I'm on Tapatalk....is this really the first Asian vehicle thread...?

[ozscott]

Is there any interest for a review on the new MR GLS Premium Triton ute, written by a Land Rover tragic?

Cheers

[Tombie]

Nope [emoji48]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Is there any interest for a review on the new MR GLS Premium Triton ute, written by a Land Rover tragic?

Cheers

Yes Please!

Pics!

[Homestar]

Yep, would be very interested. [thumbsupbig]

[ozscott]

Ok gents I should say firstly that, as you know I am an LR fan. Always will be. But, there are other good brands and vehicles and vehicles for different needs.

I am doing up a comparison table for a start and will post 1 photo to kick things off.

The comparison table is interesting. The Triton is smack bang between a 110 and 130 for wheelbase, pretty much the same width, but LONG. At 5409mm it's appreciably longer than a 130 (which has always looked huge). Defender can obviously carry more but compared to the 110 there isn't much in it and dynamically the Triton at full load in terms of GVM is very stable and handles exceptionally well (much more like a well.sorted road car than a large 4wd). Unlike other Asian utes it's 3100kg tow capacity is more sensible than the 3500kg for Ranger etc because it allows normal GVM.

The photo is pre roof bars. Engine still tight but towing 1000kg and with 3 blokes and the back chockers with camping gear and extra N70 batteries, fridges etc. Tows like a dream. Lots of very useable mid range torque. Unloaded the ride isn't quite as good in the rear end as my well sorted D2 but that's to be expected. The extra wheel base masks it largely.

Mitsu did a fair bit of work on the MR. Bigger front brakes , bigger bore and redamped rear shocks, lighter leaf pack (ie why compared to base models the payload is down). Braking is superb even q it the big drum rear. MR has 6 speed Aisin gearbox. LED high and low beam, tucked right back out of the way and very low profile (difficult to damage). Daytime LED running lights. Auto wipers, lane change warnings, autonomous braking, auto lights, wipers, 360 camera etx all the electrickity you can think off except cruise control is not adaptive.

The roof load is nice at 75kg. Unlike D2 which is 50kg but only 35kg off-road the Triton makes no specific deduction for off-road use. The Defender is 150kg but whilst nice to have, that's too high to be useable. Having used and lived with 50kg the 75kg is a nice upgrade.

On the highway with the family and luggage and roof bars, few fishing rods on roof etc economy on the highway is in the 6's and towing 9 to 11 depending on conditions. Seats are very comfortable.

I will post up more photos and, inside shots, under body shots (including of that sexy 10 o 10.5 inch diff) and more details.

Overall at 7,500k I can say it's a very good fit and I really enjoy driving it. I have had some modest high speed dirt and some moderate off road. It has an LR style set of off-road programs that work and an electric user operated rear locking differential. It is surprising off road. Seems effortless and I'm used to live axle.front and rear, 4.6 torque, lift and 31 inch Duratracs. This thing has HT.

The triton is very much like most LR's in terms of using it on all wheel drive on hard surfaces, locking centre etc. I only ever run in all wheel drive but you can select rear only for drift work [emoji1787].

Anyway just a starting point for the review.

Cheershttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/8dda7fee06e3e169a43d9dcd1bafab88.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/977e54380bf7b5f82e2e7acef717d95d.jpg

[ozscott]

In terms of tyres the big Bridgy HT glue down very well. Down the track I will probably go a modest upgrade (legal) to 32.inch per photo attached. Probably a mild AT. The Falken Wildpeaks are a very popular upgrade on these vehicles. Slightly bigger depending on manufacturer may still be legal as a 50mm increase but I wouldn't see a need for that. Note sidewall is very substantial 7 inch when at 32 inch. Even stock size is good. Mitsubishi might run an 18 but they do a very sensible sidewall from stock and having a modest upgrade to 32 inch is magic. Cheers

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[ozscott]

My review was good timing...4x4 Action did a review of all the dual cabs a few hours ago. The Triton GLS (cloth seat model 1 below mine) cleaned up even before value for money was accounted for...lot of good knowledge and experience there and great to see no bias from guys that like Nissan and Toyo.

YouTube (https://youtu.be/Ld1bMp5Hh1I)

Cheers

[ozscott]

Sorry roof load is 80kg and according to my book payload is 900kg.

I am getting 6.9l on highway on most recent trip.

I am about to get a lot of storage room in the back with the addition of a Mean Mother fibreglass canopy with a 100kg roof limit. It weighs 100kg.

The engine has freed up at 9,000klm and it's extremely punchy but also very tractable.

