Making a Wagon Tow PROPERLY OFFROAD

[@firetofork]

Should I keep these bonus episodes going or just stick to cooking and camping?

[@jackbaddock8785]

Keep them going mate love them

[@JenBolst]

I'm keen for bonus episodes 😅

[@adammack5073]

Keep them going for sure. Thank you for the insight.

[@africangraham]

Keep

[@caronin]

Defiantly keep 'em coming.

[@chrismatthews8318]

Thanks harry for a great informative video keep them coming just about to pick up our new caravan and you confirmed a lot of the gear i was looking into .As for some of those comments wow what bunch of tossers it would have taken a lot of time and effort to put out this video and we appreciate what you do .I think I would speak for most of your followers that you have more to give than just cooking as you are a great all round presenter and could talk about weeding the garden and you would make it interesting 😜keep up the good work mate

[@firetofork]

Thanks so much mate!

[@seanchristie7150]

Fantastic episode as usual, keep up the additional videos, very informative and real world experience.

[@geoffreywelch6087]

Down to earth.no bs. Real world 🌎 ❤peace

[@rogermcgaw7776]

Thanks Harry, we have watched and loved your food vids; this tow vid is great with heaps of valuable, useable content, cheers roger

[@marks7120]

Great video and info. I don’t do much towing other than a tip run with the standard trailer. For those who are or planning to, this is great to give an idea of what is needed and costs involved. Thanks mate. Keep the videos coming.

[@cyclemoto8744]

Thanks for sharing Harry. For those intereseted in a brake upgrade, I'd suggest checking out Hoppers Stoppers in Victoria. Compared to Bendix they replaced my pads, discs and upgraded the brake booster for the same cost as Bendix without a brake booster....

[@timcroft8633]

Keep up all the info mate, your presentation of it is elite!

[@johninglis2687]

Thanks Harry. I love my Prado and now you have made sense on all mods !

[@jameswebb3000]

Awsome I plan on towing a boat I have a 7 m so some weight have already done suspension the tune sounds good

[@56JimboSlice]

Thanks for being honest about all of it, adds up quickly lol

[@Huntersxdrifters]

So good to find out a littel insight into the Prado upgrades Haz! Hope you have been well!

[@craigmuir-jj4oh]

Great video Harry, with the Prado you forgot to mention the extended tow hitch to clear the rear door. Seems like the 200 costs about double for things on the Prodo (GVM etc etc) 👍🏼🍻

[@peterdonlon6505]

More of these episodes would complement your cooking series👍

[@TayneForrest]

You forgot to mention how all those mods go with beer! Love all your videos mate!

[@burbs-to-bush-redbakadventures]

Definitely go the all rounder, you've had the great opportunity to be around the likes of Ronny for example and have gained a stack of knowledge from him , to get your spin on what you have learnt and combine that with your great knowledge of bush cooking you seriously can't go wrong including both on your channel, quite frankly I've learnt stacks from you both .

[@geoffpurcell7904]

Very helpful Harry, thanks!

[@peterdonlon6505]

Cheers Harry, great information mate

[@rich9903]

After watching your ‘10yr tourer’ build video, I had pretty modelled my 22 Prado on yours because I wanted to do the build properly … and I trust your reviews and your channel so it’d be no surprise that they would look almost the same if they were put side-by-side of each other. I did 98% of the fitment work by myself which of course is great if you have the time (and some skills) but overall it saved me a motza in costs. I also tow a 15ft hybrid which of course it does reasonably well - but you definitely know the car’s working (hard?) to achieve that. I (thankfully!!) didn’t go with the Clearview mirrors and just use the Milenco’s for similar reasons which you’d pointed out in your video. I was thinking about getting the new MSAs (will be fully compatible with my VX) when they release them but we’ll see. That said, I’ll have to check my own data but with you getting almost 700Nm out torque as a result of your tune, it sounds like you’d be wringing the 2.8L’s (i.e. small 4cyl) neck to get those kind of figures - noting of course you’re not driving flat to the boards for the most part. Are worried about something possibly going ‘BANG!!’ in the future with your Prado Harry? Suffice to say that Toyota wouldn’t have a bar of it if that ever happens.

