Tow Test in July (issue 443) edition Caravan World

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

Article over 4 pages by Tom Olthoff.

Test done towing a Lotus off road caravan (ATM 2020kg)

Comment s
1."The turbodiesel eseemed to have a limitless supply of power without the constant need for gear changing"

2"Around town motoring doesn't really show the additional grunt. You have to climb a few hills, accelarate smartly when overtaking or tow a load, to fully appreciate the improvements over the previous model"

3."The new Prado diesel is also quiter due to twin counter-rotating balance shafts and a larger engine cover. Additional sound absorption material keeps outside noise at bay, as does the acoustic windscreen glass"

4. "There is little or anything that you'd wish to change with a Prado"

5." With the Prado Grande that has rear air suspension, it is most important that you consult the owner's manual prior to connecting or disconnecting a trailer.

While the Grande is an excellent vehicle , my tip would be to go for one of the other models if you are considering serious towing. It makes life a bit simpler"

Can't wait for mine.

Pedro

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Tow Test in July (issue 443) edition Caravan World

5." With the Prado Grande that has rear air suspension, it is most important that you consult the owner's manual prior to connecting or disconnecting a trailer.

While the Grande is an excellent vehicle , my tip would be to go for one of the other models if you are considering serious towing. It makes life a bit simpler"

What he is trying to say is make sure you have the car turned OFF before removing a trailer as it will try to self level once the towball weight is gone.

I tow a rally car on trailer quite often and personally think the Grande is the best for the job of regular coupling/uncoupling.
Use the reverse camera to reverse right under the ball with suspension dropped to low. Then simply press the suspension switch to raise it to normal or High to pick the trailer up.
Get out lift jockey wheel,connect chains and lights and drive. Easy.

[PeteS Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeteS]

As for towing I would love the Grande self levelling system. My boss has a Grande and he tells me it's self levelling when he's towing his big boat work great.
My upcoming install of poly airs will be the best I can do on the GXL. ops:
PeteS

[Chippy Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Chippy]

I wonder - if I run the polyair bag airlines to the underbonnet compressor and a switch on the dash do I turn my GXL into a Grande ? :lol: :lol:

Yes - I would have loved the Grande but the wallet said, "Go for the GXL"

Cheers
Chippy

[PeteS Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeteS]

I wonder - if I run the polyair bag airlines to the underbonnet compressor and a switch on the dash do I turn my GXL into a Grande ? :lol: :lol: Cheers Chippy

Dam'n that's a great idea.
As a bonus you could sit at the lights and give a great impression as the Prado lifts up and down.

PeteS

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

I wonder - if I run the polyair bag airlines to the underbonnet compressor and a switch on the dash do I turn my GXL into a Grande ? :lol: :lol:

I know what would happen if I did this, I'd bump the switch and then wonder what the gun shot noises were for! :lol:

Drew.

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

You will need to set up the Polyarirs and compressor to get the rear end bouncing at the traffic lights like some of those rap (crap?) music film clips.