this the very wide stance and this really becomes an inhibiting factor in clearing obstacles........from this perspective I absolutely don't agree with Honda's claim to Medium-duty off road capability ......I would say more like Light-duty off road capability.......If only these components were a bit better "tucked in" their claim would've been a bit more credible, even without skidplates. However given a choice, I would still prefer to have skidplates (at least one)
......However I must say, in Honda's defense, that from the perspective of traction, it has a VERY VERY CAPABLE all-wheel drive system (VTM-4)....add to this the VTM-4 LOCK feature and it more than justifies the claim to MEDIUM DUTY OFF ROAD ABILITY.
...So it's kind of a mixed bag :confused: |
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| Fireblade6 |
Well...Let's wait and see on the upcoming issue of MotorTrend and Car&Driver. Both publications will have the Pilot, MDX, X5, Mercedes, Mitsubishi on off-roading and overall tests and comparison.
This will be interesting to see the comparison between the MDX and Pilot from the professionals that do this for a living.:eek: :2: |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by Fireblade6
Well...Let's wait and see on the upcoming issue of MotorTrend and Car&Driver. Both publications will have the Pilot, MDX, X5, Mercedes, Mitsubishi on off-roading and overall tests and comparison.
This will be interesting to see the comparison between the MDX and Pilot from the professionals that do this for a living.:eek: :2:
.........is going to have this test?? and when it is it going to be out??........I'd sure like to get a hold of a copy of both tests :4:
Thanks! |
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| jonnygoodboy |
quote:
Originally posted by vicpai
.........is going to have this test?? and when it is it going to be out??........I'd sure like to get a hold of a copy of both tests :4:
Thanks!
If Paul123's posts so far are any indication, you'll probably see the reviews here.:2: |
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| Fireblade6 |
Guys-
Am trying to find out right now...I dont know if its gonna Octobers or Novembers issue..this is what am gonna try to find out. |
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| tigmd99 |
Hey all,
Hmmm...what exactly did those pics prove?? The MDX could have just as easily as Pilot to make it past those obstacles. BTW, according to previous post, the Pilot does have a better BREAKOVER angle, doesn't it???
What it DID show was the lack of wheel articulation of the Pilot/MDX/Odessey.
As what Vicpai said, the MDX/Pilot has way too many suspension components hanging down.
I agree with Bareby, the MDX/Pilot is more ALL-SEASON vehicles with tons of carrying capacity (aka minivan usefulness). It is the best in it's class at this. However, to even consider it off-roading, i think that is really stretching it. Most of the underbody components are exposed. With the few that are not, they are covered by a plastic plate.
In conclusion, the MDX/Pilot is a great minivan in SUV body.
Thanks. |
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| archimedes1 |
Originally, I was interested in a Pilot - mostly b/c on paper Pilot and MDX look very similar, but price difference is significant. But then we went to the dealer to take a look. My husband immediately disqualified it due to the aluminium pipe that supplies the rear AC - the pipe runs visibly on the underside of the Pilot. If you hit a sharp rock, or perhaps even a chunk of ice (I don't mean the kind you see in Antarctica - just your basic chunk of ice that may end up in the middle of an otherwise snowplowed road near a ski resort), it could put a nice hole in that pipe and screw your AC.
The MDX doesn't have that pipe visible, so they've somehow better protected it.
Anyway, this is probably not the only thing, but it was a key factor for us.
I'm glad - it's what led me back to the drawing board, and subsequently to the X, which is clearly the better choice. :2:
Ioana. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by tigmd99
Hey all,
BTW, according to previous post, the Pilot does have a better BREAKOVER angle, doesn't it???
tigmd99;
Haven't we already been through the importance of double checking your information prior to posting?. While I'll admit that the formatting left alot to be desired. I specifically pointed out that the BREAKOVER angle of the Pilot and MDX are the same 21°:
quote:
Originally posted by donsev
PilotEX MDX
Angle of Approach/Departure/Breakover (degrees)
28.5/23.0/21 28°/21°/21°
But most importantly, the Breakover angles are the same.
