My top 5 mods to start with. AT Tyres and suspension. It makes a massive difference from stock. Better handling and stiffer springs for carrying loads. Seat covers and sand grabba style matt's. That takes care of the interior. Scanguage and egr delete. Your intake will thank you after 100k Bullbar for accessories and protection from animals. You don't want to hit a Kangaroo and be stuck waiting for a tow. Even worse if have no reception. A secondary fuel filter if get bad fuel is another one, but the factory fuel filters are really good, but doesn't hurt just incase. Catch can is worth looking Into aswell. Extra engine protection is always money well spent. If planning on keeping for many years after warranty. You have to look out for yourself and resale.
Absolutely. I built my camping setup around it and it was a good decision. Saves me having to carry everything in the truck and I can leave my solar panel and maxtrax on there 👍 Thanks for commenting
I’ve watched a few of your vids on the budget patrol before, because I had a Navara Just bought a 2017 GX Prado. Happily found that you were the first search result. Didn’t even realise you made some Prado content. 👍🏼
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! I have made videos on a few vehicles now. I started with a navara then went to a prado and now I have a hilux and patrol. I enjoy modifying the different vehicles to see which one works best. I must say, the Prado has been the most capable and comfortable car I have owned
thanks for this, will come in handy for my Prado that is coming. I go to muddy places so I will be getting a set of tub mats to make the car easier to clean
My additional USB outlets are 2 in the Glove Box 2 down the back; When the second row of seats are down remove the headrests and you gain useful room in the second row footwell area.
Hi Mark I'm a fellow Prado Owner (2021 GX ...didn't want the rear seats) and watch your videos regularly. This is my first comment to a youtube video but I thought I needed to pass on my experience with the non slip matting. It does work very well but it can eat into some plastics. We used it to wrap plastic wine glasses in our van and it actually melted into the plastic , so you will need to check what you are resting on the matting. Keep up the good videos Kerry
Thank you for sharing your ideas. The first thing i will add to my vehicle would be a tow bar. The next thing would be an awning. I suppose if I do that, i will have to upgrade my roof rack right? I am wondering if you can keep the original roof rack and build extra bits onto it. By the way, does your roof rack make a whistle noise when you drive? The lights on the roof rack are brilliant. How do you run the wiring? I thought my next priorities are a bull bar and a snorkel , but after watching your video, I have put them on the back burner.
Hi mate. Glad you are enjoying the videos. You can keep the stock roof rails and buy a pioneer platform to clip onto them. I would do this to add the accessories you want. My lights are wired down the side of the windscreen and into the engine bay. I don’t get any whistling. Very quiet. I love my roof rack setup and this is everything I need for short and long term camping. I hope this helps 👍
Hey Mark ... it’s me again. Great video as always. Whilst I will most likely install one or two additional USB connectors in my Prado, my first ‘go to’ solution will be to use piggy back type connectors directly to the fuse box in the driver’s side footwell to power the appliance (e.g. dashcam). This will also free up the precious few blank plugs in the vehicle for other uses e.g. lights etc. By far, the best accessory I have purchased for the vehicle (my alternative solution to a permanently mounted dual battery system on the vehicle) is definitely my Bluetti AC200 Max portable power station paired with 3 x Bluetti SP200 portable solar panels. I have so far used it once on a (offgrid) camping trip and it easily managed to power everything I expected it to e.g. Nespresso coffee machine; hot water kettle etc. When not camping, I use it at home to power my fridges, clothes dryer and other regular kitchen appliances. The best part about that is that I can simultaneously use the power while it is being charged by the solar panels so essentially ‘free power’ - that is, apart of course from the purchase cost of the system itself. The portability and versatility of the setup is fantastic!! Time will tell how long the system will last but I am also being careful to keep the power unit relatively cool during use, reasonably keeping the charge/discharge rate to a minimum and trying to maintaining the state of charge between 25-75% for maximum battery life. Love it!!!
