To buy or not to buy - that is the question.

[The Fridster]

Long time reader but first time contributor to this forum (I have been on the D4 forum for some time). I currently have a 2013 SDV6 HSE D4 and am considering a move to a RRS L494 SDV8. I have searched but not been able to find if anyone has fitted an auxiliary/long range fuel tank to L494. I am not an off roader but do tow a 2.6t 22 ft caravan and some extra fuel capacity would be comforting. I fitted an extra 110 ltr aux tank to the D4 and it is very useful when a long way from anywhere. My other question into ask if there is a bull bar or nudge bar available for the L494?
Thanks in anticipation of your input.

[Gregz]

Hi Fridster,
there are no roo/nudge bars available for L494 unfortunately. (I would have one in a flash if there was). Roo bar is available for D5 , from ECB.
Regarding long range tank, I have not heard of one for L494. With the reduction in tank capacity from 105 litres to 86 litres (i think) when ad-blue was introduced with 2017 MY in Au, maybe you could retro fit a 105 litre tank? Other than that, maybe you could carry some extra on your caravan.
I towed a just-under 2t caravan for a while and it returned about 12l / 100km indicated (probably 13 actual) on my SDV6. by all accounts the v8 diesel gets about the same. These are a great tow car.

[Barryp]

I don't think that the bigger tank would fit as the Adblu tank is in the way.
Regards
Barry

[Bails]

2016 was the last SVD 8 without add blue. IMO the best year if you want simpler solutions to filling up. I have 105 litres and get a real 8.4/100 which is as good or better than the SVD 6. If it were me I'd add a fuel tank to the van and an electric pump to fill from van to car simple solution and you don't have extra fuel when not towing. I reckon tank on van would be far less out lay as well.

[rar110]

I agree, two Jerry’s in the van will get you close to 400km extra, for minimal outlay.

But not as convenient as flicking a switch over to the extra tank.

Then again, if you have a 105lt tank and are using 10lt/100km towing your probably going to nearly get the same range as the D4 with the extra tank.

[discojools]

A couple of years ago I helped a friend set up for a Simpson Desert/Hay River track trip in his L494. We had a frame made up that was bolted to the tie down lugs in the boot and carried 3 diesel jerrys and 3 water jerrys safely. Also a 45 litre ARB fridge. Worked really well. Car (an SDV6) had no trouble on the trip and was easily the most frugal as compared to my 2.7 D4 and the 79 series ( a real gulper!)

[The Fridster]

Thanks guys for your input. Probably the answer I expected but needed to hear it from the experts. Now just need to convince myself that the spend is worth it.

[WhiteD3]

Where I work we have two 2018 RRS, a D4 SDV6 and my D5 SD4. The RSS goes like a cut snake but the NVH levels are higher than the Discos, not to mention the lack of space on a long trip. An SD6 D5 might suit you better if you can forgive its looks.

[Gregz]

An SD6 D5 might suit you better if you can forgive its looks.

Also, the SD6 engine is now the 700Nm / 225 KW version, as per the RRS.

[The Fridster]

So the problem is resolved - buy buy buy. So that means bye bye bye to the mighty 2013 Firenze Red SDV6 HSE D4.
Looks like I will be spending more time on this forum learning about the new toy.

[The Fridster]

So the problem is resolved - buy buy buy. So that means bye bye bye to the mighty 2013 Firenze Red SDV6 HSE D4.
Looks like I will be spending more time on this forum learning about the new toy.

So picked up the new beast yesterday, SDV8 HSE in Fuji White. Very different to the Disco but what a powerhouse with lots of bells and whistles to learn about and play with. Looking forward to hooking up the van and taking it for a spin.

Just a question to the initiated please. Does the L494 need a resister to be installed in the trailer light circuit so the car recognises a caravan with LED lights is attached?

[Gregz]

Hi Fridster,
Congrats - can you post a pic? What year did you get? can you stop grinning yet? [bigsmile1]
Regarding towing, the van I towed for a while had LED lighting, and it just all worked, no fiddling required. Mine has Redarc tow-pro elite. The car has 12 pin socket, which was compatible with the 7 pin plug from the caravan.
...Greg

[The Fridster]

Hi Fridster,
Congrats - can you post a pic? What year did you get? can you stop grinning yet? [bigsmile1]
Regarding towing, the van I towed for a while had LED lighting, and it just all worked, no fiddling required. Mine has Redarc tow-pro elite. The car has 12 pin socket, which was compatible with the 7 pin plug from the caravan.
...Greg

Hi Greg, thanks. It is a brand new 2017. It was first registered in September last year, coincidently on my 70th. birthday, and the stealer has had it as a demo since then. So with only 2K on the clock plus a LRA 5 year warranty and 5 year scheduled servicing, although I will do interim oil changes etc., it seemed like it was too good to miss. Having a Tow-Pro and wiring mods to suit my caravan installed on Monday so will sort out the resistor issue then.