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| tigmd99 |
Don,
Yeah, i guess you're right...no big deal. Usually, most people put the breakover angle in the middle of approach and departure angle...my mistake.
What have i been wrong about before, don?? Are you still offended that i stated the MDX and Odessey are the same?? You guys claim endlessly about the differences (VTM-4, etc.). All of that is quite obvious (AWD vs. FWD). However, the unibody and suspension components are very similar...exact even??
Thanks. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by tigmd99
What have i been wrong about before, don?? Are you still offended that i stated the MDX and Odessey are the same?? However, the unibody and suspension components are very similar...exact even??
tigmd99;
What have you been wrong about before? Honestly... we could only find one statement of yours in the MDX and Oddy are IDENTICAL! thread that was even close to being factually accurate (and that one is most likely a data error).
It is clear that you really are not taking the time to actually read the posts on this or the other thread. Not only evidenced by your missing the clearly stated Breakover angle, but also by your continued insistence that the "...suspension components are very similar...exact even??" in spite of the documentation from AHMC that states that they are quite different that I had already provided here.
Yes, some of us are sticklers for accuracy and for providing supporting facts. Others post anecdotal evidence and personal conjecture as if it were fact, and THAT is what offends us. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by tigmd99
In conclusion, the MDX/Pilot is a great minivan in SUV body.
Thanks.
No problem. The CRV is a pretty good (not great) Civic in a tall sedan body. Enjoy. Thanks. |
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| tigmd99 |
A2,
Hmmm, true. However, what is your MDX's ground clearance?? What is your approach and departure angles?? Hint: CRV is better. But that is another story.
BTW, i don't have the CRV anymore. I loved it. Sooooo reliable and tough.
The MDX is a fine SUV in it's class...a class leader even. No doubt. A good all-season SUV.
I don't think i was comparing the CRV vs. MDX, was i??? Cheap shot! If you want to chat more on this topic, please go to:
http://www.gocrvclub.org/
I will be more than happy to discuss more! Just start a thread anywhere whenever you get a chance. I will even discuss, MDX vs. 4Runner (my vehicle now) with you too.
Thanks. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by tigmd99
I don't think i was comparing the CRV vs. MDX, was i??? Cheap shot! If you want to chat more on this topic, please go to:
http://www.gocrvclub.org/
I will be more than happy to discuss more! Just start a thread anywhere whenever you get a chance. I will even discuss, MDX vs. 4Runner (my vehicle now) with you too.
Thanks.
Yes, it was a cheap shot but a deserved one based on the language I quoted. Your minivan language was no less of a cheap shot than my comparison to a Civic. You had it coming - enough said. In case you return, you might want to update your signature line.
As for your 4Runner - great vehicle (though a bit long in the tooth). I always wanted one and even drove one around in Denver for a week two years ago. When it came time to buy, I realized that I had no real need for a true off-road vehilcle and that the MDX was much better for me. That said, I am not going to follow you to your forums to discuss a pointless comparison between a 4Runner (great off-road vehicle) and the MDX (obviously superior on the road). Happy trails.:) |
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| 2003MDX |
From Acuranews.com
--------------------------------
MEDIUM-DUTY OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
The engineers who designed the MDX tested a range of competitive SUVs to help quantify off-pavement use patterns, customer needs, and engineering targets for the MDX. Accommodating extreme off-road use can impose compromises elsewhere in the vehicle, such as added weight, awkward entry and egress, poor fuel economy, and reduced on-road performance. With this in mind, the MDX team visited nine off-road parks in California, Nevada, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Michigan to study SUVs in their natural, off-road habitat. While a few competitors offer the extra ground clearance, driveline equipment, and chassis hardware necessary to support ambitious off road excursions, the engineers learned that few customers use these extreme capabilities regularly.
After observing casual off-roaders, MDX engineers concluded that surpassing the class's most capable off-road machine was not in MDX's best interests and that a medium-duty off-road capability was most consistent with the philosophy embraced by the MDX. Medium-duty capability would readily support trips into the wilderness for camping or to launch a boat without providing the rigorous equipment needed to conquer the extremes of the Rubicon Trail.
