On Thursday, 26th February, we ordered a new Toyota 4wd. We need more creature comforts as we are getting older, and the 200 Series VX Twin Turbo V8 will definitely meet that need. It is packed with so many comforts that our GXL single cab chassis can only dream of.
The only downside is that we will no longer have a canopy to store items like our chainsaw and generator, but I'm sure we will sort that out.
The build date was 15th March, and the vehicle arrived at the dealer from Japan on 18th April. The dealer has fitted weather shields, a bonnet protector, and tinted the two front windows to match the privacy glass on the rest of the vehicle.
The only downside is that we will no longer have a canopy to store items like our chainsaw and generator, but I'm sure we will sort that out.
The build date was 15th March, and the vehicle arrived at the dealer from Japan on 18th April. The dealer has fitted weather shields, a bonnet protector, and tinted the two front windows to match the privacy glass on the rest of the vehicle.
The past month and a half has involved us gathering information and making decisions about the aftermarket accessories we're having fitted. The first item before the vehicle was registered was a Lovell's GVM upgrade suspension kit. This upgrade increased the carrying capacity from 3300 to 3800 kg. This allows us to fit accessories like bull-bars, long-range fuel tanks, and drawer systems while remaining legal, without affecting our insurance or causing any licensing issues.
Our local TJM outlet in Coffs Harbour has installed the suspension along with all the other accessories. Here are some before-and-after shots of the changes that have taken place over the past nine days.
These accessories comprise a bull-bar and steel side steps to replace the alloy ones that come as standard with the vehicle.
A 170-litre auxiliary fuel tank, which replaces the 45-litre sub-tank, giving us a total of 263 litres of diesel:
To fit the larger fuel tank, we have relocated the tyre and mounted it on a Kaymar rear bar.
The third row of seats has been removed to accommodate a Black Widow draw system, a drop slide for our Engel fridge, and a cargo barrier.
Other external enhancements include Clearview towing mirrors and a Safari snorkel.
A Genie Legendex stainless steel exhaust system:
A Fuel Manager 30 micron pre-filter water separator/alarm to help reduce the risk of contaminants reaching the final filter.
The fuel manager's alarm has been installed inside the glove-box to help keep the vehicle's interior as clutter-free as possible.
A Firestone air compressor and on-board air tank have been installed in the RHS area of the drawer system, along with a Redarc 450 watt pure sine wave inverter in the LHS.
Other additions include a GME TX3540S UHF radio and antenna with the control box hidden inside the dash, two recovery points, a Redarc Tow Pro brake controller, and wiring for connecting our van to the vehicle.
The current configuration of the standard 6.1" LED touchscreen in the 200 Series only provides for the rear camera on the 4WD. We also have a camera at the rear of the van, and the easiest way to connect this was by purchasing a Hema HN7. Aside from the AV IN connection for the van's camera, this device comes complete with the full range of the Hema digital map collection.
It is also loaded with the latest addition of the Camps 8 book and associated camp photos, Australia-wide caravan parks, and a listing of dump points.
The original batteries have been replaced with a 750 CCA start battery, a marine deep cycle battery, a Redarc BCDC 1240 battery charger, and associated wiring for connections at the rear of the 4WD, along with wiring for connecting the van.
We now have a very capable touring 4WD that will tow our van with ease and carry us in comfort. Oh, and by the way, did I mention just how fabulous this vehicle is to drive?
The current configuration of the standard 6.1" LED touchscreen in the 200 Series only provides for the rear camera on the 4WD. We also have a camera at the rear of the van, and the easiest way to connect this was by purchasing a Hema HN7. Aside from the AV IN connection for the van's camera, this device comes complete with the full range of the Hema digital map collection.
It is also loaded with the latest addition of the Camps 8 book and associated camp photos, Australia-wide caravan parks, and a listing of dump points.
The original batteries have been replaced with a 750 CCA start battery, a marine deep cycle battery, a Redarc BCDC 1240 battery charger, and associated wiring for connections at the rear of the 4WD, along with wiring for connecting the van.
We now have a very capable touring 4WD that will tow our van with ease and carry us in comfort. Oh, and by the way, did I mention just how fabulous this vehicle is to drive?
Looks good Ross.
ReplyDeleteYou will really enjoy it, I'm sure.
Yes Stephen we are very happy with the final result. As you know its wonderful driving this after the 79 Series.
DeleteI'm not the least bit jealous...bugger!!!
ReplyDeleteGuess what.... even Ros loves driving it
DeleteHi Ross,
ReplyDeleteJust been thru a similar process early last year although with a more conservative GX, bought from Black Toyota at Grafton on way back to Townsville from Tassie with our Vista Crossover. Went for GX as we didn't want carpets, third row seats, alloy wheels etc and be able to use funds on upgrades. Also did TJM Lovell's GVM upgrade, had some wheel alignment issues initially due to poor install. Also have BW drawers and MSA drop slide, do have a rattle when fridge installed on slide, how is yours?
Picked up our BT last November and have enjoyed many shortish trips since. Heading down to BT for 10,000km service next week before taking off across the top and down WA and SA.
Cheers
Warick,
ReplyDeleteOur Lovells upgrade seems to have worked fine although have only just over 2000 km on the clock. Our BW draw system also has a fridge slide but decided to go with the drop slide for ease of use but after having it in for just a week I told TJM they could have it back. It rattled even before the fridge was installed and even worse with the fridge tied down. I was hoping Ros would be getting the beers from the fridge but now looks like another chore for me.
We hope to be heading towards the Kimberley either July or August. Enjoy your trip and safe driving............
Regards
Ross
Enjoying your bog guys, really informative - we have the car, the gear and the generator.... Bushtracker will come next after retired from our business.... Will look out for you around town, we are a few Ks north of Coffs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. We are easy to spot with our spare wheel having a Bushtracker cover on it. However we are disappearing next Thursday for the next four months. We are heading NW for some much needed warmth.
ReplyDeleteG'day folks, finally I have found your update on your new vehicle, I enjoyed the read and would love to have been able to fit ours out in one go but $$ won't allow so the basics have been done. As your aware I have had issues with the CV drive shaft, hopefully that's all behind us now the diff drop kit has been fitted. I can't believe how well it drives and steers having the upper control arms replaced as well. We head away again in September, going East and then down to Tassie. We will be a bit colder than where your heading.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels