Tiguan at Fraser Island?

**tschoi** · 18-10-2011, 11:07 PM

Hi,

Has anyone tried Tiguan at Fraser Island? I read most of the off-road related topics but I still cannot determine whether to take my Tiguan to Fraser when I go there around Christmas. I have off-road tech but have not driven much on sand. And no modifications (including tyres)

Thanks,
Nick

**MGV** · 19-10-2011, 06:25 AM

I think the main issue would be clearance i.e. as if you have to drive in someone else's wheel ruts.
And the fact that sand gets into everything...
But i reckon drop your tyres to 15psi & give it a crack! Let us know how you go!

**Transporter** · 19-10-2011, 07:07 AM

A friend of mine did Fraser Island in his Subaru L-series. The only modification he had was the oversize tyres to give him more ground clearance.
I wouldn't go in our new Tiguan, but if you are experienced 4wdriwer, then you should be able to get through. I suggest that you use suitable oversize tyres, the bash plate under the engine and you should be able to get the lift kit (contact jcubed in the forum or PM me if he doesn't respond) that would give you an extra 25mm ground clearance, and if you bought 25mm o/s tyres you'd have extra 50mm ground clearance.

You can find some threads on off roadin gin the stickies.

Also jimbomort went through the Moreton Island, you could ask him how his lifted Tig went.

**Brendan_A** · 19-10-2011, 12:28 PM

Your main problem would be getting on and off the beach as they get very soft and rutted out. Just pick your tides. Low tide is the best as it's just like driving on the road.

**tschoi** · 19-10-2011, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Transporter

A friend of mine did Fraser Island in his Subaru L-series. The only modification he had was the oversize tyres to give him more ground clearance.
I wouldn't go in our new Tiguan, but if you are experienced 4wdriwer, then you should be able to get through. I suggest that you use suitable oversize tyres, the bash plate under the engine and you should be able to get the lift kit (contact jc cubed in the forum or PM me if he doesn't respond) that would give you an extra 25mm ground clearance, and if you bought 25mm o/s tyres you'd have extra 50mm ground clearance.

You can find some threads on off roadin gin the stickies.

Also jimbomort went through the Moreton Island, you could ask him how his lifted Tig went.

I do agree that more ground clearance is needed, but I'm a bit afraid that combination of O/S tyres and wheels, engine plate and lift kit will be actually higher than renting a 4wd. At this stage I'm not sure whether I can justify the spending.

**tschoi** · 19-10-2011, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Brendan_A

Your main problem would be getting on and off the beach as they get very soft and rutted out. Just pick your tides. Low tide is the best as it's just like driving on the road.

How about the roads that leads to the lakes? Are they in better condition?

**roscoe1974** · 19-10-2011, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by tschoi

How about the roads that leads to the lakes? Are they in better condition?

Hi tschoi,

I can't speak for current state of the inland road that comes up the Island from Inskip Point, but did it 7 years back in a Hilux (pre-Tiggy)and it was extremely rough & pot-holed (partially paved). That being said, it may well have been repaired since then, but if not it would take a major toll on standard Tig tyres. Clearance-wise I think it was okay.

The sand tracks that come inland from the beaches tended to be pretty well compacted sand/dirt, but as Brendan_A mentioned above, getting off the beach and onto those tracks often means deep-ish sand drifts that the Tig may not clear. Also, watch out for tidal washouts along the beach - we saw a number of them from the waterline up to the high tide mark, and they'd do some serious damage if you hit them at speed. Keep your eyes open and should be fine!

Again though, I haven't been for 7 years so my advice on the up-island track may be out of date. Good luck if you decide to go and remember to pump your tyres back up once you get back on the bitumen!

**Brendan_A** · 19-10-2011, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by tschoi

How about the roads that leads to the lakes? Are they in better condition?

Very deep ruts and soft. You need clearance.

**DionM** · 20-10-2011, 06:17 AM

Drop you tyre pressures, drive appropriately and take recovery gear (snatch strap and shackles) you will get most places along the beach.

Inland tracks can be hit and miss, they can be very chopped up and soft or they can be doable. They are all sand, there is no bitumen on the island except for 1 very old track from Hook Pt up to near Eurong. You might be able to make it through in the Tig.

Certainly forget anything north of Indian Head as that is real 4WD territory.

When I was there last time I saw CR-Vs and X5s running around (south of Indian Head) so its entirely possible, you may just struggle in a few places thats all and need a tow (come prepared).

Does the Tig have a metal or plastic skid plate? These are often a curse on the island on the lower vehicles, as they act like a shovel when you reverse and often rip off (if plastic).