How to Buy the Right 4WD

[@danoesq2]

I just went for a '23 Gladiator Rubicon. Just using it for camping mainly, but it can basically go anywhere and saved a little over ten grand after heavy bargaining with the dealer.😊 I'm not in Australia so I'm sure that makes a difference.

[@coolstar2398]

Your videos are some of the best in the 4wd community for newcomers like myself.

[@h3runs]

25:56 Ronnie inadvertently reveals his next vehicle, the Great Wall Steed! No one would know anything on one of those things offhand unless they've already bought one 👌 Congrats Ronnie 👍 👀 😆

[@anthonywhitney634]

My thoughts on a touring set-up when you have a family. The reality is that when you have a medium to large family, you need a wagon. Extra seats, enclosed area for shopping, etc, wagons are just better family cars (unless you want to spend more on canopies and luggage organising systems for utes, but your still limited with seats. Also, realistically, who can afford a Y62 or a 200? Not many. So, touring with a family in your wagon. Put the essentials on your vehicle to protect it. Don't have to get heavy weight everything, but at least rock sliders, a tubular bull bar, a winch. Then to go touring, get a camper trailer. You can put all your gear, fridge, extra fuel, water etc in that. It then becomes feasable to use your wagon for touring. Plus, you now have the flexibility to unhitch the trailer and do day trips without the extra weight. You don't have that option if you have a 'hero' touring vehicle. Just my thoughts.

[@emilrozkoszny3935]

Reason why I got a prado, most underestimated 4wd offroad, the tc is amazing and a factory 150l tank.

[@phantomwalker8251]

if you buy a y62 or 200,,,,your not going 4x4ing.or anywhere serious.they both have ifs,big no no..stay on the bitumen.dirt roads.theres no choice for a decent vehicle in this country.like a nissan titan,or toyota tundra.NOT,mall crawlers..

[@johncunningham4820]

@@phantomwalker8251. Rubbish . The two you named a preferable are TOO LONG . No ramp-over ability .

[@r6TrdSlow]

Great tips on this. I especially loved hearing "drive your vehicle before doing anything to it at all." I can't tell you how often I see people modding their vehicles before ever taking it anywhere. I've removed several things from my "expected mod" list just simply by testing it in stock form and then slowly adding things here and there over the years as I see needed. It's amazing what you don't *need* when you have the right vehicles or only have access to limited locations

[@phantim_othy571]

Ronny your warming my heart.... Live here in Perth and looking towards the end of 2022 full time retirement and doing serious research on what 4x4 to buy. Your honesty really is great.... I will get more info from you & your videos and if need be DM You Keep up the great work mate....

[@Chris-ut6eq]

advice: make a weight budget and good faith estimates of everything you want to add/carry to the vehicle long before you buy. Your weight budget will determine your which vehicle you buy. Worst thing that can happen is you buy the wrong vehicle before you know the gear load. The white board of truth was a good starting point. Great video! weight budget planning > vehicle cost budget. You can always buy an older vehicle that can carry what you want/need to be happy.

[@lentsoemamatela1024]

Thanks @RonnyDahl no one has ever explained GVM so clearly. I am also inclined to think the majority of people may be over GVM unknowingly.

[@TrentCain]

Great info as always Ronny. Only thing you forgot to mention when talking about vehicle GVM limits was the need to allow for the tow ball down weight if you are planning to tow a camper trailer or caravan. This can easily be another 150 - 200 added to your GVM! Far too many people forget to account for this when thinking about their vehicle's weight.

[@outbackjoeaustralia]

Howdy Ronny couple of things about white paint (not pearly, I mean flat glacier white) it's much cooler which is great if you're parked up in the sun at camp. It's got no clear coat so won't suffer from clear coat failure as it ages. And it's so easy to touch up paint, no problems blending metallic specks and clear coat. It's simple single pack standard white paint. Even a politician can fix it.

[@groovejunky2549]

For lots of reasons I'd personally never consider the Cybertruck as an option, but the payload capacity on that thing is a whopping 1,588 kilos! That's nearly 3x that of my Bronco Badsquatch. Anyways Ronny, thanks for another helpful video. This was instrumental in helping me to plan my next build.

[@atnv-jd4vb]

Excellent gr8 presentaion not only clears but helps also lot of doubts and conceptions. Thx from BC.CAN.

[@artysa.blackwood4261]

Amazing and revealing comparision on "the hard truth" part.

[@RangaPirate]

It also need s to be mentioned that if you're towing, the tow ball weight of the trailer needs to be included in your GVM calculations.

[@liofaasolo968]

BEST VIDEO FOR ROOKIES LIKE ME CONSIDERING WHAT TO GET AND WHAT TO ADD. WHAT A BEAUTY RONNY!!!

[@christianlawton7093]

You once again have given us a great show

[@petertheodore1860]

Excellent video Ronnie so many people don,t do the maths thank you for showing the public needs to be more of this shown

[@Daniel-Mclovin]

Good stuff mate! Interesting to see once most vehicles compared between each... Be good to see 80s + 90s 4wds vs today's 4wds

[@leonkane8240]

I am far from an expert but I can see , that you have put a lot of though & experience into how you communicate all of this. You broke it down to simple & logical. Really great video Ronny!

