Since purchase of the VX Landcruiser (LC) in mid 2012 we have clocked up 26,000 km, some towing our previous van and the rest on long distance country roads or around town. We are averaging just over 15 litres per hundred kilometers, with the non-towing average around 12 and the towing average up around 20 to 24.
It is amazing how much headwinds affect fuel consumption, particularly when towing. Alli always seems to cop the tail winds although she says it is my heavy right foot. If I use cruise control over undulating country there can be extensive variation in fuel usage. It will be good to have an extra 40 litres of diesel in the box on the Bushtracker.
In preparation for picking up the van we have made modifications that, we are advised, will ensure the LC is set up to tow what will be a heavier van than any previous. This post follows and explains those modifications, just for the record.
Shortly after purchase we had an additional fuel filter installed to ensure we always had clean fuel. These engines seem to dislike dirt or water in the fuel and there are stories around that crook fuel can lead to the complete replacement of an engine. We needed to take precautions more so around fuel than around spare parts. I'm not sure what I'd do with the spare parts anyway.
In addition, an ARB Bull Bar with a Warn winch was fitted, both precautionary. A Safari snorkel was installed to ensure we had clean and dry intake air, in both dust and through water crossings.
The fitting of the snorkel appeared to create an annoying wind noise over 80 kph. Assisted by ARB Maroochydore, we discovered that a small plastic cover underneath the rear view mirror was vibrating as the air deflected off the snorkel. A small strip of black gaffer tape soon fixed the annoying problem.
We also had an ARB compressor installed under the bonnet to service two rear airbags which we added to assist towing (see the inlet nipples on the plug photo below).
In addition, a Redarc electronic brake controller for towing was installed. I've modified the Redarc switch by gluing a plastic nib to it so that I can tell where it is set without looking. I have used the Redarc several times now and find it fine although some people say it is too sensitive.
We also had the wiring for towing installed, using a seven pin plug for the van, an Anderson plug for constant charge from the car to the fridge while driving....
... and a rear view camera plug that connected to a screen on the car rear view mirror. This is mainly for towing the van, a necessity as cars often slip in behind the van, out of sight of the extended mirrors. However it is also handy for hooking up to the van, balancing the view from the in-car rear view camera. The set up of cameras under the tail gate has to be off centre because the tail gate lock is centred, so they give a slightly distorted view which is annoying when you need to be quite centred.
We also had two high powered Lightforce driving lights fitted as well as a GME UHF radio with a high gain aerial.
All of this added over $8,000 above the price of the car.
Another couple of thousand dollars saw the suspension upgraded with OME nitrocharger shock absorbers and increased spring capacity both front (100kg) and back (200kg). This raised the car a little and evened out the dip being caused by the heavy front bull bar. It also improved both ride and handling while giving us about 3,500 kg GVM rating (up from 3,200 kg standard). However, the installer forgot to do a proper wheel alignment and a set of front tyres was scrubbed on the edge within 5,000 km. Fortunately, the installer admitted liability and we are negotiating replacement tyres. I'm actually looking for a contribution towards four 18 inch Bridgestone 697 Desert Duelers which I'd like installed before we pick up the van. These are the same tyres as will be on the Bushtracker and I believe their price will come down in the new year.
A further modification was the installation of a Steinbauer engine management module (see above next to the extra fuel filter), costing about $2,700. This is not simply a chip. It is and engine management module with a set of 10 chips that monitor performance and activate changes in the engine operation so that there is maximum torque while towing. The module provides on average about 25% better torque although in lower gears it adds up to even more torque above the standard. I believe the module has lowered fuel consumption while towing by about 5 litres per hundred kilometers, although I don't think it makes any difference unless the van is hooked up. It will be interesting to see how well the beefed-up LC tows the relatively heavy Bushtracker which will probably come in at 2,900 kg tare and 3,500 kg loaded.
While visiting Bushtracker in December we had Sound In Motion (Nambour) add in a twelve pin plug wired to Bushtracker specifications (see plug photo above). They also wired the rear view camera system into the twelve pin plug. In addition, I asked them to fit plug and play connectors to the driving lights so that I can remove them when not needed. I believe they cut down the air flow over the intercooler and add to the fuel consumption so I will only refit them just prior to driving long country distances at night.
I've just completed what I believe will be the final modification prior to picking up the Bushtracker. This is the installation of a set of Drifter drawers and a drop down slide for the Engel fridge. As part of the package I also installed a cargo barrier that will stop any objects from being flung around while allowing us to tie down the internal load if we need to.
The LC has several storage pockets that are useful. This one on the tail gate for example carries a medical kit, a tyre gauge and the remote cable and control for the Warn winch.
However, for off road camping I think I will need to be further prepared so there are several other items including tools that I think need to be taken along and stored.
