Hilux towing queries

[Username_here]

Hey all, I have a 2011 Kun26 dual cab automatic turbo diesel that I think is rated to tow 2.5 tonnes braked from what I can find online.

I'm basically wanting to buy a caravan to do some extensive travel. Are these ok to tow max 2.5 without any modifications? I tow a a single are trailer every day for work that often gets loaded to the 750kg limit and I barely notice it's there at all. Did put it on a diagnostic once though where they found two transmission overheat codes, I take it from when it was a machinery hire car. I bought it at 100,000.

The truck has 245,000kms on the clock and has run like a champ, no real issues whatsoever but I'm considering upgrading to the newer 3.5 tonne towers but would really prefer to keep what we have and not have to spend unnecessarily if we don't have to.

Thanks guys, appreciate your expertise

[Gipsy]

Tows 2.5 tonne fine as long as you don't go overboard with loading the Hilux. You need to take notice of the gross combination mass (GCM). What manufacture date? If it's the update model it should be ok. Providing it is the later model not sure when it went from 2.25 to 2.5 tonne but vin and Toyota dealer could confirm that. It's not any problem with the engine but the brakes were upgraded around then. That's the difference.

[Username_here]

Thanks Gipsy!

Ours is December 2011 so should be the upgraded then(?) Think I remember Super cheap asking me which one when I replaced the front pads last

[Gipsy]

Yes brakes were larger diameter on the 2.5tonne model and a dealer can identify when that changed using your vin. Check your owner's manual an see if it gives you towing weight limits. If yours has abs it could be the update model.

This might help but check with a dealer if yours is the update

https://caravan.hemax.com/Reviews/4365/ ... DOUBLE_CAB

[Username_here]

Thanks Gips', yes I do have ABS, will double check the manual

[Gipsy]

I just checked my owner's manual and page 192 shows towing and gcm weights. Double cab diesel 4x4 gcm 5030kg max towing weight 2500kg so check your manual. You must also observe max gross vehicle weights 2780kg and gcm so it's complicated but those are the max for my 2013 model.
Just to clarify that... If you load the vehicle to the max 2780kg (including the towball weight) the Caravan can't be more than 2250kg loaded but that's cutting it fine. If you lower the Hilux load by 250kg then the caravan can be 2500kg loaded! It's a complicated balancing act but don't overload either the vehicle or the caravan. But you can deduct the towball weight from the caravan total because it's distribution is in the vehicle. Hope this makes sense!

[hylux]

https://imghostr.net/image/RBqM0
Mine tows ok but a manual.
Towed 20,000km weighs labour 2.2t loaded.
Handles great but I do have 2inch lift. With the lift you may need a drop gooseneck to get van level.
I have the larger brakes and no issues
Long steep hills will sow it down but once you have the sweet gear and revs ok.A cross wind is the worst and will struggle to keep 100kmh on the flat but mainly found that in central aust.
So far as heat = it did struggle up DARWIN way at 40deg. The first thing you notice is the air conditioning shutting down. But is was doing 100-120. You may need to do some research on an auto cooler.
Fuel economy varies from 11-16 l/h worst I got was 18.

[Gipsy]

Thanks hylux, that's similar to what I get with an auto. Long hills do slow it down but if you get the right gear and hold the revs up it's ok. Try keeping the revs in the 3-3500 range, that's the sweet spot and the torque is best there. Never use 5th manual or 4th in the 4sp auto, it's not worth it and stresses the engine. I always use 3rd auto and change manually if the hill is steep. Best to change down before you hit the hill to get the turbo up to speed. Windage is the killer especially if it's head on, tailwinds are great for fuel consumption.

[Username_here]

Thanks alot for your experience guys, it's worth it's weight in gold, literally saving me from having to pay out tens of thousands of dollars on a newer truck - as the yanks call it

Funnily enough I live in Darwin so understand that unbearable humid heat. Working outside every day gives me even more of an understanding how my engine and transmission might feel.. lol

I've been looking around the internet for how many kms this engine should last and find some pretty misleading figures. I see some say up to 250,000 and some 1,000,000. I was listening to mine intently yesterday and studying the feel while driving at 230,000 odd and have to say it still feels about 90/100 very good in my opinion. Hopefully I'm right. I'd expect to see some running gear like starter motor and alternator etc fail at some point soon but overall it's been incredibly reliable compared to my old 80 series. That one had about 190,000 on the clock and was basically breaking down every two weeks for years until I got rid of it.

[Gipsy]

Mileage is dependent on usage or more to the point misuse. If you service regularly and take care of it, the Hilux is a capable vehicle and as with all vehicles, if you abuse them they don't normally last long. Do you have the service history? At those kms you can expect water pump and injectors as well as an intake decarbon which can be done at the same time as the other two and the timing belt. Also time for new transmission fluid.
My view is... If it ain't broke don't fix it just keep the oils fresh. 5k for engine oil.

[hylux]

As Gypsy said maintenance is the key. The only repairs I have done in 190km is battery and front pads. Whenever it goes for a service I think about some extras that can be done. Things like radiator flush, drive train oils or serpentine belt. At 200km I'll do the water pump, fan clutch, timing belt etc.

As far as injectors go toyota can do a cold start diagnostic. I think about $70 you leave it overnight so they can do next day cold start. Highly recommend as it gives you a 2 page report on injectors, fuel pump and heaps more. Had mine done around 160km and everything was well in spec.

When researching remember MY11 onwards had many of the old faults redesigned like brakes (initially in the SR5 - later in the SR), fuel system, injectors etc

[Username_here]

Thanks guys, is it worth me picking up some injector cleaner?

Thinking about these types of things coming up does make me somewhat rethink buying something newer, I just don't know

[Gipsy]

No mate, injector cleaner is probably NOT required as the tolerances in pump and injectors are much finer than older vehicles. In fact cleaners could possibly make things worse. All I can suggest is a fuel prefilter and some fuel doctor in the tank regularly to reduce nasties in the fuel. Fuel doctor also helps the injectors but mostly clean fuel and oil and filter is the best preventative measures. After 230 thousand klms and the vehicle still running at its best, just look after it and consider... If you traded up to one of those 3.5tonne tow trucks you would lose $10k as you drive out of the dealership. $10k will fit a brand new genuine Toyota 2015 engine so do the math.