Woodduck5

Hi, I see your point. As mentioned, I stand corrected, it appears that an increase to the GVM, after registration, can be done and certified. Originally (pre 2009), it could only be done prior to first registration (by Lovell's). Now it appears that ARB can do it, so that the RTA/Dept Transport pass/certify it, to existing vehicles. Anyway - I think that the GVM increase is all theoretic. I don't mean there is any doubt about its validity - what I mean is, why is (anyone) doing it - to keep the 'powers that be' on their right side. Either the car is capable of handling the towing, or not. Also, don't misunderstand my apparent flippancy - I think upgrading the suspension, air bags, coils, whatever, is good - when it is for all the right reasons. These could be to make improve the 4WD experience, or to improve the towing capability or capability (or both). If it is just to get a certificate - well, I just think that is a waste of effort. The other point you raise is why (in BT's opinion) a person without "professional" experience should not tow anything over 22' with a 200 series. The "jumping around at the back" is part of it - where the OEM rear end suspension is soft - but I think BT's opinion comes from the need to be in control of a box on wheels that is significantly longer than the tow vehicle. I think that is the implication with the reference to truck driver (and their training/experience) capability to handle long loads. Apart from manufacturer's specification (ie: max. towing is 3500Kg, where GCM must not be exceeded), there is a implied "rule" that the tow vehicle should be heavier than the thing being towed - so that the tow vehicle is always in control. (This is not a "rule" at all - it is just an impression or preference in the industry). However, I have heard caravan sales people categorically tell people that their VW Golf can tow a 17' Coromal caravan. I exaggerate, but you get the point. I tow a 22' Evernew - which (by industry standards) is a heavy van. Certainly I know it is there and I have had issues that need to managed on the road, but if you drive to the conditions and take it easy, until you get a real handle on the weight and characteristics of what is being towed, you will be fine. And yes, a WDH is an absolute must. From my personal experience and from the little you have mentioned, I would suggest that you - upgrade rear suspension, to additional 400Kg capability - means new coils and upgrade shocks (ARB will automatically suggest Old Man Emu shocks). This will automatically give you a 25mm lift (I don't think there is a 'no lift' option at 400Kg, but there might be) - install air bags. Run them at 5 lbs around town (meaning no lift). When the van is on pump them up to about 22, or 25ibs. Its important to this in the right order - put the van on, put the WDH on, make it level. Then pump up the air bags so that it visibly takes the extra weight, so it might raise it about 5mm max. - just when at the take up point is the right amount of air. - if you are putting on a roo bar, I would also suggest doing the front suspension. To do the front, will mean about 20mm lift - which puts the whole car back on the right plane (assuming you have done the back). - install a TPMS system (Tyre pressure Management system) - so you can monitor the caravan tyres. They are a long way away and there have been times where people have lost one of the rear wheels and not known about, until the whole rig has become so unstable that it takes them off the road. (My last trip to Perth saw 3 vans off on the side of the road, one was a direct result of a blown rear tyres on the van - it was a BTer too...., being towed by a LC - ouch.) From all I have heard, the Roma is a good unit. Have a great time with it. Just take it easy (90KM/Hr or less) until you understand what it does and how it reacts. Try out some emergency situations, emergency braking, swerves at low speeds in a controlled (safe) environment, etc. Apologies if I am telling you how to suck eggs. Regards Geoff

Hi Tubby/Peter, I read through it all. There is nothing that I would disagree with. I am not sure which parts you are seeking clarification on. I did note however (and I stand corrected) that the GVM upgrade appears to be available on existing (already registered) vehicles. When I received mine (Dec 2008), the only option was the Lovell's upgrade (to 3800Kg) - and only on new vehicles before rego. The ARB upgrade wasn't available (because I wanted to do it). Personally, I have achieved (I think) a similar outcome, but installing airbags (which I leave at 5psi, until loaded up) and changes springs/shocks (in my case adding 200Kg capability). If I was to do to again, I would go for the 400Kg upgrade, but I live and learn these things. Not sure the life of the (in my case Old Man Emu) shocks, but a reliable source suggested that the OEM ones that came with LC200 would be shot after about 3 years - especially if towing and some off road (all of which I do). I thank you for recommending to go to the Forum, because I was about to install a Kaymar rear bar. But it won't allow the use of a Weight Distribution hitch, so that is now off my list. ARB is my next option. I am happy to continue the discussion, if I have missed something. (I did note that BT rather quickly side stepped the issue about GCM (as opposed to GVM). I take his point that he hasn't ever heard anyone being picked up for being over GCM - but I have only ever heard anecodtal reports about people being picked up for being over GVM.....I guess it is all a moot point and kind of irrelevant, until someone gets stopped and can ascertain how the police react. I think, in 90% of the case, common sense would prevail. Not sure....) Regards Geoff

