Hello from a new member

[MichaelB]

Hello everyone. Hopefully I am following the correct protocol in saying hi!

My family and I (wife Julie and kids Nicola 9, Lucia 5 and Dario 17 months) are not Expanda owners yet, but plan to upgrade from our current, much loved and travelled Johnnos camper trailer in 2015. So we are currently very much in the research phase for our planned purchase.

We have identified the 17.56-2 Outback as the model for us, and will mainly tow it behind my PX Ford Wildtrack or 120 series Prado depending on weights for each particular trip.

At the moment we are working out options and upgrades we plan to have installed on our new Expanda to ensure it can free camp as well as our camper currently can. I would like to say that your forum has been a wonderful research tool and congratulate all users on what appears to be a very friendly and helpful site.

I am sure I will have my share of silly questions, or questions that have been asked 1000 times before, but no doubt I will ask anyway so bear with me!

This may not be the most appropriate place to ask my first question, and if not please direct me elsewhere, however I am interested to know more about WDH's. I don't currently have one for the camper, and while I understand the principle of operation, I would appreciate some real life advice on whether or not I should consider one given the model and tow combination we are planning. I intend to spec the Outback with the Alko stability control if that alters opinions. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Oh, we are from Perth, and I work in the automotive battery industry. So if anyone would like any advice on batteries for your vans, please feel free to ask.

Thanks once again for a great forum!

Mike

 

[Pace]

Gday and welcome. Another 17.56-2OB - Prado combo, plenty on here with all their own stories to tell re max weights due to Prado rated towing capacity. Should be sorted in no time. Cheers Pace.

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks for your greeting Pace. I purchased my Ranger around 2 months ago, and one of the main reasons was the eventual need to comfortably tow the Outback. The rated capacity of the Prado is a let down at times!! But, I'm sure I have this more than covered with the Ford. Cheers Mike

 

[JOBSWAN]

Welcome from another West Ozzie!
Could of joined the forum earlier, my new batteries for the new van just arrived today!lol
Good luck with the process of buying the new van.We pick ours up on the 10th of November.
Btw it might pay to visit the 4wd and Recreation show coming up in Perth the weekend of the 7th November. Never know what deals will be happening at the show.

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks for the reply Jobswan! Loads of West Ozzie's on the forum which is quite helpful!! I have the upcoming show pencilled in already. To be honest we are pretty much set on what we want, and what options we want, its really now down to negotiating the best deal... and selling the camper, which will be a little sad I must admit!!

Out of interest, what batteries did you elect to use in the new van?

 

[jacbaz]

:welcome: @MichaelB and family ... plenty of answers to any questions asked (and in a very friendly manner) !!!

 

[The Goodwins]

welcome to another Prado Expanda 17 combo as @Pace said....

 

[chartrock]

Welcome:welcome: to the forum @MichaelB. As has been said, all questions answered as we do not have "silly" questions. Just beware that a lot of members take great delight in helping you spend your money.

As to WDH, have a read of this, I'm not sure it is what you are after. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks @chartrock and also to @jacbaz and @The Goodwins for your greetings! This forum is wonderful, like a giant big "virtual" caravan park!! Just need to find a way to have a virtual beer...

Interesting article in the link you provided... Thanks very much for that it will be helpful.

As for spending money, I'm a firm believer that you can't take it with you, and providing it brings the family and I some enjoyment you might as well spend it!

Cheers

 

[dagree]

Welcome @MichaelB from another Perth 17.56.2OB/Prado owner
Most of your answers appear to have been answered but the only one missing is the ESC comment.

WDH system and ESC are two completely different things. Briefly the WDH distributes the weight from the back of the vehicle to the front and assists with levelling both van and car (Probably explained in the link that @chartrock posted) The ESC assists to correct the line of travel in such a case that you develop a sway while traveling.

Have a good read through the forum and I assure you that you'll get plenty of ideas

 

[blacky]

Good onya @MichaelB good luck with the research.. And i can vouch for the awesomeness of the mighty 17.56-2 OB!

 

[17triton]

Great intro @MichaelB welcome to this great site! Top people only too willing to help with any questions and we love spending your money for ya as well!

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Hello Mike and Welcome

 

[Wanda]

:rockon: You'll love the forum @MichaelB, so much diverse information (and funny stuff too!!!)

 

[Ss--ss]

Welcome MichaelB , lot of great independent info on this site!
Actually seeing your in the automotive battery game I was just about to search for a good replacment for my Prado 150 3.0 diesel main starter battery..I still have the original in it which is 4yo bit worried it may die in the near future..any suggestions appreciated..

 

[steve67]

Welcome MichaelB , lot of great independent info on this site!
Actually seeing your in the automotive battery game I was just about to search for a good replacment for my Prado 150 3.0 diesel main starter battery..I still have the original in it which is 4yo bit worried it may die in the near future..any suggestions appreciated..

I just replaced mine because of the same reason...7 years old! I replaced mine with a heavy duty century...I bet it won't last 7 yrs!

 

[steve67]

Oh... And welcome @MichaelB !

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks @dagree @blacky @17triton @Capt. Gadget @Wanda and @Ss--ss for your greetings!

Appreciate your comments re the WDH and ESC @dagree - the Expanda as opposed to the camper trailer is obviously a different towing proposition so all your feedback helps! Certainly seems that investing in a WDH will be worthwhile.

@Ss-ss I gather you have a dedicated start and aux battery or batteries set-up in the Prado. Really then you will be less concerned about the AH rating of the battery and its cycling capability, and more interesting in CCA and RC. That being said, the AH rating is always relevant and is one of the most important measures of any batteries performance.

There are plenty of options, and it really comes down to your preference for a maintainable style battery (with accessible vent caps to check fluid levels) or a sealed maintenance free battery. Everyone has their own specific preference.

In my personal opinion, the maintainable battery is better for a number of reasons, but only if you routinely check and top up fluid levels. Maintenance free batteries are all the rage, but the term maintenance free is a bit of a furphy as all batteries will use electrolyte unless they are a VRLA type battery which re-generates gas back into a liquid. This type of battery is more commonly used as an aux battery, not for starting.

Depending on how harsh the conditions are that you take your Prado into, it would also be worth considering a battery that has additional internal plate bonding to resist mechanical shock. This type of feature is normally only found in maintainable style batteries.

As I work for a manufacturer and wholesaler as opposed to simply a retailer, I will likely be a little biased to my brand. Having said that there are plenty of good brands out there. There is also a lot of rubbish. Happy to give you some specific feedback on particular brands and types if you have a personal preference.

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks @steve67

No, I doubt your replacement battery will last 7 years. it may do but unlikely. OEM batteries are designed to suit a specific vehicle, and its charge rate and pattern. Pretty much a perfect match. So this will help prolong life.

In the aftermarket, one battery suits many applications. Each vehicle has its subtle differences, despite the fact that many use the same type and configuration of battery. These subtle differences will impact the life of battery. The fitment of additional accessories will also have an obvious impact.

But you should still be hoping to get 3-4 years out of your replacement, depending on how the vehicle is used :biggrin-26:

 

[Bushman]

:welcome: to the Expanda family Mike .