Contemplating a 200, A few questions

[Romer]

A 200 series might be a better tow vehicle than my 100 series for my new Kimberly Karavan (see sig line). I searched but didn't see the answers to any of these

1) Since I wheel my cruisers I had to get a Front locker for the 100 due to the weak front diff design and breaking off road. Otherwise the ATRAC and a rear locker would have been more than sufficient. Does the 200 series have the weakness in the front Diff?

2) I have set my search on 2013 to 2015. From differences charts they look to be the same, but some cruisers show different options. Does the 2013 have the all around cameras? Rear Seat heaters? etc even if they are not listed?

3) On the ARB rear bumper, it appears to use the stock hitch meaning the tow rating is not compromised, is that correct? Also, how does the rear tire carrier impact the camera? I had to move the camera on my 100 series over 4 inches

4) Is there any reason to get a 2015 over a 13 except age and miles? I found a 2013 Certified so 12 month warranty at a much lower price. Easier to add mods

5) I am contemplating moving my ARB storage drawers over to the 200 with a new trim kit. Yet I would like seating for 6 (need one rear seat). Thinking this should work since its half the area, any reason this is a dumb idea?

6) anybody tow a 4000lb trailer up a mtn pass with a 100 series and then a 200 series? Wondering if the bang is worth the upgrade

I will probably come up with more

 

[Haggis]

I have no experience with a 100 series, but I can guarantee you the 200 will pull that beautiful trailer to the moon!

 

[luke27617]

I have 16 (different transmission 8 vs. 6 speed). Just towed +4K lbs boat through Smoky Mountains without any problems. In non-highway sections on twisty roads noticed brakes heated up based on smell, but no problems with braking either. Trailer doesn't have any brakes.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I can comment on #6.

Here in Idaho, we have some pretty steep and long mountain passes, such as Horseshoe Bend Hill, on ID55 just North of Boise. That is a heck of a climb, when behind some ninny who wants to go 50! I tow a Lance 2185 which has a gross dry weight of over 4200lbs. See here for details and size comparison: Lance 2185 Travel Trailer - Got a family? How about hunting and fishing buddies? Get a 2185.

This load and ascent strains my 4.7L engine in my 2002 100 series, but it can do the climb and maintain a 55mph speed IF no one gets in the way. Otherwise, we are down to 35mph just to get over the hill. The 200 can take the Hill at 75 and maintain speed and can even accelerate. It tows like a dream! Please note that I always tow with OD off in both trucks. This places the 6 speed in the LX into 4th gear, but makes towing very nice but eats gas like candy.

EDIT: Horseshoe Bend Hill, Idaho - 7% grade with summit at 4258 ft elv. for reference.
Edit X2: Yes, I use a weight distribution / anti-sway hitch, with electric trailer brakes. No, I do not feel the trailer behind me in either vehicle other than starting or stopping.

 

[mgoblue]

For towing, the 200 is vastly superior. I towed one of my other cars (on a full trailer) 500+ miles from the DC area to Michigan with my 100 and it struggled, for the next trip I took my wife's 200 (different car but similar weight) and it was a breeze. Night and day difference. Driving through PA is nothing like the elevations that you see, but I certainly got a taste for why having the extra hp/tq is so nice.

 

[steenh]

I can answer anecdotally answer your first question. i had a 98 100 series and locked it due to the risk of breakage. On the 200, I'm not aware of any concerns with the diff, nor have I heard any stories of breakage (maybe I've missed it) so while I may someday lock it if I find I need it, it won't be because of any inherent weakness. So far I haven't needed it, but I will have to push it harder before i can really make that decision.

And more importantly, I love that camper. When I get out to CO one day, that will be on my list of things to get!

 

[Romer]

I can answer anecdotally answer your first question. i had a 98 100 series and locked it due to the risk of breakage. On the 200, I'm not aware of any concerns with the diff, nor have I heard any stories of breakage (maybe I've missed it) so while I may someday lock it if I find I need it, it won't be because of any inherent weakness. So far I haven't needed it, but I will have to push it harder before i can really make that decision.

