Extended test drive of new Trail

[453030]

I was fortunate to enjoy a long test drive today in a Trail. Mine has been ordered for a few weeks now. I ran it to my custom welder so he could measure for my bars and they will be ready to go when the truck arrives.

- The seat fabric is quite comfortable yet does "feel" cheap when running you fingers over it. It had a cool feel to it, and as long as it holds up I will be very pleased with it.
- At 5'7" headroom and seat comfort are no problem for me. I did have a 6'3" passenger for a few miles and in that seat his head hit the ceiling. I had my seat elevated and the commanding view of the road is awesome.
- The sample I had today had a full skid plate over the full tank. I had read on another thread that it is a half plate now. Perhaps on the Trails they are still full? This unit had just arrived to the dealer so it is not old stock.
- The orange radio background could not be read at all with my sunglasses on. Taking them off was a little better, but still, this detail could be much improved. My Trail is a special order because I wanted the Nav unit, and the dealer does not have that combo. I would not be pleased with the stock radio (although the sound was fine).
- With KDSS there is no forward/ backing pitching of any kind. The ride is awesome, vastly superior handling to the LR3 I previously leased.
- The hood does jiggle slightly at high speeds. Not sure if the hood scoop helps by adding some rigidity to the center or hurts by catching air.
- The V6 will be more than adequate for my needs, and felt very powerful at all speeds.

I was already excited but now can't wait. Stepping down into my daughter's Kia was less pleasant than usual! The Trail is well worth the wait.

 

[Quentin]

Seats: the lack of up/down on the passenger side front seat is annoying.
Skid plate: I think the trail only gets the full gas tank skid plate. My SR5 only has a half plate.
Radio visibility: I have mine on high illumination (changed where the compass is) and have the same issue. Maybe try it on low illumination? It doesn't bother me, though.
KDSS: Thick swaybars FTW. I really wish that was offered on the SR5.
Hood shake: I have none on my SR5. Must be due to the scoop.

 

[453030]

What bars are you having your welder make? Sliders or nerf bars?

Hey Ice. I left a reply on the picture thread asking if you were in the Meadows. I see Parker on your avatar so maybe you just shot pics there. Sure looks familiar though.

I guess I do not know the full definition of the two. Do "sliders" all have the extra bar or rail if you will? The ones I have see pictured have a square bar that attaches to the frame, and then a round step bar at an angle. Honestly, I do not car for the look of that style at all, although they must be great at "sliding".

My guy uses 2" diameter 1/8" thick US steel. The powder coat can be done in any requested finish (I go with a 40% gloss black which is mostly matt to be honest). Very durable. He welds to the frame although can easily make bolting plates. Mine will come out straight from the frame, just under the body. That is how I like them to look. They stick out a little to be functional as steps but sit well inside of the tires if you plum a line. Looking at the Trail's frame, there are a few obstacles to work around. I want the bars to come towards the rear as far as possible, but it is not a good spot to attach, so we're rounding them in but stopping short of the frame and will cap the tube. A few inches in we'll have a support. As I indicated in another thread, the vehicle can be jacked under any point of the bar. Plenty strong.

 

[453030]

Seats: the lack of up/down on the passenger side front seat is annoying.
Skid plate: I think the trail only gets the full gas tank skid plate. My SR5 only has a half plate.
Radio visibility: I have mine on high illumination (changed where the compass is) and have the same issue. Maybe try it on low illumination? It doesn't bother me, though.
KDSS: Thick swaybars FTW. I really wish that was offered on the SR5.
Hood shake: I have none on my SR5. Must be due to the scoop.

Thanks for the input Quentin. One other thing I had read that bugged me, someone said when locking out the windows the driver's window is also disabled. I could not believe that and luckily it does not work like that. When locked, the driver's window still worked fine