[@shaunmurphy35]

Keep them coming H great work

[@kiho1995]

Ive recently ditched the traditional 7 pin plug and gone to an 8 pin deutsch simply to have a locking waterproof connection that just works. I would personally run two anderson plugs and a 7 pin trailer plug for a caravan because the trailer plug really shouldn't be handling much more current than the trailer brakes in my opinion.

[@DonGraham-w6y]

Cheers. Very helpful.

[@joshuamclean6564]

Prados are not designed to tow caravans. Prior to the 1GD the towing normal sized caravans is what cracked pistons due to the increased load and heat on the piston. I dare say as time goes on issues will emerge with the 1GD as well. It will be interesting to see how the new 1GD 70 series handle people loading them up just like the old v8.

[@stephencooper9543]

100% agree with your comments. Really brave of you to criticise the industry kings in clear view but again I have all of these experiences. Thanks for this it was a honest and practical.

[@louiskudlak2256]

Yeah bonus episodes are good thanks

[@matthewjohnston6604]

I went the clear view compacts. Pretty happy with them. On a new ranger

[@markvanree]

Perfect timing. I've got a Pajero Sport and struggling with payload. I need to invest in a GVM upgrade and I think a Prado with that upgrade would be a better investment. Love hearing your feedback on towing.

[@jadewatkins5549]

Great information mate

[@Peter-xtreme]

Excellent information - thank you

[@martingould841]

I am with you on the mirrors mate. I hate mine but no other option 😞 good vid btw keep doing them

[@benroyans1983]

Fantastic information harry thanks 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@caltravels9454]

All well and good using the trucks slip stream, as long as you back off for people who do want to overtake, seen many times 2 to 3 cars trailing too close that are too afraid or just cant overtake a truck and the overtaking distance becomes too far unless you break the speed limit by a lot. Personally love being behind trucks, one of the safest places to be on a long drive IMO.

[@Pat.Mustard]

Dunno, not sure I’d wanna be too close to a truck when a tyre tread comes off.

[@Ash-qs1zm]

I noticed the same on my 150 after the brake upgrade. Rear felt much better with braking. Just watch how quickly the rears wear though

[@DamoLawrie]

To be honest it sounds more like the brake proportioning valve was adjusted than solely upgraded parts. Parts will improve stopping capability but not make it feel like rears are doing more work. Was trained that braking systems are designed to work 60%/40% load front/rear as a safety/efficiency measure

[@geoffreywelch6087]

❤ the vids n upgrades

[@davetunbridge6637]

I’ve seen a few KZbin video channels of auto sparkies that are not overly fond of the 12 pin plugs powering the 3way fridges and breakaway system. Mainly due to cabling sizes and the fact the pins are a poor connection. Personally I run a 7pin with Anderson plugs for power supply that needs any sort of amperage above 15 amps. Just my 1.5cents worth. Flame suit on.🥸

[@crispbeecrisbundyrun]

Definitely keep the bonus episodes.

[@marklaurendet1861]

A very helpfull video. We have a Prado VX and are thinking of towing a small pod van. So this is very good for us. If we have to get towing mirrors I notice Clerview now have a compact set that support all the features of the VX stock mirrors. But when fully in they stick out a bit further so not sure if the camera side view will work ok or not. Are you using a scan gauge to measure gear box temperature? I am thinking of one to monitor temps, what gear you are in etc. But would need another plug in a convenient place, and have not found anyone who can do that yet.

[@firetofork]

Yeah using a scangauge

[@snakeo99]

The GVM upgrade sounds reasonably priced. Ive been looking around for a 300 series and its about $5K for the cheapest on the market, and that is without airbags.

[@Dazza-u4c]

I only have a 7 pin plug and Anderson plug and I tow a Kedron 16 ft caravan, 231 kg down load. ( GU Patrol coil cab ute) Yes I have Clear view mirrors and a Redarc electric brake controller. I also have airbags and a 450 mm Chassis ext, EFS XTR 2 inch lift, Bendix brake upgrade . I installed my own XRS 370 so saved a bit there. My caravan fridge is a compressor one and a break away system is a seperate metal cable attached to the vehicle that went pulled, slams the vans brakes on.

