[ragh_bhushan]

Did some traveling abroad recently so could not take Furteela with me. Hence less mile munching off-late. But January should make up for it as I take the truck international for the first time. Bhutan! Here I come

Recent trips include:
Mumbai - Istanbul - Boston - Montreal - Boston - Istanbul - Mumbai (Flight)
In and around Boston (Passat)
Montreal - Toronto - Niagara - Montreal (Toyota Highlander)
Mumbai - Bhuj - Rann Utsav - Gir - Baroda - Mumbai (Furteela Ghonga)
Mumbai - Satara
Weekly Mumbai - Pune run
Some local off-roading near Lonavla
Mumbai - Frankfurt - Amsterdam - Brussels - Dunkirk - Amsterdam (Audi A5 Sportback)

75,000 km Service Update:
Truck went in for slightly early service on 2 Nov 2017 with ODO at 74,619 km
Highlights of the Service:

Date: 2 November 2017, 1:30PM
Service Center Visit No: 21
Type of service: Regular Checkup
ODO: 74,618 km
Dealership: Lakozy Toyota, Andheri, Mumbai
Delivery Date: 2 Nov 2017, 7:30 PM
Total Amount Paid: Rs. 2,172/- with no major issue or service carried out. It was a routine checkup
Parts Replaced/Repaired: None.
My Rating: 10/10

Tyre Change:
Service advisor recommended to change the tyres as it had developed some minor cuts and a side wall puncture. 75,000 km for stock tyres is incredible and it still had about 4mm of tread depth left. Truth is I was now bored with the same set of shoes for this long so the itch to change was already there.

I started looking for ways to source the BFGoodrich KO2 A/T tyres as they are the undisputed king of SUV territory. I checked with Tyrerack.com in US and also with dealers in Dubai and Bangkok. Best rate I got was from Tyrerack at around Rs. 16,000 per unit. With shipping it was coming out to around Rs. 25,000 per tyre.

You disagree? Well, have a look at this video and maybe you'll change your mind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU_H...nel=BFGoodrich

Although expensive but I felt for my kind of driving it was worth it. So checked out with friends in clearing houses and customs and they all said no tyres can be imported without BIS certification. Some have done it on the forum but I was informed that it is a gamble. Customs can seize and destroy your consignment if the mark is not found on the tyres. After trying for about a month I gave up.

I had practically only two choices left:

1. Yokohama Geolandar G015
2. Continental Cross Contacts

I did some research on both and found Yokos to be more suited for my needs. G015 is the new version of Geolandars and I hope they have resolved the weak sidewall issues found on some tyres in the previous version. Other Fortuner owners using them also gave positive feedback.

They are also stock tyres on the big daddy of Fortuner. The LC200!

Enough words. Time for some pictures now:

Old Shoes


Need them shoes


New Shoes










Canadien Ride


European Ride








Dream Ride 1


Dream Ride 2




Back to Reality


Praying for the dream to come true


Beautiful Rann of Kutch








Stuck...


And Rescued by Camels


2 Camels > 172 Horses!


Mess that was left


Live to Drive!

[blackwasp]

Very apt ending Bhushan! Live to drive. Or in your case it's probably Drive to Live?

Funny to see the camels helping out the mighty TFort. Great to see the car munching miles.

Keep driving, can't wait to see the new ARB suspension on the Furteela Ghonga!

[ragh_bhushan]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

Very apt ending Bhushan! Live to drive. Or in your case it's probably Drive to Live?

Funny to see the camels helping out the mighty TFort. Great to see the car munching miles.

Keep driving, can't wait to see the new ARB suspension on the Furteela Ghonga!

Thanks blackwasp! It was a real scary moment out there in the Rann. Only camels could have rescued the truck. Mile munching continues and next year Furteela will hopefully see many more destinations.

ARB OME suspension has just arrived and I am super excited to install them on the truck. Will update the thread once the installation is complete.

Here's a sneak peak for the time being

[Sheel]

What pics you have shown, the G is my all time favorite.

Originally Posted by ragh_bhushan

[*]Yokohama Geolandar G015[*]Continental Cross Contacts[/list]

There was also another option which I honestly think is worth, The GoodYear Wrangler AT/SA. Its a darn good tire, maybe not in the league of BF Goodrich, but for sure is a very good tire with awesome amount of off-road & on road grip, wet grip is very good as well.

[ragh_bhushan]

Originally Posted by Sheel

What pics you have shown, the G is my all time favorite.

That's the dream truck. Hope I could own it someday. Will definitely need the Fortuner to stick around in the garage for me to keep my peace of mind though.

