Just done some off-roading for the first time and was wondering if I really need to get kitted out with a Mantec sump guard and fuel- tank guard.The centre I have been to have tracks of varying levels of difficulty.The easiest is aimed at 4x4s that can be driven without any mods,and this is,probably the furthest that I will venture into off-roading.
If it is recommended that I go for better underbody protection,will there be any problem in fitting the fuel-tank guard if a tow-bar is fitted?

Hi eddiekol,

I've been thinking the same thing. For the past 2 months I've been battling the mechanics trying to get my fuel gauge repaired (different issue) but now they are saying by using my vehicle as a 4x4 drive and hitting things, I've damaged the fuel system. (I'm going to need a separate post to explain that very long story!)

Not sure I believe them but I think I should invest in a fuel-tank guard.

If you're driving in ruts, which is involved in most off road tracks, then the body sits that much closer to the ground.
Then the most vulnerable area to be affected is the low slung, exposed plastic fuel tank.
Just add a few rocks at the top of the rut or potholes within the ruts and you're on a one way ticket to damage.
So best get a tank guard fitted  FL2 now gone and have a couple of items left for sale:-

Brodit active iPhone holder + Brodit dash clip,
Bluetooth Music Streaming Module.

Thanks ronp, I've found a place in Perth who might be able to make one for me. Otherwise it is a Mantec import into Aus.

If they are saying the off road course is designed especially for vehicles without any modifications then one assumes you dont need guards as that would be classed as a modification would it not?
Of course it depends what they refer to as off road, Tesco's car park is off road in a way?

I've got mantec tank and sump guards - made the Bala 4x4 course much less of a sweat!

The front edge of the tank cradle is effectively a 90 degree, so I was concerned I'd catch something that would pull the tank and frame backwards...

Problem is something has pulled the exhaust out of alignment, so it hits the tank guard on startup - problem is I can't work out which way I need to bend it back (and how!) 2000 Xei 1.8 gone
2004 HSE Td4 Auto, MT's, sump guard, sliderz - gone
2014 GS Man - AT's, Mantec Sump guard and tank guard, split charger in boot, towbar, work in progress...

Ive noticed that too, the tank guards fitted as standard on the FL2, if you can call it a guard, and exactly the same thing on some Honda 4x4s too is its just a 90 edge/corner that would probably get hooked up more than none at all? One would have thought the sensible approach would be to fit one will a sloping leading edge, like a ramp to help deflect away from the obstacle?

Landiroamer wrote:

If they are saying the off road course is designed especially for vehicles without any modifications

What off road course are you referring to Landiroamer? FL2 now gone and have a couple of items left for sale:-

Brodit active iPhone holder + Brodit dash clip,
Bluetooth Music Streaming Module.

Quicksilva wrote:

Thanks ronp, I've found a place in Perth who might be able to make one for me. Otherwise it is a Mantec import into Aus.

http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic24718.html?highlight=mantec As yours is MY13, this should fit?

That is a good price, but I am after a fuel tank guard.

Hi 2013fl2,

I've just emailed the place in Perth so I'll keep you posted as to a price, etc

Cheers,[/quote]