Part1 - WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY MOD? - Practical 4wding

[@Theshoulderguy]

One of the best practical 4WD videos I’ve seen.

[@panama-canada]

Skill and proper tires are more important than any other mods.

[@mafarachisi]

Probably the best 4WD on KZbin yet.

[@HarmanMotorWorks]

Great videos! Per the Camel Trophy mantra: "As slow as possible, as fast as required". Love it 👍👍

[@ruggedlife]

Ha! Love Camel Trophy 👌💪

[@jvalentine8376]

This is probably your best video all good advice and sensible driving . A trick us old timers used for crossing water in low vehicles with no snorkel was to place a canvas cover over the bonnet secured to the wipers or the windscreen protector whatever and drape it down over the front bumper but not low enough to get caught by the front wheels . I had mine shaped to go between the wheels a bit but clear off them . This maintains that bow wave you speak of far better and keeps a lot of water off the engine . I'm a x-trail owner now also . All the smart people own an x-trail lol.

[@ritzwanabdullah7608]

Know yourself & enemy, victory will be yours..

[@bernardmarden2775]

Nice job. The soft reader segment is very under represented in the off road KZbin world, so well done in sharing the places you can go in them sensibly.

[@ruggedlife]

Absolutely. Cheers mate 👍

[@WildmanFrance]

Realy pleasant to see people talking about to increase skills before to modify car. 100% agree with all the content. I'm a certified all terrain driver (truck, car and bike) and the first thing I've learned was 75% of any difficulty can be solved by skills (and a little engine power as well 😂). Thanks to share your experience. Big thumb up. (and sorry for my poor English, hope your eyes won't bleed reading me 😋)

[@ruggedlife]

Not a problem at all and thanks for the feedback mate 👌

[@HARDEEPJADEJA]

I have seen many videos on off-road, but no one has explained how it should be. Great job 👍

[@RuffKutz]

Great video. It appears a lot of people rely on big lift and big tyres but forget about the very basics of driving.

[@ruggedlife]

Absolutely right. Nothing wrong with monster mods but it also hides the lack of driver skill.

[@self-sufficientlife5953]

Very practical indeed. Thanks for sharing 🙌

[@zoliivincze620]

I think he is best 4wd youtuber. Slow, proper instruction,very organised. He dont damage his vehicle. Absolute pro. I have x trail and i like it. Learn lot from this guy. Awesome video again thanks to share !cheers

[@ruggedlife]

Thank you for the great feedback mate!

[@Triple-N]

Great to see a track responsible 4WDriver. Not just being mindful of your vehicle but also the environment. I love my 4WDs but I hate seeing big rigs tearing up tracks for the sake of fun. Not just causes track damage but accelerates erosion too. I used to drive a Toyota RAV4 ZR6 and have taken it to tracks that big rigs tackle. Sometimes I would get the surprised look of how capable the car is. The only modification that I've done to the car is changing the tyres to a chunky Bridgestone Dueler A/T. A lot of people underestimate the capabilities of soft roaders. Like you mentioned on this video, if you know your vehicle's strength and weakness; importantly know your driving skills and your capabilities you'll be able to take your car to places you never think of taking. Well done for being a responsible 4WDriver.

[@ruggedlife]

Absolutely right mate 👍. Thanks for the good feedback.

[@andreweverett6099]

This video is just BRILLIANT. New to X-Trail and this recording allows me more knowledge for when I hopefully start off-roading. Scotland. UK.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate

[@theuninspiredlife657]

You're as practical as practical can be. Great content...

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👍

[@juliochavez5787]

Just discovered your channel, and the advice and content you give is very good. I think i haven't seen any other 4wd/4x4 channel providing tips and content like yours. Very informative. I am also on the idea that you do not need huge lift, tires and triple locked rigs to have fun. Keep it up! You have a new subscriber from Mexico =)

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. Glad you liked it.

[@nsrlegaltech]

Yes I ride bikes and call this the Postie Bike mindset. We’ve just bought an XTRAIL for commuting and weekends don’t need a Rubicon just drive carefully and enjoy the day.

