2012 RRS Touring Build

[rosscoPcoltrane]

So the Mrs and I are hoping to do a lap towing a 3.5T van doing as much remote stuff as we can handle. I have a vehicle and van in mind as well as some mods for the RRS SDV6 but am stuck on a few things. So far I have a shopping list of mods I have:

18" Tuff Ant Alloys wrapped in 285/60R15 Mickey Thompson Deagan 38
Mitch Hitch
Linear Electronic Designs loom for van LED's
Xlifter X2 air suspension controller
Ultimate 9 throttle controller
Traxide 2nd battery loom with Anderson Plug to van
Tradesman Tradie Platform roof rack
Supa RV awning
Optima d34 2nd battery
Long Ranger sub tank
On board air compressor
Cargo Barrier
Single cargo drawer
65L Dometic fridge
GAP IIDtool
Snorkel aka Sealed raised air intake
12000lb Winch

The 2 things I am having trouble with are the winch mount and raised air intake. Everything I can find for these 2 parts say they are only up to the '09 models prior to the facelift in 2010. Can anyone confirm fitment is the same for either or both of these for a 2012?

If anyone has any other suggested mods, Im all ears!!!

[rosscoPcoltrane]

I am also considering taking a few spares:
alternator
air compressor & relay
belts
fluids

Anything else I should not be without if I'm going remote?

[Geedublya]

My thoughts below in red.


So the Mrs and I are hoping to do a lap towing a 3.5T van doing as much remote stuff as we can handle. I have a vehicle and van in mind as well as some mods for the RRS SDV6 but am stuck on a few things. So far I have a shopping list of mods I have:

18" Tuff Ant Alloys wrapped in 285/60R15 Mickey Thompson Deagan 38
Mitch Hitch
Linear Electronic Designs loom for van LED' - A waste of money if you are towing the same trailer all the time, just add a resistor in one of the indicator circuits
Xlifter X2 air suspension controller
Ultimate 9 throttle controller - Why? I don't think the SDV6 needs it.
Traxide 2nd battery loom with Anderson Plug to van
Tradesman Tradie Platform roof rack
Supa RV awning
Optima d34 2nd battery
Long Ranger sub tank - do they make one for the RRS?
On board air compressor
Cargo Barrier
Single cargo drawer
65L Dometic fridge - will it fit in the back of a RRS or are you removing the rear seats? Remember the seats are sloped back and the tailgate forward.
GAP IIDtool
Snorkel aka Sealed raised air intake
12000lb Winch

The 2 things I am having trouble with are the winch mount and raised air intake. Everything I can find for these 2 parts say they are only up to the '09 models prior to the facelift in 2010. Can anyone confirm fitment is the same for either or both of these for a 2012?

If anyone has any other suggested mods, Im all ears!!!

[101RRS]

Why are you looking at a RRS rather than a D4 - for touring like this a D4 will be more practical.

If you are not going to use a Roof Top Tent or sleep in the back of the vehicle why do you want an X-lifter - Llams would be cheaper for the same function if not needing the levelling function when parked.

A 65l fridge will fit in the back is turned sideways but will take up most of the load space as will a cargo barrier. Rear seats in a RRS do not like being folded down for long periods - leather gets marked and "indented" where it touches other parts and reduces the range of the front seats slightly. With a single draw in the back - where is the fridge go noting it has to side sideways. Yes can sid on top of the draw but the rear door is unlikely to be able to be closed - get a D4.

I thought the RAI went through the range - there is nothing aftermarket, so as you indicated will have to be sealed - is more that just sealing it to the side of the body.

Garry

[rosscoPcoltrane]

Thanks for the responses.

We are pretty set on the RRS but correct me if I'm wrong, they are essentially the same vehicle in different dresses..?

Rear cargo area is an unknown TBH and I was simply guessing at the size fridge that we could get int there. We don't really want to lay the seats down or remove them and would like to fit the biggest fridge we can in the back beside a storage draw and have the cargo barrier for safety. If anyone knows exactly what setup fits in this space I would like to know.

The throttle controller is something I have used for a few years now on different cars and really makes certain situations easy such as taking off at lights/roundabouts, overtaking, and moving slowly over bumpy ground as sensitivity of the throttle can be altered accordingly.

The LED loom is off the list thanks Geedublya, I will have to look into the solution you suggested.

Sub tanks are made by 3 different companies, LRA (108L), Longranger (104L) and Brown Davis (100L). all based on the D4 but are all mountable in the spare wheel space on the RRS

I like the Xlifter because of a few functions is has over the LLAMS unit specifically the ability to operate the air suspension in the event the ABS failure disables it.

The RAI I think will fit but want confirmation before forking out the $1200 dealers want for one! I will also dismantling the whole system and doing everything I can to make it into a snorkel.

