First time Offroading my new G550

[rhyno]

I took my new G550 out 4x4ing with my friends G55. We had a blast trying out the lockers :) I was very impressed with the G's abilities!

[zimm]

what was the decision maker for the 20" dubs?

[Repo503]

Love Gs but the rockstars look way outta place...actually rockstars look out of place on anything outside the Jersey Shore. Those are the wheels for people who wear UFC t shirts and have fashion tattoos.

[theicecreampeople]

guys ,this guys jazzed about his rig ?why pick on it ?pretty sweet if ya ask me ...may not be pratical rims but more he goes out the more he will know what suits him best..

[otiswesty]

That thing friggin rocks, don't listen to these posers raggin on your wheels. The G is fo shizzle, made for the best for doing exactly what you are doing. Make it your own, take it on the trail and have fun. Lots of "expedition rigs" out there just sitting in driveways and garages with the perfect rim and tire combo. Don't worry about it, just enjoy it. The G550 can be a blast totally stock or with mods in either direction. That beast can still handle 99% of the trails west of the Mississipi as you have done it.
Cheers to you bro.
Eric

[otiswesty]

Great color too

[rhyno]

Thanks Eric!

It's funny when you post pics of your pride and joy and people dis you. That's ok maybe they are jealous? I picked this rim and tire package because it is my daily driver and I will drive on the street 95% of the time, this works for me. My dubs worked great off road and I was very happy with the outcome. Just because smaller rims are better for off road doesn't mean they are best for all around purpose's, some people are so small minded lol

[DUTCH]

Thanks Eric!
Just because smaller rims are better for off road doesn't mean they are best for all around purpose's, some people are so small minded lol

I found that, when I switched from 18's to 16's on my G, the overall ride improved in all respects - both on and off road. Just my personal experience. YMMV

(Of course, I realize that this wheel change cannot be done on the G550.)

[zimm]

is that an illusion, or do those wheels put the tires outside the flairs?

[zimm]

I found that, when I switched from 18's to 16's on my G, the overall ride improved in all respects - both on and off road. Just my personal experience. YMMV

(Of course, I realize that this wheel change cannot be done on the G550.)

that would make sense. theres plenty of unsprung weight there. the less you move it, the less you move the truck.

i guess the g body has hit its limits. the safety needed for all the power and high speed requires bigger and bigger disks, but the body dimensions have a limit on overall tire diameter. 1979 is fighting 2012.

[stjjames]

That beast can still handle 99% of the trails west of the Mississipi as you have done it.
Cheers to you bro.
Eric


Well now, that's just not true.
It can't handle 99% of the trails west of the Mississippi - nor east of for that matter.

[Fernweh]

I found that, when I switched from 18's to 16's on my G, the overall ride improved in all respects - both on and off road. Just my personal experience. YMMV

(Of course, I realize that this wheel change cannot be done on the G550.)

The 16" Atik wheels do fit on the G-550......at least on the 2010 ones.

The color of this G-wagen has a nice contrast to the black trim......perfect with the right accessories :-)

http://up.picr.de/8494103qve.jpg

www.g-wagenaccessories.com

[MicroOverland]

I love seeing any g, with any wheels, off road. Kudos to you for being willing and getting out there.

[1leglance]

I agree that you get kudos for taking such a nice & expensive ride out into the dirt.
It is your rig, build it the way you want and please keep posting pics & trip reports of your travels.

[mk216v]

Awesome Rhyno!!! I love the white. :smiley_drive:

[Remgitano]

Just a quick 2 cents: 16" tires ride better than 18" (or greater rim diameter) because the sidewalls are not as stiff. Consider the weight of a G Wagen... the 18" tires have to be of significantly lower profile (70 vs 60 vs 50 etc) to maintain the same overall tire diameter that the manufacturer had in mind when designing the vehicle. To support a G's weight, the sidewall must be stiffer as the sidewall profile becomes shorter. The 70, 60, 50 etc profile means that the tire's profile is that percentage of the tread width which is why the 22 and up rims have tires that look like rubber bands with respect to the sidewall height. The additional stiffness of the sidewall to allow such a tire gives the stiff ride but allows higher cornering speeds because the tire, at higher G loads doesn't have the propensity to roll over upon itself. That's ideal for high speed cornering or track use on an appropriate vehicle. That same "short sidewall" is not compatible for anything beyond light trail use especially in circumstances that warrant "airing down". You will also find slicing of the sidewalls on sharp rocks to be a potential problem.
That said, I had an '08 G500 and loved it! Never had any problems with it and only sold it (stupidly, wish I still had that silver beast!!!) because my plans changed. Never mind the nay sayers! Get it out and enjoy it! If you like the low profile tires for the street that's fine. It's your vehicle.Eventually you'll figure out if your present tire and wheel combination are working for or against you. If there is any "rugged" off roading in your future you may want to opt for a second set of rims with aggressive off road tires suitable for your area like the BFG mud terrain vs the all terrain tires (or whatever brand you prefer). The G is still around because it is simply an amazing design! Congrats on your ride!!!