[@DazzaOnGoogle]

Nice job. We used to take our Santa Fe to some surprising places. Brute force isn't always the answer.

[@svultraviolet6770]

One off the best video for learning

[@panama-canada]

2:28 - wow! Few trucks will go through there without a wheel spin or two.

[@andresmartinezarribas1276]

This is real 4x4, not killing machines

[@NasTime01]

Great video. Well presented. I completely agree that confident driving skills are an important tool to have offroad. And I love the idea of getting everyone out there enjoying our great land. But be prepared. I myself have never been stuck to date but I also understand that it is never wise to venture offroad alone in a car not set up for self recovery. I have seen the best drivers in the most well equipped cars in need of help. Road and weather conditions can change quickly. Regardless of what you have or how confident you are, always be prepared. That means develop your skills and know your limits. This is important not only for your safety but also for the rescuer's safety.

[@Tellgio]

Your videos are always informative and presented in an understandable fashion. Driving skill always counts more than people think. Cheers mate.

[@ruggedlife]

Absolutely! Cheers mate

[@Videona]

Good job and thanks. This is a well thought of teaching. Keep it coming brother.

[@ozeltzex1]

Perfect video!

[@sergioti9195]

Man, just awesome video! thank! Greetings from Russia!

[@sean-2e0xbt57]

Great video Bud 👍 ..because "You can, in a Nissan" 😁😉 XTrails are amazing 😊

[@bullterriertransylvania]

Nice video guide! 🎉 doing the same with a Dacia Duster 🎉

[@Me4ok]

Thanks for this. I really do like your slow "boring" way of off-road - you heard it without any doubt: "As slow as possible as fast as necessary" ;). Very very well done.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👌

[@piotremeschajmer1133]

Exceptional video /beautiful to watch Thank You

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate

[@roger921]

Thank you for this video..just bought a 2012 x trail DCI turbo TL with 123,00km! Great to know that the x trail can do with a skilled driver..and knowledge. : )

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. Lots in my channel and more to come.

Boring? Your video is amazing! Loved it.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👍

[@woolengrappler]

Amazing video! I have a Subaru Outback and I’m looking to get further off the beaten path

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. I've seen a lot of modified Outbacks. They have good 4wd systems just like other Subarus. Ground clearance and break over angle will be the issue with those. Not a major of course once you know the limits.

[@tonyv7589]

Gr8 vid,,good driving skills,,,, common sense approach 👍

[@minime4879]

A lot of great tips and information in your video. Really like your approach. Much appreciated and I look forward to watching more of your content. A new subscriber. Thank you. 👍

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. Definitely more to come.

[@alejandrojorgeraush4372]

EXELENTE! es así, poder tener en un solo vehículo las prestaciones OffRoad con el uso diario. Hoy tengo la misma camioneta Turbo Diesel 2,2 2006, y en mi caso, antes tuve varios vehículos 4x4, y tuve que "negociar" las ventajas que esta camioneta para vacacionar y algunas salidas de trabajo que tiene, con el uso diario como vehículo familiar. MUUY conforme con la Nissan! Un saludo desde Provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina!

[@experttrolltrollingdirty2062]

They look brilliant t30s tho if they had at least a solid rear axle and low range they'd be perfect saying all that tho I still really enjoyed off roading in mine there's something fun about all that wheel lift

[@ryrysimon]

Love these videos mate. Convinced me to purchase and Xtrail over a Pathfinder

[@ruggedlife]

Doesn't have low range gears like a Pathfinder but you can see how capable it is anyway 👍

[@adriand3753]

Excellent stuff!

[@proudaussie9666]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@thespanishexperience]

Your tips are great for beginners. You deserve more hits. One thing that your X Trail is screaming out for is a fuel tank protector. If I only did one mod it would be repositioning it or protecting it. It's the Achilles heel of this model. Owners of Freelander 2s have the same problem, and immediately sort it out.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. It will have to be custom made. They did one for the T31. Touch wood, never had an issue with it. Have a look at both my offroad compilation vids if you haven't yet. Last one I released last night. Lucky the rear of the vehicle is actually very high after the raised suspension.