Cheers

[rosscoPcoltrane]

Thanks for the replies!

Our choice is based mostly on aesthetics based on the understanding that D4 is essentially the same vehicle in a different dress. Im happy to be corrected and schooled on the mechanical differences that makes the D4 more suitable beyond the practical storage aspect...

The Xlifter has some interesting functions such as allowing the air suspension system to function normally in the event that the ABS system fails and disables it. Important if we are out the back of bum f@ck nowhere! It also looks better and has a trailer levelling function too.

The RAI I am told by a local dealer isn't listed as a accessory for the 2010 to 2013 models... once again if any one knows if they are definitely able to be used with the later L320's I would be grateful. My intention will be to disassemble the entire system and go about sealing and replacing parts to make a totally sealed snorkel.

The Linear Electronics Design loom is off the Geedublya, thanks. I will have to investigate your suggestion.

The throttle controller I have been using in other cars for the ability to tune throttle response to the conditions ie, desensitising it for rough slow tracks to numb accidental throttle inputs, and to sharpen it around town to make getting off the line at roundabouts (just about every intersection in Noosa has one!) and overtaking.

LRA (108L), Longranger (104L and Brown Davis (100L) all make a sub tank that replaces the spare wheel. Bigger tyres means the spare will be relocated to the roof rack as it won't fit under

As for the fridge size, that was a stab in the dark. We want to get the biggest size we can in there with a storage drawer and cargo barrier. If anyone can advise on what setup works in this regard, I would love to hear from you.

thanks in advance again everyone!

[loanrangie]

You really need to look at the cargo area in the rrs, wheelbase is about 13" shorter than a disco plus the sloping rear window add up to a less useable space.
Drawers will be nearly pointless and you won't get a decent size fridge in as well.
As pointed by Garry most of your list is unnecessary. You can't get a winch bar or other common accessories.

[Graeme]

The Xlifter has some interesting functions such as allowing the air suspension system to function normally in the event that the ABS system fails and disables it. Important if we are out the back of bum f@ck nowhere!Yes, Xlifter finally got the ability to raise from safe (access) height in the event of an ABS-reported fault, a feature that Llams had almost from day one and more than ten years ago.

[Geedublya]

The different terrain response settings change the response from the throttle.

[rosscoPcoltrane]

Yes, Xlifter finally got the ability to raise from safe (access) height in the event of an ABS-reported fault, a feature that Llams had almost from day one and more than ten years ago.
Thanks Graeme, I didn’t really investigate the LLAMS all that much as the website is pretty basic and the unit looks a bit cob&co if you know what I mean..? Regardless, is there anything LLAMS can do that Xlifter can’t? If not, I’ll stick with the Xlifter because as mentioned it has the self levelling function as well regardless of weather I will use it or not.

[101RRS]

Regardless, is there anything LLAMS can do that Xlifter can’t? If not, I’ll stick with the Xlifter because as mentioned it has the self levelling function as well regardless of weather I will use it or not.

Yes by all means pay more for Xlifter over LLAMS which will do exactly the same except level the car - if you sleep in the car then definitely get Xlifter but you indicated you will not be doing this.

You have come here asking some great questions but when people suggest alternatives, options or issues you seem to ignore that input - if you have made up your mind why come here asking for advice in the first place if you are not interested in the responses.

[josh.huber]

I like the idea, I did look to trade my D4 on a RRS V8 diesel some time ago. But you need to make them unique. Everything basic will have to be made etc.. Roof racks, Bull Bars, side steps etc.
With the kids I couldn't sacrifice the room. I have a cargo barrier aswell and love it. Couldn't live without it now, I'm not sure I would buy a Dometic fridge. I've changed a few controllers on them recently. Then again if you buy from someone like BCF you'll get service the whole way around.

I would make a call to APT first and see what he has and can do for you.

You may need to look at different fridge styles like the drawer type they make now. Or call someone like trailblaza in Qld and ask them to make you a custom built model.

In regards to being capable, I believe it will be just as good as a D4 maybe better in some situations off road, being as it is shorter. But the shorter chassis will mean less stability with the van on too.

Good luck. Love the idea but it might cost you more then it would if you went another way.

[rosscoPcoltrane]

Yes by all means pay more for Xlifter over LLAMS which will do exactly the same except level the car - if you sleep in the car then definitely get Xlifter but you indicated you will not be doing this.

You have come here asking some great questions but when people suggest alternatives, options or issues you seem to ignore that input - if you have made up your mind why come here asking for advice in the first place if you are not interested in the responses.

No dismissal of your point was intended, it is a valid one. Xlifter is purely a preference. Just like the inclination to take a RRS over a disco. I acknowledge all points made in regards to this are also valid ones and have been considered. I was hoping that my post might focus the attention on what can be done to the RRS with off the shelf mods to make it the best it can be.