[REDROVER]

i like those rims and dont see any problem, if you have all train tires on it then will realy rock

ERIC

[rhyno]

Remgitano, that was a very good write up!

Thanks everyone, it's nice to hear some positive feedback. I'm very happy with this wheel/tire combo. I have 1000km on it now and there is almost no road noise from the tires, she also drives very straight with no tramlining. This is my DD so the 20's work for me. When I go hard core wheeling I take my Polaris 800 RZR side by side and beat the crap out of it, that's something I won't do to my Benz lol

[NothingClever]

Rhyno, welcome to the Portal. Thanks for taking the time to register and post a photo of your new arrow in the quiver :victory: . You picked a good spot in cyberspace for abundant information to help you learn, research and make decisions regarding vehicle touring. As you can see already, sometimes you have to sort through posts that are outside your expectations or focus. Regardless, welcome and I hope you enjoy it here.

[rhyno]

My friend with the black G55 just bought a G Cabrio this past weekend so we took it 4x4ing with my side by side a Jeep JK and a quad. The new owner of the G wanted to see what it could do offroad so he got it stuck twice and the Jeep got stuck once. Had a great day and thought I would share some pictures.

[TCao]

Thanks for sharing the photos. Looked like it was a fun play day.
Really like the outside rear view mirrors on the Cabrio. They look like the ones on the Pur Gwagens.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=74490&d=1320276552

[mk216v]

Cool that the blue Cab is a turbo diesel 5spd. Do you know if it's the 617A(out of the early '80s 300TD's)?
I saw it on ClubG archaic classifieds in Vanc, BC.

[rhyno]

Yes this is the same truck that was on ClubG for sale. My friend bought it last weekend. It has a OM602.962 motor swapped into it which is a 5 cylinder Turbo diesel and a 5 speed tranny out of a W201 benz. The old owner said he had driven a few different stock diesel Gwagons and this one put down alot more power and was sportier to drive.

[mk216v]

Yes this is the same truck that was on ClubG for sale. My friend bought it last weekend. It has a OM602.962 motor swapped into it which is a 5 cylinder Turbo diesel and a 5 speed tranny out of a W201 benz. The old owner said he had driven a few different stock diesel Gwagons and this one put down alot more power and was sportier to drive.

A factory 290GDT engine maybe?
OM 602 D 29; 602.942; 1992-1996; W461; 290GD I-5
Any pics of it?

[Scott C]

Love Gs but the rockstars look way outta place...actually rockstars look out of place on anything outside the Jersey Shore. Those are the wheels for people who wear UFC t shirts and have fashion tattoos.

+1

[rhyno]

I have never been to Jersey Shore, I don't have any tattoos and I don't wear UFC Tshirts! But I do have Rockstar wheels and I think they look great on the G!!

[otiswesty]

Well now, that's just not true.
It can't handle 99% of the trails west of the Mississippi - nor east of for that matter.

Since you speak so certainly, either you have alot of experience with V8 powered 463's on trail or you have none.
I have been with stock G500's in Death Valley in all conditions and stand by what I said.
:chef:

[Fernweh]

Since you speak so certainly, either you have alot of experience with V8 powered 463's on trail or you have none.
I have been with stock G500's in Death Valley in all conditions and stand by what I said.
:chef:
Yeah, I and was standing next to him - and was ever he said, he's right.....

http://up.picr.de/8787029zdf.jpg

[otiswesty]

Here we are standing next to each other in DV buddy
:ylsmoke:

[RMP&O]

Well now, that's just not true.
It can't handle 99% of the trails west of the Mississippi - nor east of for that matter.

Agree.

Do what you want to the truck, run whatever tire + rim combo that suits you.....ect ect ect. But lets not go bending the truth.

