Update on my 3 years of modifications...

steplift20 · #1 07-09-2023, 06:17 PM

Nice job phat, nice looking boat. Let's see more pics, if I knew how to post pictures I would.

Pipe_Dream · #2 07-10-2023, 09:58 AM

Nice update, pj!

pjbrownva · #3 07-11-2023, 08:59 AM

Thanks everyone.

I was redoing the whole dash***8230;

I hired new wire marine to CNc cut, bevel and polish a sweet dash layout***8230;.

Fortunately, I built a mockup before the final OK, and testing it out last summer, I learned that the summer sun causes the displays to overheat and shut down!!!

So, I***8217;ve concluded that I need to change the design, making the devices more vertical, think of a car***8217;s dashboard.

Unfortunately, I really don***8217;t have the carpentry or design skills to fabricate a clean, good looking dash***8230; so I***8217;ve been in a holding pattern, trying to figure out what to do!

I guess I***8217;ll make a crude mock-up to see how it works out, and then maybe try to hire a carpenter to make a clean, professional final version.

Regarding the 4Runner as a tow vehicle, I really like it***

But note, I have a 2008 V8, and I***8217;ve done lots of upgrades to beef it up.
(5th gen calipers, staineless steel brake lines, bilstein shocks, OEM springs from an FJ cruiser, a second, aftermarket trans cooler, a Bluetooth OBD II device that lets me monitor the trans temperature on my cellphone. I also put in a ARB air compressor, air booster bags in the rear coil springs, and an RedArc brake controller.

All of this is because I tow 600 miles each way from Virginia to Massachusetts every summer, and I wanted
to make sure that my tow vehicle is up to the task.

Stock, my V8 with tow package and rounded tube factory tow hitch is rated to pull 7000 pounds. The trailer Sometimes fishtailed on the highway when 18 wheelers were nearby, but the brake controller allows me to manually deploy the trailer brakes which stops the swaying. More importantly (I think) is that this year I adjusted my trailer bunk boards to make the bow of the boat sit lower, I adjusted the bow rollers and bow stop to shift the boat further forward on the trailer, and I added two more tie downs to the bow, to better secure the boat to the trailer. Now she***8217;s steady as can be, even at 75+ MPH.

I think that the flared bow may have acted like a wing to lift the bow and cause issues. Getting the bow down and the stern higher changes the profile so that the bow deck may be functioning like a wing providing downforce, which is a huge improvement! Also, I always tow with the windshield closed***8230; and it makes a huge and very noticeable difference in stability.

If it sounds like I do a ton of work***8230;. I DO! ***8230; and I do most, if not all, of the work myself! So yes, I***8217;ve worked far more than I***8217;ve fished***8230; but I plan to change that this year.

As for the V6 4th gen 4Runner, I had one ***8212; stock setup ***8212; and I wasn***8217;t happy with the towing***8230; it was unstable at 60+ mph.

As for the current 4Runners, I have no experience, but the current version only offers a V6 and the max tow rating is a lower than on my 2008 V8 with the tow package.

If you***8217;re considering something older and used, I***8217;d suggest looking into older Lexus GX or LX SUV***8217;s. They have V8***8217;s, and if properly equipped they can have a nice tow package that can include an anti sway feature that senses fish tailing and uses the antilock brakes to automatically correct it. That***8217;s worth checking out!

phatdaddy · #4 07-11-2023, 08:48 PM

Actually looking ay a GX460 now, but i don t see a trailer hitch on it, so Im not sure it has the tow package. Does have the 4.6 V8, which is a great engine.

The dash on these boats have always been a problem. When they were built, they had no idea what kind of electronics would be on them.

pjbrownva · #5 07-12-2023, 06:38 AM

Nice tow vehicle. Run the vin to find out what options it has, and look for configuration info. I don’t know the options, but it’s worthwhile to do your research to make sure that you get the towing sway control. One problem is the short wheel base when compared to a full size pickup, and it does make a difference.

Regarding the dash, here’s a mock-up of what I was considering, but that’s what didn’t work.

Rethinking the issue yesterday, I came up with some new ideas to try when I have a chance. I also made some progress on the stereo… I pulled speaker wires inside the radar arch. In the photos you can see the marine head unit I bought.

I have an autopilot too, but I’ll probably install that this winter… plus I need to install the hydraulic steering first for it to work.

Too many dreamer ideas, and not enough free time to complete them!

C’est la vie!