[@firetofork]

Ah yeah that is always an option

[@mohammednovalija]

Holding that drink in your hand makes you look like Julian from " Trailer Park Boys "

[@garypriddin9949]

In case you didn't know the legal tow speed in WA is 100 kmh. A friend got pinged for towing at 110 in a 110 zone.

[@firetofork]

Yup and to be honest with the van I don't really want to go much faster

[@bradworthington8594]

Yep all good info for anyone looking at towing a van. Interested to know if you had the brake upgrade before or after the GVM upgrade?

[@firetofork]

After the GVM

[@davidlovell4390]

Thanks mate

[@outandaboutinoz]

Great info.

[@stonie93]

Anyone else notice the rear wheel looks like it only has 5 wheel nuts loving the bonus videos

[@firetofork]

So well spotted! It actually was sheared off

[@ToplessStudios]

​@@firetoforkMy prado always lost wheel nuts and fried rear brakes every 10 000 ks only issues I had with it

[@firetofork]

First wheel nut in 100k and just did the rear brakes for the first time at 90k which is about 7x less than my old car!

[@trendysoil6373]

Great video mate. Have come across many re the gear you should have and need for towing. Have you done an intercooler upgrade? Or replaced hoses over the factory ones?

[@firetofork]

Nope all stock there

[@elwoodroadsmusic9639]

Cost me about 5k doing most of that, mostly because I do the work myself, except the electrical side of it. I haven't done the brake upgrade. But yep definitely all worth it!

[@jamesm6341]

Thanks mate next time please put away that rattleing drink😂

[@RedVMember]

I used to work in an industry that sold Clearview mirrors and MSA......well not "SOLD" MSA, we stocked them, only ever sold Clearview.

[@Will-yh5fx]

Anyone else notice that the left computer screen has the big dogs build page with a 2500 chev!!!! Upgrade time my man???

[@firetofork]

I have something very very different in the works 😉

[@ryandoyle221]

Very informative 👍

[@MC-jf6ic]

Where did you get your tune done?

[@johnraisbeck9756]

Can you post links to the products please? Great stuff!

[@Ovaworked4x4]

The cost of mods adds up quick especially if you use quality gear. A grand for the trailer and Anderson plugs seems a bit excessive though.

[@BevanPattison]

Just a quick heads up any trailer over 750KG needs a brake controller by law. I sell camper trailers for a living and I'm a qualified electrical fitter. Love the videos keep up the great work mate.

[@firetofork]

It needs brakes but not an electronic brake controller. Mechanical brakes are totally legal

[@bush2coast801]

In W.A. Over Ride Brakes must be on at least one axle on Trailers over 750kg and up to 2000kg. In Cab Brake Controllers come into effect from 2000Kg onwards with brakes on each axle. 👍

[@Bigcountry_littlelegs]

With your experience now and embracing the caravan life full time, would you go for a more powerful vechicle from the get go rather then donthe tuning etc.

[@leftcoastoverland8750]

When it’s your home and livelihood, it’s money well spent!

[@cathbp4089]

We have a 20.6 van with a 7 pin, anderson, break controller, breakaway etc. Not always necessary for a 12 pin.

[@firetofork]

Depends what charge system you have. If you run a big charger you need 12 pin and anderson

[@DamoLawrie]

​@@firetoforkI think it really jut depends on what system your van is set up to take/requires. Like most things in this area it's gotta be fit for purpose. Not all braked trailers have electric brakes and therefore don't need a controller (I know you've mentioned that more than once in the comments 👍) some have the cable type break away system not the electric controlled system and so on. Some of the experts in the comments should remember that it's horses for courses not 1 shoe fits all 👌👍 As for clearview mirrors... I'm looking at San hima for my 120 prado, but I don't have to worry about cameras... not fancy enough for that. But yeah I'd avoid clearview if I could too haven't heard many good stories about them outside of the die-hard supporters

[@cherubman3052]

Something worth pointing out about the GVM upgrade; it does not affect your GCM. If you have your vehicle loaded at its new GVM of 3.5T and your GCM is 6.5T, you cannot tow more than 3T. Same goes for ball weight as this needs to be included as a vehicle load. I've seen a lot of people get GVM upgrades to be able to load their vehicle up further and still tow their 3.5T van when that actually puts you over the combined weight (by a lot in some cases). No doubt you've done your maths on this Harry, but it's worth pointing out for others.