[@Wdeane1957]

Unless you have a compliance plate for the upgrades with the new GVM your GVM is unchanged from what the factory spec is irrespective of what upgrades have been done. It has to be certified with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.

[@leonkane8240]

@@Wdeane1957 You made a good point. I am building a heavily modified 4wd drive, starting with the chassis & Body. In Victoria @ least, the whole thing of getting a GVM upgrade is a contentious thing. I asked if my chassis could be built & certified with a higher GVM & I only got a very vague & non committal answer from the engineer I when to for my build. To be clear I paid the engineer well to answer those questions. In my situation it is more complex because it is not just a case of bolt on component & maybe low invasive weld in braces & reinforcements. The more deep you go with complexity down the rabbit hole the harder it is to be certain your are getting the right or best information, especially from gov agencies. Many show up spinning a great story about their expertise but few will put it in writing. There have been instance where I have gone to 8 or more individuals in government, all claiming they know their stuff, all telling a different story but not willing to put there "reputation" to document. I have had a few similar experiences with Engineers. Just because they are "Engineers" does not mean they are good @ what they do. If you are not an engineer, then it can be quite difficult to know a good one from one that is not so good. It is frustrating, I want quality & happy to more for it. I pay my invoices to all involved in my project on time. There are more than a few fearful ego mind princesses that show up. I wonder if I will ever get it completed. It is know on pause with stage 4 restrictions & I know I have to be understanding & patient with that. But the difficulty is my situation occurred well be for this pandemic thing, issues occurred pretty much from the beginning. I went pretty detailed with my homework before getting the vehicle builder to start. So for all the trials & challenges that I have had with it, I wonder what level of drama I might of endured this far if I had not done all of that.

[@angusmacdonald8577]

Great vid Ronny... very helpful especially about the GVM. Thanks

[@ferytm]

Great work Ronny! Probably we should bolt less stuff to our car, take less stuff and if we want to take the grand piano, just take a box trailer! Your video on trailers is a very good example of how to spread the load when camping with the family. 👍

[@borksara]

just walked 90 miles over the cascades with a 15 pound pack less food..... adding a cooler some ice and a pillow sounds so luxurious! looking at a tacoma to replace my much-loved but pretty small patriot. Thanks so much for the video, super helpful.

[@jimbojones2457]

Fantastic work Ronny! You're getting better at this. As i said before in other videos, that's the biggest mistake people make when buying a ute....putting a heavy steel tray on it. For touring it is an absolute waste of strength and weight. You only need a steel tray for heavy mining or farming applications. I saved about 200kgs on my 79 by ordering a heavy duty alloy troy from factory and even with a full sized alloy canopy on the tray it is STILL lighter than having just a steel tray. The canopy weighs about 150kgs with drawers and a full size shelf 2 thirds up. I've done the Oodnadatta track, West Mereenie Loop, Rainbow Valley etc on some of the roughest outback tracks and the alloy tray has handled it no worries. The key is not to overload your tray. Just take what you need and your vehicle will love you for it. And i still run stock suspension as i haven't overloaded my vehicle.

[@GoatOffroad]

Ronny - really enjoying these type of videos from you! Especially for the fact that you cut through all the BS!! ❤️🐞

[@ramboexcess4469]

Awesome video Ronny. I am a little bit dissapointed though and dont understand why you didnt include the Pajero (i own one and is a more popular choice compared to many cars you mentioned). Pajero has a Payload of over 700kgs (as much as the much larger Patrol). Also, I know you touched on it but i want to remind that people dont need all that equiptment to go touring (which eats away into your load). Also worth mentioning is weight distribution and roof weight capacity which is often overlooked. Thanks again.

[@forneverarrow]

Great video!! It seems to be a very expensive hobby, yet very exciting though. For my wallet the best way is to sit comfy and enjoy your videos!!

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Hi Ronny, no doubt all the kit adds weight. I guess one thing to consider is the net weight difference. Remove stock bumper and add HD aftermarket bumper, you need to remove the OE weight from the calculation. Same for suspension and other components. Stuff like the fridge and roof racks will all be adders.

[@outlandyishrig2557]

good point John, I am adding Titan drawers to 105 series today, approx 70 kg, but removing 3rd row seats , approx 40 kg, thus only 30 kg gain here, could save more, but hard to justify extra $1000 approx for locally made ? but try to buy Australian where possible !

[@Jesse-2531]

the plastic bumper ways 3-5 kg XD

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

@@Jesse-2531 haha, all the trucks I buy have steel bumpers. Thin albeit steel bumpers, but every little bit counts. Eg,. I removed non-structural tube steps and added frame mounted structural steel slider/steps. Each were about 90 lbs, the OE ones were ~30 lbs each. I get to subtract that from the 90.