To define exactly what constitutes medium-duty off-road capability, the MDX engineering team selected 14 key performance criteria based on observations of casual off-road adventurers. They then constructed special test courses at their R&D facilities in North America to assure that MDX delivers all the intended capabilities with impeccable reliability and durability.
The list of test courses includes:
30-degree dirt hill
Sand hill
Water pit
Rock roads
Embedded log course
Step-up, step-down
Sand drag strip
Gully course
Ground contact course
Washboard road
Frame twister
Power hop hill (23-degree slope with rippled surface)
Gravel road
Startable grade
Numerous engineering changes were based on experiences gained in testing. These included:
A deeper oil pan was included to meet the hill climbing criteria.
A more effective air filter was specified to remove dust from the engine's air supply.
The tow hooks were upgraded to handle loads imposed during extraction from "stuck vehicle" situations.
Waterproofing was added to support MDX's ability to traverse up to18-inch-deep bodies of water.
Throttle actuation was calibrated to provide more sensitive control over engine output at low speeds.
For an acid test, engineers took prototype vehicles for a 200-mile off-road test on the Mojave Trail located in Southern California. This gauntlet of loose rocks, sandy washes, twisting grades, and narrow escarpments helped ensure that MDX has what it takes to venture off road and home again with confidence.
The results speak for themselves - MDX will climb a 31-degree (60-percent) paved slope with a two-passenger load. It has eight inches of ground clearance, a 28-degree approach angle, a 21-degree departure angle, and a 21-degree breakover angle for negotiating rough terrain. It can claw up a 28-degree (53-percent) dirt slope from a dead stop.
TOWING
One of the reasons people buy SUVs is to be able to haul pop-up campers, medium-sized boats, and recreational vehicle trailers. To understand this facet of the MDX's makeup, MDX engineers polled focus groups and studied survey results that tapped 200,000 households. Their findings offered the insights needed to properly outfit the MDX to surpass the towing expectations of most customers.
Ultimately, the engineers concluded that a casual or weekend towing capability was most appropriate for MDX. Customer feedback helped set the towing limit at 4500 pounds for boats and 3500 pounds for other types of trailers. A heavier load is acceptable with boats because their pointed bow shapes impose less aerodynamic drag on the towing vehicle than a slab-faced, square-cornered trailer. The 3500/4500-pound rating is calculated to include up to four passengers and their cargo.
VARIABLE TORQUE MANAGEMENT' 4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM (VTM-4')
The MDX is equipped with an advanced 4-wheel drive system - VTM-4. The VTM-4 system consists of a pair of computer controlled wet clutches in the rear axle that work to maintain traction in all types of conditions.
Unlike other on-demand 4-wheel drive systems, MDX doesn't wait for slippage to occur before going to work. Instead, torque is proactively delivered to the rear wheels in proportion to forward acceleration to supplement front-wheel drive. This innovative, proactive approach pays two dividends: on dry pavement, there's less likelihood of torque steer (a tendency for propulsion forces to tug at the steering and nudge the vehicle off line) and there is more front tire adhesion available for cornering. In snow or wet conditions, automatic and proactive all-wheel drive gets the vehicle moving from a standstill with less chance of wheelspin.
If conditions are really slippery and wheel spin is unavoidable, VTM-4 instantly reacts by adding rear-wheel torque in proportion to both the slippage and the rate of increase of slippage. This enhances performance on low traction surfaces and also improves steering trace and feel during acceleration. In addition, the new VSA system further enhances traction in different conditions by providing a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels. For 2003, the front-to-rear torque distribution has been remapped to provide up to a 30 percent increase in rear torque.
A special lock mode is also provided to help extract the vehicle from a stuck condition. To use this get-out-of-a-snowbank capability, the driver moves the shift lever to first, second or reverse and presses the VTM-4 lock button on the dash. With the lock mode engaged, VTM-4 "locks" the rear axle to provide maximum power transfer to each rear wheel. As speed increases above six mph, the system automatically reduces the lock effect to the rear axle. By 18 mph, the system reverts to normal mode.
