cvtripper

That's fantastic. Won't be long now! The last bit takes the least! As we said at Imbil, we're jealous of your forthcoming big trip! Good luck with the new van, and we look forward to seeing it, and you both, at Noosa!

Just back from the Imbil gethering tonight. Jane and I would like to thank Sue & Ann for organising other top gathering and a fantastic location - the gatherings are getting better everytime. Thanks also to everyone who shared their time with us - we had a ball - fantastic scones and banana cake (thanks Shirley - we'll be looking for you in August for some more ;-), paddle canoes were excellent (thanks guys). Breakfast was good at the bowls club (but slow!) and I recall something about Margaret's rat.. :shutup: Many good times were had and I don't think we've laughed so much over a two day period for a long time. It was great to see so many new people and that they had a great time and mixed well. All top people and we hope you come to the future gatherings. It was sad to leave this afternoon, especially at happy hour - not sure how that worked out! [My edit: removed some person info]

Hi Roger As Kimbo said, welcome to the club. Just back from the Imbil gathering tonight and this was only our 2nd time towing the TE - the first time on the motorway playing with the trucks. 3500kg, 350kg ball, and no problem keeping the speed limit - was even accelerating up hills - fantastic torque, and smooth as... Beats the Petrol V8 100 without comparison. I had the opportunity to drive a couple of other vehicles at Imbil - a LC100 TD (thanks Sue & Ann) and Shane and Elle's 6.5L TD Patrol (thanks Shane and Elle). I only had a short run up the hill to the lookout but it allowed me to compare the torque and feel. Both great vehicles - both are tricked up nicely suspension, drawers etc, and of course Shane's has everything you could dream of, right down to the brush cutter ;-). David

Having a great time @ Imbil. Some have gone up for some free barefoot bowls and free sausage sizzle. Kimbo, your ears must be burning! And for the last time, no, we're not swapping the 200! :helpsmilie:

Mine were OK (TE), but there were 2 wires in the cupboard - one goes to outside sat point; other goes to outside annexe TV point. They weren't marked in the cupboard, but it wasn't hard to work out. Ian, if you have no signal on the meter at all, and you have the cable plugged into the input of the sat box, then maybe you have the wrong cable. Have a look and try the other one. The other thing to check is that you hvae the meter connected correctly - if the connections are the wrong way around you have no hope (someone told me this, I wouldn't do anything that stupid :-) David

I don't have the fuel figures yet, but we took the LC200 for it's first run with the TE this weekend up to Somerset Dam (dam crowded in the ski areas, but our campground was reasonably quiet). Background: The WDH was adjusted off the LC100 and clears the tailgate easily. Turned it around and adjusted the holes used. The bolts were not bent as Kimbo had found, so maybe Kimbo's copped the bending on the top end tour?? A new prodigy was installed. The rear vioew camera was reinstalled from the LC100. The report: As soon as I pulled the van out of the shed, I knew I had made the right decision with the 200. The van is stored in a shed at the front of our block and has to come out at right angles and up the steep drive then reversed out to the street. I always had to put the LC100 in low range to get it up the hill without burning the clutch. The LC200 just ate it up with power to spare - completely different vehicle - and I loved my LC100!). I'm not sure if it was an auto vs manual thing, but I do know the torque played a large part. I got the van onto some level ground on the street and fitted the bars and brought the car back up to level with ease. When the van was put on the car, the car sunk noticably, as I expected from a Landcruiser, but the bars sorted that out. I think some air bags in the LC200 are in order.... On the road, the 200 pulled the van from a standing start with ease. On the motorway, I felt a lot more confident as the setup felt a lot more sure footed. Up over the range (not that steep) the 200 was smooth and kept the speed limit with ease. Gear changes were smooth and hardly noticable unless I was watching the tacho. During the trip up and back, I didn't feel uncomfortable at all and the whole setup sat true and steady. In summary, I'm very pleased with the 200 - worth every cent IMHO. Now we just have to get out there! I'll get some fuel figures up when I fill up, but it probably won't be that accurate as it was only a 220 return run. One thing I will ask (not being a previous TD owner) is do all of you TD owners idle your engines down after a trip? The manual says (from memory) 1-2 mins from 80 kph, 3 mins from 100kph, but no need if just running around town. David

Thanks everyone, especially Deb & Geoff, Chris & Kimbo. Bought the prodigy and installed in last weekend in the new 200 series, together with the rear view camera and fridge wires etc while I had the car in bits all over the garage.... Adjusted the HR WDH yesterday morning and decided it was only right to give it a test run up to Somerset Dam for an overnighter. The prodigy was far superior compared to the old HR controller. To hear the rave on the 200, you'll have to find the other post :biggrin: So, thank you to all. David