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

I think this also ushers in the question about bringing a 2nd spare and the hardware to hold it and how many and what spare parts to carry. This is all about risk mgt vs weight savings. How many people have really blown out 2 tires in one trip. Really, if you're only touring, do you need CVs and U joints, ect.

[@royblackburn1163]

@@johnfitzgerald5158 I agree I'm old school 2 spare inner tubes and some rubber patches for inside the the tyre, I also run all terrains because I believe you can have too much grip sounds crazy but its far far better to spin a wheel than break something.

[@Johnnyjsgarage]

Cheers Ronny. The key here is knowing what you want the vehicle to do. In my view, comparisons only make sense within a certain class. I'm a Jeep guy, and I freely admit Jeeps aren't the best for payload compared to a UTE. My latest JLU Rubicon is rated at 1210lbs payload or 548 kilos. Keeping the factory lift, 33s, skids and sliders as they're plenty sufficient for what I do. I sleep in the vehicle easily, travel solo, and from Ronny's list only haul the fridge, water, my gear/cargo, and fuel. Using his numbers I'm still 500lbs under limit, even with a hard top. So, It all depends on what a person thinks they actually need, and whether or not they can resist the urge to bolt something to every possible location. Ronny is correct - most of the time folks don't do their calculations, and this gets them into trouble, but I wouldn't shy away from some of the really capable wagon/SUV configurations like the Wrangler, 4runner, FJ, or new Bronco, etc just because their payload numbers are significantly less than a different class of vehicle. The nimble capabilities of smaller rigs are impressive provided weight isn't exceeded.

[@thegruntmanoverlandcompany6254]

Best Advice, Keep it Light, your vehicle will Thank You

[@WMTrackdog]

Love your vids Ronny. Little off on the Jeep Gladiator; GVW 6,250 lbs. minus curb weight of 4,650 lbs. equals 1,600 lbs. load capacity.

[@chrishanslow4825]

Great video Ronny mate, my wife and I are in about 18 months or so will be buying the new Dmax which will be ideal for our needs. And yes I will be looking at GVM and GCM upgrades plus a brake upgrade as I do believe a lot of people don't even think about how the extra weight effects the stopping power of the factory brakes.

[@anthonywhitney634]

Hi Chris, I also have a Dmax (on my second actually!). Brake upgrades aren't a bad thing but the brakes on utes are pretty good standard. Hence the higher towing capacities. I would do all your mods first and then see if you're happy with the braking. You may find that factory is still good enough.

[@chrishanslow4825]

@@anthonywhitney634 G'day Anthony, thanks for the feedback mate 👍, this will be our first Dmax as well as brand new car. Eventually I want to fit a tray and canopy and I quote: WIFE: we are getting a caravan first..... She who must be obeyed wants a caravan she will get a caravan 😂. I was thinking with the caravan and eventual tray/canopy set up that a brake upgrade couldn't hurt, but I didn't mention about a caravan in the mix in my original comment. Thanks again mate as it is always great to hear from people who have real life experience in what my wife and I are looking to invest our time and money into, also the main reason we are looking at the Dmax is Isuzu's amazing reliability 👍👍

[@mjhmech4903]

@@chrishanslow4825 The new D Max should be quite a ripper! We have the older versions and have been more than happy with them. The 2021 Should have much bigger front brakes at around 310mm+ front rotors vs ours 280mm (2011/2012). I think the main secret to safe towing is having your camper / van brakes on point with a decent electric brake controller eg Tow Pro Elite or similar and servicing / adjusting the trailer brakes regularly, replacing the magnets as necessary periodically etc. ( The amount of trailers / vans I see with zero brake effectiveness is actually pretty scary! ) Good luck with it and happy touring!

[@chrishanslow4825]

@@mjhmech4903 cheers mate, my wife and I can't wait and yeah the tow pro will be a priority addition when we do eventually get our caravan. Me personally I'd prefer a camper trailer but my wife wants a park up and relax approach due to us not getting any younger 😂😂 Anyway cheers again mate 👍👍

[@sydneyraj]

Fantastic video, quite comprehensive, helpful. Thanks very much. Did I miss: safety ( star ratings), reliability ( dust leak, dpf, injectors, electronics etc), spares availability etc

[@danielschreuder588]

Hi Ron, Just to add to the list is basic bashplates as a must and start at about 10kgs for basic alloy ones and.......with most dual cabs, a tub canopy at 70kgs for a fully heavy duty braced one. I set up my past ranger without doing the calcs and it weighed in at 2910kgs with out passangers or payload. Which meant I couldn't tow my boat and had to take minimal gear when camping. As Ron said, it all adds up and becomes an expensive mistake if you get it wrong so yes please do your research before buying😉

[@melgregory7339]

A video on how the manufacturers/dealers actually carry out a GVM up grade on various vehicles would be interesting.

[@RadBunny2269]

Indeed! Please do this one Ron.

[@krump7429]

Its nothing special. Just an approved and tested suspension kit fitted, a new mod plate and a registration with main roads. Its all bit of a rort tbh, no upgrading of brakes chassis bracing ect ect.

