Is a Toyota Fortuner a good overlander? Rig walkaround

A lot of you’ve been asking for it so without further ado today I’ll be doing a rig walkaround of my own overland vehicle. I drive a 2012 Toyota Fortuner D4D manual transmission 4x4.
A special thanks to Edward Bath Overlanding (bit.ly/3ah09HJ) and 4x4 Ventures (bit.ly/2NNlQFV) for sharing some drive-by footage! Intro drone shots courtesy of Mud & Dust Overlanding; bit.ly/2qOkXVQ
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#toyota #fortuner #overlanding

[@GetOutGO]

I've made a few changes to my Toyota Fortuner over time to suit my needs. Let's have a look at those and answer some of your questions!

[@MONTREADPRODUCTIONS]

Chris I am from India

[@GetOutGO]

@@MONTREADPRODUCTIONS Hello from South Africa 👋

[@MONTREADPRODUCTIONS]

Thank you bro I want to be your friend can we

[@billy905]

Dealt with any of the 1KD engine known issue of failing/cracking pistons?

[@GetOutGO]

@@billy905 fortunately not (touch wood), my nephew ran into that on his hilux unfortunately. Only issue I've had is a very pesky MAF sensor. I'm now on 200k km so keeping an eye on the injectors as well

[@Peaches4328]

I have the world's respect for the Toyota Fortuner. I'm a policeman in the Western Cape and we have a fleet of Fortuners 3l D4D. I think they are 08 models. Most of them have around 500k to 600k kilo's on the clock. I cannot explain the amount of punishment these vehicles have taken. They are absolutely bulletproof. The only way to stop it from working is to smash them or roll them. Plenty of my colleagues have bought Fortuners as private vehicles because of their awesome quality. I plan on doing the same thing when funds allow. An absolute soldier of a vehicle.

[@GetOutGO]

Feeling is mutual, they're great cars!

[@blitzer25blitz62]

Proud owner of first model, 2005 2.7 VVTi here. Yes it is using the same petrol engine as Toyota Tacoma of same period and current all new Fortuner SRZ. Bulletproof and abundant on spare parts.

[@kriskrysler]

I have never felt happy liking and subscribing channel as much I did this one. Great job and an Absolutely bang on review with what is needed and nothing more… Get Out Go may be the channels name but once anyone watches the content, The message is “Come on in”

[@GetOutGO]

Thank you, your comment just made my day!

[@shawntaylor9509]

Super exciting! Got my Fortuner yesterday, can't wait to explore with this machine!

[@GetOutGO]

Congrats, sure you'll enjoy it!

[@shawntaylor9509]

@@GetOutGO What type of shocks did you put into your Fortuner?

[@GetOutGO]

@@shawntaylor9509 I have Ironman4x4 Foamcell Pro shocks

[@RyanCrocker]

Nice one Chris, awesome to see how far this one has come. Keeping it simple and functional. Can't wait to see the updates. Thank you for sharing mate

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Ryan!

[@davehowell6453]

Gidday Christoff, Thanks ever so much for the review. The variety of gear is just breath-taking. Thanks for sharing. God bless, Dave

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Dave! 👍

[@davehowell6453]

@@GetOutGO An absolute pleasure Christoff, mate! I do hope that you'll get to the Tuli Block and do some reviews there. God bless, Dave

[@scottgenius9189]

Nice Set up I like the second deck behind your front seats

[@seantowlson7051]

Nice walkaround Christoff. It was great to see it in person in February. Its a very neat, compact and efficient approach that you have taken and it appears, judging on your travels, comfortable and adequate for your needs.

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Sean!

[@herbertefox6000]

What an awesome video Chris 👍 You look very well after your vehicle I can tell 👌 a reliable vehicle is essential for all the travelling you do especially in all the remote places you're going to, thanks for the video Chris 👌👍✌🐾

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Herbert!

