First impressions from towing

[fish71 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fish71]

Hi there all,

We have just returned after towing about 500klm from south east melb up to eildon via the yarra ranges and I must say for the first prado being owned my impressions are great.
After owning a patrol prior, the 150 has significantly more grunt and torque up some good hills and found that when sitting on 80klm sports 4th was better than just in drive as it seem to hunt a bit between the gears but this was not an issue.

Handling with a 2 tonne trakmaster was impressive, a WDH was used and the ride was impecable, not sure what will occur after the suspension goes in.

After the comments surrounding the box overheating, this was not experienced and some hills were did push to see the performance.

Overall a very big smile

regards

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

Re: First impressions from towing

i have to agree, i towed back from my trip this weekend, for anyone in sydney that has ever driven back from wollongong, i drove up Mt Ousley (unsure of the spelling) but anyway it cruised up the hill in sports mode and 4th gear at 80km holding it quite easily. we were towing our CT going around 1300kgs.

not overheating problems at all

generally towing on the flat and around bends is quite comfortable and i don't notice the camper there are all.

dan

[trackers Member Find all posts View Profile Close trackers]

Re: First impressions from towing

Hi Fish,
What did you mean by "when the new suspension goes in"? Just curious, as we pick up our new prado today and also tow a van dt around 2200kg.
Cheers
Gunar

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

Re: First impressions from towing

one of the first things i'll be doing is putting in new suspension as soon as possible.

removing the standard suspension, and replacing it.

i believe he means the same.

dan

[trackers Member Find all posts View Profile Close trackers]

Re: First impressions from towing

What sort of new suspension will you be putting in?
Gunar

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

Re: First impressions from towing

i will more than likely be putting in toughdog coils and adjustable shocks.

dan

[Prado BB Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prado BB]

Re: First impressions from towing

i have to agree, i towed back from my trip this weekend, for anyone in sydney that has ever driven back from wollongong, i drove up Mt Ousley (unsure of the spelling) but anyway it cruised up the hill in sports mode and 4th gear at 80km holding it quite easily. we were towing our CT going around 1300kgs.

not overheating problems at all

generally towing on the flat and around bends is quite comfortable and i don't notice the camper there are all.

dan

that's pretty good dan. Last time I did Mt Ousley, I was down to around 50-60km (120 series) and I missed my XR6

[fish71 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fish71]

Re: First impressions from towing

Hi Gunar

As soon as ARB release the kit I will put in an OME with the sport shock and polyairs on a 50 mm lift, I had the sport shock in my GU and they were a fantastic product.

As we have an off road van I do not want to use a WDH whilst off road so a stiff rear will be required.

I am setting this up for the GT central road Oddnadatta hopefully this year

regards

[trackers Member Find all posts View Profile Close trackers]

Re: First impressions from towing

Hi Anthony,
Thanks for that. We had polys on our patrol and they were great for towing. How much does your van weigh?
Cheers
Gunar

[fish71 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fish71]

Re: First impressions from towing

Hi Gunar

Fully loaded about 2 tone and 170 ball weight

regards

[Lazie Frog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Lazie Frog]

Trip report towing

Trip report towing caravan (1.6 loaded)

Prado 150 Diesel 6 speed manual 1200 kms on clock this our first trip with new tug very very happy with performance so far.

Shellharbour NSW to Lake Entrances VIC filled tank 100 litres 656 kms
Up to Bright VIC (via great alpine road) Bendigo Vic filled tank 130 litres 1010 kms
Bendigo to Mt Gambier SA (via Halls Gap) to Adelaide SA 212 litres 1670 kms
Adelaide SA to Port Augusta 57 litres 375 kms
To Port Lincoln via (Whyalla, Cowell) 76 litres 680 kms
Back to Port Augusta (via streaky bay) Strong head wind all the way
computer said empty 10 kms out from Port Augusta 133 litres 933 kms
To Gawler SA (via flinders rangers for some off road driving) 106 litres 1004 kms
To Echuca Vic (via Swan Hill) 112 litres 777 kms
Shellharbour (Home) 100 litres 840 kms


1026 litres 7945 kms = 12.91 l/100km or 21.9 mpg


:mrgreen: Lazie