Prado 2022 Electrical Mods

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

I did the same using load cells for my old 90 series and it also had close to 50/50 weight distribution, seems like it is the Toyota way

[fj2prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fj2prado]

Since I posted the weights, I weighed the Prado myself out of interest. I have a Reisch weight Scale mainly for the caravan, it has a +/-3% accuracy, which is 15kg over 500kg. I ran each wheel over the scale 4 times, took an average for each wheel, then totaled that for the new weight. I also removed my weight as the dealer had no driver onboard. With the false floor, drawer, battery, Travel Buddy, fridge slide, added electrics and now a UHF fitted, the new weight is 174kg more, most on the rear wheels. The fridge will add another 24kg. All up the Reisch scales would read 2550kg with the Engel and no driver. I'll be interested to see if it is close to the dealer weight in April.

If interested I did an easy option install for the UHF. I got a Uniden 5060 from Repco, on special to Road service members $224. Can do pics as it is screwed to the rear drawer, uses the Aux Battery, a Mic extension Cable and a small Mag Antenna on the roof bars.

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

Unfortunately using a single scale is not accurate but it should give a good indication though. You need at least two scales to measure axle load to have reasonable accuracy, obviously 4 is ideal.

Lee

[fj2prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fj2prado]

True to an extent, however, 1, 2 or 4 weight transducers, in my opinion, make little difference. If there is an error tolerance per pad it is cumulative, which is why I do several passes to average the reading, then add one wheel weight to the opposing wheel weight to get axle weight, then both axles to get Kerb weight. As I mentioned, once the Prado is weighed at the dealer, I'll do a comparison check with the Reisch to indicate any variation. Then the Caravan's 2 wheels and ball weight. Added to the Prado will give me total GCM. Once that has been done I'll put the whole lot on a weighbridge to compare that method.

Might look like overkill, but Toyota weighing, Reisch and then weighbridge will give me confidence in; a. Not being overloaded in any of the Specified limits and b. The Reisch scale readout accuracy.

If in a Car-Trailer combination, either the tug or trailer is overloaded and an accident occurs, comprehensive insurance on both will likely be voided. Which means losing around $150k in my instance. Not withstanding the safety implications of all involved.

[fj2prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fj2prado]

Here are some posts on the Uniden UHF install - A small magnetic mount antenna on my roof bar is what suits my use, generally highway driving and hilly bushland. I got a galv steel bracket from Bunnings, drilled a couple of holes to suit the T bolts for the roof rails, rather than on roof, plus it is slightly higher. The Antenna is easily removed and tucked into the magazine pocket behind the driver seat. The cable is tucked behind the rubber seal under the rear door kick plate to the the rear of the 2nd row seats. The base station is screwed to the rear of the XTM drawer and powered from my added power setup previously described.

[fj2prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fj2prado]

The Uniden came with a 1.5M Mic extension cable which is too short. I got a 2M extension from Electric Bug (Adelaide). It runs from the rig under the 2nd row seats, between the driver seat and centre console. I have rear floor mats, so to cover the cable I tucked some marine carpet uner them and over the cable. (Left over from the false floor build) The female of the ext cable is Gorilla Taped to the centre console.

[fj2prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fj2prado]

I couldn't find a Uniden Magnetic Mic holder locally, however a GME fits perfectly and I got one from Repco. Using the Adhesive pad supplied it is stuck to the storage area door flap above the 4WD controls. Care needs to be used when positioning it; a. so you don't drop it behind the open door as it's a pig to get out. and, b. To allow the door flap to open and close.

Job done - No need to run cable through the firewall or find power under the Dash. I do have a 3DB bull bar antenna (in the shed), the mag antenna is also 3DB and being higher should work as good as if not better.

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

I took out the 3rd row seats and saved around 45 kg. Then, before buying our offroad hybrid caravan, I loaded the Prado up with everything it would normally carry when towing the van plus filled up the fuel tanks. Then weighed it (without me and the missus) on a public weighbridge: 2,460 kg. With us (160kg) on board and with 250kg on the towball, the GVM would be 2870 so we're 120 kg under the GVM limit.

[fj2prado Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fj2prado]

I'm still to weigh at the dealer (next week), however put it on a weighbridge last week, with the Engel now installed and me in it 2,600kg. Then add 180kg ball and another 50kg of gear 2,830kg = 160kg spare with 3rd row in.