Andre307’s New Tug... MU-X

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
After much deliberation the missus and I have decided it’s time for a new tow car to replace the aging Triton which has hit 10 years old this year. Although it’s running fine, it will be put to the test next year for the big WA trip and no one wants to break down with a 13 month old in the car. Along with needing a 6 seater every second weekend a Ute wasn’t going to suit anymore.
So after checking out what’s available we had it down to the Everest or the MU-X but the later being 10k cheaper with the options we wanted we couldn’t pass it up.
So we’ve signed up for a new MU-X with the following options:
- LS-U Spec Auto in White (hopefully hides the 4x4 pinstriping)
- TourMate Pack, Alloy Bar, Tow Bar, Bonnet Protector, Window Shields, Mats
- Tint
- Snorkel
- Rhino Tradie Platform with Backbone mounting system
- RedArc Tow Pro Elite
- 12 Pin and Anderson wiring
- ARB Frontier 112l tank
- Spare set of Factory 16” alloys with ATs
Will add my UHF and Awning from the old car.
Can’t wait to pick it up and see how it tows the Starcraft
 

Bushman

Forum Moderator
Staff member
Nov 9, 2010
3,060
2,345
113
Wollondilly Shire NSW
Nice work, good to see you add the ARB long range tank because the standard Mux tank just doesn't cut the mustard for towing, funny how the Trailblazer is much the same car but has a bigger tank, my mate had to fit long range tank to his Pajero Sport for towing his van
 
  • Like
Reactions: Andre307

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
I have a LRT in my Triton too so there was no way I was going stick with the small factory tank. Would hate to have to start thinking about range all of a sudden :)
 

davemc

Well-Known Member
Oct 29, 2013
4,360
4,737
113
55
Viewbank, Victoria
www.expandasdownunder.com
from reading up on www.ozisuzu.com.au seems a lot of people get good fuel consumption towing.
Smaller tank although you get roughly the same range as more thirsty cars.
Although yes I agree bigger tank standard be good. At least the Frontier tank a easy upgrade and you do not need to move the spare.

Are you looking to get a GVM upgrade for the Tug.. Last time I looked there was one coming out soon not sure it did.
With 4 kids and 270kg ball we where going to be over before I looked at bullbar and LRT :(
I still like to trade my Mini for one for me :)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Andre307

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
from reading up on www.ozisuzu.com.au seems a lot of people get good fuel consumption towing.
Smaller tank although you get roughly the same range as more thirsty cars.
Although yes I agree bigger tank standard be good. At least the Frontier tank a easy upgrade and you do not need to move the spare.

Are you looking to get a GVM upgrade for the Tug.. Last time I looked there was one coming out soon not sure it did.
With 4 kids and 270kg ball we where going to be over before I looked at bullbar and LRT :(
I still like to trade my Mini for one for me :)

Yep @davemc, I’m curious to see how far I get with the LRT. From what I read the Isuzu’s are pretty good on fuel anyway so 65 vs 76/80 in other vehicles there’s probably not much in it anyway. Probably 50-70kms range max when towing.
The GVM thing is an issue especially for me coming from a Ute where I carried everything ‘just in case’. I’m having to be a lot more selective in what is really necessary. And even then I doubt I’m going to be under. But I think this is an issue for almost all 4wd wagons with 600-700kg payloads. I swear half them have 300kgs of steel accessories attached to them alone with front, rear bars, winch, twin wheel carriers and full length steel racks.
With mine I’m trying to go lightweight where possible (alloy bar and rack, poly LRT) but there is a GVM upgrade from pedders if I need it. Lucky my van is only 2500 anyway and I’ll try to balance it to under 250 ball.
 
  • Like
Reactions: davemc

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
Congrats @Andre307 a very nice upgrade from the Triton mate! How long until pickup?

Hey @17triton or Everest? I’m not sure yet as the dealer has to book all the accessories in. The base car was meant to get to the dealership today so I’m guessing 2 weeks from now.
My Triton sold quicker than expected (gone today) so now I have no car...
I’m looking forward to having a quieter more refined ride then the 10 year old Triton though 8-)8-)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tone and 17triton

davemc

Well-Known Member
Oct 29, 2013
4,360
4,737
113
55
Viewbank, Victoria
www.expandasdownunder.com
Good to see the GVM upgrade now available. It was not when we where looking.. Was still coming soon or something..
If you do weigh and get in trouble you have a fall back. Pretty sure the light weight smart bar available now too.

We also needed three car seats in the 2nd row at the time which did not fit easily and 60/40 not good for 2 seats if we got a anchor in the boot.
The D4 was a easier replacement to the D3 we had.. But lots more $$ which we still paying off :).
I still have a soft spot for a MUX. looked at them before I got the new Mini.. Still sort of looking :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: G Daddy

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
Still waiting for delivery date. Must stop asking for things :p
Now swapping the 18s out for just 6x16s (2 spares) with slightly bigger LT tyres, 245/75r16.
And possibly an extra trans cooler.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 17triton and davemc

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
Well got this on the weekend:
ED4EA327-4EF0-4030-94A6-76A8D2655306.jpeg
But sadly still not the car to fit it to.
Shed is now getting cluttered with car projects now the Triton is gone :(
Hopefully get it the next week or 2. There was a delay on the LRT and now the tyres. Starting to cut it fine for getting the kms up before our van holiday mid-October as I’d like put a few more then the minimum 800 stated by the dealer.
 

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
Quick update on the MuX,
Fitted the awning, rod tube, uhf, catch can and dash cam.
Removed one of the third row seats for the Fridge and got an Arkpak instead of a permanent dual battery setup. That way they can be removed if I need to fit something big in the back.
Towed the van to Moonta and back a couple of months ago. Very stable towing but not quite as much go as the old tuned Triton.
Have about 3500kms on it so still running it in really. Very happy with it so far.
Heading down to Robe over Australia Day for some sand driving so looking forward to how that goes.
A couple of pics, van on:
669B05F7-F2B4-4D80-B4AB-D1B9E3D15287.jpeg
On the beach:
A10A0D67-6C45-4FE1-8FE3-11A7BE99B3E9.jpeg
All the bits fitted to date:
C933BFCE-5698-40AE-BC1F-7674C0A84294.jpeg
 

Andre307

Active Member
May 18, 2016
91
233
33
45
Adelaide
Quick update on the MUX.
Just had the first service done on it early in preparation for our 3 month trip. Have 7500kms on it now.
Had to replace the rear springs due to too much sag with the vans 250-300kg ball weight combined with rear fridge, battery, rack LRT etc. It towed fine but looked bad and I reckon didn’t have a lot of suspension travel left. Replaced with Pedders raised HD springs and sits perfect now with the van hitched.
Had to redo the fridge wiring with 6bs cable because the wiring supplied was too thin and had too much voltage drop. Combined with the smart alternator the fridge was wasn’t great while travelling. Running with the lights on helps boost the output also.
Still very happy with it though, I guess the real test is this trip fully loaded :p
D79E4BEE-8A35-4160-BF89-F1A3C3F6FC53.jpeg
 

Smergen

Well-Known Member
Jun 8, 2014
2,354
4,716
113
Bacchus Marsh
Hey mate, how are you finding the Arkpak mate? Finally got a battery for mine, just working out different wiring combinations and then best way to charge it whilst in the car/solar.