The ride has settled in nicely but the 100kgs will give the leaf springs a nice small amount of constant flex so that will work well.

Very keen for a trip in coming moth or 2. Prob Sundown Nat Park. It will eat that up but I won't do Rats Castle without sliders.

I'm keen because I can now take the whole family including 3 tents and all the gear whereas I couldn't fit it all in in the D2.

Cheers

[ozscott]

Up to 9,000klm. I have to say I really like this vehicle. Did 470klm yesterday. Up Carney's Creek road to QM falls then back roads to Kilarney (shockers after the flooding...glad for decent profile tyres as standard. Found the front bump stops several times). Handled very well (I always have the Super Select II in all wheel drive). 5 people and everyone comfortable. The ride isn't quite as well sorted on the big bumps unladen as when laden but very safe and grips very well. Bang on 9 litres per 100 on filling at same pump and same way. Pretty good.

Impressive too was the bucket loads of grunt up steep ranges and the 6 speed auto always being in the right gear braking downhill into corners and tackling steep uphill twisty sections.

Cheers

[ozscott]

Ok canopy on. Mean Mother. 100kg roof limit but tested to 400kg so very solid strong unit. Central locking using the Triton's keypad. Fully lined. I got pop windows on both sides. They are very handy to load and unload gear.

Acres of room in the tub now and roof will only likely get light gear. Like the instant up tent.

I can take the whole family camping now which I couldn't do without a trailer in the D2.


Cheers

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[DiscoMick]

My BIL has an earlier model, which was good, but make sure you change down if towing or the highest gear can wear out. Don't lug it in too high a gear.

[ozscott]

Thanks Mick. I went to a 6 speed auto with this vehicle. Still overdrive but the Aisin auto is very strong. Their manual boxes on the other hand...

Cheers

[DiscoMick]

That's good, but I would still change down manually when towing. They are set for economy, not long life.

[ozscott]

Yep mate I agree with that. I wouldn't tow anything heavy in top in any modern TD.

Cheers

[ozscott]

Ok while we are not meant to go anywhere non essential I decided to take 5 and drop down under the Triton for some photos.

First thing to note is that unlike C section MN and early MQ rear chassis the MR (like the MQ mark II) has a full box chassis (2 welded C) and gusseting at the notionally weak point nner the rear axle. The rails are larger than D2 except at the rear where they are smaller. I habnt yet put calipers over the wall but will do. The wall thickness was increased in recent models and it looks as thick as D2.

Diff and rear axles are huge.

Everything is tucked up nicely.

The body mounts are a little work of art oddly enough.

The rear drums are big items as are the revised front discs (revised for MR).

There is a decent thick steel beam behind the rear plastic bar.

The rear diff has an E-Locker as the photos show.

The universal joints and prop shafts are large items - much bigger than D2.

The whole underside is well built. Impressive.

Cheers
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[V8Ian]

Thanks Andrew, an honest and unbiased report. I'd expect nothing less from you.

[ozscott]

I started the D2 and will take it for a spin today...very excited. Real soft.spot for the D2.

Cheers

[ozscott]

Repurposing dual battery system including tray and Red Arc BCDC1225 from D2. Just had to weld on a side plate to brace the tray. Early days but should come together nicely.

Cheershttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200413/f871c494c754900b5b6911edeea6a376.jpg

[ozscott]

DC2DC In. It will be between battery box and liner as will the maxi fused looms. Will look tidy and be accessible. Cheers
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[ozscott]

Done. Outlets both sides.

Cheershttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200511/dbe7f4e7d0fffe356bc4b9306662060b.jpg

[ozscott]

Ok 15,000klm service done (freebie) and it's run in and freed up. The diesel really fires along. The canopy with central locking is sweet. Out of the lockdown I suspect this time next year it will be around 40,000klm.

Cheers

[ozscott]

20,000klm down. Did a run to Bunya Mountains and then a few peak hour days. 400klm of it was 5 up and rest 2 to 5 up. 9.6 litres per 100k which given the significant climbing to Crows Nest and then Bunya is very good.

I have had no issues. Running very nicely and catch can still pulling watery oil out.

Oil on dip stick never moves.

Cheers

[ozscott]

25,000klm and no issues. I have settled nicely into the vehicle. Did a run up north for a round trip 800klm and it was comfortable and used bowser to bowser 8.5l per 100k which is a half litre per 100 under the vehicle's trip computer estimate.

The diesel has run in nicely and has a nice purr. The brakes still have plenty of meat and the tyres likewise. The canopy with central locking and good interior lights is a boon. The initial small issues with Android Auto have resolved with Android updates.

Have done some offroading but keen for more.

