Well here's a lofty bump. This should serve as a bit of a long term update and review of my thoughts on the Grenadier.
TL;DR: 18,846 miles in:
I'm hugely happy with the Grenadier, but the basic functionality issues of the HVAC and the tell tale display must be resolved by Ineos.
The good:
1) Spectacular off-road
2) As expected, an agricultural, commercial truck drive on road
3) Built like a tank, 100% reliable thus far.
4) She's a head turner
The bad:
1) Tell tale display occasionally does not work
2) HVAC occasionally blows hot air through driver vent
3) The Ineos Windshield Tax (I refuse to replace two in a year, so I'm waiting till January)
4) I'm tired of people pausing in my blind spot to figure out what it is when I let them pass me on the left.
Maintenance:
Oil change at 650 miles, and every 6k miles thereafter. 12k maintenance at dealer. Two cracked windshields, one replaced. Multiple software updates over the course of the year.
Added:
OEM Fender Plates, Rock Sliders, Bull Bar, Bison rear shelf. Rival trans skid, a few other bits and pieces.
Friday I loaded up the Grenadier and headed 5 hours south to the Grand Overland District in Troy, NC for the two day class with
Overland Experts. The trip down was relatively uneventful, and I probably averaged between 70 - 80 mph the whole trip. The only issue of distinction was that at some point the HVAC system decided to act up. It started blasting hot air out of the drivers center vent, and lukewarm air through the rest. The only remedy for this was to put it on Auto with the lowest temp setting, at which point it was freezing cold air. I could not dial up a moderate temp selection. This happened again on the return trip home, but seemed to reset itself after a stop.
A note: The automotive industry in general has a bad habit of responding to customer complaints with "unable to reproduce" when you report intermittent issues. This has happened to me when talking to service advisors at every manufacturer I have ever owned. As I discovered with the intermittent tell tale display issue, documenting the issue with video and other evidence gets a much stronger response. I have ordered a laser thermometer to keep in the car so that the next time this happens I will have video documentation that I can provide to the dealer. I'm hugely happy with the Grenadier, but the basic functionality issues of the HVAC and the tell tale display must be resolved by Ineos.
We spent two days camping, learning and driving at their off road facility, with great instructors who really know what they are doing. The instruction was invaluable, and the wheel time was excellent. They did a great job for beginner and advanced drivers alike. If I recall, OEX was the team that ran the Ineos pre-production driver events, and they worked with Ineos throughout the development of the Grenadier. They know the vehicle well, and hosted an all-grenadier class just a few weeks ago.
Day 1 started with classroom instruction, followed by a walk-around of vehicles and review of vehicle departure, approach and break over angles. We spoke about bumpers, rock sliders, recovery points (lol Toyota) and further explored the differences between IFS and Solid Axles.
After that, we went to the obstacle course. We started by first walking the course, and seeing a pro driver attack each of the obstacles. We discussed the importance of choosing the proper line and how various vehicles and their capabilities might overcome each obstacle. The intent of the first day was to operate vehicles
without traction aids. Sure, my Grenadier has front and rear lockers, but in this session I learned how I might overcome weak traction issues without their use. This is immensely valuable, and was truly eye opening.
At the end of the first day, I commented that I may have handicapped my learning with my vehicle selection - The Grenadier is so insanely capable that it was easily able to overcome most obstacles. They did help to put me into situations where I was forced to be a better driver and extract myself with left foot braking and brake / throttle modulation. A poor mans brake traction control (since we have none). But once I put the rear locker on, the grenadier was pretty unstoppable.
Later we went for a driver on the trails, where we had an opportunity to exercise our newfound skills and see more of the beautiful property. The staff was very knowledgeable of the course and were available for spotting and direction as required. They were also VERY aware of the capabilities of each of the vehicles, offering guidance to keep us within the capabilities of the vehicle and driver. While most participants had a Jeep Wrangler, 4Runner or Ford Bronco, there were also some full size vehicles, like a 2500 Ram Rebel and an F250 with a camper - it was great to see them keeping up with the rest of the class.
We also did a bit of training on "failed hill climbs", how to act, react, and reverse when your attempt to go up a hill fails.