I chose Drifter for this additional storage after looking at a range of options. Price ($2,400), weight, durability, finish, personalised service and the smooth flow of the drawers on Teflon strips all appealed. So too did the fact that the unit came with a portable table that we will trial as our main camp table, alleviating what has long been a storage nuisance.
Installation of the total package took a couple of days. We had to remove the two rear seats, with much of the fitting re-utilising both the seat bolts and their location nuts. We also had to remove the rear grab handles. All of these are now stored for reinstallation if needed at a later date. However, the complexity and time it took for installation militate against any interchange between modes, at least on any regular basis. The kids will have to use our shopping trolly car when they come over next time.
I've loaded up the drawers with all and sundry. All the car/van lubricating and cleaning gear, my tools, fire extinguishers, a trailer mate jack and other sundry items are all locked away but easily accessible. In particular, I won't have to have this stuff floating around in the cargo hold of the van. It is all secured in the car and I can access it whether at camp, on the road or at home. The deep drawers seem to take the weight easily and still slide well. Access is easy from the side of the rear tray so it doesn't matter if things are down the back.
The weight of the car with the storage, a full fuel tank and me in it is now a little over 3,300 kg. This means I can legally carry only about 200 kg of other gear which might include camping equipment and water all of which we will need if we are away from the BT for any time. I'll sure need all of the 3,500 Kg GVM the car now has.
Interestingly, the new GVM (3,500 kg) and the towing capacity of the LC (3,500 kg) together (7,000 kg) exceed the published Gross Combined Mass (6,800 kg) set by Toyota. I'm yet to resolve this anomaly and hopefully won't ever have to discuss it with a motor vehicle inspector. The Internet indicates that GCM is not a legislated requirement but is set as a guide by the manufacturer. If so, it probably reflects the conservative approach Toyota takes to a tug that is solid enough to go offroad into the Australian bush but generally knocks around in cities. It might test my bush lawyer skills if we are challenged by an inspector.
It is amazing how much headwinds affect fuel consumption, particularly when towing. Alli always seems to cop the tail winds although she says it is my heavy right foot. If I use cruise control over undulating country there can be extensive variation in fuel usage. It will be good to have an extra 40 litres of diesel in the box on the Bushtracker.
In preparation for picking up the van we have made modifications that, we are advised, will ensure the LC is set up to tow what will be a heavier van than any previous. This post follows and explains those modifications, just for the record.
Shortly after purchase we had an additional fuel filter installed to ensure we always had clean fuel. These engines seem to dislike dirt or water in the fuel and there are stories around that crook fuel can lead to the complete replacement of an engine. We needed to take precautions more so around fuel than around spare parts. I'm not sure what I'd do with the spare parts anyway.
In addition, an ARB Bull Bar with a Warn winch was fitted, both precautionary. A Safari snorkel was installed to ensure we had clean and dry intake air, in both dust and through water crossings.
The fitting of the snorkel appeared to create an annoying wind noise over 80 kph. Assisted by ARB Maroochydore, we discovered that a small plastic cover underneath the rear view mirror was vibrating as the air deflected off the snorkel. A small strip of black gaffer tape soon fixed the annoying problem.
We also had an ARB compressor installed under the bonnet to service two rear airbags which we added to assist towing (see the inlet nipples on the plug photo below).
In addition, a Redarc electronic brake controller for towing was installed. I've modified the Redarc switch by gluing a plastic nib to it so that I can tell where it is set without looking. I have used the Redarc several times now and find it fine although some people say it is too sensitive.
We also had the wiring for towing installed, using a seven pin plug for the van, an Anderson plug for constant charge from the car to the fridge while driving....
... and a rear view camera plug that connected to a screen on the car rear view mirror. This is mainly for towing the van, a necessity as cars often slip in behind the van, out of sight of the extended mirrors. However it is also handy for hooking up to the van, balancing the view from the in-car rear view camera. The set up of cameras under the tail gate has to be off centre because the tail gate lock is centred, so they give a slightly distorted view which is annoying when you need to be quite centred.
We also had two high powered Lightforce driving lights fitted as well as a GME UHF radio with a high gain aerial.
All of this added over $8,000 above the price of the car.
