Hi all
Here is a strange request. I am interested in getting a recent model 4by4 to get out into the sticks with my scope. I like the Prado GXL but before I start looking at these vehicles I first need to find out what sort of space they have in the rear. I searched the net but could not find definitive info other than some outside dimensions. I am house bound at the moment with a bad leg otherwise I would go to a car yard myself and check them out. So if any member owns a Prado I would really appreciate if they could flash a tape around the rear cargo area and report back.
I have done thousands of kms on some of Australia's hardest 4x4 tracks and can help you if you have any questions. I own a 2008 Nissan patrol. The car you should get depends on how extreme the tracks are you want to tackle. Prados are nice luxury cars and do ok through the bush. When tracks start to get pretty full on patrol and land cruiser are the go. Feel free to inbox me if you like. I attached a pic of my rig. Lots of money spent haha
I've got a 120 series Prado, I've travelled to Astrofest on several occasions with heaps of gear. When it comes to travelling, the Prado is the quietest and most comfortable car I've ever owned.
The diesel models from 2007, for a large 4WD, are very fuel efficient, I got 8.2l/100KM on a return from Brisbane to Melbourne.
Not sure about the latest model but I expect there is a similar cargo space to my model.
Rear door opening on the 120 series is roughly 1170 x1000.
Inside widest is 1400 but wheel arches and taper of the body eat up some of that.
From the rear door to the back of the seat is around 1 metre, a little less as you get up towards the top of the seats, depending of course the position of the seat back.
The 120 series has a 70/30 split rear seat, if you fold the rear seats forward the space is huge, I can fit a 45kg gas bottle lengthways with space to spare, without measuring I'd guess at least 1400 clear space.
If that's not enough you can put on a roof pod, which I do for the journey to Astrofest, plenty of space for a Meade LX90, Ed80, Eq6 and field tripods, and all the other add ons needed for astro imaging, cameras, battery bank, cords, cold weather gear and a couple of suitcases and bedding etc, the back seat is still clear for the odd passenger.
Last edited by acropolite; 20-08-2015 at 09:32 PM.
I'm not a camping sort of person in any way, hence the dumb question coming up.
Is your tent actually pitched on top of your vehicle? If so, I've never seen that before. Is it to protect you from anything in particular, or just creepies in general
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jemmo
I have done thousands of kms on some of Australia's hardest 4x4 tracks and can help you if you have any questions. I own a 2008 Nissan patrol. The car you should get depends on how extreme the tracks are you want to tackle. Prados are nice luxury cars and do ok through the bush. When tracks start to get pretty full on patrol and land cruiser are the go. Feel free to inbox me if you like. I attached a pic of my rig. Lots of money spent haha
I have done thousands of kms on some of Australia's hardest 4x4 tracks and can help you if you have any questions. I own a 2008 Nissan patrol. ... I attached a pic of my rig. Lots of money spent haha
Great setup
I've setup sleeping in the back of the ute in the past with the hard lid down and tailgate open
Although if you want to go real hardcore strip the rear seats straight out of the vehicle, that frees up heaps of room in back and lets the front seats lay right down for sleeping surprisingly comfortably.
...Is your tent actually pitched on top of your vehicle? If so, I've never seen that before. Is it to protect you from anything in particular, or just creepies in general
You really should get out more often Paul.
They are becoming really quite common.
Although I have not tried one, and can't comment, I see them regularly.
They would have all the advantages you mention, and the more expensive ones are "push button auto opening" (see image from current BCF catalogue below @ $1999).
Not sure if restless sleepers would be secure.?
I am getting tired dragging a trailer around with the scope and thought a Prado might do the trick. I forgot to mention that all my astro gear requires a space 1090 High, 850 wide and 1300 long. Thanks Phil for the measurements – I would not think the 120 would be much different from the 150 in size.
A full size Patrol or Land cruiser would do the trick but if I choose either I would be stuck doing all the driving as my partner made it clear she will not drive a big rig. The issue of driving is not a problem for short astro trips into the bush but the vehicle is going to be used for touring etc so I need to take her stance into consideration.
We have a Nissan Murano - not a serious 4WD, but it has TONNES of room with the seats folded down. Besides that, I can fit my mount and scope in the back without a single hassle - seats normal. Even when I had a rather longish refractor, it was not an issue. Granted I don't have a Lawn Cannon, but it should fit even a largish Dob quite easily.
Heck, I moved house with this car alone - not even a trailer. I loaded the fridge into it!
All very well, but do you really need to drive this 7 days a week, every week ?
Something more appropriate for domestic life, and renting a Prado when you need it might make more sense.
Daily commutes might be boring but I see so many luxo tractors - that have never seen a dirt road - on the road every day with 1 occupant driving to/from work it's obscene.
Bit biased a late model Pajero might be worth a look, I own a 2008 one and it's a very nice for touring, everyday driving and light/moderate 4wdriving. Id love a Landcruiser troopie but the wife wanted something she would be comfortable driving with as well . I drive prados at work and like them as well but the pajero seem's to have more room to me {might be wrong}.