Why is it G owners all refer to a soft top truck as a "Cabrio"!? I realize Benz calls them that but everybody else in the 4wd world calls it a soft top. Cabrio just sounds snotty or cheesy or like you are not in a 4wd. Doesn't VW call it's soft top Cabrio, along with the other European manufacturers? What is it a Euro thing!? :D

[RMP&O]

Since you speak so certainly, either you have alot of experience with V8 powered 463's on trail or you have none.
I have been with stock G500's in Death Valley in all conditions and stand by what I said.
:chef:

I could name hundreds upon hundreds of trails you can't drive one of these down past the first obstacle. There is no need for a pissing match and that is not what I am posting about. Rather, you guys can be the biggest fan boys you want, live in your own little world but when you interact with the rest of the world be ready for people to dispute ridiculous claims. ;)

Had you said something like 50% or similar I doubt anybody, myself included would have commented.

[mk216v]

Agree.

Do what you want to the truck, run whatever tire + rim combo that suits you.....ect ect ect. But lets not go bending the truth.

Why is it G owners all refer to a soft top truck as a "Cabrio"!? I realize Benz calls them that but everybody else in the 4wd world calls it a soft top. Cabrio just sounds snotty or cheesy or like you are not in a 4wd. Doesn't VW call it's soft top Cabrio, along with the other European manufacturers? What is it a Euro thing!? :D

Yep, Euro nomenclature. Just like wagon = Avant(Audi), Estate(Mercedes), Touring(BMW). Strange brew.

[Abeer]

Here we are standing next to each other in DV buddy
:ylsmoke:

I was on the 405 freeway here in LA maybe 2 months ago and I think I saw this exact G with colorado plates. I was trying to keep up in my D90 but slight inclines means I couldnt keep up with that benz v8. Great looking rig.


edit: doesnt show the pic but its the one with the g-wagen accessories tire carrier.

[DUTCH]

Ah! Ignorance is such sweet bliss!

Cabrio is short for cabriolet, which originally came from here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabriolet_%28carriage%29

I'm not even going to waste my time on your other comment.

[jakescase]

My G550 has done every thing I have asked of it offroad(Moab,etc.) Haven't tried Rubicon yet. The only other vehicle I have owned that performed as well offroad was my Hummer (the real one) and its only advantage was the increased clearance . BTW, 0-60 in about 6 is interesting too.
If I could be enlightened about a few of the "hundreds" of trails my G couldn't do I'd like to try them. PM me if you'd like to keep them secret...

[Fernweh]

I was on the 405 freeway here in LA maybe 2 months ago and I think I saw this exact G with colorado plates. I was trying to keep up in my D90 but slight inclines means I couldnt keep up with that benz v8. Great looking rig.


edit: doesnt show the pic but its the one with the g-wagen accessories tire carrier.

Thank you for your kind words,

my G-500 Adventurewagen has been performing just fine and not only on the 405 Freeway. This G-wagen is outfitted by http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com

http://up.picr.de/10041242hm.jpg

http://up.picr.de/10041243jy.jpg

http://up.picr.de/10041245xu.jpg

[zimm]

Agree.

Do what you want to the truck, run whatever tire + rim combo that suits you.....ect ect ect. But lets not go bending the truth.

Why is it G owners all refer to a soft top truck as a "Cabrio"!? I realize Benz calls them that but everybody else in the 4wd world calls it a soft top. Cabrio just sounds snotty or cheesy or like you are not in a 4wd. Doesn't VW call it's soft top Cabrio, along with the other European manufacturers? What is it a Euro thing!? :D


while i realize youre trolling the benz brainwashed, there is a "soft top" G called a wolf, its military. the cabrio top folds, its civilian. a soft top is permanent fixture and must be removed, whereas a cabrio is a convertible. its a distinction with a clear difference even outside of the G world.

example, if you own a rabbit and the top folds down but can stay on the car, you have cabrio, if you have 289 fia cobra and you have that useless rag that snaps over our head and must be removed, you have a soft top.

[Cody1771]

what kind of tires are those?

[mk216v]

while i realize youre trolling the benz brainwashed, there is a "soft top" G called a wolf, its military. the cabrio top folds, its civilian. a soft top is permanent fixture and must be removed, whereas a cabrio is a convertible. its a distinction with a clear difference even outside of the G world.

example, if you own a rabbit and the top folds down but can stay on the car, you have cabrio, if you have 289 fia cobra and you have that useless rag that snaps over our head and must be removed, you have a soft top.