Cheers

[ozscott]

Dropping a tonn into the drink on the mud and dirt. Reasonable drop off on one side tested the rear axle articulation just after i started to pull it from the position in the photo and it just pulled it out like it wasn't towing, even articulated ( in high range). Just seems to do this sort of thing so easily and the auto is very nice. Towing well with 33 psi in the front and higher pressures in the back for the 100kg of downforce on the towbar, 100kg canopy and tools etc. Cheers
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[ozscott]

2 months and 5000klm later and at 30,000klm ready for its next free service the MR is running like a thing of beauty. The motor has quietened down very well. On the highway it is whisper quiet. The family have commented on how quiet it is on the highway. Really is a nice dependable vehicle. Scored the highest offroad rating in the recent ute shoot-out run by 4wd Action/24_7 which will put a lot of Hilux, Ranger, VW etc owners noses out of joint. The Triton really has quietly become a great utility.

2021 4WD UTE COMPARISON! 6 Dual Cabs Tested - SHOCK WINNER! Experts Expose Truth! - YouTube (https://youtu.be/_vFGcfKQ_8s)

Cheers

[ozscott]

The Triton has been in production now for 43 years making it the longest running ute still still in production. Cheers

[ozscott]

Ok 40,000klm update. Just returned from 2500klm plus trip out West. Very happy with the vehicle with 5 adults and all the gear including fridge, dual battery, spare water etc. Big load. Averaged 9 litres per 100k not sparing the rod. Handled corrugated dirt roads nicely out of Longreach. Only issue is that rotors now need machining (which for me means replacing as I tow a fair bit and would prefer DBA rotors). Stock ones are shuddering down the Tollbar Range.

Overtaking from 90 past 4 trailer road trains is very impressive. Lots of usable grunt. Quicker doing that than the 4.6 D2.

Seats are very comfortable particularly the front buckets. Longest day was 11 hours and I felt good at the end of it.

Cheers
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[ozscott]

I have added a lot of weight to the rear and the nose weight on my boat adds another 150kg so I am going to replace the rear springs and shocks and possibly front to give me a little more arc for laden adventures. Cheers

[ozscott]

50,000km clocked up. Runs like a bought one. Still really liking this vehicle. Got sick of the stock rubber after a puncture. Ended up going up one profile and going with Nitto Ridge Grapplers. Fantastic tyre. Fitted LegendEx side air bag compatible rock sliders (the real McCoy - very heavy build and angled upwards and hipped 2/3rds of the way back to kick the vehicle sideways a little when taking TIGHT turns around trees etc). Very happy with how it behaves.

Cheers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220124/5897fb98ef5111ea06886ad7a6462c8e.jpg

[ozscott]

Right. 60,000klm coming up. Took her to Sundown National Park. Very capable 4wd. Really well geared even in high range and very tractable diesel. Good usable clearance. The sliders are heavy duty but the extra clearance they give over factory side steps meant I didn't touch them at Sundown. Next will be a build of sliding segments in the loadspace for easier camping including for the fridge. Cheers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220428/b680bec3b8472c2310cd91b8661a8d2d.jpg

[ozscott]

60,000 done. That was a big service as valve clearances are adjusted and all fluids replaced. Running beautifully. I miss driving my D2 as much but that is largely sentimental. This vehicle has its own character and the diesel is a very sweet. Enjoying the reliability too. Nothing to report on that front. Keen to do more camping soon. Cheers

[spudfan]

I hope someone does something as good as this for the Ineos Grenadier.

[ozscott]

Update. 70,000 klms. Very pleased with the vehicle. I have just developed a split in the cool side of the intercooler hose. It dropped a bit of power. Common fault. Thin walled rubber hose. Replacement 4 ply thick rubber hose on its way for $119 delivered but will also get the split one warrantied for a spare. New one is much stronger. Not mad keen on Silicon as they are a little harder to keep on the fittings...slippery little things.

Hose is very easy to take off. Will wrap in self annealing tape for now.

Would not have been an issue on a trip. The vehicle still goes OK but of course down on power and anyone with duct tape or annealing tape (better) etc can wrap it quickly and keep going. Not ideal to have the weakness but not a drama.

Cheershttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230205/8e6e5f8fcba0352ceae1bc8eb2fa9156.jpg

[Tombie]

Amalgamating tape [emoji41]

Annealing is what I do to my brass before resizing

[ozscott]

Yep true mate. Got onto dealer today and they will fit a new one tomorrow under warranty and Uber me to and from town. Good service that.

Cheers

[Tombie]

Yep true mate. Got onto dealer today and they will fit a new one tomorrow under warranty and Uber me to and from town. Good service that.

