New 4WD recommendations wanted.

Thanks Cruiser, I hadn't thought of a Colorado. Will definitely check them out though. What is their towing capacity?
Cheers
Leanne

3000kg braked, 132Kw, 470 Nm torque, 6 speed sports auto, hill start assist, hill decent control, traction control, bluetooth, MP3, Iphone/Ipod connection, auxillary input, cruise control, split aircon, 7 seater with 50/50 split on 3rd row, 60/40 split on 2nd row, blah blah blah and thats just the standard LT model

Leanne W
If you don't like the chassis on utes, ie Colorado, then a Colorado wagon is possibly the same chassis.

Best to check that out.

Thanks Ross. Will do.
Leanne

Gidday
Colorado 7 rear suspension is a five link with coils and live axle, not the leaf springs of the ute.

Cheers.

Utes bend their chassis because the cab stops short of the rear axle and does nothing to limit flex. So a Colorado wagon, like any other wagon should be OK.

How long have you had your Jeep? Has it been reliable? What are the servicing costs like? We may be able to get the 20" wheels swapped for 18" wheels so I haven't totally discounted a Jeep yet.
Leanne

I have had the Jeep since new in 2008. It hasn't given me any trouble, having said that it hasn't done a lot of offroad miles.
We use it to go offroad and 4X4ing when on holidays, but most of its miles have been towing a 2ton van. Towing is what it does really well, comfortable tons of power and reasonable economy approx 16-17l/100km actual not indicated.
If I was going to spend most of my time 4X4ing and travelling outback corrugations, I would get the Pajero.
I feel they would be more robust, than the Jeep. I'm not saying the Jeep hasn't got a brilliant 4X4 system, it has, I've taken mine up hills that only vehicles with twin lockers would get up. It's just the Jeep is a bit plasticy, I'm sure bits would fall off the body.
As for servicing, since the warranty ended I do the oil changes myself, so it is no dearer than any other diesel.
Parts from the dealer are stupid prices, but I've noticed they are dropping, as most people are buying them direct from the U.S.
But I also know parts for VW, Toyota and Land Rover are sky high also.
It is the first Jeep I've owned, would I buy another? Yes

Hi Paul,
I have the genuine Mitsubishi tow bar which I can turn upside down to change the hitch height. I have the most problems with our camper trailer (that has a treg hitch). If the tow bar is in the lowest position then the front end of the camper is quite low, and if I need to put the jockey wheel down, sometimes I have trouble. The rear door will open a bit though (about a foot). In the higher position, the camper tows more level, but the rear door will only open a couple of inches. Since we have a cargo barrier fitted, the only way into the cargo area is through the rear door.... very frustrating.
The horse float (with a normal tow ball hitch) isn't as bad, but it is still annoying.
I know there is a spare wheel lift kit, but I am not convinced it will be enough to help in my situation.
Cheers, Leanne

Hi Leanne, we had a Trig Hitch . We had a genuine towbar too & had a non std tongue that was a bit longer also. This allowed us to get the Trig pin in with the door closed or open. We towed an outback expanda so was pretty high but sat level with this setup. I think you just need to experiment with different tongues. Still think the Paj is best value for money
Good luck with it
Paul.

What is the ball weight when towing 3T with the Challenger? The NT Pajeros are rated to tow 3T but only with a ball weight of 180kg. Not ideal IMHO.
I agree the Mitsubishi's are good value for money. Comparing the Pajero to a Prado you get more features for your $$$.
Leanne

Ball weight is 250kg. Tows more stabler than my old Disco three TDV6 but is a little down on power to the disco. Torque is 360Nm for the Auto and 400Nm for the manual. We have just spent 6 weeks in Tassie and it towed brilliantly.

Ditto for the Prado although I would have some reservations about towing 2.5 tonne consistently. Not sure about rating of 150 series.I have the 120 diesel auto and find it extremely useful as a 4wd in bush and on sand. Have fitted a few mods but inclined to suggested most useful is suspension if clearance or weight might be an issue. Drives extremely well, quiet and comfortable. Very economical in standard form. Excellent touring vehicle. Previously owned Pajero which I was also extremely happy with.

Good luck with the decision making.

Hi Bob and Peter,
I checked out the Prado when I bought my last Pajero (2008). At the time the Pajero had more features for the same money. I'm not sure if that is still the case, so will have another look at them. The Prado also has the same rear door opening as my Pajero... I also worry that I would have the same issues with it getting stuck on my hitch as my Pajero.
Leanne

The Prado is a nice refined vehicle, just a bit underpowered at 127Kw and 410Nm.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/53489/toyota-landcruiser-prado-review-road-test-2/

I've used my sisters Prado towing the van and it seemed to struggle, otherwise a really nice car.