[@coadyg]

I found my previous Fortuner d4d very capable overland vehicle just the auto was very heavy on fuel. Now I have a 2.8 gd6 much more refined and very economical Toyota definitely stepped up with the gd6.

[@GetOutGO]

I like the 2.8 a lot 👍

[@rynoopperman5010]

Very close to what have done to my d4d Auto 😊

[@jacquesD4D]

As a Fortuner owner myself and using it for towing a companion aslo and using it for a family holiday vehicle its a good 4x4 and touring. I have put it through its paces and it prevailed. Your rocksliders looks like it is from Tuff stuff. It was made just outside of Pretoria on the N4 towards Donkerhoek/Cullinan. My Dad has them on his fortuner thats the why I recognised it. But I dont know if they are still in business. As always great video

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Jacques! Agreed, the thing I enjoy most about the Fortuner is its versatility. Yes, Tuff Stuff rings a bell!

[@markyeadon7271]

A second fuel filter is on the cards for me too. Despite only filling up at clean looking fuel stations I needed to have an injector replaced in Kenya last year. Dirty fuel from Tanzania was the cause. Happy travels.

[@GetOutGO]

Yup with remote filling stations (even clean looking ones) you just never know...

[@markyeadon7271]

This was t even a remote trip, just the “ sighting” trip. All the roads were tar, meant to be the equivalent of the N1 or N2.

[@shaun8309]

Straight to the point! Love it!

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Shaun 👍

[@AERONORTE]

Great video and nice setup 👍

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks!

[@carelsadventures]

Awesome setup there Christoff! Definitely everything you need for a comfortable and reliable overlanding vehicle. What mods have you got planned next? of course after having just done the front-end.

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Carel! After the front-end I've just done (video coming soon) I don't really have anything else planned aside from 3-ply sidewall tyres perhaps (hint, hint sponsors 😆)

[@carelsadventures]

@@GetOutGO haha hopefully you'll get your 3-ply early Christmas gift :)

[@kennetheilor]

Solid rig

[@squatter3425]

The reason I prefer your model Fortuner compared to the latest model is your permanent all wheel drive with central differential which locks when in low range, unlike the new model which is rear wheel drive with no central diff when selecting 4 wheel drive. I found the big difference to be noticed on gravel and with sand driving in high range.

[@GetOutGO]

Same here 👍

[@andrematthews1172]

That sas great! I am looking to buy a 4x4 again as I plan to relocate to Namibia. Keen on Discovery (owned the 1 2, 3 & 4), but my son is egging me for a Fortuner. I am slowly being convinced by your video

[@GetOutGO]

2nd-hand Disco's are cheap to buy but not to maintain in my experience. Fortuners are great all-rounders, are usually very reliable and relatively cheap to maintain. If you buy a 2nd-hand one just check the service history. The 4.0 V6 (1GR-FE) is bulletproof but thirsty and the 3.0 D4D (1KD-FTV) is my preferred choice. They are prone to theft in SA unfortunately...

[@drup2013]

Nice setup Chris. Love what u have done with the car..

[@GetOutGO]

Thank you!

[@AsherPardey]

I really love your set-up! Thanks for sharing!

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks for watching!

[@africaoverland]

We love our Fortuners! Have a very similar home built setup, but kitted it for a family of 4. Amazing what you can do with so little space. She has taken us all over Southern Africa as far as Malawi and the DRC border. All on our own - All because it is as you say reliable. Good tip on fuel filter. Did I hear you correct you get 1000km with your 115liter tank? I only manage about 850km with my auto box and heavy foot, but I guess I have 3,5 adults in the car & on the roof a 1,8m hannibal tent, 2 jerry cans and huge box in the front. Not too aerodynamic.

[@GetOutGO]

That's awesome! Yeah if I drive nicely and I'm not heavily loaded I get 10km/l, with a rooftop tent 9km/l and towing (a conqueror companion) 7-8km/l

[@kevinlouwrens2756]

You should really consider a LiFePO4 battery and a quality DC-DC charger. You would not need to use those expensive flexible solar panels that often either. The charging efficiency and usable Ah of LiFePO4 batteries are just amazing!