[@thespanishexperience]

@@ruggedlife I didn't realise they didn't make one. Because of your channel I test drove an XTrail. I liked it and the looks. In the end , I got a Sorento 2007, which is a true off roader dressed up as a Soft roader, with low range, solid axel, well spec'ed and was actually cheaper! I love the way you use your head. I've learned a lot about track building from your videos, and only last week , my son and I built our way out of a very tough track. Keep it up 😃👍👍👍

[@ruggedlife]

Great to hear that mate! Yes the Sorentos are great 👍 They are very under rated and a lot of people don't know they have low range. Good choice!

[@StiloNautica]

Love your video´s. Subbed. can you go in detail about fuel consumption?

[@stiffpants]

I've got a T30 manual series 2 (2.5 litre petrol) with stock (215/65r16) highway tyres on it. At 95-100kph on cruise control it will take 7 litres/100km, but if pushed to 110 -115kph it will take about 9-10 litres/100km. Hope this helps 🤙

[@adrianworkphone6501]

Fantastic video. Thankyou

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. Glad you liked it.

[@Mayusuuchan]

I'm using Xtrail XT 2.5L 2009 2WD. Sadly the 4x4 version doesn't available in my country

[@lubenovac]

Great video!!👍

[@reinergluck2168]

Awsome video! Thank you very much. Its very interesting and fun to see :-)

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers 👍

[@kasunnayanjan4931]

Nice tips . Thanks !

[@mozz3872]

brilliant video once again thank you

[@Decadurabolin9]

Subscribed and liked!! This is Faisal from Saudi Arabia. Enjoyed watching your videos. I drive 2018 Nissan Xtrail, I often go offroading in the desert 🏜 I can feel that my car has a very low ground clearance and often damage the plastic protection, fenders and bumpers most of the time. I decided to lift the vehicle but unfortunately I'm not able to find the longer coil spring for this car. I approached a mechanic and he said the only way to increase the height is to add aluminum spacers under the coil spring but this will affect the riding comfort and lose the stability of the vehicle, also the life of the suspension will affect. So he advised me to put a bigger Tyre, my factory Tyre was 225/65/R17. I tried to put 265/65/R17 but there was rubbing so they advised me to put the best size as 245/65/R17. In spite of upgrading my tyres to 245, I still not able to get a better ground clearance. Kindly advise me for better upgrades.

[@ruggedlife]

There's not a lot you can do unfortunately as there are not much aftermarket suspension for your model xtrail. Tyres is the only option which you have already done.

[@darryngourlay4474]

Awsome vids man. Really enjoying the xtrail content. Its been helpful.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers

[@aposdrosos5868]

Hi from Greece! Great video! I think left foot breaking need to be add as a technique, it's quite helpful in certain conditions! Thanks by the way , good job! ! !

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👍

[@bxbLJ]

Solid vid a usual bro. Keep up the good work. How often do you change suspension parts? Have u ever

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. I purchased the car back in 2016, upgraded the suspension mid 2017 and still going strong. Apart from oil changes and swapping the radiator which was already leaking when I purchased the car, I didn't need to repair anything.

[@juaninsuasty]

Saludos desde Colombia !!

[@franciscoherrera-hernandez]

I just bought an X-Trail T32-B. I would appreciate it if you explain to me, when you go out on off-road routes, how you use the 4x4i. If you use it in Auto or Lock mode. And if you disconnect the ESP (Electronic Stability Program). I read in the manual that if I turn off the ESP that allows the engine to put more power to the wheels. Thank you very much. Greetings from Costa Rica.

[@ruggedlife]

I have a video in my Practical 4wding playlist explaining the different modes. Any traction control aids should be turned off then driving on sand.

[@tariqsyed5885]

great video buddy!!! definitely deserves a thumbs up!!! You Clearly explained every details for offroading... how much did you lift and what tires are you running on??