Ok, I'll put my 2 cents in also. We have a 19'6" (internal) topender with the queen bed. We haven't wanted for any more space in the cupboards - one is hanging space, my side is shelved (hey, no suits while I'm on holidays, thanks!). Jane has never said she doesn't have enough space. I can't see how 2" extra width is going to make a big difference, however, if you go with double bed then yes, the 6 (+2) inches would. As Kimbo has already stated, the 7'6" width is because of the brush bars on the TopEnder. Personally, I love the queen bed - plenty of room and as comfy as being at home (makes you want to not come home!) David

These site are OK provided you don't take everything as being gospel (like most of the internet). There are a few self proclaimed experts who claim they know everything, but their advice is often biased towards what they have/can afford. The Kedron vans are spec'd up a lot more than most other vans, so you hear recommendations for 1 or 2 batteries and 300W inverters are all you need etc. Chris & Val in their excitement of their new order have possibly opened up a bit of criticism, (the 300W inverter mentioned above is one, he advice is generally based on smaller battery banks), and now the same thread has turned into a BT bashing debate (perhaps warranted). It is an interesting read if you haven't had a look. http://tinyurl.com/yqasy9 I hope Chris & Val don't take the advice too seriously - the 1800W inverter is much more useful than a 300W, as we have found. I think Chris & Val are installing a Dometic front loader, if I remember correctly. We have used our Dometic on the inverter - but a 300W wouldn't cope - and the battery capacity is more than adequate as long as you're not doing hot washes (the genny would better suit that). David

Hi Yoshy, How is new 200 going? David

Thanks Chris & Deb for your feedback and also to Kimbo (I saw his yesterday). Good enough info and advice for me, I'll go with the Prodigy in the new tow tug. I'll let you know how I go. Cheers David

OK, I have the LC200 now and have added my (non-towing) fuel figures with Kimbo's at http://www.kedronownersgroup.com/forum/ind...p?showtopic=173 I'll put my towing figures on the new thread when available. David

Thanks for the figures, Kimbo. As you know, I picked up my LC200 yesterday and drove it from Gosford to Brisbane on it's first tank, but was not towing. I filled up today and worked out I used 11.6L/100km (105L/920km). I'm pretty happy with that - the engine is pretty tight and I gave it a few squirts to feel the power ;-) It held the cruise control with no problems regardless of slope. The real test will be when I hook up the TE. It handled beautifully up the ranges, never lacking any power and only ever needing to touch the accelerator - no pushing the pedal to the floor needed. The KDSS seems to work around the bends - gave it a workout coming down Cunninghams gap - and I'm sure the body roll is a lot less than the LC100. Nice sweet gentle V8 sound that is not loud or tiresome on long trips. Turbos sound fantastic when you give it a squirt... The 6th gear myth is totally busted - treat the car gently and it'll come on on the flats and downhills of course. Saw it kick in at 90kph at one point. Very happy chappy! Anyone considering... just do it! David P.S. Good to catch up and thanks for the cuppa. Ended up getting pulled over 3 times on the trip.... No tickets - must be a record (for me)!

Thanks Kimbo, Sounds like you have a heavy foot - Toyota spec is 10.2/100km :smile: Towing figures will be interesting... Keep your foot off the pedal :smile: I was interested that you specified that you were using BP diesel. I was under the impression that diesel is diesel, or is it a case of "oils aint oils"? Not having owned a diesel before, should I be avoiding an particular diesel brand (like I avoid Woolworths petrol - it makes the V8 ping). Has anyone noticed any problems with any particular brand, or better economy or performance from any particular brand? David

Thanks for your replies everyone. Chris & Val, I'd be interested to know your thoughts on the difference between the new and old controillers when you get on your way again. Geoff & Deb, will also be keen to hear your thoughts on the setup on your long weekend trip. I like the idea of the disconnection status - non of that on the current HR controller, but you can feel the brakes, but wouldn't know if one was out. Does the prodigy analyse the current and detect if one is not working, does anyone know? It sounds like the Prodigy is the way to go. I can wait until next week before I go ahead - I'll get it fitted when I get the camera reinstalled. David

