Merch: www.firetofork... The gear I use - www.firetofork... MY BOOK - firetofork.net... Patreon - / firetofork Second channel - / @harryfisher139 I’m most active on Instagram @firetofork I’m also on Facebook - / firetofork
Big ups on this episode. Between you and Ronnie we get honest explanations. It not a put down to the OEM gear, but the honest explanation of what works in Oz under hard use. That’s good info. Am not pooping on the other Oz channels; but the most valuable asset to your channels is no BS, decent honesty. By all means make something for entertainment value; and get the you tube algorithm. It honesty is what sells your sponsors product. Love this channel! ❤
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
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....
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
I’ve seen a few RU-vid 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.🥸
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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!
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😂😂
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 😂
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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.
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. 👍
@@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
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.
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.
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. 👌
@@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.
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?
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
I guess few people would be aware of all this unless they are following a RU-vid channel that features all this, Buy your van, buy your 4 x4 and go (almost)
Keep them going @firetofork / harry loved the episode I’m currently building my prado to tow also so I have found this information very helpful is it possible you could flick me a message with who installed your trans cooler kit and where you get the mm lockup kit
Really confused about your tuned numbers mate. You said you went from around 500Nm to around 700Nm. How did you get to those numbers. If toyota state 500Nm stock, that is flywheel Nm, so around 370Nm at the wheels from what im seeing online. So is your 700Nm you stated at the wheels, but that is unrealistic. Tuned they are usually 530Nm
@@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 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.
@@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.
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?
@@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.