Actually the Cobra would have what's called a bikini top.
Google image search is your friend on that one. :p

[Fernweh]

what kind of tires are those?

BF Goodrich 285/75 16 MT Km2 on the 7.5x16 Atik wheel.......unless you wanted to know about the Cobra, I do not do Ford:smiley_drive:

[Cody1771]

BF Goodrich 285/75 16 MT Km2 on the 7.5x16 Atik wheel.......unless you wanted to know about the Cobra, I do not do Ford:smiley_drive:

Heh i meant the ones on the Dub's ive been looking for a "lo pro" AT tire for my 18" rims on my X5... something a little more suited for logging roads than the current street tires.

[Jwestpro]

Heh i meant the ones on the Dub's ive been looking for a "lo pro" AT tire for my 18" rims on my X5... something a little more suited for logging roads than the current street tires.

BFG makes the AT in a 31.5" 265/65x18 that might fit in your X5 fenders. If not, try looking at Tire rack for sizes like 265/60x18 or 285/60x18 depending on your x5 rim width. I think the x5 is smallish oem tire though, maybe 29" but if so, that's the same as a Discovery 3 oem which is 255/55x19 or 255/60x18. You might try the Nokian website to see what sizes the WRG2 suv comes in. They have some that will fit the x5 just fine and it's a great all year, even in snow, tire.

[otiswesty]

while i realize youre trolling the benz brainwashed, there is a "soft top" G called a wolf, its military. the cabrio top folds, its civilian. a soft top is permanent fixture and must be removed, whereas a cabrio is a convertible. its a distinction with a clear difference even outside of the G world.

example, if you own a rabbit and the top folds down but can stay on the car, you have cabrio, if you have 289 fia cobra and you have that useless rag that snaps over our head and must be removed, you have a soft top.

The Wolf soft top is actually officially called "Open Top" and can be rolled up with built in retainers along the upper margin. Definitely not a Cabrio, but just as cool in many ways. While there are both 460 and 463 cabrios, the open top is only made in the 461 series as 300GD, 230GE, 250GD, and 290GD. For those who want a 463 open top, maybe we'll make one...

[snorkel54]

Actually the Cobra would have what's called a bikini top.

What a snarky thread. Did you perhaps mean bimini top?

[drsus]

to bad they don't offer the more utilitarian Gs in the US.

[mk216v]

What a snarky thread. Did you perhaps mean bimini top?

Both terms are used in the industry; bimini more for boats.

[Funrover]

Nice, glad to see those in the dirt!

[zimm]

Both terms are used in the industry; bimini more for boats.


so in this case, its accurate?

[Jakeleverett]

haha what babies!
For any given word in any given language there are multiple variations or interchangeable terms for the same thing!

The rims are an odd choice for such a nice vehicle but they're his and only his. He picked them and loves them, that's all that matters!

...Quite snarky, I was surprised by the snarkiness and Im a teenager!

[REDROVER]

gentleman G WAGONS are already the smallest group of 4x4s being used in USA, lets not argue about small things, but just enjoy them as much as we can . otherwise G WAGOn is hitting the ultimate bling bling title soon.

take them out enjoy them and post some pics so we non g owners can enjoy them also. we love them.

Eric

[rhyno]

Time to get this thread back on topic! I'm very happy with how when my G550 performs offroad. I had no issues last weekend but the Toyota that was with me got stuck in a water/mud hole and took on about 4" of water in the cab.

[rhyno]

a few more....

[mk216v]

Oh man, he's going to need to pull that carpet up and let it dry on the underside or else it's going to really stink.

[N10]

what's the "real" fording depth of the new Gs btw? At what water level would one think water start getting inside?and did water ever get through your door seals(how good is the waterproofing)? nice rig & great pictures..!

[otiswesty]

9" above wheel center or the top of the rim on a stock G500

[targa88]

Thank you for your kind words,

my G-500 Adventurewagen has been performing just fine and not only on the 405 Freeway. This G-wagen is outfitted by http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com

http://up.picr.de/10041242hm.jpg

http://up.picr.de/10041243jy.jpg

http://up.picr.de/10041245xu.jpg

Karl,
Nice rig

[eurosonic]

Time to get this thread back on topic! I'm very happy with how when my G550 performs offroad. I had no issues last weekend but the Toyota that was with me got stuck in a water/mud hole and took on about 4" of water in the cab.



Awesome man, Nice to see that you put this rig to real use!

[zimm]

awesome.....

please post more pictures when you do it again.