[@colinirwin6578]

Enjoyed the video Harry. Keep up the extra info. Did you have to get a 2 inch lift to tow the van.

[@ausguy4385]

Don't use a 12in. Just add a second Anderson plug, or charge slowly via the same 12v Anderson as the van Anderson line

[@woofa159]

Great episode as I have just bought a van, couldn't agree more about the mirrors, the Clearview ones suck.

[@lindsaybrown5897]

they are ok just need the convex upgrade ........ the fact they dont fold flush is annoying but

[@woofa159]

@@lindsaybrown5897 for the cost, you don't want ok. You want good.

[@DamoLawrie]

​@@lindsaybrown5897for the price the should be perfect.

[@FroggysGoldProspecting]

I have a prado with gvm upgrade with airbags and tough dog 9 stage shocks front and rear, mid range shocks and they did really well on our 20,000k top end trip towing 2t, twin locked the socker mum and it goes absolutely anywhere, the winch makes me much braver too 😂

[@jodifinnegan8660]

We have the clearview compacts & they’re awesome.

[@trentnorris8054]

Hi H, These extra vids are great but they certainly bring out the armchair experts. Keep up the good work and ignore the flogs...

[@macca486]

Code word "Boots" love the content

[@OFFGRIDOFFROAD]

I’m Glad someone else thinks the same as I do about Clearview Mirrors.. I had them on my Rig and could not stand them.. recently changed to MSA and they are such a better product all round.. Wait till you drive on some serious corrugations with them, your rear view turns into a Blurred out Mr Squiggle Drawing😂😂

[@michaelpreston9840]

Hey Harry, love your work…..keep it up 😀…….I’ve been thinking about a trans cooler for some time, and after watching this you have helped me make the decision and I have just ordered a Kaon cooler kit for my 2016 Prado, can you please let me know where you had yours installed?

[@eziodallolio4833]

Agreed with your dumbo ears comment. Definitely keep these episodes mixed in with your regular camping and cooking.

[@ryanmajor2995]

Surely you can let us know who tuned it! Would love to get our Prado tuned here in WA.

[@mykmdb8109]

Probably because its a controversial topic, some say a recipe for a cracked piston, especially on a 2.8l 4c highly compressed engine.

[@towny36]

Are you still running the extended tow hitch with the new van now?

[@firetofork]

No, the rear door clears without it

[@davemorgan3680]

The ice clinking around in you steel cup was really annoying lol Great insight into towing tho

[@ShoeysAdventures]

the old 2.8 definetly needed the lockup, new one I'm not gonna do it again.

[@terryjohnsen1689]

Good video thanks. 2 questions did you notice the higher transmission temps after you got the tune or did that not affect trans temps? And did you keep your extended hitch from outback equipment, or did you have to go to something shorter? Thanks PS: You could have avoided the mirrors by going for an offroad caravan like an Australian Off-road, Alpine, and numerous other manufacturers. They restrict the width to around 1.9m mainly for off-road maneuverability, but it means no tow mirrors required for larger cars. The Prado is actually reasonably wide for its overall size. I have an Alpine camper and don't need them.

[@firetofork]

Yes the higher temps were after the tune and no I don’t run the extended hitch any more. My van is 2.2 wide so still pretty narrow and legally you do need extended mirrors for a Prado on an Alpine which is 2.05 (17cm wider than a Prado) and the AOR which is 7cm wider than a Prado.

[@terryjohnsen1689]

Thanks for the reply. I had my EGR turned off but didn’t get a tune because I was concerned about trans temps. Sure I could have got a trans cooler but every change is another reason for Toyota to deny warranty. I find I don’t need towing mirrors with my Alpine 13’. I can see right down the side of my van. If I get my partner to wiggle a finger just proud of the back I can see it - so I think I am legal. I had a first gen Everest before and I needed mirrors on that. Probably would not on the 2nd gen Everest that is wider. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@stevegraham3817]

You should just buy a 2.8L - 76 series, they are absolutely perfect straight out of the box. Apparently...

