2013 DMAX Automatic

I'm not sure the Dmax will like towing a camper trailer through the Simpson. Just the vehicle OK but towing will be an extra challenge. Don't go alone if you are going there.

A Dmax with a lifted suspension and suitable tyres would be an advantage in some spots.

Took our 2011 D max on the Gibb last year - towing a camper trailer -- no problems. On return we did change the rear springs and fitted heavy duty with military wrap - raised the rear quite a bit. We went along the Tanami and Cape Leveque before the Gibb.

David - I don't own a D-Max, but I'm actually thinking of buying an auto D-Max as well.

I believe the D-Max is a very robust and well built vehicle (I have nothing to do with Isuzu, and I'm speaking as an individual here).

Isuzu specialise in building trucks, and they build good trucks, and they claim the D-Max is built with truck-design components.

Every component I've examined on them, appears to be built well.

I can tell you this much - any Isuzu component - particularly engines, that I've had apart, I've been impressed with the inbuilt design strength.
However, the auto transmission in the D-Max is built and supplied to Isuzu by an outside transmission manufacturer - it's not an Isuzu transmission.

The transmission is built by Aisin-AW in Japan and its nomenclature (model no.) is TB50-LS.
Aisin have a long and distinguished history of designing and producing auto transmissions for many dozens of manufacturers. They have a very good reputation.

This tranny is listed on the Aisin website as being rated for 450Nm torque and up to 4.5L engines. The D-Max engine produces 380Nm torque, so there's a good % of safety margin in the design.

http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/products/drivetrain/lineup/index.html

As to automatics in 4WD's - I owned a Toyota HZJ80 turbo diesel with an auto, for 5 yrs. I bought it new and did 170,000 kms with it - including a moderate amount of towing, pulling a tandem trailer. The HZJ80 auto was a 4 speed (3 speed with lock-up on 3rd for 4th gear).
The HZJ80 and the auto, never once gave me an ounce of trouble, and I'd have another one tomorrow, if I could find a new one.

However, there are a number of things to bear in mind with an auto.

1. They produce more heat than a manual transmission - particularly at low speeds under load, when the torque converter is slipping.

2. Autos are great for smooth power application, without shock loading. In general, auto trannys (and drivetrains) last longer than manual transmissions, because there is little shock loading, as happens regularly with a manual clutch.

3. For extended towing purposes, a transmission cooler is an excellent addition to an auto. Not only because they prevent overheating of transmission oil and therefore potential tranny damage - but because they also add another 2-4 litres of oil to the tranny total, and thus spread the heat buildup over a larger quantity of oil.

4. I personally wouldn't have any hesitation in purchasing and using a D-Max auto for the use you have in mind - but I'd be fitting the tranny oil cooler as a matter of course.

Just my .02c worth, I trust this gives you something to chew over.

Cheers, Ron.

Hi David C32,
We did a 10000k trip from Perth to Darwin via the Gibb with a new DMax auto last June towing a one tonne camper.
It is a fantastic tow vehicle with with plenty of power to pass road trains and pull up long hills.
We averaged 12.5k/l towing at 105k/hr as indicated by the GPS, the speedo indicated 10k/
hr faster. (odometer is reading spot on as measured between highway "mileposts" placed 10k apart).
No problems on the Gibb with the Dmax on std tyres. I did break the rear canopy window as I forgot to cover the glass.
I have fitted a large trans oil cooler with a fan and I monitor the trans temp with a Scangauge 2. I have not seen trans temps over 61 degrees C which should go well in extending the life of the transmission.
Regards
Scooby

As a suggestion, make sure you have sufficient battery capacity.



Auto's are too damned hard to push start.

Cheers,
Dion.

We have not long returned from a 15, 000 k trip to the Kimberley, GRR and the Gulf in our new LST D.Max. It was a great trip and the D.Max did it easy and very comfortable no problems. Our D.Max is set up with Sax susupension which has improved the ride greatly.
We towed our camper trailer and averaged 7.5KPL, we are now towing aJayco 17.55 Outback which it does easy.[gi]84736[/gi
We have now done 35, 000 Ks and it has just turned one, would we buy another if this one was stolen you bet I would.

Very interesting and reassuring reading as we have a new DMax automatic arriving next week. I did my homework online and around campfires and heard many positive comments like those in this thread.

This will be my first 4WD auto. The boss has a crook left leg and prefers autos now, but I'm also happy because I've just travelled the whole Canning in a friend's auto Prado and it didn't miss a beat, didn't overheat that we noticed and was (I have to admit it) actually easier to get across the softer dunes than my own manual Prado (which is being traded in on the DMax).

On the negative side, diesel consumption on the Canning was around 14L/100KM and I'm sure my manual Prado would have done considerably better than that. As an interesting sidelight, there was a new V8 Toyota troopie in the party (manual, of course, as they don't come in auto) and it also achieved about 14L/100KM!