They are fairly rugged.. I would fit an auto cooler and manually pull it back through gears on steep hills if it doesn't kick down ..
This is with any auto diesel when towing..
Yes an Auto cooler would be a great help but the main thing is exactly as Aus-Kiwi says don't let
it labour up the hills,Auto's do not like getting hot.
Got one.....love it! Towing 22', 2.5t caravan. Once around, and going again. I don't have an auto cooler, just manually shift down and take it easy going up big hills. I would buy another D-Max if I was looking. Ranger & BT-50 the two next choices. Forget the over priced show offs, get a reliable, tough, real truck. Got my helmet on and in my trench! Have a great day.
Thanks What year d-max, has it got a air scoop in the bonnet, if it has its the old model like mine , and 4 speed auto. If it hasent got that it is the more powerful current model with 5 speed auto.
Just a couple more questions, If it is the older model, is it a cab chassis which would have 7 leaf spring set and 150mm longer wheel base, or if dual cab (crew) it would have 5 leaf springs.Very interested to know and have you done anything to the rear suspension,ie stronger springs or air bags. Also what size tray do you have on.
.. I purchased my new combination in Nov/Dec last year. Also test drove the Ranger and Colorado with a small van attached but found my comfort zone was the Dmax ..
Van is a NewAge Classic 18 Series .. (18 ft inside) .. all still new of course but happy with my decision too ..
I have the 2012 model with bonnet scoop (model before current shape) & 4 speed auto.
I bought new and had upgraded rear springs (7 leaf), fitted.
Removed the tub and had tray and gull wing body fitted (Ute Store Brisbane).
When we were in Darwin I fitted air bag helper bellows. They made a big difference.
Thats fantastic, Could you just tell me what size tray you put on. Do you think you could have got away with just fitting the pump up air bags without having the 7 leaf springs fitted.
The tray is 1600mm x 1600mm x 900mm (H).
The ground to top of body is 1900.
Scares the patooties out of the Princess when you enter an underground car park.
I had the extra springs added as an extra when we bought it.
I got a good deal on the air bags in Darwin, as my son is a diesel fitter.
He sourced & fitted them for me.
They do make a big difference.
Run at 25psi sans caravan & 35psi with caravan.
we have a 2009 auto dmax 4x2 whith a dp chip and a 18 ft pop top van 12.5to 13.5 lt to the 100klm at 90km per hour always towing in 3rd gear no dramas and unhitched we get 8.5 to 8.9 klm to the 100km
