Towing with a 150 Prado

Submitted: Saturday, Aug 27, 2011 at 14:24
ThreadID: 88713 Views:2089 Replies:2 FollowUps:1
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Hi All,
anyone out there towing a 1.5 tonne Freedom with the new Prado ? I'm trying to find out if I need to adjust the tow ball to suit the van or will turning the T/ball upside down be enough, also how do you rate the 150's pulling power any hints tips appreciated,
Cheers,
Dave
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Reply By: skulldug - Saturday, Aug 27, 2011 at 16:46

Saturday, Aug 27, 2011 at 16:46
Hi Dave,

I tow a Freedom Outback 16.5 ft poptop that is a little lighter than yours with a 150 D4D. Pulling power is fine (better than my previous 4.7l Jeep V8) but I have chipped mine which makes it better.

Tow ball height is a different matter. With standard suspension and a HR tow bar, I needed a long tongue to get it to ride near level. I then added heavy duty TJM Gold lift kit (superb in every way) but the van was dropping badly at the back. I was unwilling to lower the tow ball height any further. I looked at under-slinging the van to bring the hitch up a bit but didn't want to decrease stability. I ended up getting Dario Caravans in Adelaide to weld a new steel plate on top of the A-frame moving the hitch up by a bit over two inches. They charged huge dollars for what seemed like a simple job so I won't go there again. The van now rides level but I can't use my WDH as the bars don't clear the bottom of the A-frame when turning.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. I think the 150 is a great vehicle and very capable off road but only after they have been heavily modified, if you can put up with the vibration at 1,500 rpm and intermittent flat-spots.

Cheers

Skull
AnswerID: 463649

Reply By: Mark C - Sunday, Aug 28, 2011 at 20:05

Sunday, Aug 28, 2011 at 20:05
Danda I tow a tandem poptop atm 2350 Kgs with 150 auto 3lt. Tows it well, I fitted firestone air bags and 2inch lifted suspension. You only need the airbags at a minimum without them the Prado is way to soft, I dont use a WDH either it is very stable on or off road.



Regards


Mark
AnswerID: 463739

Follow Up By: danda - Sunday, Aug 28, 2011 at 20:16

Sunday, Aug 28, 2011 at 20:16
Thanks Mark but WDH is a must here in WA I'm afraid, later I'll get decent tyres and quality suspension, still recovering from the initial cost, just got the towbar fitted, next month I'll do the Bullbar, I'm stuck with the Bridgestones so I might as well run the till I get a good set but as for towing you cant beat first hand experience so any one else have tips please feel frwee,
cheers,
Dave
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