Prado suspension for Towing

Submitted: Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:15
ThreadID: 44623 Views:3356 Replies:7 FollowUps:4
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Hi all

I'm going to embark on a 4 month trip across the top next month with the family and camper in tow. I have a 2007 120 series Prado TD fitted out with most gear but am worried about the weight on the rear suspension. I was thinking poly airs but have been told they can fail. My brothers 100 series was recently upgraded with just rear springs to support towing his 2.5t boat with no apparent change in unladen ride for about $250.

So should I just upgrade the rear springs or spend the extra for polyairs?

Cheers

Tez
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Reply By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:28

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:28
What weight are you towing and have you considered Hayman Reese WDh?

Pedro
AnswerID: 235253

Follow Up By: tdv - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:31

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:31
I'm towing Aussie swag camper trailer which has a towball weight of around 100kg, plus roof rack and back of car with fridge and other gear for 4 people.

Can one of those hitches be used with camper trailer?
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FollowupID: 496317

Follow Up By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:34

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:34
I notice there are further posts below with suggestions.
You might need to phone Hayman Reese and their number is at bottom of link below

Towing tips and FAQ from HR

Also check with other Prado owners at

Prado Owners Community site

Pedro

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FollowupID: 496339

Reply By: Wizard1 - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:39

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:39
The standard suspension isn't up to the job, especially when you involve towing as well as the weight on and in the vehicle.

Polyairs will fail if you rely on them as the only means of taking up the extra weight.

Have a 95 series, fitted heavier (not higher) rear springs and polyairs. Been on now for 4 years including towing a caravan an all is good. I do use a WDH as well but the up-gunned suspension made a lot of difference.

AnswerID: 235254

Follow Up By: Teabag (Queanbeyan) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:47

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:47
From experience with Poly Airs on my past 3 vehicle and having done some tough terrain. This has all been done without one issue with the Poly Airs.....I think some of the issue with Poly Airs comes down to the install or incorrect spaces or lack of spaces when needed? I tow a Kimberley Kamper and they have performed exceptionally well....I've had them for years and will continue to do so.....I highly recommend them......
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FollowupID: 496321

Reply By: Teabag (Queanbeyan) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:07

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:07
tdv,

The big benefit with Poly Airs or similar is the ride can be adjusted to suit load and comfort......Going to heavier springs isn't a bad idea though everything is a compromise thus when he car is empty you will have a firmer ride......Poly Airs give you flexibility....
AnswerID: 235260

Reply By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:10

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:10
First, I don't have one of those vehicles. But, 100 kg on the ball is not a huge amount on the rear of the suspension. An extra wheel on a swing away bar or a long range fuel tank (full) would be more then that.
AnswerID: 235263

Reply By: tdv - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 16:18

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 16:18
After talking to 3 of the big aftermarket companies 1 said no way to polyairs and the other 2 highly recommend them. The problem with changing springs appears to be the firmer ones at the original ride height. I'm not after a lift as the kids have enough trouble climbing in now and I'd have to do all 4 plus shocks which adds up!

Best quote i have is $35 fitted for polyairs. Is that reasonable?

Tez
AnswerID: 235326

Follow Up By: tdv - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 16:28

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 16:28
Yeah that is cheap!

Whoops....$435...
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FollowupID: 496401

Reply By: Member - Arkay (SA) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 18:23

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 18:23
I can't make a reccomendation, but can only tell you our experience with a similar vehicle. We have a 1900kg tandem caravan with Hayman Reece WDH. The towball weight is about 230kg as I am a lousy loader and love the front boot (we have 2 x 9kg LPG cylinders for bush camping apart form evertything else). We also carry 40 litres of water & full camping gear and 6th. spare wheel on woof wack for when we leave the van & go have some 4WD fun. Anyway, we have done about 25,000km with this set up, no Polyairs (had some B4 and was not happy Jan), and no heavy duty springs (had some B4 and was very happy with them). We have had absolutely no problems with the suspension set up of the Prado which is rated at 250kg on the tow bar (with WDH) and 2500kg towing. If the manufacturer says that's OK, then pretty much it's OK with me too. Apart from which we have 6 years manufacturers warranty and anything breaks they can fix it at their cost without the excuse that our modifications caused the problem.
AnswerID: 235355

Reply By: Andrew(WA) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 21:00

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 21:00
I have had Polyair bags is two vehicles now. The last was my Patrol. Had it for 5 years, travelled GRR, Fraser, All around Oz towing 1.5ton van, always with full vehicle and 3 kids. I live in WA.

Never a failure. Highly recommend them.

They give you options depending on load and stop body roll in the back end without losing suspension benefits. Most of the time I run mine empty and only inflate when needed.

AnswerID: 235627

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