Another couple of thousand dollars saw the suspension upgraded with OME nitrocharger shock absorbers and increased spring capacity both front (100kg) and back (200kg). This raised the car a little and evened out the dip being caused by the heavy front bull bar. It also improved both ride and handling while giving us about 3,500 kg GVM rating (up from 3,200 kg standard). However, the installer forgot to do a proper wheel alignment and a set of front tyres was scrubbed on the edge within 5,000 km. Fortunately, the installer admitted liability and we are negotiating replacement tyres. I'm actually looking for a contribution towards four 18 inch Bridgestone 697 Desert Duelers which I'd like installed before we pick up the van. These are the same tyres as will be on the Bushtracker and I believe their price will come down in the new year.A further modification was the installation of a Steinbauer engine management module (see above next to the extra fuel filter), costing about $2,700. This is not simply a chip. It is and engine management module with a set of 10 chips that monitor performance and activate changes in the engine operation so that there is maximum torque while towing. The module provides on average about 25% better torque although in lower gears it adds up to even more torque above the standard. I believe the module has lowered fuel consumption while towing by about 5 litres per hundred kilometers, although I don't think it makes any difference unless the van is hooked up. It will be interesting to see how well the beefed-up LC tows the relatively heavy Bushtracker which will probably come in at 2,900 kg tare and 3,500 kg loaded.
While visiting Bushtracker in December we had Sound In Motion (Nambour) add in a twelve pin plug wired to Bushtracker specifications (see plug photo above). They also wired the rear view camera system into the twelve pin plug. In addition, I asked them to fit plug and play connectors to the driving lights so that I can remove them when not needed. I believe they cut down the air flow over the intercooler and add to the fuel consumption so I will only refit them just prior to driving long country distances at night.
I've just completed what I believe will be the final modification prior to picking up the Bushtracker. This is the installation of a set of Drifter drawers and a drop down slide for the Engel fridge. As part of the package I also installed a cargo barrier that will stop any objects from being flung around while allowing us to tie down the internal load if we need to.
The LC has several storage pockets that are useful. This one on the tail gate for example carries a medical kit, a tyre gauge and the remote cable and control for the Warn winch.However, for off road camping I think I will need to be further prepared so there are several other items including tools that I think need to be taken along and stored.
I chose Drifter for this additional storage after looking at a range of options. Price ($2,400), weight, durability, finish, personalised service and the smooth flow of the drawers on Teflon strips all appealed. So too did the fact that the unit came with a portable table that we will trial as our main camp table, alleviating what has long been a storage nuisance.
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| The drifter storage system installed with the MSA 4x4 D40 drop slide and the cargo barrier. The cargo barrier was suspended from both the former grab handles and a bracket extending from where the seat was secured. It tended to rattle from side to side and create noise. However, two brackets from the lower fitting each screwed to the drawer frame with three long wood screws cut down both movement and noise. |
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| The slide-out/down fridge provides easy access to food and beverages as well as securing the fridge inside the car. The slide is heavy and robust but it will be very handy. Having an additional fridge adds capacity for fridge or freezer when camping. However, its main purpose is to provide cold storage when we are away from the van. |
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| I chose to add a divider between the fridge and luggage compartment so that the fridge would always be free to slide out. I've secured the wooden carpet covered divider with screws to the base, with a customised metal clamp onto the cargo rack. I stopped the rattle of mettle on mettle by squeezing silicone below and above the clamp and letting it set. |
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| Note the wing installation and the side covers on the drawers are customised to the shape of the LC then covered in carpet supplied by Drifter. They fit neatly without being screwed into place and the handles allow easy access and replacement. |
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| Note that the table sits above the right hand drawer and slides out independently. It pulls out easily and its leg height is adjustable. It seems to be a good solid table and is well tucked away while being easily accessible. |
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| The side wings, made to measure with the fridge 240volt connection cut into the bed. Note the addition of the handle, one of four to give control over boards that are fitted but not screwed down. This work was fiddly but rewarding. We used a large can of spray on Selleys Kwik Grip contact glue to secure the carpet, which worked a treat. |
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| The side areas give additional storage. In this case, this is where I keep the Lightforce driving lights when not attached to the bull bar. You have to watch the fridge cable which tends to get caught amongst the fridge slide mechanism. On the other side I can stored various umbrellas and the large UHF aerial, all of which used to rattle around in the back of the car. |
The weight of the car with the storage, a full fuel tank and me in it is now a little over 3,300 kg. This means I can legally carry only about 200 kg of other gear which might include camping equipment and water all of which we will need if we are away from the BT for any time. I'll sure need all of the 3,500 Kg GVM the car now has.
Interestingly, the new GVM (3,500 kg) and the towing capacity of the LC (3,500 kg) together (7,000 kg) exceed the published Gross Combined Mass (6,800 kg) set by Toyota. I'm yet to resolve this anomaly and hopefully won't ever have to discuss it with a motor vehicle inspector. The Internet indicates that GCM is not a legislated requirement but is set as a guide by the manufacturer. If so, it probably reflects the conservative approach Toyota takes to a tug that is solid enough to go offroad into the Australian bush but generally knocks around in cities. It might test my bush lawyer skills if we are challenged by an inspector.
