LX 570 Suspension/Cargo question

[m4hk33]

Like many here I am in the Market for a 200 series and have been going back on forth on the whole LC vs LX thing.

I initially leaned towards the LC for the traditional suspension, the aftermarket support in regards stuff like bumpers and sliders.

after looking at a number of 200's in the 2008 to 2011 year range. I have come to the conclusion that The LX570 apear to generally be in better shape, with less miles, and possibly newer.

I began to consider the LX570 and came to the conclusion that the 570 might be the right choice, that 3000 to 5000 dollar premium on the name plate could go a long way towards new wheels, tires, bumpers on the LX. especially since I would drop another couple grand on suspension on the LC.

We are on the east coast, So no crazy rock climbing of crazy trails, Its off road use would be running around logging roads and coal mines in the mountains of WV looking for shooting spots.

So I read a number of threads on the LX to include the AHC lift post, Ive looked at towing threads, and I understand that the LX does have a reduce load capacity. but I was wondering if anybody could give me some insight into how much cargo(guns,steal plates,ammo) could be loaded up before the AHC begins to get taxed

I see edmunds list about 1500lbs of payload for LC and 1250ish for the LX, while 300lbs does not initially seem like a big number, add on a couple hundred pounds bumpers, 3 or 4 men with 50lbs of gear, and its pretty close to that 1250 limit.

While that 95 percent of the time the LX might work perfectly, I am just trying to gauge if i really should go with an LC with a traditional suspension that would be upgraded as desired.

Thanks for any insight that you guys might be able to provide

 

[grinchy]

You can increase the spring rate to take more gvw. Not too many have done it but it is possible.

 

[dnh1]

100% go LX. Towing is way better with AHC. Loading trailer can use AHC to lower and raise vehicle. Self adjusts to weight.

I used to tow a 13,000 lb boat / trailer rig around locally with my LX no problem ever.

 

[m4hk33]

Good Stuff,

Grinchy,
Do you have link to any post that detail increasing spring rates on the 570?

Dnh1,
I am going to go out on a limb and say that I would assume that the toungue weight of your boat/trailer rig would probably be more than what i may end up throwing in the cargo area so that is good to know

In terms of towing, on a regular basis would be a 8x12 utility trailer for yard and house stuff when needed, down the road a little bit once we buy some property, maybe a 20ft trailer to serve as a base camp to we build a cabin/house on it.

Thanks for the replys

 

[TeCKis300]

As advertised, the LC has higher payload than the LX. In reality, the LX AHC suspension handles that load and beyond with more composure than a stock LC. You'll find LC's on these boards constantly considering the balance between ride quality vs. payload, empty vs. laden. A static suspension can't dynamically adjust. AHC can. So the ride and composure is just as great unladen vs loaded.

I've done 1800lbs payload on several trips. AHC handles it great, and I've documented this elsewhere.

AHC can further be augmented for even higher loads - LX570 Augmenting for Load

Note that the AHC systems max payload is at "N" normal height. "H" high position or sensor lift will reduce payload capacity. It can be easily augmented to give back or increase that capacity.

The reason why the LC is rated higher is because these are sister vehicles. The base platform is certified to GVWR number, which they get "stickered" for. It doesn't necessarily represent the full design capacity (we know the LC is legendary in its core strength), but it was the number utilized for crash test, certification, etc. So when more features (weight) are added, they have to decrement that stickered number, leaving payload.

 

[m4hk33]

TecKis300,

When you went up to 1800lbs payload, was people, plus gear/tongue weight? just curious

None the less, from my initial thoughts on it, I felt it should be good to go, it appears that with the max load that I may end up putting in the vehicle, the LX should have zero issues doing what i ask of it.

 

[TeCKis300]

It was all the above as we were on a road 2000 mile road trip.

~1000lb tongue weight + ~650lbs people (6 people including two kids) + ~150lbs gear.

 

[m4hk33]

Awesome,

I am more than confident that the LX will be fine.

All things being equal, I would love to pick up an LC and build it up but at that point i would be looking at a good 5000 to 8000 dollar premium for a vehicle what may not be in quite as good of shape or have significantly more miles.

That's wheels and tires, bumper, winch and some Night Vision or thermals.

Thanks again