[@firetofork]

Comparison video coming soon on Ronny’s channel. I can assure you they are far from perfect!!!

[@stevegraham3817]

@@firetofork That will be good to see. But I guess my sarcasm didn't come over in the words. Lots of people have just heaped all the praise on the 76 series live axle Prado, and live axle Hilux. lol. Unfortunately they will sit in the same category as the 3L GU Patrols. Yeah people will buy them, yeah they go alright, and yes they go 'ok' loaded up, but the 350,000+km 4wd is finished and Toyota are going to fill the rest of the world to look like a Navara wrecking yard.. lol Either way, it will be good to see the comparison, I don't always agree with Ronny's conclusions, but you can't fault the effort and methods that he goes to, to get to his conclusions.

[@davehoward8745]

Got an MM4x4 lockup....swear by it!

[@MRCtouring]

Love your comments on the Clearviews, people rave about them but they look 💩 and are a complete hindrance for everyday use. MSA do need to accommodate cameras as they are the best aftermarket permanently mounted mirrors on the market.

[@Wilbargosh]

Ice in your green Yeti makes me guess your filming in the afternoon with a spiced rum n ginger beer or one of old mates cocktails?

[@firetofork]

Ice coffee at 8am unfortunately!

[@toddsteenson1820]

Does the upgrade include body paint wrapping.?

[@firetofork]

Definitely not! Total mods on the Prado are closer to $70k

[@richardwalsh5570]

Sounds like your Auto Electrician is dearer than Tassie ones.

[@DamoLawrie]

​@NothingsImportant just installed or was that supplied too? Expensive if just installation, cheap if that included supply - tow pros aren't cheap. I do my own work where I can (qualified mechanic) but there are things out of my scope (tools, knowledge etc - been out of the trade for a little bit) and when I have to pay it hurts.

[@DamoLawrie]

@NothingsImportant that's not too bad then

[@pantoqwerty]

I’d be interested to know the difference the mods make to insurance costs as my stock Prado has gone through the roof.

[@Tom-lf8hx]

Should also add getting a lesson (driver training) if you are a novice plus some bloody common sense 😂😂

[@islasdad5775]

How Rude no code word! BS aside this is the kind of information I like to see to help me make an informed decision before dropping $$$$$ on something they may not be fit for purpose. Love the vids mate, keep em coming. 👌

[@jezhaslam5813]

Difference in cost between stock 300 series and upgraded prado

[@simonhook2136]

$700 for an Anderson plug!!! Mate you got ripped!! In QLD any trailer over 750kgs must be braked.

[@firetofork]

Braked. Not brake controller

[@DamoLawrie]

Same in SA for over 750kg req brakes, unsure exactly on the regs for when/if a trailer must have electric brakes but electric brakes do need a controller to operate regardless of weight. But do agree that $700 to fit an Anderson plug is steep.

[@davidsmith9440]

Braked and electronic braked are 2 different things. In Qld caravans over 2000kg must have electronic brakes, also if the GTM is over 1000kg it is recommended to have electronic brakes.

[@DamoLawrie]

@davidsmith9440 yep must be same rules for SA 2000kg + needs elec brakes. My box trailer can be rated at 2500kg if it had been fitted with electric brakes but was fitted with manual hydraulic so rated at 1990kg.

[@antony3678]

I think the auto electrician saw you coming.... You don't actually need a 12 pin plug. Just run a second (red) Anderson Plug for the brake away system. I'm glad I've got a 6 speed manual. Don't have all those expensive transmission cooling mods.

[@PhilJames-d2j]

Like you absolutely hated clearview next gen mirrors until I changed top mirror from flat to convex. Spare part from clearview.

[@firetofork]

I just changed over and I must say it’s heaps better!

[@paulfeher4222]

Prado and 300 series in one sentence lol 😂

[@Ask_Harry]

I don't see the point of a lockup kit in my 200, I changed to never select drive. Always 4th in the city and select 5th at 80k & 6th when in 100k+. Since changing I get 100k more fuel range and the SG3 tells me it locks up fine when it needs to, in most situations trans temps are within reasonable for the demand... Toyota does things for a reason!