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. 35mm lift springs and 235 70 16 tyres. I have videos of them in my 'MODs' playlist

[@bugikraxn]

Hi, really interesting content. What tyres have you mounted on your X-Trail?

[@ruggedlife]

Thanks. 235 70 16. I have a video about it under the playlist section called MODs

[@hishammahbub7226]

Also using xtrail 2010

[@vincentwindels3752]

Nice job showing how to drive a softroader. I have 2 questions : Do you disconnect the sway bars for better articulation when off roading ? And could you measure your rear struts from lowest bolt to top of strut housing and also the length of the shaft without the bump stops from the strut housing to the shaft shoulder. As far as I know, the rear shafts are quite long, like 250mm. (I can't take the measures, I drive a Subaru !) It would be interresting to be able to get most of the wheel travel. Thank you !

[@ruggedlife]

I don't disconnect the sway bars as independent coil spring vehicles will really have limited travel and will have minimal effect. Ill measure when i get a chance and let you know.

[@vincentwindels3752]

Thank you for your fast response ! If I find any answer to my questions, I'll keep you informed too !

[@lukedontknow9283]

Nissan’s are always great I got a d40 navara, what’s the x trails ground clearance?

[@ruggedlife]

With my setup it's aroind 22cm front 28cm rear (to the muffler). If you change the muffler, you can probably get another 2" higher to the rear diff.

[@elsebagayoso]

thank you very much for your video. I have a 2010 Nissan Xtrail with winter tires. I was watching your SL369 Review video. Crees que funcione bien con hielo y nieve? Gracias

[@ruggedlife]

Haven't tried but I would say no. Definitely not designed for ice and snow.

[@elsebagayoso]

Thanks man. I appreciate your help. Do you know the xbri Brutus tires? Greetings from Chile

[@ruggedlife]

No worries. I am not familiar with it but looks like we have them here in Australia. It looks like a copy of the BFG all terrains.

[@ΠαναγιωτηςΒασιλικοπουλος-β1γ]

Hello my friend, from Greece. Very informative video, and I would like to ask you how much I can lift my car max, without effects on alignment (xtrail τ30 2004 2000cc) Thank you very much.

[@ruggedlife]

50mm

[@edwardjamesduckett]

What a fantastic video, I learned a lot there mate, thank you. I do truck driving, motorcycling and mountain biking in UK and have not got a lot of off road driving experience, in fact have driven trucks off road much more than cars. I found you online as we recently bought an X-Trail for much the same reasons as yourself, family use, being prepared for everything - we recently moved to Scotland and weather is wild and unpredictable. I have a question for you if possible to answer: my X-Trail has 18 inch alloys and needs new tyres soon. I need ability in snow and ice, a bit of off road and tracks too. Do you have any recommendations with wheel or tyre size? I'm thinking that the 18" wheels hardly allow for any air volume in the tyre? Was thinking of buying some second hand 16's maybe? Anyway will subscribe to your channel, great fun cheers Ed

[@ruggedlife]

Hey mate, glad to hear you enjoy the content I create 👍 if you plan to take your X-trail offroad then 16" rims would be the largest I would recommend especially that you cannot a large enough tyre to habe enough sidewall to allow for lower tyre pressures when offroad. An offset of 40 would be the maximum you would want to go to avoid the tyre from rubbing on full lock. If you go for a tyre size like mine (235/70/16), then make sure you get rims with an offset of 35 or maximum of 30. You wouldn't want to go lower than that otherwise you'll be putting too much stress on your wheel bearings.

[@lordvitiatevalkorion8633]

kia ora bro im about to purchase a 2008 or 2009 model x trail could you give me some tips on up lifting the vehicle in terms of suspension kits legal height and best tyres please?

[@ruggedlife]

Hey mate, your model will be the T31. Pedders suspension sell a lift kit for it (Springs and struts). If you havent yet, have a look at my video regarding mods for xtrails. Pedders is not the cheapest but I've heard a lot of good feedback from the people who used their kit on their T31s. Height wise it depends on where you are so check with your local transport office. If you are from NZ then I would think 30-35mm lift is legal which is what the Pedders kit is. I used to live in NZ but don't remember the laws regarding that. Tyres, then if you intent to take your Xtrail to rough terrain then all terrain tyres is what you want. 225 70 16 is a good size. You can go as big as 235 70 16 which is what I run but expect fuel economy to be higher. Bfgoodrich ko2 and cooper stts are some of the great ones out there but also not cheap.