[@PopEye2384]

just calculate the net weight of the addon accesories and headout to instal a suspension rated for the resultant weight..... you are good to go....

[@bush2coast801]

@@krump7429 Yep.... Braking being a massive one !

[@thang55]

@@krump7429 It's more complicated than that, a lot more

[@holgermuller2987]

G day Ronny, nice video, for the beginners.... and all who have to change.... to make it suit. One factor I like to mention what counts for me, the handbrakes wish! Yep, that’s correct...you go out with your mates, build a toy truck nothing else. Go 4WD camping and touring with family, Ute, you are strait on it. Last but not least, 4WD touring, camping, with 1 axle trailer towing. Ask the better half if she likes to site in a Ute or work truck !!Decision made, so go and figure out and work it out. Everyone different and with different budgets. Thanks for assistance, I go now a figure out the small print in the 60 page new Insurance offer. Cheers

[@caffau]

Nice vid. The last part really makes it clear how quickly equipment stacks up against the GVM. You didnt even cross off utes after the 2nd lot of mods... 1070kg crosses off everything on the board except the Ranger & the 79

[@chooseboost]

Ronny you didn’t mention the Pajero! You’re killing me!

[@Harryandleo]

Ronny was only talking about 4wds

[@marcvincenzo430]

i know Im asking randomly but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost my account password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me

[@ernestolane3422]

@Marc Vincenzo instablaster :)

[@marcvincenzo430]

@Ernesto Lane Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and im trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@marcvincenzo430]

@Ernesto Lane it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@dperk1757]

Excellent video Ronny. Stand out tip for me is drive and get to know your vehicle before modifying it.. I’ve gone full circle now and back to a light, minimal setup and loving it 👍

[@sammccarthy5131]

Another informative video Ronny. I have just ordered a vehicle that I’m setting up to tour with as well as maybe tackle some more challenging 4wding. What I have found to be difficult and inconsistent information to find, basically resorting to guessing after getting different weights quoted on the same products, is the weight of accessories such as bullbars, canopies, sidesteps etc for model specific products from any of the major suppliers of these products. This adds some challenges as far as planning a build goes. I would have thought this would be a pretty basic information to supply in the specifications of these products. Surely they would have the information from shipping these products etc. I’m sure there is many people who are in the same boat as me on this. A video encouraging manufacturers and suppliers to have this information accurately on hand would be brilliant. Cheers

[@Bennyboy-dog]

After market accessories manufacturers can't advertise the weight of an accessory when no one else does...that just means they will lose sales. So without legislation compelling them to publish such info, their customers are left to fend for themselves as many of us have found out.

[@frankcurulli1244]

Excellent overview! The whiteboard session is a real eye-opener. However you didn't address the fact that virtually all ute owners fit a canopy for overlanding. This also adds considerable weight! So perhaps you could branch this outcome into Overland touring, or a nice modest rig for everyday driving plus long weekend exploring or a nice run up the coast for several days. Thanks, Frank

[@Alan.livingston]

I reckon Ronnie is going the Ranger for sure. He has a large American following and that’s where most overland/4WD content creators seem to be pitching their direction these days given how much money there is to be made in that market. I’d almost say a Jeep but it’d just end up broken in a shed next to his dads.

[@pauldavies4650]

Hey Ronny, don't forget if you are towing, you have to deduct the towball load from your GVM also.

[@brodypayne2671]

excellent info mate. the way you explained the GVM stuff was easy to follow and not nearly as dull as just reading about it. even prompted me to calculate mine! the only thing i would add is that you do not need to spend a fortune on a vehicle to get out there. i bought a 300tdi Disco 1 with 280k on it, and have done a lot in it including some epic outback trips etc. i had to spruce it up a bit, but all in for about 8k, including a rooftop tent

[@lukehutchinson6754]

Great explanation and I look forward to your new rig. One point I feel should be added to the GVM explanation is if towing that the towball weight also has to be added to the vehicles load. I am doing up my ranger at snail pace to make sure it remains suitable and functional while being under the GVM.

[@Bennyboy-dog]

spot on, and don't forget to add the weight of the tow bar and hitch...

[@karendecosse2580]

Man! talk about spot on timing, I learnt what I needed to know as I go to buy my 1st 4x4. Thanks heaps!

[@rp4b449]

Great tutorial, I went thru the same machinations 2 years ago. Here are some additional key considerations: Some vehicles come with factory fit long range fuel tanks (150-180ltr) as part of their Kerb Mass, which is highly desirable. Utes might come with just an 80ltr tank. Monocque hull vehicles are hopeless on corrugated roads, your fillings will rattle out. Vehicles that have a cabin on ladder frame design are far superior. When you are laid-up in a remote town looking for parts you'll be glad you chose a mainstream make/model vehicle. Also, from the Toyota website, load capacities: LC200 gxl and up = 610Kg LC150 gxl and up = 665Kg

[@Bennyboy-dog]

Sometimes the comments are as important as the actual vid - yours is one of them RPP - hadn't considered the different between ladder and monocoque off road - I had always assumed the monocoque would be more forgiving...wrong again! Also the point about the Kerb Mass with long range tank...very good info! Cheers, and thanks.

