5 MISTAKES I MADE BUILDING MY 4WD // Toyota Prado 150 (GX460)

[@seedias5961]

Great stuff here! The aftermarket people won’t be happy but half the stuff they sell gets used once or twice and cost vs benefit analysis is not logical. I have a 200 series which is also a daily driver. Other that remove rear seats it’s stock. Will put all terrains on when current tyres are dead. So have gone down same track you appear to be going. I did a portable 600w power station (Bluetti EB3A) to run the fridge etc and a false floor/ drawer system that is easily removed when not using. Fishing, camping,tool & miscellaneous gear are stored in under bed storage boxes with wheels in Garage. Which slot on top of drawer. I only pack what I need. I also awaiting delivery of a car tailgate tent shade/ awning for the rear which is lightweight. Probable crap but it was cheap. Have not needed a solar blanket as yet but on my list Enjoy the frankness and honesty of your approach- keep it up!

[@richardwalsh5570]

I am into minamilist camping these days Mark. Have gone back to this with new car and couldn't be happier. So easy to pack and unpack. Box for cooking gear, chair, fridge simple 2 person tent, inflatable mattres and sleeping bag. 10 minutes to pack and un pack. Can sleep In the Fortuner as well if weather gets crappy. It's nice waking up in the car in crappy weather. 👍 For fridge, don't need panels, good hybrid battery under the bonnet in cradle, Pirahna (the best only cradle to get, even has a guard brace to stop cracking and is cadmium platedcagainst corrosion, bolts straight into Toyota threaded holes) and redarc bcdc behind the grill. Uhf and extra usb wired direct, some plugs on a panel in the back and extra Anderson on tow bar. I researched batteries big time and bought a ac delco hybrid. Cheap as compared to some over priced ones and long warranty period. Very happy with the set up. 👍

[@NorthOz]

That’s a nice setup. Having both types of setups (fixed and flexible) I definitely prefer flexible. I’ll look into that battery and cradle. They sound solid 👍

[@richardwalsh5570]

@@NorthOz do mate, the Piranha cradles are quality. Hybrid batteries are the go too. The ac deco is 82 ah its great the most I stop for is 3 days. It runs my fridge for that easy. ,

[@dietmarhelms8799]

super honest and useful - I know exactly what you are talking about, mate. on my last Defender I also installed all extras that I could find - a snorkel, a winch, extra lights which I all never used. now I got a Prado and leave it just as it is

[@NorthOz]

Thanks for the comment! It’s good to meet other likeminded individuals on here. I’m glad you could relate 😊 Congrats on the Prado

[@EmreSayar-x3w]

The best way to add shade at camp is definitely through the use of a piece of shade cloth set up as you would set up a tarp. The key to its performance in hot weather is that the hot air passes through it. Stays way cooler and more comfortable, and almost feels like sitting under a tree!

[@NorthOz]

I haven’t thought of that. It makes sense. I’ll look into it 👍

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

mistakes are great because it's how you learn, improve and succeed 😃 great video 🇺🇸 ❤️

[@NorthOz]

Absolutely! As always, I love your input 👍

[@rich9903]

Hey Mark. I'm afraid I've well and truly gone the 'other way' in terms of my 2022 Prado build. I guess I'm at a stage in my life whereby I plan to move away from full-time work and get into regular touring, fishing, camping and caravanning trips with my family as often as I can leading up to a lap around and through the middle of Oz at some stage. I can vouch for the many warnings you and one or two other KZbinrs put out there about falling into the trap of spending major $$ on superfluous accessories (I've forked out an absolute motza) but I think it all depends on what the individual wants to actually use the vehicle for and whether or not the standard fit items meet those individual needs or not. For me, when fitting accessories to my Prado, I will only fit the best quality gear that's reliable and built to last, value adds to the general camping/touring experience and serves a clear purpose e.g. if I get bogged in the middle of woop woop with caravan in tow and my young family, I want the definite assurance that I can safely get us out ... with a winch (and bullbar) and the proper recovery gear. Ultimately, I believe it comes down to 'horses for courses'. I'll take a huge stab in the dark here and guess your next vehicle to be a LWB Hiace Van. Despite not being a 4WD, there is enough room inside them to have a small dance party complete with a rotating disco ball (if you're into that kind of thing). I guess I'll have to wait and see if I'm right 😁

[@NorthOz]

Excellent point Rich. It’s all about the needs of the individual and what they deem as necessary. For me, it’s light off-roading with a dozen weekend trips a year and a week or 2 away a year. I am building up to a lap around australia around 24 months from now, so there will be a bit more of a build happening for that. For now it will stay relatively stock.

