Suspension

[Phill Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Phill]

Hi All,
I just took delivery of a new 150 Prado to replace my 120 which I rolled down a ravine. I tow a caravan weighing 2020kg and with a 210 ball weight. Could someone advise me which way to go based on your experiences.
Do I place a two inch lift on the vehicle or just put air bags in the rear?
Would appreciate any ideas, coments etc etc etc

Phil

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

Hi Welcome aboard, try searching the suspension section in the 150 and 120 prado section. Also the towbar thread covers a fair bit of info.

I fitted a Hayman Reece towbar and use their weight their distribution hitch, I also used the toyota wiring harness.
The weight distribution hitch gets the weight back on the front nicely, I don`t see the need for air bags.
I tow a 2140kg van plus gear and as the manual says stay in manual mode 4th in the auto.

I am getting Bilsteins and heavier springs next thursday but have done a few trips with standard suspension and its fine, but weight distribution system is a must. Suggest you try it and see how that goes .

Where are you based and what mods did you do to your 120 for towing?

[Wazza2 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wazza2]

I have a 150 gxl that we loaded up with gear before the suspension was changed. Really spongy ride and lots of body roll, not something I would drive very far and feel safe while doing it.

Have since fitted TJM suspension (xgs gold shocks + king springs) with 2" lift. Firm ride most of the time and I have airbags (from mrairbagman) that we pump up a bit when the camper trailer with about 160kg ball weight is attached. Seems to provide a flexible setup that copes well for everyday driving and the harder stuff when towing.

BTW the lift kit was done for better off-road clearance, not to help with towing

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

most of my body role and spongy ride disappeared once I got rid of those horrible tyres it came with.

[Phill Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Phill]

I an based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne (Mooroolbark). My old 120 had a 2 inch lift, dual batteries, Cooper tyres, ARB bullbar and on board compressor, UHF radio, and a HiTV entertainment unit which gave me radio, DVD, CD Bluetooth, reverse camera and GPS, also a Cameria for my Trakmaster.

Phill

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Do you need lift? Or just towing?

[drop bear Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close drop bear]

Hi Phill, have a 2010 TD GXL auto towing a 16.49 Jayco Expanda Outback. Have STD suspension, polyair bags fitted and use HR WDH as well. Put 18-20 psi in the bags and have the bars set to level the van in line with the level road height of the car. Drives and handles perfectly. Only extra advice is to throw those crap Std tyres away and fit a LT tyre. I have Cooper AT3 LT fitted and what a difference they make even without the van. Happy times sorting your decisions out. I had a ball