[@rp4b449]

@@Bennyboy-dog TY. Have driven a Pajero (monocoque hull) along the Gibb River Road a few times and then a Prado (cabin on frame) more recently. The Pajero rides were bone jarring and the dashcam videos showed it. The Prado was infinitely smoother and the dashcam footage a picture of serenity.

[@Bennyboy-dog]

@@rp4b449 Wow, like a mentioned that is the opposite of what I had assumed, so really glad you bought that up. I had read somewhere that towing a trailer with a ladder frame vehicle isolates some of the rattle from the cab too, but not much isolation in a monocoque. I do like the Pajero's though, but personally a challenger (with ladder frame) will suit me better.

[@oldbloke204]

Great video imo. I bought my Mitsi. wagon and we had a weighbridge where I used to work. It is surprising just how quickly you can pile up the weight. A quick google tells me the base model Pajero Sport has a load capacity in base form of 730kg. Sort of up there with the best in the wagons by the look of it. I have made a conscious decision to keep it light and simple for this reason as well as the fact that the vehicle is just a lot more pleasant to drive and use. Plenty of lightweight camping options around without needing coffee machines or big fridges but then I'm not in the slightest interested in doing long range touring. I have toyed with the idea of a lightweight offroad trailer but it hasn't been needed so far. Horses for course I guess and the other important factor is to have the time/money to actually use it rather than it being a mall crawler.

[@danielschreuder588]

Comments about dark vehicle colors are soo true. I just sold my meteor grey ford ranger that was less than a yr old because the very reason of scratches showing up.........always go white or light color is a very good point and more important than most think.

[@akaroamale475]

I drew the line at a bull bar, I thought not going to hit a Ru here in NZ, most farms are fenced so not a big chance of an animal strike, so really there was no need to have the weight. When you are 4WDing here you are not doing speed as one might on a backcountry road in Australia. Also the second spare is not needed as there is a heap of repair options around now. Thanks for the video Ronny really interesting stuff, weight is a real problem that needs to be thought through. I am picking you got a Ford Ranger Double Cab, we will see.

[@michaeldejesus7418]

New viewer. Love the contents, Recently gotten the next gen raptor, I'm up to communicationmods. Yup seen your uhf inhalation and antenna vids 😅 I've also already done long range tank, and load lid for the back. In a roof rack process, just waiting for parts. Also seen your vid about the cons of the rhino roof rack😅 Probably gonna install the trailmax roof rack along with the xrs390c uhf with exchangeable 2.1 and 6.6dbi whip. Fyi weekend car with mix of family convoy drives

[@rogercole9942]

Hey Ronny solid video. You mentioned the rear bar for the wagon but similarly the ute owner often adds a canopy. If comparing apples with apples the waterproof wagon vs ute with canopy would be fair. Another one that should be on the general mods list that is a big weight is changing rims and tyres from what the factory provide (eg in your case maybe 125kg). Also 100% agree about getting the car without all the major mods. Having done it both ways with 2 ute purchases it was far better to make the small modifications as needed vs the fully loaded from the dealer experience. I think most people take the fully loaded option because a) Jonesing, b) the mods are on the loan and c) tax deductions.

[@Wdeane1957]

On the 79 series v MU-X comparison you've quoted the GVM of the MU-X as 2650 kgs. That is for the 4x2 model, not 4x4, which most touring set-ups would use. The 4x4 GVM is 2750 kgs giving you an extra 100 kgs, not much but a small improvement for comparison purposes. The payload for the mid level 4x4 LSU (according to Redbook) is 608kgs.

[@Sveken]

That 608KG is only 2KG less then a 200 series, Also note, depends on the trim level, as the payload goes up to 658KG on the mux

[@wendz_SA]

Great information Ronnie, especially the detailed GVM info. As a person who did fk up and went out and bought a new 4wd without knowing anything about 4wds or 4w driving or modifications or anything this is really really informative. I did have some mods fitted at purchase before I picked up my vehicle from the dealer and now after learning a tonne of important info about my vehicle, modifications, accessories and 4w driving and touring I would do things differently should I ever go to purchase a new 4wd again. Thankfully I did do one smart thing and got a hilux SR5 which I don't regret in the slightest. I think the hilux is awesome. My best piece of advice for someone NEW to owning a 4wd and 4w driving is to buy a cheap 4wd first and join a local 4wd club, watch videos on youtube such as 4wheeling Australia and 4wd 24/7 and others that also pass on valuable 4wd information. Learn as much as you can, from that info then work out what 4wd you want, what modifications and accessories you want/need from the start and what mods/accessories you can get over time. Then start looking for your new 4wd.

[@knoopjes]

Thanks Ron, i'm in the "research" stage of getting a 4wd. Your vids are awesome and super helpful! Was leaning towards a Ute but this backs it up even more. Keep up the good work!

