What should my first Mod be?

[Cass Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cass]

Hi guys,

Just brought my very first 4WD (2004 VX, Diesel) and after some opinions for what my first mod should be. I want to do everything I can to it but obviously need to prioritise properly.

The car will be used to drive our camper trailer anywhere we can. It will also be used on 6 hour return highway trips once every month. We are driving over to Perth for our first major trip the coming December/January and I plan to do a bit of beach driving as well as a moderate 4WD track here and there.

I currently have a allow sovereign bar on the front and that is it! Such a blank canvas it's hard to start somewhere. Personally I am thinking of a snorkel and suspension followed by some decent tyres?

Any advice is great! Really look forward to getting out amongst it and also being a part of this forum!

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Compressor, if you are going on the beach you will need to deflate and pump up tyres, so a compressor should almost always be people's first mod for off road use. Grab a deflator while your at it.

Cheers Andrew

[skam Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skam]

I know it sounds obvious but have you got a tow bar?
And depending what electrical equipment your camper trailer has will an auxiliary battery be needed?

As Andrew said compressor is very handy.

[Cass Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cass]

Yeah thanks guys,

Compressor I have purchased along with a set of Max Trax... may get a second set considering the trailer as well. Came with a deflator so have that.

Yep tow ball is ready to go. Trailer will have 2 batteries on board so should be ok for now with just that. Will install and anderson plug to attach to trailer as well. Do I need a second battery for that?

[Fred63 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fred63]

Yeah thanks guys,

Compressor I have purchased along with a set of Max Trax... may get a second set considering the trailer as well. Came with a deflator so have that.

Yep tow ball is ready to go. Trailer will have 2 batteries on board so should be ok for now with just that. Will install and anderson plug to attach to trailer as well. Do I need a second battery for that?

You won't need a second battery for that but you would need to consider putting a DC- DC charger in the trailer.
The redarc unit that will also accept a solar input is a good option if you think you will have a need for solar
Run atleast 10mm SQ size cable to the rear anderson plug.

[Prerderp Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Prerderp]

Such an open question!! Everyone is going to answer you based on what mods they would want for the way they use their car. You'll have to tell us more about the places you want to go, and the things you want to do! But more than happy to share some opinions

Like Fred63 said, it's a good idea to have a DC-DC charger as it will improve the life of the battery compared to just wiring it direct to your car battery. A dual battery in the car is always a smart mod, as it gives you the versatility to run a fridge in the car, or even jump start yourself if you leave your lights on... If you're running an Anderson plug to the back, also remember that when it comes to wiring, thicker is better. Thick wire has lower resistance so you'll have less voltage drop, and less heat buildup under load.

If you're thinking of upgrading your suspension, consider putting in coil-assist airbags in the back. This allows you to have a nice soft ride around town, but then harden them up when you load up all the gear and hitch up the trailer. Far better than running hard, uncomfortable springs in your daily driver for the few occasions that you need extra carrying capacity.

What tyres does it have on it now? A set of decent all terrains (BFG AT K02, Coopers AT3 etc) are a great investment as on-road or off, they're hard-wearing, long-lasting and far more resistant to punctures than road tyres. They're also quieter and safer on the road than full mud terrain tyres, which you really don't need unless you're doing serious offroading (and frankly, I have Coopers AT3s, and they've taken me a lot of place that I'd call "seriously offroad". All muddies are really better for is shedding clay...). Sure they can cost upwards of $400 each, but you can also reasonably expect to get 80 000 km out of them.

If you do a lot of night driving, a decent pair of spotties or light bar is a good investment too. Not just to see further ahead, but they make a huge difference to reducing fatigue when you're driving long distances at night.

[Fred63 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fred63]

I agree with the previous posts.
the bottom line is you need to workout what you need and what you will be doing and expect from the Prado.
On the recent GTG there was a completely stock 120, including tyres.
you will be surprised where a Prado will take you.
Other posts on here give the same advise work out what you need and do the mads based on your needs
If your new to $WD a course is a mod to consider for yourself.