Cheers

MMAL service would have to be one of the best at this point in time.

[Tins]

MMAL service would have to be one of the best at this point in time.

They're still replacing Triton engines that were out of warranty years ago. Only Traxide Tim comes close.

[ozscott]

Vehicle back. Very crisp acceleration again. Must have been degrading the boost getting through for a little while as the hose split more over time. They fitted me in for an intermediate service Inc oil and filter at the same time for $250 all up. Really great service. Cheers

[ozscott]

They're still replacing Triton engines that were out of warranty years ago. Only Traxide Tim comes close.Definitely mate. You see Mitsu replacing the 2.5 (these could be problematic- MN Triton) with 250,000 to 350,000 on them and not original owners...very impressive stuff that. Cheers

[ozscott]

Serious bit of kit. I like. Cheers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230209/63cef7f03f8d6fed719ccf1705533448.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230209/7fe54362f8dd73f700903a1fcfafc3d1.jpg

[scarry]

MMAL service would have to be one of the best at this point in time.

Ford here supply a loan vehicle for the customer,whether it is in for a service or a warranty repair,which is great.

But they are not open Saturday,like some of the others,for service work,at no extra charge,which is great if you dont want the vehicles off the road during the week.

[rick130]

My work drive was upgraded 6 months ago to a dual cab TD Triton.
Sips fuel, quieter than the single cab and enjoying having 6 speeds over the 5 speed petrol.
It did take a day or so to get used to the narrow throw across the gate! What gear am I in??!! [bigrolf]

[ozscott]

The rear diff locking actuator plug/sensor is vulnerable to rocks, sticks etc. Same on all vehicles with factory axle diff e-locker from what I can tell. Fixed that today with a 3mm guard. Also replaced the 1.5mm bash plates with 3mm plates with stronger brackets. I have another plate to fit to protect the transmission but it will have to wait until I get a rattler gun for the cross member bolts it hangs off. Cheers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230305/37693fab9b9978055fe531e780ce53ec.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230305/3f77d07512ec23117b2991624b3f94db.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230305/17c065dbf2a723ecb700cb5208f2f276.jpg

[ozscott]

Front diff actuator to engage all wheel drive is the thing you want that front bash plate to protect. Cheers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230305/f86e600d355a25a62a0835e4faba3074.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230305/3f5f8fafa3c53f31f7a2370fa56edd7e.jpg

[ozscott]

Fantastic vehicle for soft sand. Just a doddle where the Triton has 5 up and at GVM and towing a heavily built trailer with a fair bit of w185152eight (over 1 tonn). Cheers

[ozscott]

80,000 klm racked up going to Eromanga in the far South West of Qld. Loaded up. Rooftop tent on. Lots of dirt road running south of Quilpie/Eromanga. Safe, quiet, comfortable cruiser and excellent in the dirt at speed (AWD). Still very pleased with the vehicle. Makes a very good camping platform.

Cheers187119

[ozscott]

Cape York done with comfort and ease including parts of the OTT and the 5 beaches drive at Cape York (all fully laden). 115,000 klm and a great vehicle with no issues.. It has won me over well and 192745192746192747truly and the adventures have cemented that. Cheers

[RANDLOVER]

Anyone have the model before the current Triton with a snorkel and know if both metal layers of the door/window frame have to be drilled to mount the bracket properly? I've been helping the young bloke across the road as the plastic nuts they gave him rattled loose.

[ozscott]

Anyone have the model before the current Triton with a snorkel and know if both metal layers of the door/window frame have to be drilled to mount the bracket properly? I've been helping the young bloke across the road as the plastic nuts they gave him rattled loose.

Hi mate. Only just saw this. I had my snorkel fitted on the same morning and same place as my mate with his MQ. We specified riv nutserts in the A Pillar rather than the plastic inserts. After Cape York, no issues. Otherwise I cannot help. Cheers

[ozscott]

Another road trip to the Far North done. This time towing the boat. Fantastic trip, fishing in diverse fisheries. The Triton fully laden with rooftop tent etc and towing a tonn on the highway is very comfortable and easy to live with. Longest day was 1,100klm. I am impressed - get out after long days with no aches 14 litres per 100klm was quite acceptable given the roof load and total weight. The Triton was very sure footed pulling the boat out of steep, rutted, dirt 'ramps'. 121,000 klm on the odo and running like new. Never any issues with it. Cheers.194868194869194868

[ozscott]

Just to 'keep it real (reel)?' I took the D2 for a spin today after its recent oil and filter change. It is always fun. Cheers!