Suitability of L322 TD6

[jx2mad]

I am planning the big trip round this island. Just wondering re the suitability of my L322 TD6 for such a venture. I would be pulling a small camper around 800kg. No nasty off road stuff, just access to normal sightseeing spots. Or should I look for a 300tdi 110 wagon and modify? Problem with 110 is the heavy clutch and my bad knees (one replaced and the next about to follow suit). Any suggestions? Was thinking of a Hilux cab chassis for lightness as I don't want to destrot the L322. I am a bit concerned re the electronics in the rangie although I have had it now for just over 2 years and zero problems. Jim

[John L322]

In your name you have the right combination of phrases to be able to accomplish a circut of the island as you wish. I am not as honest as yourself in a handle. Just take you're time.
I am looking at similar towing a 2 tonne boat from Bunbury WA to Southport Qld via many boat ramps and back, leaving early december. I expect trouble and if not, wow what a trip. My L322 is 2002 TD6 250K on clock and goes well. I have replaced radiator and waiting on front struts from england. The TD6 is a good tow vehicle and has many comforts that the 110 could not offer. Ease of driving is one. I've had a 130, 300Tdi with 330k of work driving, love -hate, reliability was a big issue. As well as the stealers creating problems then fixing at my expense.
Hilux- do you really want to travel in all that plastic? I work in the construction industry and have owned and driven them. They are reliable but still have some problems, clutch etc.
The TD6 will outlast you and your knees if serviced as it is a diesel. There is no reason to not turn 7 figures if driven often enough and not left at home overlooked for a tojo. Now I'm not saying the auto box will not give up the ghost, but I'm leaving a LC79 Tojo at home to weep tears as I go play with the L322.
I will be off air up north for the next few weeks, so I say go and enjoy which ever tow vehicle.
John

[Homestar]

I think - for what you are doing, you should have no dramas and you will be the most comfortable one out there...;)

[Laurie]

The link below is a good read for anyone who wants to take a L332 on a big trip, on or off road.

Home (http://www.lilongwedown.com/LilongweDown/Home.html)

Laurie

[Waverley]

Thanks Laurie for the link. I am just about to have Tim's (Traxide) dual battery kit installed. I have also managed to convince the family, subject to having a heat exchanger installed for hot showers, to come with me down the south coast of NSW & VIC and then up into Omeo and Bright and then into the Vic high country offloading. This will kick off on Boxing Day for 2 weeks. I have the rack with Hannibal tent duly perched in the same orientation as Raymond had. This is our first real adventure like this so I am hoping for good weather otherwise you will see my car on Carsales very shortly afterwards. Cheers. Rob

[bluegreygreen Rangie]

I am planning the big trip round this island. Just wondering re the suitability of my L322 TD6 for such a venture. I would be pulling a small camper around 800kg. No nasty off road stuff, just access to normal sightseeing spots. Or should I look for a 300tdi 110 wagon and modify? Problem with 110 is the heavy clutch and my bad knees (one replaced and the next about to follow suit). Any suggestions? Was thinking of a Hilux cab chassis for lightness as I don't want to destrot the L322. I am a bit concerned re the electronics in the rangie although I have had it now for just over 2 years and zero problems. Jim

I don't think you could find a much better suited vehicle for the job, Be sure to carry a spare inline (secondary fuel pump) and filters etc


Thanks Laurie for the link. I am just about to have Tim's (Traxide) dual battery kit installed. I have also managed to convince the family, subject to having a heat exchanger installed for hot showers, to come with me down the south coast of NSW & VIC and then up into Omeo and Bright and then into the Vic high country offloading. This will kick off on Boxing Day for 2 weeks. I have the rack with Hannibal tent duly perched in the same orientation as Raymond had. This is our first real adventure like this so I am hoping for good weather otherwise you will see my car on Carsales very shortly afterwards. Cheers. Rob

Do let us know how the hot shower goes on the TD6, I have been contemplating this as I used to have one on a patrol and loved it but was curios if it would work as good on the TD6 as these engines seem to struggle to produce allot of heat at times due to their high efficiency



Dave