Hi Rich! I’m really interested in these power stations that you mentioned. I’m hoping to work with a company soon to play around with a setup for my brothers RAV4. I will also investigate tapping into that fuse box as well. It could come in handy. Thank you for your ideas. It would for sure make for an interesting setup if I can get my hands on one 👍
@@NorthOz No worries Mark. I would highly recommend that as an increasingly popular RUclipsr, you reach out to Bluetti requesting provision of a Bluetti Max and matching 3 x SP200 solar panels for 'test and review on your channel'. I can confirm that Bluetti have done exactly that but the other way around (i.e. freely provided the systems to prominent RUclipsrs for feature/exposure and review on that person's channel) so they may also do the same for you - if you ask them. Those very RUclips reviews adequately convinced me to purchase the gear which I'm sure is exactly the end result Bluetti was aiming at. Suffice to say that thus far, I am absolutely over the moon with the performance and reliability of the Bluetti gear I purchased. Oh and also, it's funny you mention your brother's RAV4 at this time ... it just so happens that the missus and I just took delivery of our brand new 2022 RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser today. Meanwhile, the Prado is currently at Dobinsons Suspension getting it's pre-rego 3.5T GVM upgrade installed; however, I did get a chance to sit in it briefly and poke my noggin around it when it was first delivered there. It should be another week or so and I'll have it sitting in my driveway where I'll be beavering away installing all the goodies I've had sitting in my garage for months. Whoo hoo ... finally!!! 🤙
I over came the shortage of USB outlets by buying 2 chargers, with up to 65W charging capacity, for the 12V outlet (for the front and one for the rear) each has a standard USB and two C USBs. Now I can charge laptops, tablets etc as well.
Interesting. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t work for me because I like to keep some technology on the right side of the dash. But if you can get away with it, do it
Hi mate, I am a new subscriber to your channel. Question for you, how do I update my maps for a 2014 Prado Kakadu, without having to pay 300+ at the dealership??
Hi mate. Good question. I’m not sure on this one. I’d say dealership would be the only way by design. You could always use third party apps on your phone or buy a sat nav/ new head unit
What do think about getting good seat covers? I think the driver's seat in particular could wear on the outer edge from getting in and out of the car because of its height. Are your seats wearing well?
Hi Greg. That is coming up in my next video. The seats are very grippy and attract dust and dirt. I ordered a set of seat covers in the first week of ownership 👍
Great stuff. Literally just ordered the Rhino pioneer plaform from Germany. Also ordered a batwing awning but having second thoughts. I know the 'shear' pin design is supposed to protect the awning from taking more serious damage but I've seen some damage being done to vehicles from it. What do you think to it mate?
I haven’t had experience with the batwing personally. I have ordered a freestanding 270 degree awning as they are built a bit sturdier. They cost more but they are a designed to withstand wind up to a certain speed which means they don’t have to have the poles down until over 30ish km/hr wind speed. My dome 1300 awning has served me well, but the setup and packup difficulty means that I don’t put it up all the time. One thing I will say about my experience with rhino rack, they do make good quality products but I don’t think they test them and use feedback to improve their products. Smaller Australian and South African companies do this well 👍
@@NorthOz yeah makes sense. Its very limited to what I can get out here. I'm originally from South Africa. Seen a much larger range of stuff avaliable. I may just have to go with it, be super careful and hope for the best. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks mate
Are you talking about the one mounted in the dash or the factory one in the centre console? The usb in the dash panel I had installed so I could run my Garmin in reach or phone on my windscreen
Not at all. Only if my workmanship results in a fault. The key is to work with a Toyota dealership you trust and they will let you know if it will void warranty. My dealership is great and I ask them before each mod I do if it will affect any future warranty
You are kind of right. My understanding is that the temporary removal of seats is permitted in Queensland as long as you can put them back. If I had a more permanent setup in there like an off the shelf drawer system, I would have to go and get it engineered as a 5 (or in my case 4) seater
@@NorthOz can you guys do me a favour just been reading that apparently the Prado from factory has faulty wheel alignments Maybe have both yours independently aligned There stating that dealerships know this and are refunding the cost also
Mate love your videos - However please consider changing the way you present - maybe while you drive or with more of cars than just stand and just talk... Not interesting and also very easy to stop anyone come over and over again.