And more importantly, I love that camper. When I get out to CO one day, that will be on my list of things to get!

Thanks. BTW I bought the camper from Australia. I am the 4th guy to import one new. With the Aussie dollar so low against the USD I couldn't resists. You take the Aus price, subtract 20% tax since its an export, then multiply by the currency conversion. so 100AUD= $100*.8*.72(conversion rate) = $57.6 USD

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I believe that there was 1 thread on a front axle break, but I think that particular one was an anomaly.

 

[JamesC]

#1) I haven't heard of this as any sort of regular problem on 200s in either the US or AUS forums.

#2) I also shopped used before buying new. All '13s I saw were the same as '14 and '15. There may have been a mid year change in 13 that I did not see, not sure, but I don't believe so?

#3) Stock hitch and same capacity. The bumper does come with an unstamped tongue that I discarded but it and anything else used fit into the factory receiver. If you get the rear ARB be sure to get it installed by someone else. Pay them whatever they want. We have done every little thing on the 200 except a 2nd reinstall of front suspension components when we ran out of reach and capacity at the house - I would not do this rear bumper again. If you find one used and already assembled on a truck however it is a super simple install.

Rear ARB Bumper With Swing Outs Install Thread

If you use the ARB1128 Right side Tire carrier there is not much obstruction of the camera, with a 34.10.50 anyway. You will easily see well enough to hitch the trailer and see distance to obstructions, etc. I can snap a pic tonight if needed when hooked up to an m1101 with a max coupler to give you an idea? The left side carrier would have far more obstruction.

#4) Just age and miles in my view but on this truck I preferred new in the end.

#6) We tow a lot. We had been using our crew long bed GMC 3500. I prefer to tow with the 200. You will not lack for power and if you use stability aids I think you will be happy even with the wheelbase issues - in that regard the 200 is little different than the 100 I suspect.

 

[steenh]

Thanks. BTW I bought the camper from Australia. I am the 4th guy to import one new. With the Aussie dollar so low against the USD I couldn't resists. You take the Aus price, subtract 20% tax since its an export, then multiply by the currency conversion. so 100AUD= $100*.8*.72(conversion rate) = $57.6 USD

Very nice... I may be on that list soon enough. Couldn't get the pricing page to load, but will try again tomorrow.

 

[Romer]

Very nice... I may be on that list soon enough. Couldn't get the pricing page to load, but will try again tomorrow.

they end up mailing it to you (Attached below). Remember these are all AUD$. A well equiped Classisc is about $50K USD delivered to LA or was when I bought one. Haven't checked the rate in a while

 

[Romer]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am getting a 2014 and will start building once I sell my 100

 

[steenh]

Just checked again and it loaded up. You are right on... somewhere in the $50k range. Not cheap, but no doubt they are nice and hold value very well. Thanks for the file! On my list of things to add to the toy box. Will probably wait until I'm closer to moving out there though.

 

[maxdog1969]

Man I am itchy for a 200


Sent from my iPhone
2002 LX470 expo ready
2008 Ford E350 EB V10 4x4 Sportsmobile PH top
Custom off road trailer

 

[Romer]

New Question, what happens to the headlight washers with an ARB Front Bumper

 

[TonyP]

ARB offers a 200 series bumper with headlight washer provisions.

 

[Yossarian]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am getting a 2014 and will start building once I sell my 100
View attachment 1186821 View attachment 1186822

Nice find Romer, welcome to the 200's.

 

[Romer]

I only used my rear locker a few times in my 100 with ATRAC. Is ATRAC along with this crawl butoon greatly improved that lockers are not needed or is it still good to have one

 

[bjowett]

Despite the ability of the A-trac w/ crawl, I still like lockers for some situations.... heavy snow, or any place I need to keep momentum, but it is not often.

 

[Romer]

Thanks, you ever use a front locker?. In an unlocked non ATRAC vehicle adding a rear locker takes care of 90% of the situations