[@commonsense-grs]

Well, your guess was totally wrong, just in case you and others haven't watched his latest video I will not say yet.

[@whiteunicornDR659]

I’ve had a standard awning on my roof rack for about 8 years - used it twice. Gazebo wins hands down as you Can use it in any location (not restricted to where your car is parked) and can attached walls, mozzie net, even tents

[@NorthOz]

Spot on. Awnings are great for reducing stuff to carry but gazebos are more functional

[@pjc3163]

Young man i think you might have convinced me to remove my bullbar from my 2021 Prado!

[@NorthOz]

It’s a big move but there is a reason why euro standards don’t allow the fitment of bullbars. I have one on my patrol but I’m looking at replacing it with a factory bumper. Just hard to find factory bumpers for old cars

[@peterskennerton5198]

I have a straight awning with an extension that can be attached to the sunny/ windy side for extra protection. An awning tent becomes my quick camp option for overnight stops.

[@NorthOz]

That’s a good idea. Is it easy to setup with one person? What brand did you go with? Thank you for you comment

[@peterskennerton5198]

Mostly a 1 person job for setup and packing away. Slowest part is the mattress to sleep on. Kalahari Black Awning and extension and the Ridge rider awning tent. Fairly cheap but reliable which is important.

[@NorthOz]

@@peterskennerton5198 Thanks! I'll look into it. Yeah the mattress is always a hassle haha

[@torashnal]

Great insight- mistakes are the best point of improvement. The best shade option for us has been the oztent awning- never needed an awning off the car.

[@NorthOz]

Thank you ashwin! I will look into that for sure. Much appreciated and thank you for subscribing 😊

[@johnnumbat9782]

Good insights Mark - I’ve bought another Subaru Forester XT and selling the Hilux/canopy so I’m adopting a less is more approach - my avionics background has allowed me to do my own dual battery system - I documented all the wiring diagrams (about 15) to be saved as an image before I pass them on to the new owners - the Subaru already has a cargo barrier for daily tasks but will build a small set of removal draws and one person weekender cooler using a slimline Lithium battery - if I was to go for another Toyota it would be a red Fortuner because the swing out Prado/Pajero rear door is a deal-breaker for me.

[@NorthOz]

Congrats on the forester! Very underrated in my opinion. That’s cool you do your own wiring. I did a small 12v solar build on this channel a couple of years ago but would love to delve into designed a more serious setup. I am reviewing a red fortuner right now so keep an eye out for that video. Good idea with the flexible setup, it’s the way to go. We think alike 👍

[@stevesorensen4x4]

Great video Mark. I use a XTM 2.4 x 2.4 metre square marquee from BCF. Easy to erect by one person and you can get 2.4 metre walls for it to expand the amount of shade. It’s also very compact when folded up. I have used mine dozens of times and it’s the first piece of equipment that I pack when I go camping. Good luck with your next build. Cheers.

[@NorthOz]

Thank you for the advice! I will look into them. It’s hard finding shelter that can be put up by one person. Much appreciated 👍

[@redcodtv6822]

nice to see ya again

[@NorthOz]

Likewise

[@jaredprice5997]

awning side wall has been great for me and the missus

[@NorthOz]

That would add a lot of functionality for sure 👍 Thanks for subscribing and commenting. It’s a good awning that I’ve used heaps

[@stuartferguson7947]

Not mistakes - they are all learning opportunities, we learn a lot more from so called “mistakes” than we do from successes.

[@NorthOz]

Thanks Stuart. Very true. I won’t be making them again and it allows me to advise others better too 👍

[@stuartferguson7947]

@@NorthOz - never stop pushing the limits and making so called mistakes, we don’t make progress without knowing what doesn’t work.

[@timfreeman2603]

I’ve got my 3rd 200 series in a decade and keep it pretty minimal so it works as a daily for family. 1. Roof bars are the go it allows easy way to carry surfboards, kayaks and timber. 2. Rear setup I remove 3rd row put additional tie downs in and it allows me to take bikes, furniture bags, boxes. Fridge needs to be tied down and comes out when not in use. 3. It’s easy to buy too much but it’s annoying to store too much. Don’t use it get rid of it. 4. I’d rather get a pro to install electrics. Can’t fix it but less likely to fail? 5. Shade is great but I’ve got a Oztent RV4 as a compromise to roof mounting.

[@NorthOz]

Thanks Tim! Great points. I’ll look into the oztent. There is something to be said about a flexible setup. It’s too easy to put all the fruit on and you are left with a vehicle that can only do one thing. The thinker can make their setup do everything they need it to and perform multiple jobs. Thanks for your thoughts Tim 👍

[@marioasunan270]

Good job mate... and thank you for your HONEST review!

