Towing with std suspension

[NewK Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close NewK]

Hi, I am looking to buy a Prado 150series D4D. I currently tow a Jayco Outback Swan with a Series II land rover discovery :shock:

Now I know that the Prado will tow the Swan with no problems but how do people think it will go with the standard suspension?

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Re: Towing with Prado

Hi Newk,

Welcolme to Pradopoint.

Can't comment on the 150,..... but I would think essentially fairly similar setup to the 120.

We tow an Outback Eagle and I would say you will need either Polyair bags, or a stiffer rear spring if you want the Swan to sit level (and behave itself).

We opted, as alot of people here have, for a Billstien / Lovell suspension upgrade all round as well as the Polyairs. Sits level and tows beautifully.

[NewK Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close NewK]

Re: Towing with Prado

Hi Rob, new to PP but you may recognize the name, albeit slightly abbreviated from myswag.

Do you think the airbags on their own would be ok to strart?

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Re: Towing with Prado

Certianly worth a try,

I had my Polyairs installed with the suspension upgrade.......

Here's a question for someone who knows more than me....... Can the Polyairs be installed successfully without taking the springs out?

I would think if the springs needed to come out, you would do the springs at the same time......

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

Re: Towing with std suspension

NK, checkout viewtopic.php?f=20&t=722. this installs the airbags into the 120, but is essentially the same suspension setup.

dan

[mickmac_42 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mickmac_42]

Re: Towing with std suspension

The wife tows a horse float which causes almost no visible drop in standard ride height. Hope this helps.

Mike

[Bundyman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bundyman]

Re: Towing with std suspension

I tow a 1.8-2.0T caravan with no problems at all with the standard suspension. I use a very basic weight distribution system and the cars rides level and feels very safe. The van also rides as well behind by LR discovery 1 Tdi, but it wont go up hills as well!!!

When the suspension feels old it will be replaced with a quality aftermarket lift kit, but for now standard will do.

[trackers Member Find all posts View Profile Close trackers]

Re: Towing with std suspension

Hi,
We tow a 2.5t full caravan. We have rear bags fitted and it tows like a dream. In addition we use a Hayman Reece weight distribution hitch, and it sits perfectly level. Your standard should cope with your lighter van no probs. Hope this helps.
Cheers

[KJA Member Find all posts View Profile Close KJA]

Re: Towing with std suspension

Trackers,
Are you towing with a 150 petrol or D4D. I'm interested that you say that the 2.5t van is not an issue. Is it auto or manual?
I'm hoping to tow our 2.0t van with our 150 D4D auto and I inteestd in anyone sharing with me the best setting to use i.e. drive or sports mode?
Ken

[penguin Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close penguin]

Re: Towing with std suspension

I'm hoping to tow our 2.0t van with our 150 D4D auto and I inteestd in anyone sharing with me the best setting to use i.e. drive or sports mode?

Ken, I tow a 1.5 ton van and use sports mode and leave it in '4'. The owners manual says that to tow in 'D' can cause the transmission to overheat. I just got back from a 2000K trip with the van and, using '4' all the way, I managed a reported 12.5 l/100km.

Mike

[KJA Member Find all posts View Profile Close KJA]

Re: Towing with std suspension

Thanks Mike.
If I can get 12.5l/100km I'll be really happy. With the old 90 series 3.4 petrol engine towing the van I was lucky to get 21l/100k. A bit more beer money at the end of the day. Interesting that trackers replied to a post on the general thread and indicated he used "D" to tow the caravan. I think I will be more comforable with "S" mode as the use of engine breaking is so easy and will stop overheating of the brakes but then there is the transmission to think of.
Ken

[Kaka do Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kaka do]

Re: Towing with std suspension

G'day
I have just completed a 3000km trip towing the camper trailer, on and off road. All done in drive without a single issue. The manual says that you may get ENGINE overheating, doesn't mention the transmission overheating. It then goes on to say if this occurs use the "S" position. Fuel average t so far is, Towing 12.3l/100km, Not towing 9.2l/100km, very happy

That said I have had the transmission re-mapped through Toyota at my 10K service just to prevent the transmission overheating problems as mentiond through out PP. It is a technical service bulletin that they will do if you mention the transmission overheating problem.