My top 5 mods to start with.
AT Tyres and suspension. It makes a massive difference from stock. Better handling and stiffer springs for carrying loads.
Seat covers and sand grabba style matt's. That takes care of the interior.
Scanguage and egr delete. Your intake will thank you after 100k
Bullbar for accessories and protection from animals. You don't want to hit a Kangaroo and be stuck waiting for a tow. Even worse if have no reception.
A secondary fuel filter if get bad fuel is another one, but the factory fuel filters are really good, but doesn't hurt just incase. Catch can is worth looking Into aswell. Extra engine protection is always money well spent. If planning on keeping for many years after warranty. You have to look out for yourself and resale.
Nice list mate. Very similar to my first build on here with my Navara Ute 👍
Agree with the top Mod: Roof rack, very handy
Absolutely. I built my camping setup around it and it was a good decision. Saves me having to carry everything in the truck and I can leave my solar panel and maxtrax on there 👍 Thanks for commenting
I’ve watched a few of your vids on the budget patrol before, because I had a Navara
Just bought a 2017 GX Prado. Happily found that you were the first search result. Didn’t even realise you made some Prado content. 👍🏼
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! I have made videos on a few vehicles now. I started with a navara then went to a prado and now I have a hilux and patrol. I enjoy modifying the different vehicles to see which one works best. I must say, the Prado has been the most capable and comfortable car I have owned
thanks for this, will come in handy for my Prado that is coming.
I go to muddy places so I will be getting a set of tub mats to make the car easier to clean
Happy to help. Thanks for watching and subscribing 👍
My top 5 budget friendly upgrades would be:
1. Good set of tints
2. Deep dish mats
3. Dashboard protector
4. Nudge bar/Bull bar
5. Good set of tyres
Mats is a great one. The stock Toyota mats are terrible. Thanks for commenting and subscribing 👍
Nice video! Agree with the non slip mat! Did that the first day I got my prado.
Often overlooked. Great minds 😉
Another great thing Mark is upgrading internal lights to led. Stedi sell the globes, i did internal and reverse lights.
Great point! I should replace the interior lights. They are very dull indeed
@@NorthOz do it, you won't regret it, 60 bucks for the lot
your set up is the exact same as mine. im looking for a seccrewt camerra in my car now.. good work
Thanks mate! Appreciate the comment and the subscribe 👍
I upgraded front wheels' fender liner with aftermarket one piece version. It protects lower engine bay from dust and water.
That’s a brilliant idea!!
My additional USB outlets are 2 in the Glove Box 2 down the back; When the second row of seats are down remove the headrests and you gain useful room
in the second row footwell area.
Hi Stuart. Which model do you have? I have not seen usb outlets in the glove box on my GXL
@@NorthOz - that was my modification - hard wired to the second battery so they provide continuous power - my Spot Tracker in connected to one of them
Interesting. It’s always a good idea to keep the gpa tracker ready
Hi Mark
I'm a fellow Prado Owner (2021 GX ...didn't want the rear seats) and watch your videos regularly. This is my first comment to a youtube video but I thought I needed to pass on my experience with the non slip matting.
It does work very well but it can eat into some plastics. We used it to wrap plastic wine glasses in our van and it actually melted into the plastic , so you will need to check what you are resting on the matting.
Keep up the good videos
Kerry
Thanks Kerry. I will check that to make sure. So far so good. But we do get hot summers so I will make sure it stays okay 👍
@@NorthOzI use 2 or 3mm rubber sheets for this. They don’t stick or melt on the surface.
