what modifications do you recommend?

[skam Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skam]

Hi Guys,

I just recently bought a second hand 150 series 2014 GXL. It has no modifications at all just yet.

What modifications would you recommend to get it ready for the purpose of towing a 1.7 tonne camper van and a bit of off-road driving.

the kind of things I'm considering are:
suspension
compressor
extra battery
bull bar
winch
2way radio

Looking forward to your advice

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

Looks good to me. Just add a recovery kit and a first aid kit.
Leave the winch till last on that list.


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[BiLLz0r Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close BiLLz0r]

Since you're towing I'd upgrade the suspension first with a decent tow bar.
Next would be tyres. The stock Grantrek's suck.
Next would a bullbar (winch capable so it can be added later).
2 way's are handy, especially if traveling with others.
After that it's up to you.

[Mattfunk 120 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mattfunk 120]

Yep a lift and tyres will pretty much get you anywhere. If your camper has a battery I'd look at a dual batt setup in your vehicle and wiring a Anderson plug to your tow bar to charge it . You will also need to get yourself a brake controller and wire it to your trailer plug.(off crank battery).That should get you started
Cheers Matt

[bicter Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bicter]

If you're looking at dirt driving or river crossings, consider a snorkel and extending your diff/gearbox breathers.

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

If its an auto and towing, a transmission cooler may be a good investment.

[kenny5000 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close kenny5000]

Personally I would do the lift last as then you can compensate for the added weight of the barwork, the which and whatever other additions are made. Maybe airbags when suspension is done so you can keep a plush ride when not towing and so the rear doesn't drop out with the weight. I guess it all depends on how long you plan to take to mod the rig and how much you are prepared to spend. Just my thoughts but everyone has different ideas.

[Goggo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Goggo]

I just came back from a trip to Cairns towing my Jayco Expanda Outback and it weighs approx 1.6 tonne loaded, I had TJM Gold 2 inch lift and it was awesome soft ride and even when the vehicle is empty the ride is no different. Very happy. And the Prado pulled my van great, I got 900km on a tank. Great fuel economy.

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

skam this very question has been asked numerous times. Have a look through the various forum sections and some build threads.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Top 4 on averages:

DOBINSONS Lift
BFG A/t Ko
UHF
Bullbar.

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

Hi all,
Not going to start a new thread for this and clog up the feed. Looking to change a few things on my 2010 GXL and looking for a bit of wisdom.
I currently have an ARB steel bar and ARB roof racks (as well as other various minor mods). The end result is I want to add a suspension kit, rear drawers and underbody protection, and possibly in the future dual wheel carriers.
What my main question is, is in what order is the best for these items? I've heard that suspension should be the last thing done so that the amount of lift required is known since the car is already weighed down with all the accessories.
I've also heard that lifting can reduce the life of CV joints significantly, I don't want to lift it majorly, just a few mm would be handy. My other reason for suspension upgrade is I drive a lot on some quite serious corrugations and comfort/durability is something to be desired.
Thanks!

[skam Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skam]

Thank you all for your advice. Its been very helpful. I'm off to get some quotes.

JimmyC - I heard too doing the suspension last is a good idea, once all the dead loads are known.