[rosscoPcoltrane]

I like the idea, I did look to trade my D4 on a RRS V8 diesel some time ago. But you need to make them unique. Everything basic will have to be made etc.. Roof racks, Bull Bars, side steps etc.
With the kids I couldn't sacrifice the room. I have a cargo barrier aswell and love it. Couldn't live without it now, I'm not sure I would buy a Dometic fridge. I've changed a few controllers on them recently. Then again if you buy from someone like BCF you'll get service the whole way around.

I would make a call to APT first and see what he has and can do for you.

You may need to look at different fridge styles like the drawer type they make now. Or call someone like trailblaza in Qld and ask them to make you a custom built model.

In regards to being capable, I believe it will be just as good as a D4 maybe better in some situations off road, being as it is shorter. But the shorter chassis will mean less stability with the van on too.

Good luck. Love the idea but it might cost you more then it would if you went another way.

All very good points, the last I had not considered. Thanks

[simonmelb]

If you really want to go remote and get away from the masses, why are you considering towing 3.5 tonnes?

I would be dropping at least 1 tonne and have the ability to go to more great places.

[loanrangie]

If you really want to go remote and get away from the masses, why are you considering towing 3.5 tonnes?

I would be dropping at least 1 tonne and have the ability to go to more great places.Also the rrs is unlikely to tow 3.5t legally once you add gear to it, why people want to tow a behemoth on wheels is beyond me.

[Tombie]

The D4 wheelbase makes towing a lot more stable.

It’s a significant difference that’s for certain.

[rar110]

It sounds a great trip. My feedback below:
• LLAMS recommended as you will get better user support on AULRO.
• throttle controller is unnecessary IMHO.
• include Linear electronics as resister is not a complete solution IMHO.
• winch seems unnecessary weight up front.
• reduce your tow weight as much as possible to reduce stress on the vehicle.
• I don’t think a 65l fridge will fit in L320 long ways. I can just fit a 57lt Engel dual zone in my L322. If you have a fridge in the van then a 40lt fridge in car should be heaps.
• IID Tool - definitely.
• long range tank - not necessary IMHO. Carry extra Jerry’s on the van for the rare occasion you will really need the range.

Good luck with the trip prep.

[Tombie]

Hi Roscoe,

Before I post much more, can you answer a couple of questions please:

1) is the vehicle set in stone?
2) is the van choice set in stone?
3) what sort of terrain are you looking to use it primarily on? Dirt roads, sandy trails, mostly bitumen?
4) have you done this type of thing before (towed heavy)?
5) how long is a trip duration? Weeks, months etc?

Just need to understand a bit more before I respond to your build.

[Graeme]

Thanks Graeme, I didn’t really investigate the LLAMS all that much as the website is pretty basic and the unit looks a bit cob&co if you know what I mean..? Regardless, is there anything LLAMS can do that Xlifter can’t? If not, I’ll stick with the Xlifter because as mentioned it has the self levelling function as well regardless of weather I will use it or not.
I was just wanting to correct an error. People have their reasons for choosing one product over another.

[rosscoPcoltrane]

If you really want to go remote and get away from the masses, why are you considering towing 3.5 tonnes?

I would be dropping at least 1 tonne and have the ability to go to more great places.

We plan on being away as long as possible... This means at some stage we will probably pull up and do some work. It would be nice to do this and stay in the van hence needing something a little bigger. We are currently considering the Jayco Adventurer which has a GVM of 3.5t however most current owners we have spoken too have said they come in well under that, mostly around 3.1t-3.2t.

After all the suggestion to go for a D4, we have looked around for one and I do like one kitted out for sale in vic but it comes in at just over 3.0t not leaving much payload after a ball weight of 200kg.

[rosscoPcoltrane]

Thanks for asking, my responses in red:


Hi Roscoe,

Before I post much more, can you answer a couple of questions please:

1) is the vehicle set in stone? no just a preference. 200 series cruisers are hard to find for sensible money. D4 is just ugly IMO
2) is the van choice set in stone? no - preference is a Jayco adventurer for dealer support network and offroad abilities
3) what sort of terrain are you looking to use it primarily on? Dirt roads, sandy trails, mostly bitumen? really can't say, the trip is about not having any boundaries. I would imagine after all is said and done, the majority will be close between bitumen and dirt roads with sand coming in 3rd and rough tracks 4th
4) have you done this type of thing before (towed heavy)? nope!
5) how long is a trip duration? Weeks, months etc? we have a 2.5y.o and we will probably want to settle for his school although this is not absolute, as we might enjoy the gypsie life, so foreseeably at least 2 years.

Just need to understand a bit more before I respond to your build.

