Soldiering on It’s been a pretty flawless eight years for this reader as far as his bakkie and trailer are concerned.

Trusty twosome

2007 TOYOTA HILUX 3,0 D-4D DC

The previous generation Hilux, like its predecessors, was a massive sales success in South Africa. It also came up against stiff new competition as the premium double cab market exploded. But Jaco Dippenaar from Roodepoort only has good things to say, despite his combination being eight years old.

At the time I was looking to purchase a double cab bakkie, there were a number of vehicle options that suffered from horrible turbo lag. I’m not a fan of that kind of problem, so whichever one I was going to buy had to have negligible lag and also plenty of torque.

I eventually opted for a brand-new Hilux that cost me R267 000. Three years later I also purchased a Camp Master Wilderness off-road trailer. One thing missing on these early versions of previous Hilux is a front passenger cup holder, and newer models also came with a bigger wheel and tyre combination. That said, after 10 years this is still a very good towing vehicle and maintenance is relatively cheap.

I was fairly happy with the Hilux overall, but it was a bit asthmatic straight out of the factory, so I had a 3-inch exhaust system, K&N air filter and a Windbooster electronic throttle control system fitted. After the modifications were done, the 3.0 D-4D breathed a bit easier and it was really noticeable on the open road.

I usually tow between 100–110 km/h, which is really an effortless speed for the Hilux, post modifications. Average fuel consumption with the trailer hitched to the standard Toyota tow bar is around 10 ℓ/100 km. Without the trailer, the Hilux can average around 8 ℓ/100 km.

I also had the chance to tow the trailer with a much newer Toyota Fortuner, which was actually a really nice alternative, but felt too much like my “old” Hilux. Most people get used to the poor performance over time, but for me, the modifications are a must.

We are particularly fond of ATKV Eiland Spa, which is usually the direction we point the Hilux in. It feels like an oasis in the bush, and there’s plenty for both young and old to do.

The variety of attractions in and around the area ensures that we keep going back.