Thank you for sharing your ideas. The first thing i will add to my vehicle would be a tow bar. The next thing would be an awning. I suppose if I do that, i will have to upgrade my roof rack right? I am wondering if you can keep the original roof rack and build extra bits onto it. By the way, does your roof rack make a whistle noise when you drive? The lights on the roof rack are brilliant. How do you run the wiring? I thought my next priorities are a bull bar and a snorkel , but after watching your video, I have put them on the back burner.
Hi mate. Glad you are enjoying the videos. You can keep the stock roof rails and buy a pioneer platform to clip onto them. I would do this to add the accessories you want. My lights are wired down the side of the windscreen and into the engine bay. I don’t get any whistling. Very quiet. I love my roof rack setup and this is everything I need for short and long term camping. I hope this helps 👍
Hey Mark ... it’s me again.
Great video as always. Whilst I will most likely install one or two additional USB connectors in my Prado, my first ‘go to’ solution will be to use piggy back type connectors directly to the fuse box in the driver’s side footwell to power the appliance (e.g. dashcam). This will also free up the precious few blank plugs in the vehicle for other uses e.g. lights etc.
By far, the best accessory I have purchased for the vehicle (my alternative solution to a permanently mounted dual battery system on the vehicle) is definitely my Bluetti AC200 Max portable power station paired with 3 x Bluetti SP200 portable solar panels. I have so far used it once on a (offgrid) camping trip and it easily managed to power everything I expected it to e.g. Nespresso coffee machine; hot water kettle etc. When not camping, I use it at home to power my fridges, clothes dryer and other regular kitchen appliances. The best part about that is that I can simultaneously use the power while it is being charged by the solar panels so essentially ‘free power’ - that is, apart of course from the purchase cost of the system itself. The portability and versatility of the setup is fantastic!!
Time will tell how long the system will last but I am also being careful to keep the power unit relatively cool during use, reasonably keeping the charge/discharge rate to a minimum and trying to maintaining the state of charge between 25-75% for maximum battery life. Love it!!!
Hi Rich! I’m really interested in these power stations that you mentioned. I’m hoping to work with a company soon to play around with a setup for my brothers RAV4. I will also investigate tapping into that fuse box as well. It could come in handy. Thank you for your ideas. It would for sure make for an interesting setup if I can get my hands on one 👍
@@NorthOz No worries Mark. I would highly recommend that as an increasingly popular RUclipsr, you reach out to Bluetti requesting provision of a Bluetti Max and matching 3 x SP200 solar panels for 'test and review on your channel'. I can confirm that Bluetti have done exactly that but the other way around (i.e. freely provided the systems to prominent RUclipsrs for feature/exposure and review on that person's channel) so they may also do the same for you - if you ask them. Those very RUclips reviews adequately convinced me to purchase the gear which I'm sure is exactly the end result Bluetti was aiming at. Suffice to say that thus far, I am absolutely over the moon with the performance and reliability of the Bluetti gear I purchased.
Oh and also, it's funny you mention your brother's RAV4 at this time ... it just so happens that the missus and I just took delivery of our brand new 2022 RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser today. Meanwhile, the Prado is currently at Dobinsons Suspension getting it's pre-rego 3.5T GVM upgrade installed; however, I did get a chance to sit in it briefly and poke my noggin around it when it was first delivered there. It should be another week or so and I'll have it sitting in my driveway where I'll be beavering away installing all the goodies I've had sitting in my garage for months. Whoo hoo ... finally!!! 🤙
I over came the shortage of USB outlets by buying 2 chargers, with up to 65W charging capacity, for the 12V outlet (for the front and one for the rear) each has a standard USB and two C USBs. Now I can charge laptops, tablets etc as well.
Are the chargers like power banks? Or are they more of a plug into the cigarette socket situation?
@@NorthOz yes the 12v charger is what used to be called the cigarette lighter.
Interesting. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t work for me because I like to keep some technology on the right side of the dash. But if you can get away with it, do it
Hi mate, I am a new subscriber to your channel. Question for you, how do I update my maps for a 2014 Prado Kakadu, without having to pay 300+ at the dealership??
