NX as outback tourer

[Sigmund]

How does it go on those long dusty corrugated roads?

I ask as a prospective owner. Will be towing a 1.4 t camper trailer.

I gather the dash vibrates.
Monocoque chassis is a bit louder than ladder frame.
Advisable to change rims from 18" to smaller?
How's the engine air filtration?
Any reports of body cracks?
Anything else that's critical to address?

I'll be doing all the standard mods: uprated suspension, trailer charging and braking, LR tank, snorkel etc.

Thanks.

[Ian H]

We did 10k last year and a lot on dirt and corrugations through outback NSW, SA and QLD.
Dash was fine.
Yes, a bit noisy.
Had 17" steels so can't comment on the difference if you have 18"
Air filtration was ok, just blew the dust out a couple of times. We were in a convoy so there was dust from those in front, even though we dropped back.
No body cracks or damage but the rear door start to stick due to dust getting inside through the handle. Next time I'm going to block it up with a bit of foam sponge stuffed in there.
The car performed great and we were towing a TVan.

[Sigmund]

Thanks Ian.
Appreciate hearing about your experience.

[Drjohn11]

We have done over 30K outback SA and WA. We have changed to 17inch rims and tow a 1.6T Kimberley Kamper and have all the usual touring modifications, LRA tank, upgraded suspension, AT LT tyres etc. T

The dash is OK, the monocoque body makes it noisier, the dust does get into the back door latch and make it sticky. We have a snorkel and have had no issues with air filtration or any body cracks.

Slow down, lower your tyre pressures and you should have no problems.

Alex

[Sigmund]

Thanks Alex.
I've been doing annual outback trips for a decade now.
My current vehicle has developed body cracks so I'm back in the market.
Ironically I was active here in the forum four years ago when making a choice the last time. The Paj was on my shortlist then. Now it's shaping up as the only choice.

[Mundy55]

I did the Tanami Desert Rd and the Gibb River Rd towing a 1.4T camper in my then new NX with 18" rims. No dash vibration, no rattles, a little noisy (its a little noisy on tar as well). It was far more comfortable than my previous live axle 4x4. Towed effortlessly.

What I learned to do on dusty roads, however, was to do the opposite to my previous vehicles and not run on recycled air. The cabin filter prevented nearly all the dust in the incoming air, which pressurises the cabin and prevented dust coming in through all the other doors, esp the rear. On recycle, we got dust in everywhere. Take at least one spare cabin filter with you.

Since that trip I have installed the ARB replacement 130L tank which is just great when towing the camper, increasing tank fill distance from 500km or less to 700km or more.

[Lazarus]

Sigmund may I suggest my car, you will be hard pressed to find better Pajero on carsales in Victoria at the moment.
I just put it up for sale yesterday.

https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=61204

Cheers

[Travel Tragic]

Body cracks

Hi Sigmund, you mention body cracks what vehicle were they on. Cheers John

[Ian H]

Sigmund may I suggest my car, you will be hard pressed to find better Pajero on carsales in Victoria at the moment.
I just put it up for sale yesterday.

https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=61204

Cheers

If I was in the market I'd be on your doorstep today.

[Sigmund]

Thanks Mundy and Lazarus. Good to know.

Ian, it's an MUX. Same with DMAXs - put on a bullbar and use it like a 4WD and you risk cracks in the engine bay sill. Mine's also got one in a front wheel bay inner. Known problem.

Pity. I would have happily bought one again otherwise.

[Sigmund]

So in summary, on the plus side:

1. Well sorted
2. Durable and reliable
3. Wide range of accessories
4. Good prices
5. Lots of user wisdom generously shared
6. Got a bit more power than the current rig
7. Centre diff and diff lock will come in handy in some contexts

On the negative:

1. Dated appearance
2. Bigger and heavier than I need for the two of us
3. Thirstier than the current rig

Thanks again for sharing your experiences with it.

[wazznt]

So in summary, on the plus side:


On the negative:

1. Dated appearance
2. Bigger and heavier than I need for the two of us
3. Thirstier than the current rig

Thanks again for sharing your experiences with it.

1. Depends on your perspective ,you either like it or you don't.

2. Bigger and heavier is better for towing , they don't feel big driving them which is important , good turning circle , 4 wheel disks unlike most utes .

3. Not sure on later models but I have an NT and I wouldn't class it as thirsty ,its actually very efficent for a big unit .

[Sigmund]

What consumption are you getting?

[Dicko1]

What consumption are you getting?

I tow an 1800kg camper and boat setup. Travelling from Cairns to Gladstone and back (about 2500klms) I average 12.5 litres to 100klms. This mostly sitting on 97-102kph (gps speed..not the false speed off the cars speedo...actual 94kph when speedo showing 100kph!)). To my way of thinking its great economy. 2014 nw with a lot of mods.

[Sigmund]

Thanks.