Tweet
I have just purchased a 2010 GX 150 Series & have a couple of questions. I want to get some under car protection & I see Ironman produce the Kit for $396, anyone used these plates & how have they been? Also using the vehicle to tow a little Cub Camper, ball weight 760 kgs, on own 860 kgs. Prado is a 6 sp manual & the operators guide suggests any towing should only be completed in 5th gear. Given the nominal weight of the van whats anyones thoughts on towing in 6th. When going up to 6th RPM drops down from around 2700 to 2200 which to me would mean greater economy in 6th?
-
-
Fido666 has the ironman plates so track down her profile (she has a 150 build thread) and send her a pm. As for towing 850kg you will be fine in 5th or 6th but don't let the engine lug or struggle. I tow my off road box trailer which is up to 750kg (no brakes) and just leave the auto in D. As to whether 5th or 6th delivers better fuel economy you will need to test but realistically drop to 5th for uphill runs and leave it inn6th on the flat if it feels happy.My 150 build - http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?27423-A-Random-approach-to-a-Bluestorm-150-GXL-D4D-automatic -
Not sure who had what piece of paper in Toyota who decided to write off top gear.......
Anyway subject to engine load & speed / engine rpm use whatever gears are right for the job your doing.
Bushskinz have a great bashplate for the 150 check it out! 4mm tough steel plate!
I find the 3 mm plates get distorted too easily when used in real 4x4 tracks. It makes removal & in particular refitting difficult.
But I'm sure they are ok if you don't hammer them too hard.
Enjoy!Comment
-
I just fitted ARB plates to mine. They cost $435 without fitting, add $100 to fit. I fit them myself. After one outing they are holding up just fine.
As for towing, use 6th on the flat, but if under load, drop it back accordingly. Or slow down a little and use 5th for peace of mind. Given the weight of your trailer, I would use 6th and be mindful of changing down on inclines.
Cheers Brad[B]2010 GX ,D4D, 6 Speed Manual.[/B] 17x7.5'' +15 FJ Cruiser alloys, 265/70/17 Cooper ST MAXX, ARB bar, Tigerz11 winch, 2'' Dobbinsons lift, Superior front swaybar spacers, extended rear swaybar links, dual batteries, 65L Waeco, custom rear storage, cargo barrier, Fuel Manager pre-filter, breathers, UHF, Narva driving lights.Comment
-
For towing as others have said, just see how the car feels and you will know if you need to drop down a gear.
I tow a tandem Van weighing about 2300kg loaded up and it's very happy being in 6th on flats. Just change down before the hill to 5th or 4th or whatever needed.
Average about 15l/100 all the time except big head winds. Very capable motors these are. Also if you do leave it in 5th then you will have to also drop your speed as it will be too high in the rev range sitting on 100kph and will actually cost you fuel.Comment
-
Watch your weight, if you fit everything to the Prado you can you will be at your GVM curbside without you in the vehicle. I have opted not to fit plates although I do have 50mm lift. If you are careful when on lumpy stuff you will not have a problem without them and by keeping the weight down the Prado does not feel like it is fully loaded all the time.Prado Polar White 150 GX 3.0 TD Auto. HR TB, ARB delux bar, Hella R2000 lights, Magnum winch, ARB 50mm lift, BFG AT 265/70R17 on 71/2" alloys, Alloy side steps, Rhino sport bars, Tint, UHF, Scangauge, Aux batt (ABR kit), Cargo barrier, 50l water tank, Storage system, Elec brake con. ARB compressorComment
-
The question being related to a GX gives a weight difference from Kerbside to GVM of 780kg which is the largest across the 150 range (down to 610 on the higher spec models) so I don't think underbody protection is much of an issue unless you bolt on every accessory known to be available.Originally posted by barajak View PostComment
-
I fitted the amts bash plates on the weekend. Great product and easily fitted. Search amts bash plate and have a look.Comment
Comment