[@NorthOz]

Thank you for the nice comment! Always appreciated and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for subscribing. I have heaps more videos coming soon

[@gavpurdy3066]

Great commentary! Love your insights ..Just a thought on a shade solution .. have you thought about a camper ? We’ve got a 10 year old Jayco Swan outback and it’s fantastic for the wife and kids .. buyers market so you’d probably pick up a good one for $20k.. goes anywhere and adds another dimension to camping.. then you can leave your car ‘As is’ .. then hitch up and tow away

[@NorthOz]

That’s a good point. The amount people spend on canopies to make them liveable. Might as well buy a caravan. I’ll consider it going forward for sure 👍

[@kizbot85]

Good video. With a solar blanket just make sure it's water proof. Most generally are not. I ended up going with a fold out hard panel setup (kickass 200w) on sale which will handle water.

[@NorthOz]

I’ll sus that out thanks. I wouldn’t have known about the waterproofing otherwise 👍

[@robstone4537]

I have been playing with ideas camping with my Prado and have reluctantly come to the decision that a Prado is not a camping vehicle. We like to go away at least once a month and loading up the vehicle and then cleaning it for daily use when you get back is a major ball ache. I am keeping my Prado, but am buying a used Hi-lux extended cab and going to kit it out for touring. If it gets scratched and dinged and full of dirt I will feel a lot less precious than I would with the Prado.

[@NorthOz]

Good point. That’s why I changed over to the hilux. Keeping it clean was difficult and I felt like I was destroying it by throwing stuff in there all the time. With the hilux, I just chuck everything in the back or on the rack and the inside stays mint (not to mention rattle free). It’s been a good change 👍

[@addhmann]

Really great video but yeh don't assume that your mistakes and your next solution is better. Yes you can go too crazy with draws so stick with one draw and slide on half keeping the other half boot for shopping etc. You say fixed solar no good - I can tell you I get better results from my 110w fixed panel than a 200w blanket - the thing with fixed is its working to some degree from dawn to dusk & you have to move a blanket around - windshield pointing in the right direction for 4 hours then what...Awning I have the cheapest largest awning I could get which takes no space in the car with one wall in sail track works a treat properly pegged down - you try packing one of those gazebo's, things in your car they are huge. Yes learn from mistakes and your video has really helped me but don't assume you now have all the answers, it will always be trial and error - thank you!

[@NorthOz]

Absolutely! Constantly learning 👍 Thanks for the ideas Adam

[@lindspeters]

Have a look at the ATG battery units light thin and portable. Also the nomad pdu units. That’s what I’m leaning towards as we only do short two days trips away and I find it is enough for keeping my fridge running. I’ve also gone/going a solar blanket which is easier and light weight. I also have a 2018 Prado and just love it!! Looking forward to whatever the next build is maybe another Prado hehehehe!!!

[@NorthOz]

I definitely will Lindsey. Thanks for the suggestions. Always looking for new products to suit my lifestyle. You will have to wait and see 😉

[@danielbeddows2089]

Nice review. I'm always thinking of the right setup for my prado which balances day to day needs along with camping trips. Looking at shade options still also. will see what others say.

[@NorthOz]

Good to know! Wagons are versatile but sometimes we have too many options haha. Check out the comments, we have a few good suggestions already 👍

[@stevieteeesadvfnq7381]

I have the same year Prado as you. Been watching your build. I'd been wondering why you had so much gear. Your right to thin the gear down some what. We all get carried away. I did with my old 100 series. Anyway I guess it just keep it simple. That's what I'm doing this time. Also with the roof rack if it's removable you can still just pop it on when going away. No need to have all that gear up there for a daily driver. Love ya channel, keep up the great content 👍

[@NorthOz]

Thank you for following along. I hope you learnt something from the experience like I did. I will definitely have some form of removable storage on the next vehicle so it isn’t “camp ready” all the time. But I will definitely make a system that isn’t a hassle to take camping on short notice. Removable options are good, thing like roof top tents being removable are good ideas. Again, I’ll probably just stick to the swag and keep it simple like you said. Thank you for the kind words and for your advice 😊

[@cdonuts7335]

Toyota Fortuner would seem a sensible choice for a young guy. Does pretty much everything off road that a Prado does, some things better being lighter. Has a 240 volt outlet plus the usual 12v. They are responsibly priced and low service cost.

[@NorthOz]

An excellent choice! Thank you commenting. They are brilliant vehicles. Thanks for subscribing and the reveal will be out soon 👍

[@martybell7930]

Drifta hexatarp. Easy to set up, lightweight, packs up very compact compared to a gazebo.

