Caravan towing problem with NT DiD auto

[Dakar Tom]

Thanks Karl, that's exactly the sort of information - and reassurance - I need.

[Paj People 2009]

Hi Tom,

We also tow quite a large van. It's a Jayco Sterling 20.64-2 Ouback, with additions, such as 2 x batteries and 2 x solar panels. I only mention this as it is slightly heavier than the original version with these extras.

The ATM is 2500kg and the ball weight 250kg.

We, of course, use a HR WD set up and have just changed to Old Man Emu (ARB) springs, shocks and Polyair bags.

The Paj is chipped with a DP Chip.

The whole rig is very stable, lots of power, and feels very secure on the road.

We feel that this is probably about the limit you would want to tow with the Paj, not bcause it can't handle a slightly larger van, but check the ball weight saga, we've been going 10 pages on! Usually the weight on the ball on anything bigger will be over the 180kg allowed. (Please all, do not start biting my head off on this comment again - it's just a generalised comment!).

2500-2600kg is probably about the heaviest van you'd want to tow with the Paj from a safety margin too. It's always good to be a few hundred kgs under the maximum allowed, for peace of mind.

If you want to go 2600kg-2700kg onwards, I'd be looking at a Cruiser or Patrol, IMO.

Cheers,
Sally

[Dion]

If you want to go 2600kg-2700kg onwards, I'd be looking at a Cruiser or Patrol, IMO.

Cheers,
Sally

Forget the Patrol ... Cruiser ... or you go bigger ala Ford F-series or other such import.

[ADP2009]

Would anyone like to tow 3,350Kg with the Ford Ranger or the Mazda BT 50. Yep that is their braked towing capacity.

Don't know what the ball weight is but surely not 10%

From the Ranger Spec's:
"Towball download must not exceed 335kg on 2.2L Diesel and 3.2L Diesel vehicles 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 (3,350kg max. towing capacity)."

There are lower towball rates on the petrol and and Lo-rider versions.

Another interesting comment about towball download from the spec's"

"Towball download must be a minimum of 6% of the towed weight. Towball download must not exceed 10% of the towed weight."

[Dion]

From the Ranger Spec's:
"Towball download must not exceed 335kg on 2.2L Diesel and 3.2L Diesel vehicles 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 (3,350kg max. towing capacity)."

There are lower towball rates on the petrol and and Lo-rider versions.

Remembering that they are utes, they have a rear end designed to cope with loads.

[Radios]

Well some manufacturers seem to think differently from others when it comes to ball loading. I was given some specs for a Holden Colarado - the model that has just been superseded. The model in the range is a 4x4 Diesel engine. Extract from the specs. Pages 9-4 and 9-6

"Towing capacity 3000kg. Max. ball load 300kg

Towing equipment - Between 750kg and 3000kg -

Mandatory equipment

Holden genuine tow bar
Holden trailer wiring harness
Brakes on trailer
Load distributing hitch if the vehicle attitude is compromised or the maximum ball load is exceeded"

That is a very interesting statement on the ball loading.

[Dion]

That is interesting, given that WDH do not reduce loading on the ball ... the trailer still has the same mass.

[ADP2009]

I agree Dion, plus I am pretty sure that the manufacturer's maximum towball weight can't be exceeded, full stop.

[sharkcaver]

That has gotta be a recall....Imagine the potential litigation against GMH if someone was to do that and something adverse happened.

Shane.

[achjimmy]

Well some manufacturers seem to think differently from others when it comes to ball loading. I was given some specs for a Holden Colarado - the model that has just been superseded. The model in the range is a 4x4 Diesel engine. Extract from the specs. Pages 9-4 and 9-6

"Towing capacity 3000kg. Max. ball load 300kg

Towing equipment - Between 750kg and 3000kg -

Mandatory equipment

Holden genuine tow bar
Holden trailer wiring harness
Brakes on trailer
Load distributing hitch if the vehicle attitude is compromised or the maximum ball load is exceeded"

That is a very interesting statement on the ball loading.

I find there comment about the vehicle attitude interesting as well, I have never seen the need for a WDH if the trailer is not affecting the vechiles attitude.

[dongee]

Hi Brewster_O
I had the same issue last April. I own an NT Auto and was towing my just purchased 23 foot full height van. I have been towing vans for 10 years now.
I had several very scary moments and thought I was going to meet the trees on the hume, both times I caught it in time. More luck than anything. This van weighs 2900 kgs loaded. I had it made so that the ball weight kept me legal. On arriving at my destination I rang the dealer. What I ended up doing was removing the 3 bikes and bike rack off the back off the van. This made things better, but anymore than 85-90k's per hour was not confident.
After the return trip, I had a sway hitch fitted (hayman reece) and after talking to a couple of dealers, I also checked and increased my van tyre pressures to 45psi. I have just got back from Merimbula and a did not once have any concerns.
So. bike rack on the back of the van no good.
Sway hitch needed
Uped tyre pressures.

Hope this helps, there are solutions.

Dongee