Thanks Eric and Jody, Very interesting figures. Average 2.5km/$1. You can hear the bank account ticking over as you drive. Hi Lionel, Thanks for that info also. I have never heard of anyone with a TD admitting that were getting 29L/100kms, so it's refreshing to hear some honest figures. Sounds like you have a similar weight foot to me - I tend to do the posted limit where possible. The 18.5/19.5 sounds reasonable for this type of driving and I'd be happy with that - I hope I don't see the 29 - that's around what I get with the petrol. Thanks Chris and Val (good to meet you), Looks consistent with most, so that is also promising. It'll be interesting to see the difference with the TE. Thanks Brian, I doubt there would be a huge difference due to 500kgs weight difference. The $ figures are immaterial (to me) as a 400-450km range (while towing) is really acceptable. If I get 650-700, I'll be happy. Even on our short trip last July, one leg was 500km and I had to carry jerry cans which was a pain in the butt. Another leg was 300kms but were were staying in between, so had to carry jerry cans again so we could do some running around from the camp ground. Are you sure about the 213L for 1575kms while towing? That's 13.5L/100km which is pretty low and most don't get much better than that NOT towing? What's diiferent about your setup? I do like the sound of the long range tanks though. Was talking to someone tonight (I won't say names as they might not want to publish that) 240+95=335L (if I remember correctly) for their fuel capacity. That'd be fantastic. If using 20L/100km (worst) that'd be 1675km range. No need to pay for expensive fuel at outback stations! Keep the info coming - all appreciated. David 3 sleeps...

Thanks Kimbo and Rosco, Come to think of it, I believe all HR products come with a lifetime warranty. I guess that would include the bolts. Just verified that is true on the HR website. http://www.haymanreese.com.au/index.htm Click on Warranty in the left menu (I hate frames....) David

Yoshy, I knew you'd do it! LOL By all accounts (Kimbo) you'll love it! Good luck. David 3 sleeps....

Brian, obviously you have long range tanks... I assume those figures were not towing? I like Darryl's thinking, altough I couldn't distinguish any V8 throatiness in the sound, which would have been nice. :confused: Thanks for you input people - I'll be expecting 19-20L/100Km out of the LC200 even with the heavier TE. I don't sit around on 90, so maybe a little more but should be around 10 litres less than, i.e. 2/3rds of, the current petrol V8 while towing. The range is what I'm after. Time will tell... I thought I'd better take one for a test drive today. My opinion, chalk and cheese - the LC200 TTD is quieter than the petrol LC100 from within the cabin, and I thought the V8 was quiet! The auto is so smooth, and there is plenty of grunt. Couldn't even smell any diesel or hear any of the diesel rattles - which surprised me and was one of my main reasons why I had always gone with petrol in the past. 6 more sleeps.... :thumbsup: David

I'm interested in what fuel figures everyone is getting at the moment with their current vehicle. We get between 25-30L/100km towing (3.5t) with a V8 petrol LC100. Not towing: 16L/100km. I expect that will change dramatically with the new LC200 since it's a diesel and may even possible half my towing fuel bill. What got me thinking is some of the low figures I've seen posted here http://tinyurl.com/ypatyh which appear (to me) to be unbelievable. What figures do you have and what vehicle are you using? It should be interesting, as I believe most here use a LC100 TD. I'll also be interested in Kimbo's findings with the new LC200, and what he was getting with the LC100. David

Thanks Darryl & Chris, I know with the HR controller I have at the moment, I have to sometimes manually adjust the controller when coming back into towns to prevent the brakes grabbing too much, then again when I get out on the highway to apply a bit more force. Have you noticed this behaviour with the Prodigy? Also there were some issues with one of the Techonsha controllers before where the brake lights would come on intermittently - was it a Prodigy? I have also noiticed there are different versions of the Prodigy floating around - v2.4 and v2.6 come to mind. Darryl, which version do you have? Chris, which version did Val just install? I'd be interested to hear your reports, as it may just slip into my time frames. Thanks in advance for your help. David

Hi Deb & Geoff, How did you go with the prodigy? I'm looking to replace my basic Hayman Reese controller, so would be keen to know what others are using and good and bad feedback. David

Kimbo, Don't forget to change your signature! Oh, and thanks very much for the heads up on the deal - I forgot to thank you on the last post. David

Darryl, Don't let Kimbo get away with making you drive the 100 back - the thing will be stripped by then! Besides, if you can score the 200 you might also score a TE! :thumbsup: The gear ratios look good to me and I wouldn't be concerned about the 6th gear issue that has popped up. I've always said it should have another gear (overdrive), but I guess it will have limited use while towing anyway, but the 5th gear should end up being used on the flat with that much grunt. I've heard it learns your driving style, but what's wrong with towing a 3.5t TE at 130kph anyway? :biggrin: The torque and the power is there, so you've got to use it some time! I'd be interested to see some fuel economy figures towing, so I'll be interested in what Kimbo says when he gets into Brissie. As Kimbo knows, he has got me thirsty, and I've been talking to his dealer. All I can say is the price is VERY good and watch this space - a V8 100 series (manual) is likely to be up for sale VERY soon! Any takers? David