[@NorthOz]

Thank you! I just had a look at them and they should do the trick. Appreciate the advice 👍

[@thisplacebetween]

Hi, looks like a nice tarp. Do you think you could put it up solo, or do you need two people to put it up?

[@martybell7930]

@@thisplacebetween yeah easy to put up solo. There's an instructional video of the business owner setting one up.

[@Deacon_biscuits]

"I'll get Toyota to do the wiring" so I reckon a Hilux next. We swapped our Ranger for a Prado, we found we just couldn't make a ute work for camping, access for short people is an issue, back to a wagon for us. As for shade we sometimes use a lightweight fly, even the big ones pack small plus a couple of poles easy.

[@NorthOz]

Excellent guess my friend. I’ll have a look into the fly’s. I’m not really keen on doing another setup. I’m definitely sticking to Toyota for my next build. Thank you for the comment 👍

[@cjwest9094]

Modern portable lithium inverters are definitely the way forward, I have no idea why people still mess around with fixed batteries under the bonnet and the hassle of custom wiring. Def consider this bud

[@NorthOz]

Absolutely. Couldn’t agree more

[@sakapole]

Nice video Mark. You need shadow? A big tree dude.😂😂😂😂 Greetings from Spain.

[@NorthOz]

Haha for sure! 🤙

[@imahodler]

Great insights !!!

[@NorthOz]

Thank you 🙏

[@GEOFKURTZE]

Great bulbar video but did you install a snorkel?

[@NorthOz]

Not on this vehicle. I did on my hilux and my 79

[@TheAdnanlr]

No need to beat yourself buying those stuff. Those are experience not many had opportunity to have. As we grow in phases our life, most of the stuff are temporary anyway.

[@NorthOz]

Absolutely! It’s all about learning from our mistakes and moving forward

[@jasonolden8768]

like the truth. Well done for me as a new owener.

[@NorthOz]

Thanks for the comment mate 👍 congrats on the purchase

[@Pink6931]

Hope you’re getting a Hilux as I’m getting one soon and would love some tips 😊

[@NorthOz]

Hi mate! I did a small hilux build 👍 very achievable and didn’t cost a fortune

[@Pink6931]

@@NorthOz Nice i’ll have to check it out.

[@laksirilynam1946]

sr5 hilux ?

[@NorthOz]

Another brilliant guess! You’ll have to see later this month!!

[@mervdavis8985]

Hey Mark Toyota is pricing there cars out of the reach of most young boys like you there are better cars out now more up to date with technology and equipment Toyota prado is to old now go for a ford everest v6 more power for off road and modern

[@NorthOz]

As much as I would like a Ranger or a raptor, I just can’t give up the reliability and resale value of the Toyotas. Im not saying that Fords are unreliable, but when they advertise everywhere saying that they tested their rangers for 16,000 kms in Australia, I get worried. I’ll go into more detail in a future video but in my opinion, I will only buy toyota for vehicles I rely on to get me in and out of the bush

[@mervdavis8985]

@@NorthOz all cars break down mark even Toyota prado and hilux remember the class action go on with Toyota with their dpf troubles if you still love Toyota and you want more power and torque you will probably get a 79 series but then you thought the prado sucked fuel wait till you see how much the drink its out of this world good luck

[@layaung661]

Ford Ranger is your next vehicle

[@NorthOz]

An excellent guess! You will have to wait and see 👍

[@mattspouse298]

I reckon the next one is going to be a Toyota Fortuner.

[@NorthOz]

Good guess! Check out my latest videos to see what I got 😊

[@mattspouse298]

@@NorthOz new lux.. nice choice 👌

[@richardwalsh5570]

If it's not a wagon must be a hilux, you can't buy a 79 for 2 years. 👍

[@NorthOz]

Excellent guess! Wait until the end of month for the winner announcement 👍

[@matthewdunworth121]

Fortuner

[@NorthOz]

Excellent guess. We will have to see!

[@richardwalsh5570]

Very happy with mine 👍

[@jennylloyd4125]

A red rogue 🤣🤣🤣

[@NorthOz]

Oh yeah!!

[@timw6546]

LEARN KNOTS 5X5M,3X5M,2X2 TARP FOLD FLAT, FITS ANYWHERE,

[@NorthOz]

Good call 👍

[@babeyoulove1883]

Are you going with a hilux ? Good work...

[@NorthOz]

Excellent guess! Subscribe and stick around to find out. Winners for the correct guess giveaway will be drawn later this month 👍