Setup for Caravan Towing

[Hayds09150 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Hayds09150]

Hi All
Just after any advice/ recommendations people may have in regards to making modifications etc on a V6 Petrol 150 in readiness for touring and towing a 2t van .
Car is a 2009 GXL 200km V6 Petrol - from what I can see only extras on the car is a factory Toyota tow bar and a Redarc tow pro controller nob on the lower right side of the steering wheel haven’t been able to locate the box but assume it’s all connected as the dial lights up when I press it).

Absolute newbie to caravanning and Prados so help and guidance from actual experience would be appreciated rather than being sold unnecessary stuff by a salesman.

Have been told about suspension gvm upgrades , airbags, trans coolers, bullbars , lift kits, OME, Dobinsons , Lovells , ARB, TJM etc etc etc . Mind blown !!

Btw have two kids , no intention of major off roading, just maybe the odd beach and caravan parks - so mainly town and highway driving.
live in Adelaide, so any local mechanics , fitters etc that people can suggest would also be much appreciated.

Hope people can help us enjoy our new purchase as much as possible.
Thanks in advance

[Black 120 GX Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Black 120 GX]

Hi Hayds09150,
Much depends on the size of caravan you are looking to tow. The bigger the van the more you will need to do. Most vans you should be able to tow without doing much at all.
You may find the rear sags when you connect up the caravan, this can be corrected with WDH, or airbags or suspension upgrade or a combination of. I tow a 20ft van with a 2020 manual Prado,I have a suspension kit (mostly for 4WDing) and airbags. I don't use a WDH. I also have an anderson plug to run the frig when towing, and a second anderson plug for the electronic stability control. GMV upgrade have not needed, but tend to pack light as possible. Transmission cooler, I have a manual so no need for one.

Steve

[Staffo2009Prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Staffo2009Prado]

I have the same vehicle as you. Love my V6. Not great economy with a big van on the back but it tows it beautifuly.

I tow at 20ft on road Jayco Starcraft weighing when its full 2300kg. Prior to buying the van I replaced my old worn out suspension with new standard oem suspension. I wasn't interested in a lift etc as we only do the odd beach run and dirt road, so kept it all standard. With the van on the back the rear sags on the border line of needing to bring it back up. That could be fixed with a wdh hitch but they come with negatives and positives or airbags or stiffer rear springs.

Currently leaning towards a set of air bags but have not bitten the bullet yet. We did a 4000km round trip at Easter time with the van and as said before, it was a dream towing the van.

My suggestion would be to see how you go first. Do you have a van yet? You may not need to do anything as you may find you have minimal sag and things tow beautifuly the way they are.

[Hayds09150 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Hayds09150]

Thank you for the responses.
Have spoken to a few places who have recommended the suspension upgrade with the airbags .
Don’t really plan on going over 2000kg for the van just to be on the safe side and to also try what I know will already be not great fuel economy .
Just a matter of maybe deciding on suspension brand to go with . Have posted something else regarding this - Old man emu , Ironman or Dobinsons .
Again so much stuff for a newbie to 4WD cars !!