[spike69 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close spike69]

If your new to $WD a course is a mod to consider for yourself.

Hi Cass, a world of fun and expense ahead of you in car mods! I second Fred63 on the 4WD course as an early expense. In addition to getting to know your car (and your driving abilities) better and what the stock car can do, you’ll probably learn more about what various modifications will assist with. I know I did. Then you can make a call on what you need based on the places you want to go. By the by, all of the instructors at the course I went to agreed they thought a good set of tyres would probably make the biggest initial difference to the car’s performance off road, in terms of bang for buck. I know some may not agree but that’s what the instructors thought.

Spike

[Fred63 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fred63]

Hi Cass, a world of fun and expense ahead of you in car mods! I second Fred63 on the 4WD course as an early expense. In addition to getting to know your car (and your driving abilities) better and what the stock car can do, you’ll probably learn more about what various modifications will assist with. I know I did. Then you can make a call on what you need based on the places you want to go. By the by, all of the instructors at the course I went to agreed they thought a good set of tyres would probably make the biggest initial difference to the car’s performance off road, in terms of bang for buck. I know some may not agree but that’s what the instructors thought.

Spike

yep tyres make a world of difference, I was glad to see the originals off.

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Tyres are a good start if you have road slicks.

Suspension is a good early investment imho.

If you're likely to cross water - a snorkel is a must have.

Towing a camper - do you need extra battery or power outlets?

A rear door table, or rear light might be good simple starts too... why not check out some of the My Rig Build Up links - some pretty good examples there.

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

My first upgrade in a similar situation a few weeks ago was tyres. KO2's. In 265/70 R17. They'll fit fine without a lift. And instantly make the Prado look like an off road truck instead of a soccer mom car. Oh, and they drive great too. On and off road.

- Ben

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

If you intend to go with others a UHF is also a great idea

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

You should get out in it first and learn where its limitations are , and more so , where your limitations or abilities stop . If your new to 4wding , the car will easily exceed your ability and you will waste an inordinate amount of money on useless s*# t that you will never need . Do a course with some instructors or get out there with some experienced people . Experience and a bit of nouse will out perform the most over optioned vehicle any day .oh yeah , avoid reading magazines , like 4wd action , which tell you that you need this and you need that . You will need all the stuff that they recommend if your driving an old shit heap . You are driving a modern , incredibly capable vehicle . With experience this vehicle will leave those old junk heaps behind without all the added crap that will empty your wallet .

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

You are driving a modern , incredibly capable vehicle . With experience this vehicle will leave those old junk heaps behind without all the added crap that will empty your wallet .

Then surely the first "mod" would need to be to buy Techstream for your lap top so you can monitor engine operating parameters and de-cypher fault codes. The only thing that has stopped me completely was a blown engine.

[mickmac_42 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mickmac_42]

So many predictable and "helpful" answers. Here's what you really need...

First and foremost should be a stick family sticker. I know i've spent many previous minutes looking at a car and wondering how many people might be in the drivers' family. With the stick family stickers, that problem is solved! Some say the stick family fad has passed. Well, in 20 years time it'll come back around. Who'll be laughing then, huh?


You should also consider a set of fuzzy dice. Hung from your rear view mirror, these bad boys scream "cool." You can get them in many colours, but pink will show everyone you're comfortable in your masculinity. It will also give you something to play with when you're bogged to your axles because you didn't buy something useful.


If there ever is any doubt about your masculinity, a set of truck nutz will clear the air. At only $30, this has gotta be the cheapest way to give your car some balls.


If you actually want to put something on your car that's going to help you off-road, get a set of Maxtrax or Treds. But, as an off-road enthusiast, it's important that they remain mounted and prominently displayed on your car at all times. This will let everyone know that you do go off-road.


Now, there's no need to thank me. I'm just happy to contribute.

Mike