[@thisisvbcountry]

great content. can i ask what tyres you are running?

[@ruggedlife]

Thanks mate. 235 70 16. I have a video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoe9iKSqbZyirrM

[@JawidSmart]

Just discovered this channel, am happy I did. Very informative. Am about to get one. I wish to ask if its reliable? Thanks a lot.

[@ruggedlife]

👌 generally speaking, yes they are reliable. Just like any vehicle it mostly depends on how good maintenance history it has.

[@JawidSmart]

@@ruggedlife Thanks so much for you quick response. Getting one by the end of this year. Can't wait lol

[@ruggedlife]

Awesome. Good luck 👍

[@bobceffo]

nice. 4x4 for not millionairs

[@ΠαναγιωτηςΒασιλικοπουλος-β1γ]

Hello my friend, from Greece. Very informative video, and I would like to ask you how much you suggest me to lift my car max, without effects on alignment (xtrail τ30 2004 ) Thank you very much..And you really have a very beautiful country.

[@ruggedlife]

Maximum is 2" but CV joints will have shorter life.

[@ΠαναγιωτηςΒασιλικοπουλος-β1γ]

@@ruggedlife Thank you, very much,bro.

[@andinamm2246]

Excellent! You have one more subscriber today! Thank you! Question...why a Nissan Xtrail? A have now the chance to buy betwin xtrail line yours OR honda CRV...wich one would you choose? And why? Thanks again

[@andinamm2246]

Like yours I meant

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. Xtrail because I need an all around vehicle but one that will serve the family within the city and sometimes offroad. It's practical and fairly capable. If you plan to go off the beaten track then I choose the Xtrail. More capable than the CRV.

[@andinamm2246]

Ok thank you so much 😊👍🏼🚜

[@koolkiwikat]

How do you check crossing in OZ with the risk of crocs being around?

[@ruggedlife]

There are only particular areas where they roam and people know where they are (pretty much north QLD and NT). If you know it's croc country, you don't check. The risk is higher 😂

[@kingchief4038]

Great advice those Prado drivers will never know skill..

[@alvk3996]

Which traction boards are you using?

[@ruggedlife]

I have 4x ridge ryders and 2x 1st gen treds. Use the ridge ryders more because of their smaller size and stackability. I have a video about them in the Practical 4wding playlist.

[@davidcowan1583]

Arent you worried about water intake into the air box with no snorkel? Or do you just not do the crossing if it is too deep?

[@ruggedlife]

Ill not do any crossing if I know the water level will reach the airbox 👍

[@davidcowan1583]

@@ruggedlife nice have you done any hard tracks in that like powerline track glasshouse mountains. Has not having low range impacted you in any way just curious as i always use 2nd low in my hilux

[@ruggedlife]

@@davidcowan1583 I haven't done those tracks but it really is a different approach and driving style if your vehicle doesn't have low range. It won't go as far as a vehicle with low range but youll be very surprised where it can go.

[@davidcowan1583]

@@ruggedlife what are some of the most interesting tracks have you done? Love the video btw great work

[@ruggedlife]

@@davidcowan1583 cheers. Ive done a lot of random not known trails and found some challenging obstacles on them. Fraser island is probably the most well known ive been but obviously not that challenging. I just dont have time with the work i do but i have the tracks around victorian high country in my list for sure.

[@lomasck]

I have a Question.I never tried this but if you get stuck with opposite wheels in the air if I used my hand brake then try go again could I then get some torque in the driving back wheel to move on again.?If I had individual hand brakes I could anyway.

[@ruggedlife]

If you have individual hand brake then yes. I have seen someone do this before but reverted back as it was not worth it and I think he had issues with the brakes or something.