[@GetOutGO]

I really like the LiFePO4 batteries for their weight and efficiency, I don't like the price however...

[@kevinlouwrens2756]

@@GetOutGO how much did those flexible solar panels cost?

[@GetOutGO]

They're around R7k now for the 150w Mojave. I would have them even if I had LiFePO4 batteries.

[@kevinlouwrens2756]

@@GetOutGO for sure, they are brilliant! If I could afford it I would have bought one as well but I spent my money on a 82Ah Lithium battery😂 hardly ever need to use solar. Only when using two fridges and staying over for a 2nd full day. So you would not have to use the solar nearly as much! Anyway, love your straight to the point approach one overlanding. Many people carry equipment that just ruins the idea of overlanding in my opinion.

[@carloquerijero7489]

Hi! You have a wonderful and very interesting country. I enjoy watching your videos! I wish you more success, travels and good health. May I know what size do you use for your tires? Thank you!

[@GetOutGO]

Thank you! I use standard 265/65/R17's. You can go up to 265/70R17 on the Fortuner but I find that they are a lot more expensive and difficult to find in remote locations.

[@adventuresoverland4x472]

Another nice one !

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisg1234fly]

Great video, you have stimulated my brain cells. I have a removeable (custom made) dual battery system with an AGM. I understand it pumps out 300w. I also have a flexopower with one 105w panel. I understand that i cannort charge the FP lithium from the AGM. I see you have a 300w inverter which i want, but not sure whether to connect to the dual battery, cigarrette lighter or what. I love the platform you have. I guess I want to copy your system into my 2006 V6 Tuna.

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks! My inverter runs off the deep cycle battery. I have a fused 16mm2 cable running from that battery to an anderson plug at the back, from there I have a 3 way split that my fride(s) and inverter run from.

[@chrisg1234fly]

@@GetOutGO So just put an Anderson plug on the inverter wires and connect to dual battery...Great!!! (my electrical knowledge is as far as doing a domestic plug!!)

[@GetOutGO]

Basically, just put a fuse in line as well obviously.

[@EsamKabliPhotography]

As a new Fortuner owner i appreciate all the great information that you toke the time to share it with us, can i ask you about the tire size, the Fortuner come with 265/65/17 and i want to replace it with bigger size on the same Fortuner original wheel, i was thinking about 275 or 285/65/17 all terrain tires. so what you think?

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Esam, why do you want wider tyres? I know other guys change to 265/70R17 (higher profile which makes sense fir ground clearance). Even then you need a lift, the tyres are more expensive and the size is difficult to find in rural areas. I have standard 265/65R17s for that very reason. Just get a good set of AT’s (Maxxis, Coopers, BFG etc)

[@garagepie]

Thanks for the great vid. Love the setup! No snorkel?

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks! Have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6PWemyCntampa8 🙂

[@dumanimjo609]

Hi Chris, quick question, is there any particular reason why you opted for a manual transmission over the auto? I see Ryan's Ranger is also a manual. I would have thought autos would have been the choice for overlanding and especially off-roading. Am I missing something?

[@GetOutGO]

I prefer the driving style and manual gearboxes are easier to sort out in the middle of nowhere if you have an issue. The Fortuner Vigo also only came out with a 4 speed auto, the manual is 5 speed.

[@dumanimjo609]

@@GetOutGO I see, thank you!

[@4WheelingSA]

Thanks Christoff! Very interesting. Where did you fit the battery? In the engine compartment? Looking forward to the bumper replacement. :-)

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Henk, yes it's in the engine bay, tight fit but it works 😉

[@wernerziemerink]

Goeie dag Christoff. Nice video. How do you find the Ironman suspension? Is it allot firmer/softer than the stock shocks?

