TOYOTA PRADO QUESTION

[rough_shag]

I have a 3.4ltr Prado and have recently bought a boat weighing 1250kg roughly,the Prado tows it no worries.My question-Is there any reason I shouldn't use low range 4x4(LL) on the boat ramp?I find it makes towing the boat out much easier and more controlled but worry about the hard surface not allowing slippage,will this cause damage to the drive train?.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.Cheers.Jace.

[toymod]

No would not be an issue however i think your maxium speed should'nt go over 40km/h . It is designed for this, low range is just gears, slippage will can cause more issues (but dont worry about that either).

So to sum up if you feel more comfortable go for it, at the end of the day it probally is safer.

Cheers


David

[gawby]

Shags,
If you feel comfy pulling the boat out in 4x4lr do it. It wont hurt anything.
The only thing you dont do is drive for long periods of time on hard surfaces in 4x4 high or low range, unless the vehicle is a constant 4x4
Graeme

[TheSaint]

I wouldn't worry about hurting your drivetrain if you are only pulling your boat out of the water & up the boat ramp. I do this all the time in my Suzuki Grand Vitara as i feel it is safer to pull it out in 4wd when the boat ramps are swamped with sand & slime..

[Elysium]

absolutely...I would not worry at all about any damage that could happen. Using 4L reduses the gear ratio so to me that reduces the load on the engine and clutch (if manual). Like the other guys said...just dont go driving around at top speeds and not for too long a period of time.

I use 4L on the hilux (2002 model) to get the quintrex out sometimes, but with water levels as low as they are in our impoundments...sometimes its required! But I have also been known to use it on concrete ramps as well. Mainly to take the pressure off the clutch.

[rough_shag]

Thanks for the advice boys,will feel much more confident about using low range to haul her out from now on.Jace.

[whiteman]

The Prado is constant 4WD. Why bother with low range?

[rough_shag]

Hi Whiteman,the Prado is fulltime 4x4 but in normal high range I reckon the engine lacks torque when towing anything heavy especially up an incline.When I select low range it seems a hell of a lot more easy to get her rolling up the ramp-probably because low range keeps the engine under less torque load and the revs naturally higher/quicker. Also it is a slower moving process which seems more controlled to me.Cheers.Jace.