There was also another option which I honestly think is worth, The GoodYear Wrangler AT/SA. Its a darn good tire, maybe not in the league of BF Goodrich, but for sure is a very good tire with awesome amount of off-road & on road grip, wet grip is very good as well.

Good suggestion but unfortunately I did not have enough first hand reviews of this tyre's performance on Fortuner to take a call. Geolandars have been used by many BHPians and are also rated next only to the BFGoodrich's on various other forums. So did not hesitate to go for them.

Have run them for about 5,000 kms till now and the difference is exceptional in terms of:

• Tar surface
• Concrete surface
• Cornering traction
• Off road performance in sand and slush
• Rock climbing

Only issue that I think these might have is the heat dissipation. Have noticed slightly higher temperatures on them compared to stock Dunlops. Too early to conclude though.

Yet to test them on wet surface. Will update the thread once the monsoons hit Mumbai

[ragh_bhushan]

It has been a month since I last updated this thread. Have been busy munching miles with this incredible truck. Since this is the only car that I own it may seem that the running is on the higher side. My service advisor, tire guy and FNG are all surprised upon learning that Furteela is less than 2 years old!

I have lots to write in this post. Let me start with suspension upgrade mentioned in the post above.

ARB Old Man Emu Suspension Upgrade:
The itch to change the suspension started when the stock suspension broke during my Leh trip in July 2017. Here's a link to that experience.

I will update regarding the suspension in detail in the dedicated thread for Fortuner's suspension for everyone's benefit. Just posting some pictures here.



















Have run those suspensions for almost 10,000 kms till now. Here are my initial impressions:

• Overall lift of about 5.1 cm or 2 inches achieved and is very much noticeable
• Ride quality is stiffer at <40kmph
• Ride quality very pliant above 40 and on highways
• Body roll is very much contained
• Cornering has improved significantly.
• With full load the ride quality improves even further.
• No need to slow down in rough patches anymore
• Rumblers are dismissed as if not present at all.

Overall I am absolutely loving the new setup and would recommend the same to fellow Fortuner owners without any hesitation.



Installed a new TPMS that runs on solar power


80,000 km Service Update:
Truck went in for regular Oil Change service on 21 Dec 2017

Highlights:

Date: 21 December 2017, 9:30AM
Service Center Visit No: 22
Type of service: Regular Checkup, Oil Change
ODO: 80,435 km
Dealership: Lakozy Toyota, Andheri, Mumbai
Delivery Date: 22 Dec 2017, 9:30 AM
Total Amount Paid: Rs. 18,545/-
Parts Replaced/Repaired: Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Differential Oil, Brake Fluid, Front brake pads with disc skimming & Diesel Injector Fluid
My Rating: 9/10








Taking away 1 point as there was some negligence in tightening of the drain plug of the engine oil sump. About 1 Litre oil leaked over a period of 1 week (~1,000 kms). They promptly replaced the entire oil and profusely apologised for the negligence.

I have serviced my truck across the length and breadth of the country and found the service quality of Toyota dealers top class throughout. However, Lakozy Toyota is the one that I would always come back to as their service standards trumps them all. Best of the best

The road trips continued and the truck went to the jungles of Dandeli to celebrate the new year. It was a about 1300 kms round trip. Next up was a big one. Mumbai - Sikkim - Bhutan - Mumbai and the ODO was just above 82,500 kms before the start of the trip which meant that 85,000 kms service would be done at Gangtok.

Service appointment was booked via mobile app of Toyota. Got confirmation call from the service centre and the trip was set! Reached Gangtok with ODO just above 85,000 kms mark.

85,000 km Service:

Date: 8 January 2018, 1:00 PM
Service Center Visit No: 23
Type of service: Regular Checkup
ODO: 85,068 km
Dealership: Topsel Toyota, Gangtok
Delivery Date: 8 Jan 2018, 5:00 PM
Total Amount Paid: Rs. 1,304/-
Parts Replaced/Repaired: None
My Rating: 7/10

Vehicle reception was delayed by almost 1.5 hours as I reached during lunch time. Even after the lunch everyone seemed to be relaxed and were chilling around and inventory booking was further delayed. I was informed by the service advisor that washing ramp is not working and so is the pressure gun. They did a bucket wash which delayed the delivery of the truck.

Anyway, truck had a much needed shower after about 2500 kms of driving over past 3 days and was all set to explore Sikkim and Bhutan!









To be continued as number of pictures in single post cannot exceed 30.

[ragh_bhushan]

The trip was yet another epic drive for Furteela. First of many international destinations!

I wish I could write travelogues about my trips but looking at the quality content of fellow BHPians, I feel I won't be able to do justice to the forum without putting considerable time and efforts in writing about these experiences.

I already have couple of travelogues in the assembly line but unable to complete them. These efforts for now are going totally in making those trips and less so in capturing them in words. So choosing the shortcut and posting the top pictures from the trip.