Quote from the above link "The diesel engine struggles to keep the Prado’s 2.4-tonne weight up to speed with traffic. Considerable throttle is required to keep the Prado moving with the flow of traffic – especially with a full load of passengers on board. It would have been nice to see some more torque out of this carry-over engine."
Me thinks the tester may have taken something prior to driving this vehicle that made his right foot feel much lighter than it really was. Either that or I have some special performance engine that was snuck into mine by mistake. Granted the test is 3 years old but there is no way my standard car lacks power, torque, or acceleration. It has done 15000k, 10000 of that at the almost Gross Combined Mass. I have yet to find a hill that it has struggled on including our local Macquarie Pass so, as usual, you just cannot beleive everything you read from these test drivers.

"Toyota claims to have improved handling with the new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). KDSS claims to electronically modulate individual suspension members to provide a flatter ride through corners and to help absorb bumps off-road."

I'm not sure what this tester had done prior to driving this vehicle but he certainly has no idea what KDSS is. In no way is it electrically linked to the suspension. It is an hydraulically controlled anti sway system that is attached to one end of the front and rear sway bars. It is interlinked between front and rear with a fluid tube similar to the old BMC hydralastic suspension fitted to Mini's, Austin 1800's etc

Like I said, Take one for a test drive. Cheers,Bob.

Hi Alll
The base model Jeep Grand Cherokee (Larado) has 18 inch wheels -- I have just fitted BFG All Terrains to mine.
Very pleased with mine, no problems so far.
Very powerful diesel at 177 kw & 550 nm.
Bob

Thanks Quincy and Bob.
The Jeep is back in contention now I know we can get 18" wheels. Have either of you checked out the 'Trail Hawk' model?
Quincy, what is in the adventure pack?
Cheers
Leanne

Hi Leanne
Don't know 'Trail Hawk' model
I optioned 'off road adventure pack' & 'quadra-lift air suspension'

adventure pack = towbar/electronic limited slip rear diff/heavier rear drive shafts/steel bash plates under engine, trans etc

quadra-lift air suspension -- as it says air suspension, height ajustable for off road, 3x settings + sport mode, self leveling in the rear.

Also got chrome stying pack -- chrome mesh grill and other shiny bits and roof cross bars thrown in --- $62k all up

Had to wait six months to get it though!

Regards
Bob

Hi Bob,
The Trail Hawk is a limited edition model. If you go to the Jeep website, click on models, then limited edition, it should come up. It sounds like it has the adventure pack and the air suspension. I'm not sure about its other specs. The local Jeep dealer has 2 in stock so I will have a good look at it. The interior doesn't look as comfy as the other Grand Cherokee models though.
With the air suspension - does that help with a sagging rear end when towing, or is it advisable to get the suspension beefed up a bit? My Pajero drops in the rear end so needs something done.
Are there any other after market mods you would recommend?
Thanks
Leanne

hi quincy.
how many kidss do you need to load the van to 3 ton. how do you stop them frm moving once you have them stacked inside???

Hi Leanne
I have seen the trail hawk but did not realise what it was -- looks like a good package but at $68k needs close comparison with laredo+options.
It comes with all-terrain tyres which could be worth $2k here to fit (18")

There is a new model release in June -- may be worth the wait?

I do not think you can 'beef up' air suspension and will self level to correct droop by hitching up a van or other loads -- I have an Avan (2 tonnes) and works fine with that.
It has the max of 3500kg towing capacity in the diesel models (or the V8 petrol)

I have fitted side steps & nudge bar -- stainless steel off ebay!
Have not found a snorkel to suit but a cargo barrier is available.
regards
Bob

The new model is apparently getting an 8 speed transmission.

Hi leanne, the grand i got is with the air suspension and its awesone. towed a big boat the other day and it just lifted itself to level and when i took the boat off it went down to "normal ride height"...as an extra you pay for the option , but with the trail hawk it comes as a standard. only downside like bob has said there is no snorkle currently..i have spoken to arb and there in the process of developing one. you just need to buy one so you can put a sticker on the back "she brought a jeep" !enjoy quincy

Hi Quincy,
We drove a Trail Hawk yesterday. It was great. The air suspension as you say is fantastic. The dealer wants $71k for the vehicle though. A bit pricy, but he reckons demand is greater than supply at the moment plus there were only 160 Trail Hawks brought into the country. I prefer the interior and exterior of the Limited and Overland, but we have got buckley's of getting either with the adventure pack and air suspension, so it has to be the Trail Hawk. I don't really like the decal on the bonnet, but it is growing on me. The dealer says it can be removed if we want.
When you put the boat on yours, did the vehicle automatically lift itself, or did you have to press the button?
Thanks for your input.
Cheers
Leanne.

Hi Leanne, yes the truck just did its thing without pushing any buttons when there was a load on the back. $71 for the trail hawk is a great buy mine was a little dearer as i got a bull bar on it and now have proper rock sliders as well (not side steps). as far as the decals thats the point of difference to the other grands ..so i would remove. enjoy. quincy

Hi Quincy,
Do you have a weight distribution hitch? One Jeep dealer told me one couldn't be used with the quadra lift air suspension, but another said it could...... I have been searching on the net, but can't find a definitive answer.
Cheers
Leanne

Hi Blue,
We are after a new vehicle so it can be depreciated for tax purposes. Otherwise a 100 series would be great.
Cheers
Leanne