Aftermarket offroad accesories

[jani]

greetings... i am new to this forum, as i have recently procured a 01 xc .. and have been testing its offroad prowess out in the Mojave desert. so far so good, but i would like to know if there are any aftermarket products available for the xc that may enhance my offroading enjoyment. or if any of you have any offroading experience or tips for me, thanks for your help....

[barrysharp]

jani:

WELCOME http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I've yet to get my XC70 (late March) so can't pass along any real live tips at this point. I will read the replies you get on AWD driving tips with interest though.

As far as advice on "aftermarket products available for the xc that may enhance my offroading enjoyment" this may be difficult to get without some further hints from you as to what you mean.

I suspect a plastic shovel might be good for use to dig yourself out if you get really stuck offroad in sand, snow or boggy roads.

Another item that has been discussed here is to replace the plastic engine grate with an aluminium plate that cost somewhere around $200. There may also be other metal plates to replace the front skid plate for example.

Maybe some extra lighting up front (Hella types for example) if you driving offroad in the dark. Search the forum for "Hella" to get more info on this if you wish.

If you carry things in the rear a rear cargo net would be useful to secure things in place.

I guess another item to consider would be a full size spare in case you get a flat out in there in Mojave desert http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Maybe get a steel plate for resting the jack on securely for changing wheel.

I suspect others will chime in for you.

See yer around and have fun offroad-ing http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Big]

Having had 2 Jeeps previously I find the XC to be rather limited off-road: Ok on non-technical, low-traction surfaces such as light sand and mud, but out of its element on uneven surfaces and rocks. Even the XC90 is marketed as taking you "to nature, not into it." On the plus side, I get more exercise hiking into areas with the XC.

The only off-road accessory I'm aware of is the metal engine protector which still leaves lots of things to damage if you're not careful. Sturdy tires are a big asset if you can live with a rougher road ride. Given the XC's capabilities, I take the standard backcountry gear (shovel, blanket, water, fire extinguisher, basic tools, phone, experience, etc.) plus a full-sized spare and a small hydraulic jack. That takes up enough space to make me want an XC90!

Some of the SoCal desert trails are suitable for your XC70. You could probably do most of the Mojave Road and perhaps half of the trails in Anza Borrego. Death Valley and the Inyo Mountains have some suitable areas, too. Have fun and welcome!

[Art]

Welcome to the site Jani and congrats on becoming our 700th member! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

If you're seriously looking at doing some offroading, perhaps a functional cargo basket might be in order. Check out the one below. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

http://www.samsoffroad.com/images/list-truck.jpg

Yakima also carries a lighter version along the same lines.

Spare Tire Carrier
http://www.yakima.com/images/products/dynamic/illustrations/8007076.jpg

Light Mounting Bracket
http://www.yakima.com/images/products/dynamic/illustrations/8007075.jpg

Heavy Duty Jack Bracket
http://www.yakima.com/images/products/dynamic/illustrations/8007077.jpg

[daniel]

http://www.pm-sandstedt.se/bilder/volvo/xc/Volvo_XC_K1-1b.jpghttp://www.pm-sandstedt.se/bilder/volvo/xc/x-rack_XC_s-bar.jpg
http://www.pm-sandstedt.se/default....dell=xc (http://www.pm-sandstedt.se/default.asp?produkt=xrack&marke=volvo&modell=xc)

[Art]

Here are pics of some other versions of off road grill guards besides the ones that Daniel has offered up. I believe the company that manufactures these is also out of Sweden.

Kama Produkter (http://www.kama.nu/volvo_pv.htm)

http://www.kama.nu/images/Volvo%20PV/XC%20sg%2060mm%20hog%20sida%20nav.jpg
http://www.kama.nu/images/Volvo%20PV/XC70%20lag%20ny%20sida%20web.JPG

[thomaslally]

out of topic, what is the color of the car "sea 321"?  Is it the same as "SKY 843"?  

Thanks

Thomas