[@BigMkombe]

Great video Ronnie! another thing to consider is the GCM or GROSS COMBINED MASS, something you cant upgrade. Cruiser wins every time by a longgggg way, until you need to step up the the American vehicles or Iveco.

[@adamdickens4000]

Good vid Ronny. Another thing to consider is maximum axle loads. I know some vehicles that as soon as you put a front bar on, you’ll be at or over the maximum front axle weight. 😳

[@treykilgore4734]

Ronny. Hey Mate! The insurance doesn't quite work like that here in the states. Most insurance companies will not cover true off road driving unless you go with some sort of secondary personal liability insurance.

[@beto12345]

I was taking notes during the video... In Costa Rica we can cut that list a lot, but in Australia a some of parts of the list are a "must". Thanks for every piece of info and tips!. Good videos!

[@deejayvee]

Good info, you covered the 2 regrets I had after buying my hilux (18 inch wheels, since rectified but costly, and the colour}. I now know my guess of you buying a gladiator is wrong!

[@phantomwalker8251]

new hilux rear diff centre has weak bolts,they come loose,snap.IFS,is not,a good thing..not,a real 4x4.

[@deejayvee]

@@phantomwalker8251 blah, blah, blah. My hilux does me fine. Go have a pissing contest with someone else.

[@rrphotography3600]

For an insurer Club 4x4 where brilliant, had one claim with them and it was a breeze. In the end I had to change as I could not afford the 4k per year premium, which every year I was with them was going up (started at 2.5k). Note under 25 and agreed value with 25k mods on a 10k car. Now with shannons and they cover the same places off road, as well as premiums going down every year I get older. GVM I'm my suzuki is always a hard thing to stick to. Have completed strengthening mods to handle greater loads but getting the piece of paper adjusted has been a pain. Though I know she is capable of the loads as I have toured with her at 1.8 ton and she went marvelously. Tbh ride is so much better at that weight. So far everyone I have asked for help has laughed me off. A 150-200kg upgrade would allow me to run the ally canopy again.

[@Eddie_Turbo]

Hi Ronny, another great video, please look into the weight/gvm penalties the Y62 has, especially when towing. Maybe @dashoffroad can clarify for you. Also would have been awesome if you included the manufacturers GCM... This would be helpful for those considering to tow. For example, yes the ranger and 79 have similar GVMs, but the ranger has a GCM of 5950 whereas the Landcruiser 79 GCM 6800kg. SO if all your weights (including the tow ball download weight) are within GVM, the Landcruiser can tow an additional 850 kgs. That's the difference between a loaded camper trailer and a dual axle family caravan. Cheers mate

[@baileyvandenbosch5231]

Always love the vids Ronny! Really helping out when I try choose a 4x4

[@Jetchisel]

Another brilliant video Ronny, but in comparing legal load weights you have missed the very best. The Mighty Land Cruiser 78 series Troopy has a stock standard GVM of 3330kg with a kerb weight of 2325kg giving an outstanding 1005kg payload. Plus a CVM of 6800kg. Beat that !

[@gibsonethirty2836]

easy deefer 130 beats the shit outa that

[@Jetchisel]

@@gibsonethirty2836 BEATEN, but the MIGHTY 7O Series will get you there !

[@gibsonethirty2836]

@@Jetchisel Only when I tow it there and back. Defender Best 4x4xFar :D lol

[@Jetchisel]

@@gibsonethirty2836 Owning an MG cured me of English cars long ago. Dependable reliability is what overlanding and Toyota is all about.

[@gibsonethirty2836]

@@Jetchisel ROFLMAO, Toy ota and reliability in the same sentence, can't half tell who's been brainwashed! Every POS toy ota I have ever driven or owned has been nothing but a POX on reliability and that even includes 2 brand spanken newbies right off the showroom floor. Diff wind up, errant electrical faults, torque converters leaking, sub frames snapping, gearbox imploding.....shall I go on!

[@peter5857]

Missing a Mercedes G in your list ;-) But maybe just because it's my dreamcar ^^ And not the bling-bling models, but the pure "professional" models (280 for example) are quite capable off-roaders, i believe. Whatever, I just can't afford it. Bought an offroad/touring motorcycle instead ;) Your general tips work for that too. To think what you really need and want to do with it. And to test it while it is (nearly) stock instead of changing everything before the first ride. Looking forward for the revealing of your new ride :) Greetings from far, far Germany.

[@blegi1245]

the g professional(W461) was last available to the public in 2014.

[@vikingrus]

Always very kind and interesting videos! Thank your for usefull information, bro! Respect from Far East Russia

[@SERGUMUM]

As a farmer I do not do pure offroading but I need to go through fields, slopes, carry a trailer. After researching I got a simple 1999 first generation Rav4. Makes the job. Reliable. Just 4,500 Euro. Any 1990’s early 2000’s Toyota is a great choice.