Tubby, Responses - personally, I am disappointed to see so many questions go unanswered - pity really, considering there is a lot of talent, experience and knowledge out there. Anyway.... Re: Auto Transmission cooler - I really don't think you will need it. But that is just a personal opinion, based on my own experience. Suspension - don't get GVM mixed up with loads and vis-a-versa. (let's say...) If you add suspension to the back of the car, it doesn't mean it can carry any more. The only way to increase the GVM is at the time of purchase, via a Lovells GVM upgrade (there may be others now - but that was the only one available when I purchased mine). The suspension on the LC200 is (what could be considered) average. Someone said to me today, that I (anyone) should be considering replacing the shocks if they are 3 years old. That is probably about right, especially if some 4WDing is involved - add towing to that and it is a fair statement/observation. Anyway, I digress.... Let me be more direct - because I think you have been given a bum steer (quote "....been suggested on this and other forums about beefing up the suspension to increase the vehicle's GVM...end quote). You can't, (now that you have the car) full stop. Whatever is stated on your rego and compliance plate is the way it is. What you can do, is improve the handling by changing and adding coils, shocks, increase height, add airbags, etc etc. I mentioned that I had towed, returning from Perth, when everything was overweight - the back of the car was down (due to the load in the car) and the weight on the axles in the van was higher than compliance. I am not proud of this - but my point is that (except for unloading stuff), I couldn't change the GVM. What I have done, to improve handling and (should it ever happen again) - added airbags to the back, changed the coils and shocks to allow an increase of 200Kg (no height change, so there is no lift involved). The back bounces around a little more around town with nothing in the back, but certainly nothing to be worried about. It certainly has improved handling when the van is on the back. And before anyone asks - yes, I use a Weight Distribution hitch (WDH) and yes it was rigged up right. A WDH is a must (imho). So - bottom line - yes, you can add/change coils and shocks to allow to provide more weight carrying capacity - but don't be under the misunderstanding that it will change your GVM. The total amount you put in the car (weight/mass) and the total amount you can tow (3.5ton) is the way the compliance plate states. The new springs/shocks give you more comfort, handling, ride height, profile of the car, etc. I hope this assists and as opposed to confuses. Regards Geoff

Glad you got it all sorted. Regards Geoff

(I am a newbie) I am somewhat surprised in the apparent lack of forum discussion. I would have expected more interaction. Anyway - did you get the answers you were looking for. I have heard/seen an engine mod taking it up to 900+NM. Dakkar car. (...and it moves!!!) Certainly not Au standard compliant and I am sure not T approved. Regards Geoff

Had you considered an overhead console. That is where I put mine and it is out of the way, superneat job and operates off aux battery. Also the overhead lights are heaps better (but I think the o/hd lights have been improved since my model - 08 GXL). Re: Interference - that's bull. They are just protecting their proverbial rear end. The UHF radios these days have all the right clearance and protection in-built. With that said, if you put it on top of your bluetooth or normal radio, you are asking for trouble. Regards Geoff

Jeff - what year/model is yours - maybe a pattern. I haven't heard of this before and no reference on the LCOOl forum. Maybe an 09 model thing??? Geoff

Hi Tubby, I wonder who has suggested it. I doubt if it was Toyota. From memory the book talks about towing and there being no need for an auxiliary cooler. I have towed 3ton van, Perth and return (I am on east coast) in some pretty hot weather (and both the van and car were well overweight) and the temp gauge didn't move and I have checked the auto oil and there is no signs of any overheating. I discussed the same with my local T dealer before I left and they confirmed that the cooling capacity of the existing cooler would cope easily with anything in Au. If you are really pushed (or pushing) for a cooler - these people may be able to assist. http://www.pwr.com.au/index.html#/view=home/ I am not a user of their product(s) - I have just heard/read about them (so can't vouch for quality) Regards Geoff