New Set Up - looking for feedback

[tazz_sl]

Hi 4x4rs,

My partner and I have just ordered a Hilux SR 4WD double cab manual 2.8L diesel to tow our 550kg (empty) camper trailer. No kids to worry about, and wanting to get out far away from people and coronavirus....

We are saving for a canopy and drawer set up to go in the tray eventually, ha, but in the meantime have a hard tonneau cover for security and to keep what we have dry!
We've added a roof rack, a tow bar (obviously), snorkel and bull bar for the front so far, and have plans for addition of recovery points, bash plates and a winch before we go anywhere...
Does anyone have any thoughts on additions for newbie 4x4rs that might help us out? Any thoughts on the set up? Particularly keen for opinions regarding manual vs automatic when towing, if any difference or just personal preference.

We aren't planning suspension or GVM upgrades at this time, (but again this might come later if needed) and are going to take it slow to make sure we aren't those morons stuck out on the tracks in too deep for our noggins and experience to handle!!

Any thoughts gratefully received!

 

[discomatt]

After installing all the gear you want, fill the car with all the traveling gear, fuel etc , load up the camper trailer and hook that up, then go and weigh it.
I assume having just ordered a new 4wd you would know all the GVM and axle limits.
Then you will probably have to go and see a suspension specialist.
My advice is before you pick it up from the dealer list ever item you want to add to the standard car, even down to the tow bar and UHF and then get the weight of each item and add it all up.
A GVM upgrade before reg is a must have for 90% of new 4wds with your intention IF you want to remain safe and on the right side of the law

 

[cam04]

The new lux suspension in the SR’s is as good as it’s ever been which is nice - finally. We have a few of them. We have had great results with a local spring works just adding an extra whole leaf to the rear spring pack for $400. Once that is done they don’t sag carrying around 400 kg constant and have plenty of clearance. Winches and bash plates would mean you are in some extreme country, I’d just use the thing. With the rear locker and traction control you’ll find it is very capable out of the box.
Im not a fan of hard lids, I hope it does ok by you. Try to seal the tray as best you can or the tub will get a heap of dust in it.
The aisin auto box is my choice. I wouldn’t own a manual anymore. They are a great box and are in a few different models and brands. Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi all have them.

 

[John U]

Assuming the SR5 comes with highway tyres, better tyres, a Tyre deflator, and an air compressor are the one of the greatest bang for buck upgrades you can make to any off the showroom floor 4wd to enhance its off-road capabilities.

 

[Triton14]

We aren't planning suspension or GVM upgrades at this time, (but again this might come later if needed) and are going to take it slow to make sure we aren't those morons stuck out on the tracks in too deep for our noggins and experience to handle!!

Any thoughts gratefully received!

You will be surprised how the weigh starts stacking on & eats into you GVM!

Are you overweight

For those that have not seen this Reminds me on a recent trip, mate who had a Hilux blew two rear Coopers, he had a suspension upgrade (3ookg supposedly) but it was too light, the rear was riding on the rubber over riders and the tyres had no where to go Turned out with all his equipment, total...

4x4earth.com

Id suggest you write the weight down of every single accessory you add(then the ball weight when towing) & check what is included in the published tare weight.
Even fitting AT's added 50kg to my Triton, let alone the tow bar, bulbar, winch!

Plenty of good info threads on recommended mods in here if you use the search tab.
Again you will be surprised when you write a list about how much weight things will add-recovery gear, compressor, puncture repair kit, dual battery system, fridge etc.

I must admit I didnt keep track off all the stuff I added to the bare car & now I am having to get it weighed to find out what if the current weight without putting any gear in it for a trip.

 

[cam04]

Assuming the SR5 comes with highway tyres, better tyres, a Tyre deflator, and an air compressor are the one of the greatest bang for buck upgrades you can make to any off the showroom floor 4wd to enhance its off-road capabilities.

The SR that they have actually gets half decent Yoko AT’s in a good size. I’d have no issue heading straight off-road on them.

 

[John U]

The SR that they have actually gets half decent Yoko AT’s in a good size. I’d have no issue heading straight off-road on them.

That’s good.
Tyre deflator and compressor would be at the top of my list if planning to go off-road. Plus recovery gear, recovery points, etc.
Get a compressor/deflator before a winch.

 

[tazz_sl]

Perfect, thanks so much to all of you, that's really helpful. Found some great websites for helping us out too and will keep trawling the forums!