The Mitsubishi L200 may not be the UK’s most popular truck – that title goes to the Ford Ranger, and has done for several years – but it’s certainly up there as one of the nation’s favourite pickups. In the line-up of Mitsubishi L200 pickups, the MQ is something of a superstar, especially on the commercial scene.
With its car-like handling, versatile setup, generous payload capacity and capabilities off the road as well as on, the Series 5 ticks all the right boxes for professionals serving all sectors, with everyone from tradespeople to farmers and tree surgeons left satisfied. Some even claim that the MQ, which was manufactured from 2015 to 2019, is one of the best L200 generations to date! Even a top-rated pickup like the L200 MQ isn’t beyond improvement however.
Introduce the following upgrades to your Series 5 to make it even more capable on the work scene…
1. OME Nitro Plus Suspension
Old Man Emu (OME) is famed on the off-road scene, with their tough, durable and custom integrated suspension packages the first choice for many, including MQ drivers. With the Series 5 L200 applauded for its towing abilities, it makes sense to upgrade your suspension to a premium aftermarket kit like the Old Man Emu Nitro Plus Suspension Lift Kit.
With extended heavy use and towing, your springs will corrode and begin to sage over time. Factory suspension setups aren’t after all cut out for such tasks, with the aftermath having the potential to leave your vehicle unroadworthy.
For MQ owners who have to navigate all types of terrain as part of their jobs, there are yet more suspension-related hurdles to jump down the line. Give your L200 a fighting chance by upgrading to a premium suspension kit.
2. ARB BASE Rack
While renowned for its payload and towing capacity, the MQ isn’t as generous in the load bed department. It falls short on space in contrast with many of its rivals and pails in comparison to its internal dimensions as Honest John reveals:
“The cabin is spacious and comfortable enough for up to four adults and there’s plenty of interior storage, with decent sized door bins and cup holders… The load bed isn’t as large as the Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara, but will take up to 1045kg, accessed via a fold-down tailgate that’s had its centre of gravity reset so it doesn’t drop down suddenly when you unlock it.”
Those looking for more space to store work gear however needn’t search far for an easy to use, simple to install aftermarket storage solution. The ARB BASE Rack is a comprehensive roof rack system that sports a unique, modular design. It can be adapted to your exact needs thanks to its expansive range of highly configurable options.
Add an LED bar to light the way when working nights, incorporate a jerry can holder for longer or more remote excursions, or install optional awning brackets for the fitting of camping equipment to spend your time off from work just as wisely.
3. DBA Street Performance Brakes
Switch your OE brakes for something a little more heavy duty with our DBA Street Performance Brake Kit. It’s been developed for the Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 and 6 MQ MR 2015-22 to ensure the ultimate braking performance solution and improved stopping power across all conditions.
Each and every component that makes up these high performance brakes – including their signature Kangaroo Paw discs – has been rigorously tested in the most extreme environments to guarantee reduced brake fade, improved component life and reliable braking, even for heavy and modified vehicles like your Series 5 L200.
4. Clearview Next Gen Towing Mirrors
If towing is a major part of your job, you’ll love the MQ’s towing capabilities. This is especially true if you are the proud owner of a later model with the reengineered chassis and best-in-class 3.5T towing capacity making these L200s even more capable. Put safety and visibility first by fitting these extendable Clearview Next Gen Towing Mirrors.
5. ARB Compressor Bundle
Carrying an air compressor on board unlocks numerous advantages, with its use allowing you to deflate for off-roading, improve traction, enhance your driving experience and comfort across all terrains, and even minimise wear and tear on your suspension and the trail itself. The ARB High Output Air Compressor and Air Tank Kit Bundle provides everything you need to run air lockers and tools to realise these benefits for yourself!
For more Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 (2015-19) upgrades for work and play, please click here.