[@richardweerasinghe3296]

This is a very interesting video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. It looks like the LC or disco is a good option once you consider Ute+tray. Also you can save quite a bit of weight by removing the extra seats from a wagon. Quite hard to remove weight from a Ute. I might be trying to justify my own choice :-). Btw. You forgot to add the new defender. It’s numbers will look pretty amazing

[@DarrylLawson]

Prado 150 GX (base model) has a 750 Kg payload. That 550 Kg figure shown on the whiteboard must be for a Kakadu (bloated top spec). And that is with the kerb weight including 150 L of diesel. Advice: get the base model for better payload (and to save money).

[@willoughby40]

exactly.

[@thenakinavy]

Air Oil Separator on the crank case breather would be up there on new engine mods for me.

[@racheldempster6655]

Recently subscribed I live in America and of course most of the vehicles you mentioned we can’t get here . Big here in America is the Jeep Wrangler it has a loyal following and loads of Jeep clubs here. I just bought recently a new 2020 2 dr v6 manual Jeep Wrangler Rubicon it runs on regular gas diesels are not big here. It is a amazing vehicle, I just go off road once a month hit some trails or go to a off road park and have fun . Here in America are metrics are different the gross vehicle weight rating of my Rubicon is 8000 lbs I took my Rubicon to a truck stop to a certified scale and weighed my vehicle, my Rubicon came with the steel bumper group, only mod that I did was add a winch to my front steel bumper. So with my off road equipment a full tank of gas plus 2 adults my Rubicon comes in at 5000 lbs .

[@djphatb]

Parts availability is a big issue here in some parts of Brazil. Ended up getting a Triton but we looked at all available options. We actually liked the Ranger but all owners we spoke with had issue getting basic parts when bringing in there truck for maintenance. Some had to wait for more than a month just for basic parts. Also I is worth checking if the dealer deals with a lot of vehicles that are heavily used. Here in our state Triton's are used by police, firefighters and other government agencies that go to remote and restricted nature reserves. Because of that the dealer is used to dealing with certain wear on these trucks.

[@AlexIHunt-dk1zx]

Ronny, the problem with the Jeep Gladiator is that for a truck/Ute is that it is running a 5 link rear suspension unlike the 79 Ute or like the Hilux that is running leaf. Now here in the USA with upgraded tow package the Gladiator can tow up to 7600lbs and load capacity of 1600lbs.

[@geronimo6787]

Hi Ronny, very good video, especially the GVM hard tooth part. - I managed it with the Jeep JKU and GVM upgrade up to 3.35 t (AEV Heaney duty springs and ICON Dynamics suspension - but need to be thoughtful with everything- compromises are key. No drawers for fridge or anything else. Driving with 2.9 t with everyday setup and driver only and with 3.3 t in family trip setup, wife, kid & dog. - extra fuel & and water will be a challenge that asks for more compromises though - until now, don’t need this in Europe and Northern Africa. Probably not suitable for very remote trips.

[@Kelv-inator]

Great informative video Ronny. I think your payload figures for the LC200 and Y62 are a bit out. The series of the vehicle may change, but I believe the LC200 should be around 650kg, Y62 around 750kg

[@Ronny_Dahl]

Yes you are correct not sure where the 830 came from must have doubled the 76er. These things happen with solo researched/filmed/edited videos 🙃

[@scottwhite115]

Nice one Ronny. Thanks mate.

[@treizTUBE]

GVM is the issue I ran up against, I noticed a lot of the youtube instagram rigs rolling around were sometimes 1-2k lbs over weight. Most off road vehicles sold in the US have only enough payload capacity to carry their passengers, no mods and no supplies. Half ton trucks were a little better, but once you account for your mods and passengers you don't have enough payload for supplies. I'm having to look at 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks in order to have enough payload for mods, supplies, and passengers with breathing room.

[@kenzorshotzor5534]

Very good info, have had to keep my MU-X under this hence why I have not gotten extended fuel tank for it. Isuzu MU-X GVM is 2750kg though but points still valid. Cheers for content.

[@bigmatty50]

Also the 78 Troopy has the same GVM as the 79 double cab (3300kg) so the payload in the GXL is a tonne.

[@DonsShed]

great video (as usual) Ronny :) Reminds me to think carefully about GVM and not just how the 4wd will suit day to day trips. Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)

[@willian.direction6740]

Good work Ronny and thanks, lots of effort went into that video.

[@kiaran1155]

Ronny, good video man but with a ute you really need to consider tray weights. The values In your example do not include trays, most trays weight somewhere between 200-400kgs. So in reality they’re no better off than a wagon (Fresh out of the box) I personally have a 100 series Landcruiser and I have struggled to set it up and keep the weight under the 3260kg GVM, but it is achievable.

[@aaronderozario5065]

Ronny. On ground clearance - not all manufacturers use the same method when stating ground clearance. Some use minimum clearance (lowest point of the vehicle), others use running clearance (bottom of sill I think). Comparing side by side is not always meaningful. Hilux is advertised with a running clearance to give a bigger number.

[@douglassage6579]

I shared the same math at my presentation for overland expo showing it was practically impossible to stay under gvw for a small pickup as well. Also the impact of a RTT on rollover rating. Note for the Utes, still need to add a tray and canopy.