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks! It depends which you go for; comfort / performance / load but any of them are way better than stock. I'd suggest having a chat to the Ironman4x4 folks for more info www.ironman4x4.co.za/

[@jandewelzim471]

Hi Christoff. Thanks for the video. I have question. Some of the newer Gd6 models in fortuner/hilux have 265/60/R18 tyres. Instead of 265/65/R17. Is there that much difference to warrant going back down to R17 tyres to get abit bigger sidewall and availability ? Not wanting to hectic 4x4ing , just basic trails and overlanding. Would love to hear your opinion. Thanks

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Jan, having more rubber (profile) is always better but if you're not doing anything hectic the standard 18's are fine. Just get a good set of AT tyres (my preference is something with a 3-ply sidewall like Maxxis, BFG, Cooper). 265/60R18's are a fairly common size now to get hold of as awell.

[@ferdinandmendoza77]

Nice setup for the fortuner. I am planning to get myself the older 2010 model. I'm not sure if I just missed it in the video but what tire size do you use? Thanks!

[@GetOutGO]

I have the standard 265/65r17's. You can go 265/70r17 if you have a lift but they're much more expensive and difficult to find in the bundus.

[@d7e7r7]

Thanks for the walk around, awesome rig you have! What recovery boards are those? Maxtrax or the Mix Box brand from Takealot?

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks for watching! They are the MixBox ones (also called XBull in other markets). Maxtrax are way too expensive for my application.

[@d7e7r7]

@@GetOutGO Thanks, been looking at them too, ja Maxtrax are very expensive. Have you used them yet? Any review coming?

[@GetOutGO]

I've used them in sand, worked no problem. I think they'll do fine in most cases aside from bridge building. I'll do a review once I've used them in mud as well 😉

[@shathaniketogetswe4271]

Finally been waiting for this forever, ball park how much did you spend on everything?

[@GetOutGO]

I obviously modified mine over time but if you were to purchase everything now, these would be the costs +/-; Suspension R30000 Rear bumper R25000 Front bumper R25000 Rock sliders R10000 Snorkel R4000 Roof rack and accessories R15000 Rooftop tent R12000 Drawer system and fridge slides R16000 Custom deck R2500 Solenoid charger and 120ah AGM-gel battery R6000 15a MPPT controller and 300w solar R15000 Icom VHF radio R3000 Total R163,500 (USD 9,700) You obviously need to add your camping gear costs as well but this you'd need regardless of what vehicle you drive.

[@cobusrautenbach8804]

Hi Chris, Great channel and thanks for sharing. I am in the market for a replacement bumper and I see you have the Gobi X fitted. Can it swing all the way 180deg or is it at max as shown on the video. Hope to one day see you on the road.

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Cobus! The swing is at its max on the video. You're pretty limited on choices for the rear bumper on the Fortuner; Gobi-X, Desert Armour at Megaworld (made by Gobi-X 😉) and Wilddog4x4. The Gobi-X is really well made and it can take 2 swing arms.

[@cobusrautenbach8804]

@@GetOutGO Thanks for the reply. I was so hoping it will go a bit further out, cause at that angle it limits the access to the back of the vehicle. I own a 79 Land Cruiser S/C do you think the Gobi-X might be different for each vehicle.

[@GetOutGO]

I think it's probably unique to each vehicle, maybe give them a shout; www.gobi-x.co.za/shop/toyota/land-cruiser/70-series/rear-bumper-toyota-land-cruiser-70/

[@kyunlaytshering6877]

Hello Chris, greetings from SIKKIM, INDIA...would like to what size tyres r u running on currently. Regards & Best wishes Jigs

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Jigs, I run the standard 265/65R17’s. I was thinking of going to 265/70R17 but the price goes up quite a bit and it’s sometimes hard to find stock.

[@kyunlaytshering6877]

@@GetOutGO Thanks Chris... 265/70/R17 will be an apt upgrade.