DEFEAT WINTER OBJECTIVE
While studying competitive vehicles and the SUV marketplace, the MDX development team discovered that a well-designed product could be an effective defense against some of the frustrating rituals of the coldest months of the year. Based on that insight, members of the MDX development team that had grown up in northern parts of the U.S. drew on their personal backgrounds to formulate a clever "defeat winter" objective for MDX - consisting of a long list of designed-in features and systems designed to provide superior cold-weather performance. The result is that MDX can be a major confidence builder for those faced with driving through severe winter road conditions.
The MDX's winter-beating tactics begin with a chassis engineered for excellent dynamics on wet, icy, or snowy pavement, the VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system and, new for 2003, the application of vehicle stability assist (VSA). Various other chassis details are also engineered with a priority on winter driving. MDX's Goodyear and Michelin tires are compounded with silica to enhance ice and snow traction at cold temperatures. Testing has demonstrated that the grip of these tires is superior to many of the snow tires currently on the market. MDX's front suspension has a very low scrub radius so that braking on split-friction surfaces (such as when one side of the vehicle is on ice and the other side is on dry pavement) does not tend to pull the vehicle in one direction or the other.
Total roll stiffness is equitably distributed so that cornering response is linear and predictable even at low lateral Gs experienced during slippery conditions. The driveline is designed to provide natural and neutral handling response on snow and ice. With a static ground clearance of 8 inches, MDX is unlikely to get mired in deep snow drifts. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is equipped with electronic brake-force distribution and four channels to provide maximum steering control even when traction varies dramatically from wheel to wheel. To preserve lateral stability, the rear brakes are programmed with a select-low strategy to modulate line pressure at both rear wheels as soon as either one approaches lock-up.
Features and amenities included as MDX standard equipment further enhance its winter-driving prowess. The rear heater is electronically linked to the operation of the front heater to speed warm up after a cold start and heat is ducted to all seating positions.
Electrically heated front seats and window defoggers are standard. For 2003, rear splash guards are provided to deflect slush and stones away from the side of the vehicle. Extra seals positioned at the bottom of the doors keep mud and slush from building up on lower surfaces that are likely to contact long coats, pant legs or dresses. Likewise the windshield molding and the outside rearview mirror mounting trim are shaped to guide moisture flow away from the side windows for optimum foul-weather visibility. Door-mounted rearview mirrors are electrically heated to clear frost and fog.
New for 2003, MDX models equipped with the Touring Package receive rain-sensing windshield wipers that, when in automatic mode, adjust wiper speed to correspond to the amount of rain that is contacting the windshield. The windshield washer reservoir is a large 1.2 gallons for a generous supply of washer fluid, and an indicator light advises the driver when it's time to replenish that fluid. Washer nozzles are engineered for optimum performance with a fluidic design in front and a jet-type sprayer in back. Since remote keyless entry is standard equipment on MDX, owners will not be kept from entering their vehicle by a frozen lock cylinder. |
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| perk |
I can attest to the winter capabilities of the X. Last winter we had a massive ice storm here in Charlotte, NC. I'm not sure if it was indeed the Silica in the CrossTerrain tires, but I was able to get about with very little difficulty while most of the city was paralyzed.
Shortly afterwards, I traveled to the W.V. mountains to go skiing. Our cabin was on an, as yet, untraveled mountain road with more than 2 foot of snow and ice. I had no problem climbing all the way to the cabin. The snow was so deep that the doors carved out fairly deep openings when we exited the vehicle.
