Fruit Added to My RRV

[BobD]

I just got Osborne Park Autospark to fit out my new to me 2013 TDV6 Vogue for touring. They added a dual battery system with 105AH AGM behind the left side cover in the boot, Anderson plug with direct feed from the battery under the spare wheel, Tow Pro Elite trailer brake unit and UHF radio with a custom stainless steel antenna bracket under the front grill.

For those interested there are some photos on their Facebook page of my car.

I now just need to sort out some extra fuel capacity. I will probably go for a 40l Boab double jerry can arrangement for those times when I am towing on remote trips. I want to keep this car light, unlike my D4 which is very heavy and uses way more fuel than the L405.

[peter g]

Hi Bob, Saw the pics, looks like a very professional installation. I tried to buy a battery kit from the same outfit about 18 months ago, but they didn't respond to my messages. Fortunately they posted some very good pics of their first installation in WA and I was able to copy, it all fits and works well, just have to take care when removing and refitting the side panels.
You chose the same spot to mount the UHF as I did, it was the only spot I could come up with that didn't mess up the appearance of the car. I mounted the aerial higher than you, fitted to the top front frame under the bonnet, a bracket comes out thru one of the top holes in the grille. This lets me use a stub aerial which seems to do everything I want. Like you I need a bit more fuel capacity, dropping the 100l tank was a mistake. I find the economy great when not towing, however as soon as you hook up to a trailer, economy heads back towards the old TD6 figures. The 8 speed box is a good fit for the car only but doesn't work as well when towing, spends a lot more time in 6 & 7. Like you, I will make do with a couple of Jerry cans.
Cheers, Peter

[BobD]

Peter,

I towed my 2.3t Kimberley Karavan to Hamelin Bay over the weekend and I was very pleasantly surprised with the good fuel consumption. The car has been doing around 9 to 10 l/100km driving around Perth since I bought it a couple of weeks ago and averaged about 12.7 l/100km towing, compared with 16 for my D4 with the same engine. The only issue was that I needed to fill up in Karridale whereas with my huge tanks in the D4 I don't need to. However, it only took 57l for the 450km I did getting there and driving around for half a day.

[CSBrisie]

Is the 105l tank used in SDV8 only?

[BobD]

Is the 105l tank used in SDV8 only?

Yes on the 2013 model. Currently only on the Petrol engines I think.

[BobD]

I added Llams to my car over the weekend using the kit for the L494 Sport which also suits the L405.

It all works well so far. For ease of fitment and to minimize any drilling into expensive parts I installed the switch in the small plastic panel just in front of the drivers door with the cable running under the sills from the control unit behind the rear right panel in the boot. I can see it, it is out of the way and I can just reach it at a stretch, if I need to, while driving in a safe place.

I also ordered a set of Nitto Grappler 275 55R20 tyres from TyreSales.

When I pulled the panel off I also found the UHF radio mounted on the pillar behind it by Osborne AutoSpark. What a great place to hide it away. The only item visible is a cat5 connector to plug the mike/speaker into located on the centre console next to the seat. I just store the mike in the centre bin and plug it in when I need to use it.

[CSBrisie]

Sounds fantastic BobD - you are building the ultimate L405!

[peter g]

Hi Bob,
When you get the new rubber, I would be interested to know the increase in "Rim to Road" height you get. When I fitted the 275/55/20's I got an increase of 10 mm as best as I could measure. Also being interested in Llams myself I would be interested to know how the body/suspension clearances work out with the larger tyres and lower low positions.
Cheers, Peter

[BobD]

Based on the size it would increase radius by just over 10 mm. I haven’t measured before or after. Nothing rubbing at any height that Llams will get to and the spare fits perfectly as well.

So far they are also very quiet as well. There is a very slight whine but you have to listen hard to hear it. They are just as I had hoped but will no doubt get louder as they wear.

[Graeme]

Not that 275/55R20 is much larger then standard, at least with the L405/L494/L462 auto lowering to access height for an ABS-reported fault can be over-ridden by the driver.