Transforming the Toyota 300 Series LandCruiser into the Ultimate Towing Vehicle

In the latest episode of Accelerate Off-Grid Touring 300 Series build, Josh walks us through the extensive upgrades made to a Toyota 300 Series Landcruiser, turning it into the perfect towing companion for off-grid adventures across Australia. This 300 Series, while serving as a daily driver, is now fully equipped to haul a 22-foot Leader caravan with ease and efficiency. From upgraded towing mirrors to an onboard air compressor, every enhancement has been made to ensure this vehicle can handle the demands of towing a large caravan, all while maintaining comfort and safety.

This blog post offers a detailed breakdown of each modification, highlighting why these upgrades are crucial for those looking to tour Australia with a caravan in tow.

While this LC 300 Series serves as a daily vehicle, it’s been upgraded for towing. The enhancements include a Clearview towing mirror, Redarc Tow Pro brake controllers, ARB twin air compressor, and upgraded airbag man suspension.  This build makes towing effortless. Let’s explore what makes it the ideal towing companion. Each upgrade is carefully selected to handle the demands of towing a large caravan, ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient experience on the road.

Clearview Compact Towing Mirrors

The first and most crucial upgrade for any towing setup is visibility. For this build, we installed Clearview Compact Towing Mirrors (view product). These mirrors extend outward for a clear view of the caravan while towing, but they can be retracted for regular driving, ensuring the vehicle remains compact and maneuverable in everyday situations.

Josh prefers single-glass mirrors over split ones for their simplicity. These mirrors also integrate seamlessly with the Land Cruiser's factory features, like blind-spot monitoring and built-in cameras, blending functionality and safety without compromising on style.

REDARC Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller

When towing a heavy caravan, managing braking power is critical. This 300 Series build is outfitted with the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller (view product). Known for its reliability, the third-generation Tow-Pro Elite offers both automatic and manual braking modes.

With a simple dial on the dash, the driver can fine-tune the braking force, while the automatic mode intelligently adjusts based on the vehicle’s speed and the trailer’s load. The owner opted for the hardwired version over wireless systems for increased dependability—vital for long, off-grid trips where consistent braking is non-negotiable.

Advanced ICE Caravan Camera Integration

To enhance rear visibility while towing, we installed the Advanced ICE Caravan Camera Integration Module (view product). This module connects the caravan’s rear camera directly to the vehicle’s factory head unit, eliminating the need for additional monitors cluttering the dash.

This feature is particularly useful during lane changes and reversing maneuvers, providing a clearer and safer view of what's behind the vehicle.

Advanced ICE Trailer Bracket and Towing Connections

At the rear, the Advanced ICE Trailer Bracket (view product) offers a tidy and practical solution for towing connections. It replaces the factory bracket and provides multiple mounting options for towing essentials. The setup includes a 12-pin socket, used to control the caravan’s lighting and electric brakes, along with two Anderson plugs for charging the caravan’s batteries and connecting solar power.

A breakaway cable clip is also featured, keeping the setup organised and functional. Additionally, manual airbag fillers are installed as a backup in case the onboard compressor fails, ensuring you are never left stranded without suspension support.

Airbag Suspension System and ARB Twin Air Compressor

One of the most significant enhancements to this build is the Airbag Suspension System (view product) combined with an ARB Twin Air Compressor. This system is part of a GVM upgrade designed to improve stability and ride height when towing heavy loads. The airbag suspension works alongside the factory coils, and the compressor allows for real-time pressure adjustments.

The Airbag Man gauge and paddle switches make it easy to monitor and adjust the system while on the move, with an optional wireless remote for even more convenience. This remote allows the driver to adjust the ride height without needing to stop or access the compressor manually, which is particularly handy for adjusting pressures based on changing terrain. Whether on rough, uneven ground or smooth highways, this setup ensures a comfortable and stable ride.

Another feature you can add to the Airbag Man system is a Wireless Remote System. You get what looks like a silver garage remote, that allows you to adjust your airbags up and down without even having to open up the boot as long as you've got the compressor on. That is an excellent addition if you're trying to level out your ride height and play around with your pressures to see what works best for you.

This makes life easy when driving on rough terrain or needing quick adjustments while on the road.

Custom Tow Ball Cover Cutout

For an extra practical touch, we added a Custom Tow Ball Cover Cutout (view product).  This simple modification allows the hitch to remain in place without removing the cover, making frequent towing easier. It also keeps the rear of the vehicle looking neat when the hitch isn’t in use, ensuring that even small details are considered in this comprehensive build.

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Watch the full YouTube video run through here!