Friday, Jun 15, 2007 at 20:33
Rod
You may
well be correct in saying that the Prado can carry more load in standard form. Frankly I doubt that either vehicle would cope
well with standard
suspension at maximum load on a trip around Oz particularly if a few 'bumpy' roads are to be traversed. The problem with the Prado's
suspension as is common with other midsized 4WD's like the Pajero is that it is virtually impossible to maintain reasonable levels of wheel travel even with aftermarket
suspension when the vehicle is loaded up. The Prado's problem is also aggravated by the massive fuel tank behind the rear axle. It would no doubt be quite OK if the loads were smaller such as when towing a trailer/van (load in trailer).
This issue is rarely covered by the 4WD reviewers who generally load a vehicle with a couple of people with their camping equipment and food. It's a significantly bigger load when the whole family, food for a week or 2, extensive spare parts/tools plus camping equipment, fuel and water are included, all in the one vehicle without a trailer.
So a Prado would no doubt get you there but if the load is great an 80 series would do it all easier (with aftermarket
suspension). Mind you I would rather drive a Prado around town.
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