That evening we retired to camp (a bit before sunset) for dinner, drinks and lots of talking around the camp fire. There was discussion of vehicles, capabilities, aftermarket products - all the things you'd want to know and talk about after a day of stretching your vehicles legs. Thanks to some starlink and iPad collaboration, we were able to get the Tyson fight streaming, but we all went to bed before it started, and I even fell asleep listening to the announcers. I woke up to the press conference hearing that Tyson had lost.
The nights were cold - easily in the low 40's and down into the high 30's. I awoke Sunday at 6am and my rain fly was completely coated in ice. I sleep on a pair of Therm-a-Rest MondoKing XX-Large (80x30) sleeping pads to make a queen size bed in my tent (its fantastic) I used the Therm-a-Rest vela 20F 2 person down quilt and the 2 person hydrophobic camping blanket. I wore a beanie to sleep and usually at least an REI base layer top and bottom. The second (coldest) night, I also slept in my Filson Mackinaw Wool Bibs, which were awesome.
My Gazelle T4+ tent was fantastic. I love the extra space that it gives, allowing one full tent space for a chair, storage, changing, etc., while leaving the back room for the bed. Before bed and in the morning after I woke up, I would run my Buddy propane heater to warm things up a bit, but I did not run it overnight. It wasnt really required. I think in the future I'll probably get a cookie sheet for it to sit on, and keep it elevated on one of my Front Runner Wolf Pack boxes.
I'll also take a moment to mention the great company of my fellow students. Everyone was in great cheer and so helpful to one and other. I forgot to bring a few provisions, and someone gladly gave me a spare trash can and a few paper towels. Another fellow forgot to bring beer, and I gladly shared some of my quality Miller Light. Spirits were high, cooperation and teamwork was great and we were all there sharing in a great experience. I hope I get to see some of them again, maybe even at another OEX class.
As mentioned, the next morning was cold. We each started our own coffee and breakfast rituals, while some made quick trips out to the outpost for a prepared breakfast. The smell of coffee, bacon, eggs and a bit of steak helped us awaken and served as a reminder that we had a full day ahead. There was a little time before we had to be ready and some folks (smartly) began breaking down camp to get ready to get on the road.
by 0830 the call for assembly was out and we found ourselves ready for a day of recovery instruction. This was excellent as well - and I was impressed by the thorough investment of time that was made into safety and the various implements for recovery, as well as explanation of their ratings, and certifications. This hobby is a lifelong learning experience, and it was clear that our instructors were continually taking classes and learning as well - a testament to the professional and intentional approach that OEX takes to their craft. Safety as regularly emphasized, and a clear, thorough review of all of the gear that would be employed.
This was followed up with an introduction to winching, and winch safety. There was a lot of valuable instruction here as well - especially for beginners who may have never operated a winch before. That winch is a dangerous device, and you need to continually be aware of what it's doing and who is controlling it. It eats rope, wire, fingers and small children with equal indifference.
After the winch display, we moved to another location where a Toyota Tundra was intentionally high centered. Various methods for extraction were discussed, and a very nice introduction to the hi-lift jack was given. It really helped to de-mystify the device for everyone, with clear practical advice on how to (and not to) use it, deal with the inevitable issues that may arise while it is being employed, and safe methods for self or assisted extraction.
Later in the day, we also covered safe techniques for extracting vehicles using kinetic ropes, with a continual focus on performing recoveries safely. It really can't be understated how important safety is in recovery - and they continually gave very practical examples of where you may find yourself in danger - and how to avoid it, how to manage lines, people and the situation.
This was followed up by another lengthy trail ride, this time with a bump in difficulty. I took the liberty of using my rear locker, which was easy and fantastic.
An excellent weekend - with a great group of folks. I'd love to see Ineos include one of these weekends with every purchase - it'd be a lot more useful than the fabled Trialmaster jacket I have yet to receive. I've certainly not had the opportunity to master any of the skills taught, and I'd love the opportunity to take this (or a similar class with OEX) again.
In most regards, the Grenadier has exceeded my expectations over the course of the last year. It's an amazing vehicle, and I really don't get tired of driving it. I'm hopeful the Tell Tale display and HVAC issues can be resolved, and I'm working closely to that end.
OEX - 10/10 would (will) do again
Ineos Grenadier - 10/10 would buy again
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