Help me build up my D4 for touring!

This this is a steep learning curve, but I am finding the forum very informative. You guys are awesome and so passionate. I love it!

I am aware of the weight restrictions.. went through the same thing with the 200 series and upgraded the GVM with OME suspension. It's one of the main reasons why the long range tank is not on the list (yet!). The better fuel efficiency of the D4 offsets a fair amount of the difference in fuel capacity:

200 Series:
Usable fuel (i.e. when light comes on) took about 120L and range was about 880km. Averaged close to 13.5L/100km (lifted, mud tyres, bull bar, drawers etc) over the life of the vehicle.

D4:
Its early days (only done 1500km), but it took 62L last fill and had done ~680km. These are real figures and not the highly pessimistic dash readout which is sitting about 8.4L/100! I expect this figure to improve slightly as things loosen up a bit.

A couple of things have been fleshed out in this thread that I would like to explore a bit further...

Firstly, the DBS. I am not really handy with electrical type stuff and would prefer to have it installed professionally. Is there anyone in Brisbane that installs the Traxide system? Same applies for the LLAMS system - is there anyone in Brisbane who installs these systems?

I was amazed to read about the trailer + LED light issue. I did some searching but couldn't really see which one is the easiest/cheapest solution. The trailer that I am looking at getting made will come with LED's, so it is something that I will need to sort out sooner rather than later...

Cheers!
Wayne

Wayne,

I know exactly what you mean re DIY but the Traxide kit is provided with fantastically detailed instructions that suit a total beginner, like me.

For Llams, I did get someone in Sydney to install while on holiday down there, assuming that it would be tricky. Well, having looked at the components and installation in detail due to a couple of poor installation issues (nothing wrong with Llams itself), I now see it as a pretty straightforward installation.

Someone else may be able to advise re Brisbane installers. One idea is that there is a lot of commonality of installation between the Traxide kit and a brake controller, so getting the one guy to do both and the Llams will be cost effective.

Regarding the LED trailer issue, I got one of these units (see link below). Probably not the cheapest way to do it but is very easy; just plug and play.

Linear Electronic Design | Buy Now

Anyway, if you do give DIY a go and get stuck I'd be happy to help out. Note also that Tim (Traxide) and Graeme (Llams) are both very helpful, even mid-installation on a weekend.

Cheers,
Scott

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LRD414

...Graeme (Llams) ...even mid-installation on a weekend.

---

Never a problem, noting that I'll be out of touch for 2 weeks from next w/e doing some long overdue and far too short outback touring in the D4.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tombie

Wheels are rated at 1250kg each.

Availability is pending - bit of work to be done with tooling etc.

If you're looking for a quick delivery I'm not sure that's likely.

Plus I want to test this set for a while before we come out with anything :)

---

Hi Tombie,

what's your best guess on when they might be available
Ta
Olly

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bush_TM

This this is a steep learning curve, but I am finding the forum very informative. You guys are awesome and so passionate. I love it!

I am aware of the weight restrictions.. went through the same thing with the 200 series and upgraded the GVM with OME suspension. It's one of the main reasons why the long range tank is not on the list (yet!). The better fuel efficiency of the D4 offsets a fair amount of the difference in fuel capacity:

200 Series:
Usable fuel (i.e. when light comes on) took about 120L and range was about 880km. Averaged close to 13.5L/100km (lifted, mud tyres, bull bar, drawers etc) over the life of the vehicle.

D4:
Its early days (only done 1500km), but it took 62L last fill and had done ~680km. These are real figures and not the highly pessimistic dash readout which is sitting about 8.4L/100! I expect this figure to improve slightly as things loosen up a bit.

A couple of things have been fleshed out in this thread that I would like to explore a bit further...

Firstly, the DBS. I am not really handy with electrical type stuff and would prefer to have it installed professionally. Is there anyone in Brisbane that installs the Traxide system? Same applies for the LLAMS system - is there anyone in Brisbane who installs these systems?

I was amazed to read about the trailer + LED light issue. I did some searching but couldn't really see which one is the easiest/cheapest solution. The trailer that I am looking at getting made will come with LED's, so it is something that I will need to sort out sooner rather than later...

Cheers!
Wayne

---

I have all of that as well, bullbar slightly larger tyres, rear bar 90lt long range tank, giving me 160 usable litres of fuel, drawers and so on, my 2.7l D4 isn't as fuel eficiant as the 3.0l D4, but I still get 11.5 to 12.0l/100k around town, and to and from work, early 10s on the highway, 14l to 15l/100k towing our 1500kg camper.

Give Tim at Traxide a call if you are not confident you can do it yourself, he can recommend someone to do it for you, Tim is very helpful.

LLAMS are dead easy, although if you have fat fingers can be a tight squeeze, my missus did ours, I did the muscle bits:)

LEDs are not a big deal on the D4 as they were on the D3, for me it was only a matter of turning the headlights on and everything worked as normal, the only thing that doesn't work is the trailer symbol on the dash, so I wouldn't stress about that.

There are a few on the market for the D4 to solve it, search here, there are a couple of guys that have made there own, for around the $60 mark.

But if you want convenience, these guys are in Newcastle NSW.
Discovery 4 | LED Tow Connect - Tow LED Fitted Trailers Safely

Baz.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Redback

the only thing that doesn't work is the trailer symbol on the dash, so I wouldn't stress about that.

---

As the dash symbol is only there to indicate a failed globe and that the work-around to get the dash symbol to operate still doesn't indicate if the trailer blinkers are really working, I can't see any benefit in having it working unless the work-around is at the trailer blinkers and even then it does not prove that the lights are working, only that the plug is connected which perhaps is worthwhile.

My "green trailer symbol" in the dash on my MY12 L322RRV (and the same one on my old 2010 D4) flash in sync with the caravan - non LED - lights when the caravan is connected? Thought was normal?

Tombie, re the 18's - and like Graeme, seeing whether they fit a late L322 - are you still based in Whyalla?

cheers

Chris

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CSBrisie

My "green trailer symbol" in the dash on my MY12 L322RRV (and the same one on my old 2010 D4) flash in sync with the caravan - non LED - lights when the caravan is connected? Thought was normal?

Tombie, re the 18's - and like Graeme, seeing whether they fit a late L322 - are you still based in Whyalla?

cheers

Chris

---

Hi Chris

Yes still in Whyalla. Love it here!

Hopefully have the opportunity to size up the L322 etc and confirm wheel fitment in the coming weeks. (Getting very little time off for projects both LR and Home related at the moment).

Thanks mate - I'm definitely in the market for a set if they fit (and others on the L322 forum)
cheers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Graeme

As the dash symbol is only there to indicate a failed globe and that the work-around to get the dash symbol to operate still doesn't indicate if the trailer blinkers are really working, I can't see any benefit in having it working unless the work-around is at the trailer blinkers and even then it does not prove that the lights are working, only that the plug is connected which perhaps is worthwhile.

---

I thought it also told you if an indicater was out on the trailer, it has always stopped flashing when an indicater stopped working, with both bad connection and a blown globe.

The only other time it has not flashed was when I towed a trailer with LEDs.

Baz.