[TheMonk]

Hi,

There is a silver Hilux available at my dealer in Haldwani. I was there the day before and it's on display in the showroom.

Regards

[corneliu]

I got the underbody protection upgraded. The stock protection comprises of a 2 piece set made up of rather flimsy looking steel plates which cover the radiator and engine sump.

I replaced this with the Metalhouse (Bluegarage.in) product. It's a 3 piece set made of 3mm thick powder coated steel, weighs around 15kg, and covers the radiator, engine sump and transmission. It bolts directly onto the factory bolt points on the underside cross members, and the plates are interlocked using allen bolts.





The product appears to be a direct replica of ARB's underbody protection, with the exception of a 4th plate to protect the transfer case.



Unfortunately, the transfer case still remains exposed.



I think it's an understatement to say that the approach angle of the stock bumper is not the best for offroading

[TheMonk]

Installation of Bushranger Winch and Bedliner Coating

I had a Bushranger Winch from my earlier SUV which needed a space on the Hilux. Got it done from Performance Automobiles, Noida which is in my opinion the best workshop in the country.

The challenge was to use the existing front bumper and not go for any after market stuff. The winch was installed and happy to report it's fully functional.

I also got the Bedliner coating - Samurai (Japanese). It's a 2k paint and the results are amazing!

[HarshVShrotriya]

Originally Posted by corneliu

I think it's an understatement to say that the approach angle of the stock bumper is not the best for offroading

A very good point. You'll be surprised how many believe stock Hilux is made for OffRoading. Hilux (and for that matter similar UTEs , like Ranger) are designed to be Fram/Rural workhorses, where there 4WD systems and high ground clearance come in handy. However, I have seen how some enthusiasts have shown up with these stock cars and ended up bruising their pride (and the truck) at moderate to difficult off road tracks.

So, if anyone wants to play with these horses, make sure you invest in right tyres and suspensions(to boost ground clearance) to give your dear horse the best chance of having your back. If you do so, Hilux/Rangers can take care of the worst course with ease. They have the right DNA but, need to be upskilled to succeed.

[Venkatesh]

Toyota India commences bookings for the Hilux

Owing to Hilux’s high demand and various factors impacting the supply, the bookings for legendary Hilux was temporarily halted. However, with today’s announcement, the order taking for the much-celebrated global legend have commenced at the dealer outlets as well as on-line bookings are accepted.

Link

[RaghuVis]

Toyota's Strategy is very confusing!

They don't want to sell Innova/Hycross in Diesel but want to keep selling HILUX diesel which they sell in minuscule numbers? It's not like Innova diesel was not fetching them profits

[Cresterk]

Originally Posted by RaghuVis

Toyota's Strategy is very confusing!

They don't want to sell Innova/Hycross in Diesel but want to keep selling HILUX diesel which they sell in minuscule numbers? It's not like Innova diesel was not fetching them profits

This is like an inventory clearing exercise before BS6.2 and before they can launch the new generation.

[corneliu]

This car is fun! Sharing some pics from some recent outings.

1. Ferrying VIP passengers



2. Into the dense jungles of Valpoi with some RFC offroading veterans















And cleaning all the litter strewn along the way.



3. A trip to Naval Station Karwar and Anjediva island







4. Picknicking at our favorite spot

[LBWKjesko]

Hey Corneliu, looks like you're using your car well! Also do you have some kind of safety harness for your dogs in the truck bed? Your floofs seem to be enjoying themselves, I'd be scared of my dog jumping off the truck.
Good day,
LBWKjesko

[corneliu]

Very valid point! Right now I am only tying the leashes to the tie down points in the corners, but that arrangement has already given us a few scares. I am in the process of fabricating a heavy duty tonneau cover, which will double up as an enclosure. Will share the details in a separate thread.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by corneliu

Very valid point! Right now I am only tying the leashes to the tie down points in the corners,.

I would worry very deeply about the dogs hurting themselves because they are tied by their leashes.
Especially their necks when the vehicle goes off road onto rutted tracks and rocks where there can be significant side to side movement. God forbid. The dogs should not get caught unawares when at a wrong angle. Can cause serious harm.

[itwasntme]

Agree, please get a body harness which will distribute any sudden movement somewhat evenly around the torso. It is not ideal given your scenario, but far better than a leash.

[RT13]

Echoing other peeps, seeing the pups in the flatbed scared me. Personally, my pups would be in the backseat. If you could get a hard top for the flatbed and put a nice rubberised mat on the bed then it might work (as long as they’re untethered), although on those tracks I’d still be very worried about them getting injured. Tethering them is arguably worse as they will not be able to get free in the event of something happening. Enclosed space is best for them. Preferably inside the cab.

[corneliu]

Really appreciate the inputs from everyone, and I totally I have shared the exact same concerns.

I think there is a bit of confusion between a leash and a collar though. A leash is the rope/lead that is tied to the collar / body harness to lead the dog. I am using body harnesses for the dogs, and then attaching the leash to this, and securing it by tying it around the tie down points. I am only doing this for very short trips though, where I keep the speed <60kmph. Nonetheless, as everyone has pointed out, even this arrangement has given us a couple of scares. For highway drives, the dogs go onto the rear seats in the cabin. However, this might change with the tonneau cover I building, which will double up as an enclosure. Will share the concept shortly to get some feedback.

[LBWKjesko]

Originally Posted by corneliu

Very valid point! Right now I am only tying the leashes to the tie down points in the corners, but that arrangement has already given us a few scares. I am in the process of fabricating a heavy duty tonneau cover, which will double up as an enclosure. Will share the details in a separate thread.

You take good care of them sir.
My little Lhasa apso called kiwi passed away in the morning today, my neighbour ran him over while my father took him for a walk. The guy was at 60km/hr over a distance of <50 metres on a Jupiter.
He was like my brother and I miss him very much!