On our way home from that trip, I visited our favorite camping spot north of Brevard, NC. Our site lies on a single lane dirt mountain road that is about 15 miles long and travels all the way up one side of the mountain, then back down the other side. We had anywhere from 6 inches to more than two feet of fresh snow on the entire pass. Despite all this, the X went the entire 15 miles without a single slipup. I was absolutely amazed. |
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| vicpai |
......I wonder if the off-road ability (I'm especially referring to the ground clearance aspec) of the 2004 MDX has improved due to the new dual exhaust design. The tailpipe on the current ('01/'02/'03) MDX hangs really low, just before it enters the muffler which also greatly affects the DEPARTURE ANGLE
The new dual exhaust system routes the tailpipes separately to 2 slightly smaller mufflers. From the pictures it looks like this improves the departure angle. Also, the tailpipe area doesn't seem to hang that low. Just a thought! |
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| perk |
quote:
Originally posted by vicpai
......I wonder if the off-road ability (I'm especially referring to the ground clearance aspec) of the 2004 MDX has improved due to the new dual exhaust design. The tailpipe on the current ('01/'02/'03) MDX hangs really low, just before it enters the muffler which also greatly affects the DEPARTURE ANGLE
The new dual exhaust system routes the tailpipes separately to 2 slightly smaller mufflers. From the pictures it looks like this improves the departure angle. Also, the tailpipe area doesn't seem to hang that low. Just a thought!
That's a good question. Anyone know whether the '04 X exhaust has been properly situated so as to give better underbody protection? |
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| tigmd99 |
quote:
Originally posted by vicpai
......I wonder if the off-road ability (I'm especially referring to the ground clearance aspec) of the 2004 MDX has improved due to the new dual exhaust design. The tailpipe on the current ('01/'02/'03) MDX hangs really low, just before it enters the muffler which also greatly affects the DEPARTURE ANGLE
The new dual exhaust system routes the tailpipes separately to 2 slightly smaller mufflers. From the pictures it looks like this improves the departure angle. Also, the tailpipe area doesn't seem to hang that low. Just a thought!
Does it really matter?? At most, you will barely have an improvement of 1 degree. There are other stuff limiting you, such as the lower control arms on the suspension, no skidplates, etc.. |
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| ownmdx |
I just returned from the outer banks where I took the MDX out on the beach. The entry points have pretty deep sand but I was able to plow through this upon entering the beach. I drove with VTM-4 in the lock position and VSA was on the whole time. I drove at around 15 MPH.
Upon leaving/exiting the beach, I got stuck in the deep sand!
What's up with this? How are we suppose to drive the MDX through sand? Should VSA be off, should VTM-4 be on, etc..... I found that once I was stuck, when I floored the MDX, the MDX did not even spin the wheels. I think the VTM-4 and VSA (traction control) took over and actually applied brakes while I sat in the sand.
We got a tow out of the sand using a recovery strap and a 4x4 truck. Prior to doing this about 5 people tried to push the MDX from the back and I now have 2 hand-size dents in the back tailgate. What a piece of $*$&^@&@
I ran my jeep up at Paragon this past weekend and went through mud, rocks, etc. There was a VW tourreg following me the whole time.. that is an impressive vehicle! I needed the space in the Acura but if I didn't.... |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by ownmdx
I just returned from the outer banks where I took the MDX out on the beach. The entry points have pretty deep sand but I was able to plow through this upon entering the beach. I drove with VTM-4 in the lock position and VSA was on the whole time. I drove at around 15 MPH.
Upon leaving/exiting the beach, I got stuck in the deep sand!
What's up with this? How are we suppose to drive the MDX through sand? Should VSA be off, should VTM-4 be on, etc..... I found that once I was stuck, when I floored the MDX, the MDX did not even spin the wheels. I think the VTM-4 and VSA (traction control) took over and actually applied brakes while I sat in the sand.
We got a tow out of the sand using a recovery strap and a 4x4 truck. Prior to doing this about 5 people tried to push the MDX from the back and I now have 2 hand-size dents in the back tailgate. What a piece of $*$&^@&@
I ran my jeep up at Paragon this past weekend and went through mud, rocks, etc. There was a VW tourreg following me the whole time.. that is an impressive vehicle! I needed the space in the Acura but if I didn't....
.......reduce tire pressure in all 4 tires to around 15psi. This is one of the most important steps in successfully navigating through sand!! |
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| ownmdx |
NO, and I know.... I did reduce the pressure after I got stuck but it was too late. I would say that the clearance of the MDX limits the off-road ability.. even in the sand the understuff was dragging.
When I floored the gas in an attempt to get out of the sand, none of the wheels even turned. Was this due to the VSA (stability assist) and should this be turned off when in the sand?
:2: |
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| perk |
| Check out the discussion in this thread. |
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