[josh.huber]

We plan on being away as long as possible... This means at some stage we will probably pull up and do some work. It would be nice to do this and stay in the van hence needing something a little bigger. We are currently considering the Jayco Adventurer which has a GVM of 3.5t however most current owners we have spoken too have said they come in well under that, mostly around 3.1t-3.2t.

After all the suggestion to go for a D4, we have looked around for one and I do like one kitted out for sale in vic but it comes in at just over 3.0t not leaving much payload after a ball weight of 200kg.

That's the issue these days, weight. I took some engine oil to the tip recently in my D4 and didn't like the figures I seen. I was relatively empty. It was scary enough because it meant that every camp trip I do with the kids I'm over.
The problem is I've got a bull bar and winch to fit yet.

I was 2.94t with full fuel (std tank) tuff ant steels(heavy) 40L fridge full of beer, empty platform rack, pro speed UK side steps, compressor guard. Cargo barrier and 20l of water hanging off out. Second battery. Im 100kg. Only leaves 250 kg for two kids and gear without the bull bar

[rosscoPcoltrane]

That's the issue these days, weight. I took some engine oil to the tip recently in my D4 and didn't like the figures I seen. I was relatively empty. It was scary enough because it meant that every camp trip I do with the kids I'm over.
The problem is I've got a bull bar and winch to fit yet.

I was 2.94t with full fuel (std tank) tuff ant steels(heavy) 40L fridge full of beer, empty platform rack, pro speed UK side steps, compressor guard. Cargo barrier and 20l of water hanging off out. Second battery. Im 100kg. Only leaves 250 kg for two kids and gear without the bull bar

GVM upgrades..? Maybe time to start browsing the Disco forums! Lol

[josh.huber]

GVM upgrades..? Maybe time to start browsing the Disco forums! Lol

Well I camp, if your towing you can sort gear into the trailer, they are great towing vehicles that's for sure. I tow a 2T boat in summer. Dirt bike trailer in winter. Cruise control on.. That's it. Set and forget.

[jh972]

It has been mentioned before, but you may have missed - Throttle controller unnecessary as the RRS already varies throttle response with the traction control programmes, very sensitive in rock crawl for example.
Also reinforce Llams unit will recover height if ABS signal lost.
And like every other post, Weight, weight, weight.

[ADMIRAL]

If you really want to go remote and get away from the masses, why are you considering towing 3.5 tonnes?

I would be dropping at least 1 tonne and have the ability to go to more great places.

I have to agree. I believe you are looking to put way too much gear onto your build. I have a D4 with a LoneRanger tank, bullbar , spare wheel carrier, cargo barrier sidesteps etc, and we carry a large National Luna 74lt fridge freezer. It's very heavy and awkward to move. ( I would like to swap out for something smaller, the other half wants to retain it...another story ) Our van runs at around the 2.7T mark when loaded. There is virtually nothing in the D4 apart from the fridge , 2 chairs, a table and us. We are right on the GVM. The roofrack and drawer system fitted are long gone. They had to go when we moved to the current van.

The long range fueltank is the single biggest weight penalty. ( and it will probably have to be custom made for an RRS along with the wheel carrier ) Sure it is great for convenience etc, but you are adding on around 180kg when full, including the spare wheel carrier now fitted to get the tank under the vehicle. That's a huge impost. I seriously think you need to look harder at your choices before locking yourself in. Yes the 200 series is even worse when you dig in to the figures, but the LR options are not without their limitations. IMO, if you are seriously looking at towing anything around 3.5T, you have to go big American. Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado or F truck. .....and you think the D4 is butt ugly!!

Just saw your post on the spare wheel on the roof. Add on the weight of a roofrack. I am shaking my head. All I can say is, get a spare tyre and rim and 3/4 mates and lift it onto a 4X4 roofrack, and then get it off without losing it, or injuring someone. Then think about you and the missus doing that by yourselves. Been there when younger and fitter. Still no good.

[101RRS]

The long range fueltank is the single biggest weight penalty. ( and it will probably have to be custom made for an RRS along with the wheel carrier )

Disco 3 gear all fits - the underpinnings are all the same in that area.

[rosscoPcoltrane]

Thanks again everyone for adding your 2c. I agree with the general concern that GVM is going to be an issue with all the additions. We are currently looking at our budget and finding a lighter van and looking at a LC200 again. It all reality the LC200 will probably need to have a GVM upgrade. We are also considering exactly what we want to do with the van and vehicle, initially we wanted to be unrestricted, but we don’t have an unrestricted budget so this is just not going to be a reality if we want the comfort and ability to live in van for extended periods. The RRS hasn’t been ruled out yet though, this conversation has been a real help in understanding the reality of the idea to make it the horse too our cart.