[@Frats13]

Did the tune / remapping improve fuel economy?? Or make it worse?

[@firetofork]

No difference

[@dashcoja]

Nice reality check Harry. Due to pick up our H16 in October. 12 pin needed, have all the other bits and pieces but mine is a souped up 3l 2.5t towing capacity without GVM but have airbags. Shitting myself about weights. Is your van pretty constant with a 250kg tow ball weight?

[@firetofork]

Enjoy it! If you fill the front water tank (I have the 3x100l option) it goes up to 300kg

[@jasonorourke5652]

@@dashcoja funnily enough I’m in the same boat. Ranger raptor 2.5t capacity and have the H16 turning up in September. I’ve gone with the boss airbags and I’m just banking on it all being ok.

[@peterwest5661]

Airbag man airbags $200. Fitted myself. Should have fitted yours an got you to cook me a wagu steak

[@toomasnelson4561]

I guess few people would be aware of all this unless they are following a KZbin channel that features all this, Buy your van, buy your 4 x4 and go (almost)

[@boxheadmr]

Harry, Why dont you get a transmission tune rather than a lockup kits?

[@firetofork]

I have both

[@glenwillson5073]

If you get the right caravan that fits the vehicle you already have then no mods are necessary.

[@firetofork]

Brake controller, trailer plug etc?

[@glenwillson5073]

@@firetofork Didn't you say you've been towing other trailer types? Havent you already got all that? Choose the correct caravan for your vehicle type & what else do you need to tow it?

[@firetofork]

@@glenwillson5073 By that logic the only thing I changed to tow the van was mirrors and a 12 pin plug, the rest was done before I had the van

[@glenwillson5073]

@@firetofork Are you being deliberately obtuse? According to your video you only found out you needed "quite a few mods" to be able to tow after you purchased the van - Yes? There is nothing wrong with GVM & suspension upgrades etc., but my point was, & is, people don't need to do any of this expensive stuff if they buy a van that suits their vehicle in the first place.

[@jayd3931]

@@glenwillson5073 Most people need to do these things for most caravans if you are towing with a Prado, especially off road. He has a hybrid caravan, that is narrow, light and short by caravan standards, and is built to go off road, as needed. You aren't going to find many caravans that suit his need that don't require something on a Prado. Do you buy a caravan that doesn't suit you needs at all, just to not have to spend a few dollars on your vehicle? You will find most people that do that, wind up upgrading later.

[@JimsCS2]

Hiluxes don't have trans coolers either.

[@spudboy1328]

Try an MSA mirror. Those clip on $100 mirrors are a joke. At a certain speed they will fold in the OEM mirror, and it's really annoying having to open the window and push the mirror back out again, again and again.

[@firetofork]

I would if they made ones that supported my cameras. I think I am stuck with the clearviews

[@AmandaandAustinC]

My Milenco Aero 4 mirrors are rock solid.

[@fstopza]

Why MM vs Wholesale Automatic? I'm keen for one on my Hilux, but can't decide on a vendor

[@chuckcarter7864]

What’s the rattling noise in your audio ? Is it ice in your drink bottle ?

[@simonhook2136]

Why didn't you advertise tune company?

[@firetofork]

I want to test reliability for a year before I recommend it

[@simonw8334]

​@firetofork - Harry, post tune how do you find 6th gear while towing with the bigger tyres? I am considering a tune as the solution as my fuel economy sucks on hwys stuck in 5th.

[@firetofork]

@@simonw8334 it's awesome. Clicks in to 6th at about 85kmh and basically idles down the freeway at 100 (around 1400rpm)

[@Feebeeee]

You need a brake controller in Qld if towing over 750kg.

[@firetofork]

I think you just need trailer brakes, not a controller

[@Feebeeee]

@@firetofork yeah I am mistaken. I’d sooner have the controller anyway, feels safer.

[@firetofork]

@@Feebeeee totally agree. I far prefer electric brakes

[@DamoLawrie]

​@@Feebeeeeremember the controller only works if the trailer has electric brakes fitted. Most caravans and camper trailers will have electric brakes fitted but most box trailers don't, they usually have mechanical/hydraulic brakes