Not very good with the picture thingy so hope this has worked.

149340

[Bails]

Hi Greg, thanks. It is a brand new 2017. It was first registered in September last year, coincidently on my 70th. birthday, and the stealer has had it as a demo since then. So with only 2K on the clock plus a LRA 5 year warranty and 5 year scheduled servicing, although I will do interim oil changes etc., it seemed like it was too good to miss. Having a Tow-Pro and wiring mods to suit my caravan installed on Monday so will sort out the resistor issue then.

Not very good with the picture thingy so hope this has worked.

149340

You will need a profile update. Interested to know what features you were able to pick up. Does the 2017 have add blue or did it escape having this and the fuel tank capacity reduced? I am ever so happy with my SDV 8 great performance and economy . I have purchased the oil suction pump so I can also do intermittent oil changes.

[The Fridster]

You will need a profile update. Interested to know what features you were able to pick up. Does the 2017 have add blue or did it escape having this and the fuel tank capacity reduced? I am ever so happy with my SDV 8 great performance and economy . I have purchased the oil suction pump so I can also do intermittent oil changes.


Yes unfortunately it has the adblue and the smaller tank which means I am in the process of reluctantly fitting a couple of jerry cans to the caravan for some extra fuel. Car came with:

Full length sunroof with motorised blind
Driver Assist Pack
Factory fitted Tow Hitch Receiver
It originally had 22" wheels which I consider useless for caravanning so I had them swapped by the Stealer for 20" and pocketed the price difference
Privacy glass with infrared reflective windscreen
Climate front seats

I have looked at the profile update but couldn't figure out where it could be done.

[Gregz]

I have looked at the profile update but couldn't figure out where it could be done.

Yes, it is not entirely obvious.... you have to click on Settings at the top, not My Profile.... then you can access the Edit Signature link on the left hand side.

Looks like you have all the best options covered. (I wish mine had the pana roof, it might then eliminate the beating booming noise I get when driving with the windows open)

Nice photo, where abouts was that?

...Greg

[The Fridster]

Yes, it is not entirely obvious.... you have to click on Settings at the top, not My Profile.... then you can access the Edit Signature link on the left hand side.

Looks like you have all the best options covered. (I wish mine had the pana roof, it might then eliminate the beating booming noise I get when driving with the windows open)

Nice photo, where abouts was that?

...Greg

Thanks again Greg, photo was taken outside my home so no-where to exotic unfortunately. Still working on the profile thing.

[Tote]

Hi All,

Exactly when did the adblue tank come in? Does a MY16.5 have a 105 lt tank or the smaller one? I'm trying to figure out the sweet spot for purchase second hand, my16 gets the digital dash but my 17 has adblue.

Regards,
Tote (who's not looking at RRSs at all)[bigwhistle]

[Bails]

Hi All,

Exactly when did the adblue tank come in? Does a MY16.5 have a 105 lt tank or the smaller one? I'm trying to figure out the sweet spot for purchase second hand, my16 gets the digital dash but my 17 has adblue.

Regards,
Tote (who's not looking at RRSs at all)[bigwhistle]

IO missed the Add Blue which I am truly Grateful. I think 16.5 will be the last of the non Add Blue vehicles.

[Bails]

Hi Greg, thanks. It is a brand new 2017. It was first registered in September last year, coincidently on my 70th. birthday, and the stealer has had it as a demo since then. So with only 2K on the clock plus a LRA 5 year warranty and 5 year scheduled servicing, although I will do interim oil changes etc., it seemed like it was too good to miss. Having a Tow-Pro and wiring mods to suit my caravan installed on Monday so will sort out the resistor issue then.

Not very good with the picture thingy so hope this has worked.

149340
I starting to consider a Caravan , wondering what you tow? Been awhile since I towed and am now blown away by the van choices. Thinking I may need one with an internal Lav.

[The Fridster]

I starting to consider a Caravan , wondering what you tow? Been awhile since I towed and am now blown away by the van choices. Thinking I may need one with an internal Lav.

I have a 2013 Coromal Lifestyle 667.So is 6.6 meters long ie 22ft in old language and comes in at about 2.6t loaded. Tows like a dream and the RRS hardly knows it's there. Queen bed, Cafe style seating (ONLY way to go) two door fridge. Lav, w/machine, Shower, 2 solar panels, air con. etc etc. Absolutely love it and it has done about 65,000 km now behind firstly the Disco4 and now the RRS.
Too many choices now in vans becomes very confusing as to what to get, so good luck.