[@lomasck]

@@ruggedlife Beach Buggies in the past often used a hydraulic control lever to control the rear wheels when doing a wheelie.That way you could use it as fast as need be on a whooped out track.

[@djredhareaus38]

Hey what are the biggest tyres I can put on a t30 with the steel wheels

[@ruggedlife]

235 75 15 or 235 70 16

[@notanotherutubeuser]

you sound like the smartest 4wd driver i have seen on youtube most 4wd people are total fukwits, im actually looking to get an xtrail to set up as an overland vehicle

[@ruggedlife]

Lol I wouldn't say that but I know what you mean. 4wding is one of those things wherein we continue to learn no matter how experienced we are. I think my style is just different from others wherein I put in minimal input to get maximum result.

[@robertask4351]

Hi, thank you for a very interesting video! I have a question, since, you mentioned you do enough of rather deep water obstacle crossings in your travels, so maybe you can give a hint. When crossing some deep water puddle (bog) - say, not more than half of a wheel depth - at the moment my T30 (2.2 dci, y2006) is in the deepest place, suddenly power battery symbol starts blinking on the dash panel. And it is immediately over once you exit the puddle, and never ever blinks again, except you “dive” again :) I have heard the opinion that this means that alternator belt (?) is slipping (because it is submerged into water, partly or fully, or maybe just because of a few splashes of the water). In my case, I face it eve in town when crossing long water puddles, especially if faster. I Have you ever faced such phenomenon? If yes - is it something that must be avoid, or you just do not pay big attention to this, because this is, say, not significant side effect of water obstacle crossing :) Thank you in advance for your time and answer!

[@ruggedlife]

The alternator theory may be true. Next time this happens, open the bonnet and check where the water has splashed. It is more likely the fan has touched the water and sprayed it all over the engine bay so some other electrical items may have been wet. I have never come across such issue but I always remove the relay of the electric fans before every water crossing to avoid this issue.

[@robertask4351]

@@ruggedlife Thanks, I will check the situation under the bonnet next time. What do you mean by “I always remove the relay of the electric fans before every water crossing”? you move those relays (are the wires of those relays so loose to drag them so simply?) to the other place under the bonnet ?

[@ruggedlife]

@@robertask4351 no worries. I only remove the relay that controls the fan from the relay box. I will make a video about water crossings one day so stay tuned.

[@Zeebad_1st]

when would you use the diff setting?

[@ruggedlife]

I hava a video about that. Check the playlist 'Practical 4wding'

[@Zeebad_1st]

@@ruggedlife Will do , thanks, just discovered your channel today.

[@leszektafelski6776]

witam,jekie masz zawieszenie? bo to chyba nie jest seria

[@ruggedlife]

I have an after market suspension. I have a separate video for it. Check out my other videos.

[@paulwhat322]

You make it look like you have low range.

[@jurijslomonovskis4090]

what engine this t30 have?

[@ruggedlife]

2.5L petrol with auto transmission.

[@borsh2002]

At this moment kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6DapaGqe5t-ors, I would have gone further to the right before entering that hole, enough to climb the right side of the car on that edge and I would have turned left exactly at the exit of the pit ,so I would have had 3 wheels with grip and I would have avoided falling to the right also. Excuse my english but I am not a native speaker!

[@that_crankytf9571]

Do you still own this?,

[@ruggedlife]

Yup

[@that_crankytf9571]

@@ruggedlife What do you think of a 2004 Nissan x trail t30 2.5 petrol?, Is it any good i seen they have a 2 inch lift kit and stuff what year is yours?.

[@ruggedlife]

Yea theyre good. Very similar to mine which is 2007

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

My CAR CAN DO THAT?? whattttttt

[@_patontheback_]

If its a 4WD yes. Not all Xtrails are 4WD.

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

@@_patontheback_ mine has 4wd and lock on it

[@aslkdfjhg]

Nothing more irritating that watching a bunch of loons in 4 tonne land cruisers redlining their trucks through national parks and turning the track to gravy. This really shows you don't have to spend $100k to explore nature.

[@ruggedlife]

Very true