Towing with a 150 Prado

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

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