View from top of the world


Frozen Stream


Frozen Droplets


Frozen Waterfall


Frozen roads




Indo - China Border














Went this close to the border








The elusive Gurdongmar Lake. Altitude: 18,000+ ft
















Highest motorable road in Bhutan. Courtesy BRO!






Round trip meter


Wandering Furteela Ghonga!

[dhruvritzed]

How much is the total odometer reading? Did you feel any handling/body roll difference due to the increased height of the vehicle?Lastly, how much did the suspension upgrade cost you?
By the way, absolutely stunning pictures.Keep riding that wave of torque.

[R2D2]

Awesome and inspiring thread with amazing photos. You really do justice to the SUV.

The only cars I could place 100% trust on when driving in those environments are the Fortuner, Landcruiser & maybe the Hilux which I have not driven yet. Yeah, these Toyota models rule when in tough terrain.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by ragh_bhushan

Thanks blackwasp! It was a real scary moment out there in the Rann. Only camels could have rescued the truck. Mile munching continues and next year Furteela will hopefully see many more destinations.

ARB OME suspension has just arrived and I am super excited to install them on the truck. Will update the thread once the installation is complete.

Here's a sneak peak for the time being
Attachment 1708223

Did you Install it finally? After alignment, did you face any issue in front Caster. Is it at the lowest limit? What about ride. Are you getting more road feel, even though overall ride quality is more composed?

[ragh_bhushan]

Originally Posted by dhruvritzed

How much is the total odometer reading?

ODO currently stands at 89,215 kms

Did you feel any handling/body roll difference due to the increased height of the vehicle?

Handling has improved which might seem surprising but it really isn't due to stiffer nature of OME suspension. Toyota stock suspension seems to be on the softer side which enahances the body roll. The handling is remarkably different at higher speeds. It is only by driving the stock and OME back to back that you would feel the difference in terms of solid ride quality but once on OME the stock certainly seems a little wobbly.

Lastly, how much did the suspension upgrade cost you?

Apologies but as I negotiated a special price both from the dealer and my FNG guy, it would not be fair to disclose the price but I can tell you that it is way cheaper than the Toyota stock suspension for sure both parts as well as labour which goes north of Rs. 90,000 for all four.

By the way, absolutely stunning pictures.Keep riding that wave of torque.

Thanks mate! Hopefully 2018 will be even better than 2017. At least it has started on a high note

Originally Posted by R2D2

Awesome and inspiring thread with amazing photos. You really do justice to the SUV.

Thank you for your kind words! SUVs are meant for touring and my intent even before buying this was clear - Drive anywhere and everywhere! And now that I have started, it is impossible to keep the truck idle. One trip ends with next destination already in place. Hope I can continue the run

The only cars I could place 100% trust on when driving in those environments are the Fortuner, Landcruiser & maybe the Hilux which I have not driven yet. Yeah, these Toyota models rule when in tough terrain.

Couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, there is only one logical upgrade from Fortuner - The Elusive LC200! The gap sadly is ginormous. I really wished that Toyota offered better prices on these dream trucks!

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Did you Install it finally? After alignment, did you face any issue in front Caster. Is it at the lowest limit? What about ride. Are you getting more road feel, even though overall ride quality is more composed?

Yes. The installation is complete. No issue from the caster as such. Did not change the settings as such. Have run those suspensions for almost 10,000 kms till now. Reposting my initial impressions from above:

• Overall lift of about 5.1 cm or 2 inches achieved and is very much noticeable
• Ride quality is stiffer at <40kmph
• Road feel has improved certainly
• Ride quality very pliant and composed above 40 and on highways
• Body roll is very much contained
• Cornering has improved significantly.
• With full load the ride quality improves even further.
• No need to slow down in rough patches anymore
• Rumblers are dismissed as if not present at all.

[sridhar-v]

Originally Posted by ragh_bhushan

Good suggestion but unfortunately I did not have enough first hand reviews of this tyre's performance on Fortuner to take a call. Geolandars have been used by many BHPians and are also rated next only to the BFGoodrich's on various other forums. So did not hesitate to go for them.

Have run them for about 5,000 kms till now and the difference is exceptional in terms of:

• Tar surface
• Concrete surface
• Cornering traction
• Off road performance in sand and slush
• Rock climbing

Only issue that I think these might have is the heat dissipation. Have noticed slightly higher temperatures on them compared to stock Dunlops. Too early to conclude though.

Yet to test them on wet surface. Will update the thread once the monsoons hit Mumbai

How did the Geolanders G015 perform during your trip to Nathula?
How was the grip in snow?
Could you form any opinion about the sidewall strength?