[@thinkwjn8950]

Hi Chirs. Great video. If i may ask, what mileage does Fortuner have on the clocks? And what is your average yearly maintenance cost on the Fortuner when you do overlanding? Thanks

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks 👍 I've got 188k on the clock now (It's a 2012). It's usually just services every 10k km (those vary from R2k - R5k depending what you do).

[@thinkwjn8950]

@Get Out, GO! Thanks so much, Chris!

[@nopressure4967]

That's a nice setup. Do you know what your GCM is when fully loaded for camping?

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks! My GVM is 2510 kg (5534 lbs) so I stay below that. If I have everthing packed, a passenger, the water tanks and fuel tanks filled and the extra spare loaded I am close to GVM but that's only on rare occasions (like crossing the Central Kalahari)

[@thianmyburgh5925]

Good evening. Would like to know, how does the Gobi X swing arm work if you are towing your Conqueror trailer, can you still open the back of the Fortuner while the Conqueror is hooked onto Fortuner? I do tow a Conqueror Comfort and considering a swing arm.

[@GetOutGO]

Not sure about the Comfort but it works with the Companion 👍

[@iknoetze]

Awesome vid! quick question - you said you have 2 spare tires - one on the replacement bumper and where do you keep the other?

[@GetOutGO]

Hi, thanks! On the roofrack (only on remote trips). I've considered adding another swing arm but I don't like having so much weight behind the rear axle.

[@greenleader758]

Fantastic video and nice setup. Does that vehicle VHF radio require a license? Cheers

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks! Yes it does. In SA you can get a club, ORRA (www.orra.co.za/individuals.html) or 4x4 Community Forum (www.4x4community.co.za/radiolicense/) license for it.

[@sifisomahlangu6432]

Is this your daily driver Chris? Or you have another vehicle for daily run arounds?

[@GetOutGO]

It’s my daily driver (but I don’t have an office job). Only complaint is it doesn’t fit in most parking garages 😂

[@ewanvisser7913]

Nice vid and a cool rig. You mentioned you use a solenoid rely on your dual battery system. Why not a Dc to Dc charge? Don't the 2012 Fortuners have a smart alternator?

[@GetOutGO]

Thanks Ewan! The 2012 already comes with a smart alternator, the solenoid system still works with it. Is it as efficient as a DC-DC charger? No, but it still works and it's significantly cheaper and a very simple device. I find that I mostly charge with solar in any event (accept for long drives obviously).

[@ewanvisser7913]

@@GetOutGO Ok cool. I have a Pajero sport with 2x100ah AGM and a bosch relay. I'm one of the owners at Flex Adventures and we just order 30a Dc to Dc chargers with MPPT. We will se how they perform and they will be much cheaper than the competition 😁

[@GetOutGO]

Cool! I'm always open to testing new products hey 😈

[@robertevans8728]

Hi Chris. Thx for this video. I have a 2013 Fortuner. General.overland/camp in Botswana. To pick your experience, I would like to know what you think are the necessary spares for this vehicle, for when you overland in Botswana/this region? Thanks.

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Robert, for really remote areas I take oil, oil-, diesel- and air-filters and a serpentine belt. If you’re close to places like Gabs / Maun / Francistown you’ll find what you need there.

[@robertevans8728]

@@GetOutGO thanks Chris. If I may ask, what is a serpentine belt? Also you don't need hard spares like cv's and rod arms etc for our bush right?

[@OverlandingEscape]

@@robertevans8728 it’s like a fanbelt but it runs more than just the fan. I don’t carry CV’s and the likes, don’t usually drive that hectic tracks and I honestly don’t have the space for it.

[@robertevans8728]

@@OverlandingEscape appreciate the advice and info Chris. Appreciate that. Cheers. So where is your next adventure?

[@shawntaylor9509]

Hey Christoff, what are you using with the solar panels to charge your battery and how do you do the switch over - i.e do you still have the solenoid?