[Bails]

I have a 2013 Coromal Lifestyle 667.So is 6.6 meters long ie 22ft in old language and comes in at about 2.6t loaded. Tows like a dream and the RRS hardly knows it's there. Queen bed, Cafe style seating (ONLY way to go) two door fridge. Lav, w/machine, Shower, 2 solar panels, air con. etc etc. Absolutely love it and it has done about 65,000 km now behind firstly the Disco4 and now the RRS.
Too many choices now in vans becomes very confusing as to what to get, so good luck.

I have been looking at Off road van types. I don't actually want to do more than dirt roads but am thinking that an Off road type van would not break on dirt roads. My thoughts at the moment is to purchase second hand .

[The Fridster]

I have been looking at Off road van types. I don't actually want to do more than dirt roads but am thinking that an Off road type van would not break on dirt roads. My thoughts at the moment is to purchase second hand .

Well you are spoiled for choice on both counts. Camping and caravan sales will give you more than you know what to do with. Happy searching and good luck.

[Bails]

I have a 2013 Coromal Lifestyle 667.So is 6.6 meters long ie 22ft in old language and comes in at about 2.6t loaded. Tows like a dream and the RRS hardly knows it's there. Queen bed, Cafe style seating (ONLY way to go) two door fridge. Lav, w/machine, Shower, 2 solar panels, air con. etc etc. Absolutely love it and it has done about 65,000 km now behind firstly the Disco4 and now the RRS.
Too many choices now in vans becomes very confusing as to what to get, so good luck.
Interesting the Coromal brand has now been sold, Fleetwood have sold Windsor and Coromal brands. I did see somewhere that Coromal vans used AL2 Frames and were very well built. I am doing the long search took 18 months research before I settled on the RRS.

[Disco4SE]

I have a 2013 Coromal Lifestyle 667.So is 6.6 meters long ie 22ft in old language and comes in at about 2.6t loaded. Tows like a dream and the RRS hardly knows it's there. Queen bed, Cafe style seating (ONLY way to go) two door fridge. Lav, w/machine, Shower, 2 solar panels, air con. etc etc. Absolutely love it and it has done about 65,000 km now behind firstly the Disco4 and now the RRS.
Too many choices now in vans becomes very confusing as to what to get, so good luck.
How do you compare towing with the RRS against the Disco4?

Is your RRS a TDV6?

Cheers, Craig

[The Fridster]

How do you compare towing with the RRS against the Disco4?

Is your RRS a TDV6?

Cheers, Craig

Hi Craig;

My RRS is a SDV8 and there is probably very little difference in the towing performance of the two vehicles (my Disco was a SDV6). Both are dream tugs. Plenty of all one needs. Fuel consumption is also on a parr. If only the RRS had the bigger fuel tank capability!! But that's life they tell me, you can't always have everything you want.

[Bails]

I have a 2013 Coromal Lifestyle 667.So is 6.6 meters long ie 22ft in old language and comes in at about 2.6t loaded. Tows like a dream and the RRS hardly knows it's there. Queen bed, Cafe style seating (ONLY way to go) two door fridge. Lav, w/machine, Shower, 2 solar panels, air con. etc etc. Absolutely love it and it has done about 65,000 km now behind firstly the Disco4 and now the RRS.
Too many choices now in vans becomes very confusing as to what to get, so good luck.

My search continues, Southern Highlands Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Show (https://www.adventureshow.com.au/) , reckon I will be walking around a few of these types of shows.

[Gregz]

My search continues, Southern Highlands Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Show (https://www.adventureshow.com.au/) , reckon I will be walking around a few of these types of shows.
Hi Bails, I would suggest also do your online review homework, but you are probably already doing this... There are some 'off-road' vans that tend to leak in the rain, or fall apart once they get off road. The other accessory I was going to get, but ended up selling my van first, was a Stone Stomper, seems to get good reviews.

[Disco4SE]

Hi Craig;

My RRS is a SDV8 and there is probably very little difference in the towing performance of the two vehicles (my Disco was a SDV6). Both are dream tugs. Plenty of all one needs. Fuel consumption is also on a parr. If only the RRS had the bigger fuel tank capability!! But that's life they tell me, you can't always have everything you want.
That's interesting. I would have thought that you would feel the extra power and torque with the SDV8.

The fuel economy doesn't surprise me though.

Cheers, Craig