e10 fuel in a 120 auto, transmission lockup switch, toyota towbar hitch

[GMagpie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GMagpie]

I have done a lot of testing using different fuels. Towing 80-90kph with a GCM (Gross Combination Mass) of 5 tonne I get about 20 l/100 using ULP (not sure if it has ethanol in it these days) Using 98 oct I get 8-10% better or the same but 10kph faster. Towing a 1.5 tonne camper trailer with a GCM of 4 tonnes I don't get much better than these figures. I have been getting 18l/100 at 90-100 on the flat. I filled with E10 the other day and was driving at 95-105 in fairly hilly country. I almost immediately noticed the car was running much better than ULP. Consumption improved yes improved to 16-17 l/100. Not sure why this is happening as I thought e10 was supposed to give worse consumption. The engine seemed to be running better than the 98 oct but can't say for sure.

I have a auto trans lockup switch fitted. It is the best thing since sliced bread. The trans runs considerably cooler and fuel consumption is about 10% better. Also I am not sure how anyone can drive without a lockup switch unless you tow in 4th gear all the time. Even when I am not towing 5th gear is constantly unlocking the torque converter. 4th is not a lot better. All systems seem to be normal ie trans and engine are working well. Why aren't other drivers complaining about the constant unlocking even on the flat??

I have noticed a lot of 120 Prados towing heavy caravans with ride levellers and using the standard toyota hitch. My understanding is that these hitches are rated for 2500kgs but not suitable for ride levellers. Using them may well produce insurance issues??

[Rusty Olds Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty Olds]

Not sure about the use of WDH, many many use them.

I normally fill with 95 and will take 98 over normal ULP, I've not used E10 in the Prado but have in other vehicles. Fuel consumption went up, seems obvious that you burn more for the same power. Don't know how your numbers came about.

I agree with your comments about the lock up. I don't have a switch but tow in 4th so that it stays locked up more. I keep a light foot and am currently away towing our 17ft van. Last refill was 17.3 lt/100 km sitting on 100 as best i can without putting the boot in, I think this figure is slanted down a bit (ie better) due to the conditions. A fair bit of headwind yesterday so I expect worse, you can feel the difference.

Towing in 4th the rig performs much better, a lot better responses to small throttle inputs so you don't have to work hard. Seems much better to me.

[Rusty Olds Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty Olds]

By the way, how much did it cost you to get the lock up switch done?

[GMagpie Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GMagpie]

Lockup switch cost

By the way, how much did it cost you to get the lock up switch done?

Switch cost about $400 and I fitted it myself in about 2-3 hours. Fitting was easy but I am always reluctant to cut the computer wires. With the switch locked it will kick back to 4th when required and remain locked. In slow hilly conditions you are better to let the torque converter unlock as the car will pull better but if high trans temps (>100C) become a concern on a long steep climb then lock up and watch the trans temp drop by at least 20 degrees C.

When fitting the switch I used the blank switch to the left of the steering. It would be better if the switch is visible so you can tell if you are locked or not. A light in the middle of the instruments would be great.

[Rusty Olds Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty Olds]

Thanks for the info, $400 eh, sounds a lot, what did you get for your money, must have been more than a switch.

[Jeepster Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jeepster]

On my 90 series I regularly fill up with United E10, and get the same consumption as with regular 95 and 98 octane. The only time consumption increases noticeably is when using 91 octane, and only after a few tanks, not immediately. When towing a Jayco Dove, around 1200kg loaded, the Prado usually uses about 15.5 - 17 l/100km at about 100km/h.

[pete8205 Member Find all posts View Profile Close pete8205]

I run E10 from various servos in my 06 hilux, I checked milage at first and found no difference after 140000k's no problems.
from my understanding 10% ethanol is all we can run without a retune and larger injectors.
to run the E85 you need larger injectors and a retune and you can run a fuel that is 105-110 octane leaves premium at 98 octane behind
my neighbour has done this with his skyline while rebuilding the motor chasing massive power he currently has 540rwkw (720hp) with another 10 pound of boost yet to come on E85 (that is 85% ethanol)not bad for something that's meant to be bad for your engine!

[gspy4u Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gspy4u]

The problem with the OEM tow bars and wdh's is that it puts a lot of stress on them if it is uneven terrain. Like up and down gutters, or slight humps when your maneuvering. They have broke off on a few people, plus they only have 6 anchor bolts on them. I changed mine over when we bought our van (2.3t) and am much happerier and relaxed as it has 12 anchor points as well as being distributed to both sides of the chassis at the back instead of just the middle. Each to there own though.

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

WDH to be used on flat highway only.

Not for off-road, not over speed humps, not over gutters, including a service station to re-fuel.

Before I drive into a camp site/caravan park, or a town that has many speed humps, I stop and remove the bars from the WDH, and only re-fit them after leaving the problem area. A pain in the arse, but less strain on the tow bar and van A-frame.