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Shawn, I have a victron mppt controller for solar (connected to 2nd battery) and I now use a Ctek dc-dc charger for charging from the car. I had to upgrade my trailer’s Ctek to accommodate lithium so I’m using the old charger in my car now.

[@shawntaylor9509]

@@GetOutGO does the Ctek unit have a dedicated input for the MPPT Charge Controller?

[@GetOutGO]

Yes, the Ctek (D250S dual) has its own mppt with input but I use a separate mppt (redundancy)

[@rynoopperman5010]

Christoff kan jy my dalk details gee oor watse ligte jy in gesit het? En dalk waar jy die gekry het Ek hou ook nie van in die dinker ry nie, en wil nie regtig n light bar op sit nie... Maar mu Tuna se ligte is useless😜 Dankie, groete, Ryno

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Ryno, kyk bietjie hierso www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php/114122-Fortuner-headlight-bulbs. As ek reg onthou was die high beams Philips HIDs (www.takealot.com/xenon-hid-conversion-kit-for-h9005-hb3-bulb-size/PLID38259186?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLq8vdPg6wIVFJ3VCh0P6g3lEAQYASABEgIpifD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) en headlights is LED, kan nie onthou watse maak nie (4x4direct.co.za/car-replacement-lamps/6171-hb4-led-bulb-replacement.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI58q01NLg6wIVugYGAB2PTgXLEAQYAiABEgJmxPD_BwE). Groete

[@aslanahmed7861]

What airbags are you using in your rear setup they look custom can you elaborate more details please

[@GetOutGO]

The airbags were from Air spring supply. I have subsequently removed and replaced them with 300-500kg Tough dog coils at the back (still Ironman4x4 coils in the front and Ironman4x4 foamcell pro shocks all round). The lesson from this was that airbags are only good for variable weights (like towing) and can’t withstand a lot of off-roading (both mine had punctures in the end). Should I do an updated rig walk-around?

[@aslanahmed7861]

@@GetOutGO yes please update it.. also if you can tell me the make and model of the bags you used and its size and more details about it that would be great thank you so much

[@mikekay213]

New subscriber, how have the ironman shocks performed and comfort Vs stock suspension

[@GetOutGO]

I didn't have the stock suspension on for more than a month so can't really comment on it. I initially installed Ironman4x4 performance coils and nitro gas shocks. I recently upgraded to load coils and foamcell pro shocks to cater for the additional weight. Happy with the handling of both though 👍

[@mokibe]

Hi Chris. Is it worth fitting a radio(CB) to my rig if I only travel within SA?

[@GetOutGO]

Hi Jerry, I’d say it depends on how often you drive with others. If you drive in convoys or with your mates often and they have radios, I would consider it. I would recommend VHF on the ORRA frequencies (yearly fee though ) over UHF (CB).

[@marschlionoalexander8498]

Hi, is it necessary to wear the big cowboy hat all the time and in every video? Just asking.

[@GetOutGO]

Not a cowboy hat. Just saying 😂

[@marschlionoalexander8498]

@@GetOutGO thanks for your response. I was only asking, btw I love your videos. I'm thinking of getting a vw Amarok to do some off roading and camping, do you think it's worth it?

[@GetOutGO]

No worries, thanks! I’d say just about any modern 4x4 can take you overlanding. You usually just need a set of good AT tyres. Ps. Have a look at this kzbin.info/www/bejne/laepeJacgLaSbtU

[@marschlionoalexander8498]

@@GetOutGO thanks, keep up with the videos. Any sites that you would recommend in the western cape?

[@GetOutGO]

Have a look here 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZzIno1sptyoZ6s

[@elmerdelgado5835]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joaocarlosandrade4520]

Great video and nice setup👍

[@GetOutGO]

Thank you!

[@joaocarlosandrade4520]

Get Out, GO! 👍🙏