Thanks
Sridhar

[ragh_bhushan]

Originally Posted by sridhar-v

How did the Geolanders G015 perform during your trip to Nathula?

Silent on highways. Grips like leech. Excellent braking. Did couple of panic braking as well. Impressive response. Very stable at corners. No complaints so far. Wet performance is what I want to see. Dunlops were very disappointing there.

How was the grip in snow?

Did not have the opportunity to drive in snow much as this year the snowfall was severely delayed. However, I drove on hard ice. Very little wheel spin there and locking the differential was required only while going uphill and not on flat surface. I have learnt recently that Geolandar G015 is rated for severe snow. I will put them to test in my next trip to Spiti.

Could you form any opinion about the sidewall strength?

As per my research and interactions with other G015 drivers, sidewall strength has improved considerably but there is no way it can be ascertained until it fails. Shoulder is wide and aggressive side pattern should help against off road cuts and abrasions.



Here's some information from the manufacturer's website.

https://vimeo.com/209286148

Link

I agree to most of the advertisement points in the video.

[ragh_bhushan]

I am happy to inform you that Furteela Ghonga is now 2 - Year old toddler and has been happily crunching miles both on as well as off-road. It has been an incredible two year journey with this mighty truck that has seen length and breadth of this beautiful country.

From mighty mountains of the Leh in the North to enchanting hills of Nilgiris in the south and from pristine beaches of Konkan to mystic hills of Bhutan, Furteela has been on one hell of a long journey. A journey to explore and experience. Living it! Loving it

Some stats as on 8 March, 2017:
Days of ownership: 722
Current ODO: 94,030 kms
Days spent in Garage (Service & Insurance): 71
Average Running: 144 kms per day or 4,300 kms per month

Such is the pull of this magnificent beast. I just can't stop driving. It is the ultimate high I have experienced in my entire life.

Places Driven to with Furteela


Also in these two years, I have been pushing the truck to its limits often times breaking things in the process but also learning and improving upon them to convert those weaknesses into strengths. Hope the trouble free ownership continues in the future as there isn't any pocket-friendly worthy upgrade from the mighty Fortuner IMHO.

3rd Year Insurance:
I have renewed the insurance with Toyota Protect as I have had wonderful and hassle free experience with them across all dealerships that I have been to. Key benefits that Toyota Protect offers include:

• Return to Invoice in case of total loss or theft (3 Years)
• Unlimited Zero Dep claims
• Cashless facility across all dealerships in India
• No negotiation on IDV (After 3 Years)
• Key Protect
• Engine Protect
• Inconvenience allowance
• Personal Belonging cover

Total Premium: Rs. 1,02,412/-



90,000 km Service:
Furteela has been serviced pan India - Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Gurugram, Srinagar and Gangtok. Service quality has largely been consistent which gives me confidence of taking the truck anywhere without bothering about the service schedule even though the interval is 5,000 kms.



Planned Upgrades

• Speakers - This has been on To Do list for more than a year now
• Underbody protection - I am waiting for the OEM protection to be beaten out completely before upgrading
  
  
• Removing 3rd row and installing proper storage drawers
  
  
  
  
• CB Radios. Have been using handheld ones for a while but considering installing a permanent solution now

Will update the thread as and when they happen.

Posting some pictures from the past trips. Some of them might be a repost, so kindly excuse.

Udupi




Bandipur Tiger Reserve


Snowy Baralacha La


Nubra Valley


Somewhere near Nubra Valley


Banks of Shyok River


Some pass on Manali Leh Highway


Wari La


Thang Valley, North Sikkim


Zuluk, East Sikkim


Zuluk - Kupup Route


Thanks for reading. Cheers!

[Sankar]

Originally Posted by ragh_bhushan

Brakes
Brakes on old Fortuner has been much debated upon and criticised for effectiveness and lack of bite. My experience till now has been satisfactory though. Many on the forum have reported faster wearing-out of brake pads / discs in AT variants. My truck’s brake pads were replaced at 30,000 kms service when it was found to be completely worn out. I use a lot of engine braking by shifting down from D to 4 to 3 as often as possible. I understand that brake pads on automatics have shorter brake life compared to their manual counterparts but wearing out completely in less than 30,000 kms is bothersome. Will be interesting to see the reports of other BHPians who have bought new Fortuner with all-round disc brakes.

Looks like Fortuner's brakes even after the upgrade is not so great on the AT variant. I can't even imaging how bad it would have been on the AT with the original brakes. I am not satisfied with the brakes on my Crysta AT, pads don't last and there is brake judder at higher speeds. I am hunting for a brake upgrade or worst case a change of wheels and had the 4x4 AT in my options list.

Did you try any aftermarket pad or rotors?