Modding the PHEV

[BCbackroader]

Interesting, stevewa, as far as I know the suspension of our vehicles should be identical. My ride, for the previous 4 years, was a Chev TrailBlazer EXT (long wheelbase, 3rd row seats), which was a bit soft for backroad adventures, but with a 2.5" lift kit, and rear suspension upgraded with progressive rate springs from a Z71 Tahoe and BDS shocks, became a very capable logging road/fire trail explorer.


I didn't buy the Outlander for it's off road abilities, but did expect a little more from a vehicle sold as an SUV, as that designation implies a reasonable level of off pavement usefulness.


I guess our respective expectations of the PHEV are from quite different perspectives. I must say that the prime reason for my purchase, increased fuel economy, has been more than met, with my fuel savings being enough to cover the payment on the vehicle each month. I just have to be mindful of the obstacles that I encounter on my backroad adventures, and know when it's time to give up and turn around.

[stevewa]

Indeed, my purpose is to have a plugin that's comfortable on longer trips and can also manage towing our popup trailer. So far we are not putting many miles on the clock (just over 2000 since late January) and hope to keep this vehicle at least as long as its predecessor (2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, which was not as comfortable and barely had the capacity to tow our 990 pound trailer).

Figuring in the plugin miles we are ahead of the efficiency of the Ford, (gas alone is a little worse but the Ford is a smaller, less capable ride) and the comfort and safety factors are leagues ahead.

My next major quandry is likely to be what to do about winter tires and wheels. Will probably stand pat for this coming season, but it really depends on Mother Nature.

Regards,

[jaapv]

Plenty of threads on the subject of winter tyres on the forum. I've decided to replace the wheel changes with all-season tyres: Vredestein Quatrac 5.

[NS633]

Dear all
I was in Norway last year and saw Outlander PHEV with a kind of body kit, fancy wheels and an additional lightbar under the bumper.
I'll try to upload the pictures for your inspiration

I got this body kit factory fitted on my 2016 JDM outlander phev

some of her pics

[ledurmadur]

Dear all
I was in Norway last year and saw Outlander PHEV with a kind of body kit, fancy wheels and an additional lightbar under the bumper.
I'll try to upload the pictures for your inspiration

How big are those wheels?

20"?
Tire size 255 x 40 x 20?

Wondering about doing something similar... but not sure what would fit.

I have a PHEV'16 model, so no electric handbrake.

[windymiller]

I've always thought a plywood bonnet with a clear lacquer would look got on almost any car

Lots of plywood in ours! As commercials, they came with a ridiculously feeble steel bulkhead a mere 6" high, between the front cabin and the loadspace. Totally hopeless for commercial vehicles, and of questionable acceptance to insurance companies. So from new, our 3 x 4Works got bespoke 1" thick plywood bulkheads made and fitted to keep the stuff in the back, in the back, should any sudden stoppages occur. Faced in black vinyl in the front to match the rest of the trim, edged in aluminium, then fitted with useful fixtures like document holders. In the back, the plywood is painted to match the back end colours, then all the requisite working bits and pieces fitted - Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, PPE hangers, paper tower dispensers, tool chests etc. Add some additional LED loadspace lights, replace the tiddly plastic cargo tie down lashing points with manly stainless steel ones, and the modding is complete! Oh, nearly forgot about the aluminium edging strips fitted to the side of the load platform just inside the side doors to stop things rolling off and into the door pockets on corners. How Mitsubishi though that nothing was needed for that is beyond me!

[Phevy]

Pictures please...

[greendwarf]

Oh, nearly forgot about the aluminium edging strips fitted to the side of the load platform just inside the side doors to stop things rolling off and into the door pockets on corners. How Mitsubishi though that nothing was needed for that is beyond me!

Or larger items ready to fall on to the ground when you open the door!

[jaapv]

Mitsubishi should provide an attendant doing an end-of-journey routine - "Please remain seated with your seat belts fastened until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill and the Ready light is extinguished. Take care when opening doors or boot, as items may fall out. Thank you for driving Mitsubishi and we hope to see you again on our next trip"

[windymiller]

Pictures please...

Willdo, once the back end of it has been tidied up! Not much to see at the moment apart from heaps of work gear!