[@MH30R]

I think it would be beneficial to add that there can be serious fines and/or gaol time if you get caught exceeding GVM. There was a case recently (last 2 years) where the owner was gaoled for 3 years after causing a fatal accident. Both GVM and GCM cannot be exceeded in Australia without serious consequences if something goes wrong.

[@Boz_TOYS4DAD]

Awesome video Ronnie. Need to put my 2021 Prado Kakadu on a diet now 😂 You should do a video on buying a Used 4wd (eg 3-5 years old)!

[@PoorBoyRider1]

Well I am in the states, but if you tow, make sure the tow rating is at least 1/3 more than the heaviest thing you tow. My Ram is like just under 9,000 lbs tow capacity, as the heaviest part time thing i tow is still under 5,000 lbs . I don't worry as much about the premature wear. I planned for it and purchased the vehicle to do more than I intended. Love the tips on 4 wheeling, My Ram does not do Trails like your Tracks.

[@jasonbarndon9128]

Excellent video Rohnny. Love the channel, Thx mate !

[@rasta77-x7o]

Buy a used one with all the kit, they don't sell for more and you save a fortune :) Been looking at Pajeros, you get just over 700kg between Kerb Weight and GVM, not bad.

[@jeremyvenable2482]

A video on in vehicle touring set up vs basic off-road mods to vehicle plus trailer would be interesting. Look at cost and weight.

[@Lancity8136]

the info provided: very valuable, thanks. (the lights during the explenation, horrible ::))

[@TheAthavanleon]

Ronny you are an awesome bloke

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

Great video Ronny going through this process my self real soon great advice.

[@RadBunny2269]

It pains me to say it but, I'll swallow the minimal GVM the Y62 has. That 5.7L makes a huge difference in bad terrain, and I can compromise on what gear to carry. Really loved this one, thanks.

[@Agent.K.]

5.6 not 5.7

[@czuifo]

Very informative Ronny, greatings from Mozambique

[@herbert696]

Worth noting for the Prado that you're getting a 150L fuel tank- that's 70-80L more than most of it's competitors.

[@gabormatuza8730]

Also GX has 750-780kg payload (depending on model year) while the Kakadu only has 550. The $30,000 price difference gives you enough cash for the accessories as well. It is a no brainer for me.

[@dimitriadriansz2513]

Prado 120 has 2 x 90L fuel tanks 180L.

[@emilrozkoszny3935]

But diesel engine uses more fuel so range is the same as the 150 prado

[@herbert696]

@@emilrozkoszny3935 Got that backwards there mate. Diesels use significantly less fuel.

[@emilrozkoszny3935]

@@herbert696 sorry meant to say the 120's diesel uses more than the 150's d4d which is more efficient so the range works out the same

[@axelcartwright4507]

I know in aus and mostly the world the defenders are not known for reliability but their load carrying is amazing! I have a 2008 defender 110sw I took the third row out so I subtracted the weight of the seats from my tare weight. My payload came to 1.2 tons! With all my accessories on and fuel and food plus two people I have 250kg Spare. That’s with out a GVM upgrade

[@MicksGarageDarts]

Mods and Insurance, recently got a quote from Club 4x4 and they asked for a list of mods and prices. I found that I've decked my Pajero out so far for $4080. That's roof rack, roof cage, light bars, UHF, dual battery set up, DIY Custom built drawer system with drawer fridge, second hand bullbar etc. If you are spending 10K on basic mods you are spending way too much.

[@tongietonks]

Awesome vid Ronny, the gvm explanation hit me pretty hard as I’ve got the fortuner. Grateful for your time and effort 👍🏽

[@tapdog4x4]

Also need to be careful what manufacturers include in their curb weight. For my previous Everest, Ford only included a full take of fuel. While for my new Disco 5, LR includes 75kg for the driver, engine fluids, and 90% of a full tank of go go juice. That gives the D5 a payload of 890kg vs the Everest of 772kg with no people or fuel. Plus, if towing you need to take the tow ball download into account for your load calcs.

[@briansh]

Yes. I always take my vehicles to the scales to be weighed. Do not trust the manufacturers.

[@bazza2540]

Disco's are the only manf that the tow ball does not come out of the load, it is in addition to it.

[@97MrFluffy]

Great video, but one little thing, Ford Rangers (any of the PX series) the XLS, XLT and Wildtrak all have rear Diff lock standard, the XL have it as an option 👌🏻

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

One that really isn't that great as an overlanding vehicle would be the Prado (90 in our case) as there is a real lack of space to put things even before considering load capacity. It has some great features but the lack of room in the back is a continual headache. Buying a good second hand vehicle that has had some extras put on it can save a whole heap of money. Ours came with roo bar, side steps, roof rack, dual battery, spot lights, Reece hitch and it had never been off road. The fit out that we are still working on has cost around $7-8000 to date. We are trying to be as budget conscious as possible without skimping on things like DC-DC charger, fridge and inverter. After watching this, a GVM upgrade is certainly going to be on the list too.