Finally gone to the dark side
Submitted: Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:15
ThreadID:
104108
Views:
2373
Replies:
4
FollowUps:
5
This Thread has been Archived
ajd18
Well it has finally happened, I have traded my 2007 patrol with all the goodies for a new Prado. While the Patrol had to be the best off-road weapon I have ever owned, it was let down by an inferior engine (even with the common rail mods), which sadly was the clincher.
The new Prado hasn't been off road yet I have started the mods, so far I have added a
snorkel, towbar, Black Widow drawers and cargo barrier.
Which brings me to the reason for the post, I am in a bit of a pickle whether to fit a TJM T13 steel bar or an ARB deluxe.
Any help would be appreciated.
Reply By: 515 - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:31
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:31
I have a Prado (have had two) and love it off road and on sand but your questions about bars leads me comment on a predicament I now have! I just fitted an ARB deluxe and had to remove my rated tow points at the front. The bar has no recovery points and ARB don't supply them either. This leaves me now with a bar but no rated tow position. ARB's answer is "take the bar off again or buty a winch".
To say I am not impressed is an understatement!
So this may make your decision easier!
Cheers
AnswerID:
517310
Reply By: Member - LeighW - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:33
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:33
Prado's had a problem where there was craking of the inner front mud guards, some believed it was due to battery weight, others said bull bars. I think from memory Toyota refused to fix some cars with the response that it was caused by fitting a non approved bull bar.
If I was you to try and circumvent any possible warranty issues I would only fit a Toyota supplied and fitted bull bar.
Considering how many Prado's are sold and the number that suffered this issues chances are you won't but better safe then sorry.
Cheers
Leigh
AnswerID:
517311
Reply By: steamfire01 - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:34
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:34
ajd18
I've had a love / hate relationship with ARB over the years, their products are great but their prices are always way over the odds, but it is clear that in the final analysis their bars are the best.
In my humble opinion a colour coded ARB deluxe bar and winch is the was to go. That's what I fitted to my new Patrol and it really lifts the look of the vehicle - I appreciate it every time I look at the setup, the standard black steel bars on other vehicles just look so ordinary.
Just go for it.
Stay safe out there.
Regards
TJ
AnswerID:
517312
Follow Up By: ajd18 - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:51
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 09:51
One of the issues I see with the ARB bar is that it just fits over the top of the plastic bumper which means it protrudes a fair way forward reducing the approach angle. The TJM is a replacement bar which fits a lot closer to the car.
FollowupID:
796949
Follow Up By: steamfire01 - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 10:12
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 10:12
Hi adj 18
I don't know which ARB bar you are talking about,
mine is a full replacement bar.
I have had a TJM bar in the past and their finish was fairly ordinary, it didn't take long for rust spots to appear from stone chips and it also rusted quite badly underneath, My "ordinary" black ARB bars also developed some rust but not as pronounced as the TJM bar. Maybe they are both different now.
Regards
TJ
FollowupID:
796951
Follow Up By: Steve M1 (NSW) - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 18:05
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 18:05
I also have the ARB bar on my Prado and have tow points as
well as tie-down points on the front. My bar is also a full replacement bar and have never heard of one that just covers the existing plastic. I'll agree they know how to charge for their gear. Perfectly happy with my bar and the cracking appears to have been addressed but the best thing you can do (steamfire) is to join the pradopoint website because htere's little or nothing you won't find an answer for with those guys. (or just try googling the issue and it might take you to discussions) LCOOL also has a prado section. For specialist info you won't do better. Good luck with it - I'm sure you'll sort it out.
FollowupID:
796991
Reply By: The Landy - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 10:03
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 10:03
I am currently in the process of purchasing a Toyota 79 Series Dual Cab to replace The Landy; in fact I should take delivery next week.
On factory fitted versus after-market parts, I weighed this decision very carefully, especially as I have elected to take out an Extended Factory Approved Warranty. In the end I have fitted, as far as practical, all factory approved parts and accessories to ensure there is no debate in the future about non-factory approved accessories.
It is fair to say some, if not most, after-market parts may be of a better quality, but the reality is still it is probably at the margin, so why jeopardise the warranty?
Mind you, there will be an after-market
suspension and GVM upgrade, other than that, all factory fitted and approved.
AnswerID:
517313
Follow Up By: ajd18 - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 10:28
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 10:28
My problem is that Toyota don't have a steel bar for the 150 Prado, only an alloy bar that looks pretty crappy.
FollowupID:
796954
Follow Up By: The Landy - Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 12:12
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 at 12:12
I guess in that case you need to do what suits you best. The only question I’d have is why they don’t have a steel bar for the Prado 150, as they make them for other Toyota 4x4.
FollowupID:
796959