Hi mate. Good question. I’m not sure on this one. I’d say dealership would be the only way by design. You could always use third party apps on your phone or buy a sat nav/ new head unit
@@NorthOz thank you, I will look at the cost difference between the off market head unit and the dealership.
What do think about getting good seat covers? I think the driver's seat in particular could wear on the outer edge from getting in and out of the car because of its height. Are your seats wearing well?
Hi Greg. That is coming up in my next video. The seats are very grippy and attract dust and dirt. I ordered a set of seat covers in the first week of ownership 👍
@@NorthOz Great! I have started my hunt for some so I'm looking forward to which ones you grabbed!
My previous vehicle was a Lexus and yes the driver's seat did wearout!
They are cheap too so stay tuned!!
Great stuff. Literally just ordered the Rhino pioneer plaform from Germany. Also ordered a batwing awning but having second thoughts. I know the 'shear' pin design is supposed to protect the awning from taking more serious damage but I've seen some damage being done to vehicles from it. What do you think to it mate?
I haven’t had experience with the batwing personally. I have ordered a freestanding 270 degree awning as they are built a bit sturdier. They cost more but they are a designed to withstand wind up to a certain speed which means they don’t have to have the poles down until over 30ish km/hr wind speed. My dome 1300 awning has served me well, but the setup and packup difficulty means that I don’t put it up all the time. One thing I will say about my experience with rhino rack, they do make good quality products but I don’t think they test them and use feedback to improve their products. Smaller Australian and South African companies do this well 👍
@@NorthOz yeah makes sense. Its very limited to what I can get out here. I'm originally from South Africa. Seen a much larger range of stuff avaliable. I may just have to go with it, be super careful and hope for the best. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks mate
I look forward to it 👍
Could you tell us which lights you use on the rack and how you run the power cables
They are stedi lights. Power goes up through the windscreen moulding. I did a video on the 12v system for more detail 👍
Great video.....Where did you get the side lights from?
Thanks mate! They are a STEDI product called rock lights. Thanks for commenting and subscribing 👍
How do you wire the usb? Do you run cable from cagerette lighter in centre console?
Are you talking about the one mounted in the dash or the factory one in the centre console? The usb in the dash panel I had installed so I could run my Garmin in reach or phone on my windscreen
Are you still bringing your prado back to the dealership for servicing?
Are these mod going to affect your warranty?
Not at all. Only if my workmanship results in a fault. The key is to work with a Toyota dealership you trust and they will let you know if it will void warranty. My dealership is great and I ask them before each mod I do if it will affect any future warranty
What % tint do you have in the front and the back? 15% in the front and 20% in the rear?
Good question. I got mine tinted from the Toyota dealership. Next time I’m in, I’ll ask them what they used
Correct me if I’m wrong I read on a forum it actually illegal to remove those rear seats ?
You are kind of right. My understanding is that the temporary removal of seats is permitted in Queensland as long as you can put them back. If I had a more permanent setup in there like an off the shelf drawer system, I would have to go and get it engineered as a 5 (or in my case 4) seater
@@NorthOz can you guys do me a favour just been reading that apparently the Prado from factory has faulty wheel alignments
Maybe have both yours independently aligned
There stating that dealerships know this and are refunding the cost also
Hello from Kazakhstan!
I have one question. Will you install 33inch tyres in future??
No way! That’s awesome! Possibly. I will need to lift it and get some new wheels to make it work 👍
@@NorthOz why you don't like a lift ?
I don’t have the money for it at the moment. A good lift kit will cost me around $2000 here
@@NorthOz go to work and get money . Maybe you can buy another brands as a alternative?!
can you please link the USB , i want to make sure i get the right one
www.stedi.com.au/square-type-push-switch-to-suit-new-prado-toyota-html.html
Here you go
Mate love your videos - However please consider changing the way you present - maybe while you drive or with more of cars than just stand and just talk... Not interesting and also very easy to stop anyone come over and over again.
Thanks mate 👍 All feedback is appreciated 😊