Guy rang me back from equipeauto in Adelaide and says they do not have a GVM upgrade for a Pajero that is registered in Victoria. AND $3600. Pajero has gone very soft in the rear end so some refurb is needed. Don't want to change van as it is very suitable to our needs other than too much ball weight.
With the van ATM upped to the axle rating of 2900kg and careful with water I think that will now be ok.
I would like to know the availabilty and cost of getting Pajero to carry more ball weight.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 10th of July 2018 05:30:22 PM
kesa32 said
06:32 PM Jul 10, 2018
Hi Aussie Paul , could someone like Truline at home ( Ballarat ) help you out in that regard? I've found them over the years great to deal with in regards to knowledge and honesty and work done
aussie_paul said
06:43 PM Jul 10, 2018
kesa32 wrote:
Hi Aussie Paul , could someone like Truline at home ( Ballarat ) help you out in that regard? I've found them over the years great to deal with in regards to knowledge and honesty and work done
Ok Ken. That is the sort of info I was hoping for. Thanks from Miners Rest.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
04:45 PM Jul 18, 2018
Called in to Truline and chatted Dale. He gave me a few clues. One of his guys was coming back with parts from Geelong last week and a twin cab with approx 24' van got the wobbles and pulled over to the side. His guy stopped to see if all ok. The driver had airbags and the chassis had broken both sides causing him to have a control problem!!
Dale has lent me some ball weight scales. He reckons some new rear shockers to start with.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
10:53 AM Aug 2, 2018
Hi interested parties, continuing with the weights situation for our few days away near Bendigo this last week. With full water tanks and re arranging loading we achieved the Pajero max ball weight of 180kg. The van ATM was still over BUT will have that upgraded to the group axle rating next month.
I decided not use to use the WDH and this put the tow ball a couple of inches closer to the Pajero rear axle. I was quite happy with the way the outfit travelled at our usual speed of 90/95 km/hour. We used most of the front tank water and she did not travel as well heading to the dump point at Newstead. I measured the tow ball weight and it was 160kg. I emptied the rear tank while emptying the cassette and this left the front tank at ¼ full. The tow ball weigh was now around 195kg and she travelled better than at the 160kg. I am wondering if that amount of ball weight change would be noticeable or is it me?
Ball weight of 160kg = approx. 5.517 %
Ball weight of 180kg = approx. 6.207 %
Ball weight of 195kg = approx. 6.724 %
Compliance plate of 142kg ball and van empty 2252kg is 6.305 %
Aussie Paul.
The attached pics showing side view without WDH.
Genset not on rear bumper.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 2nd of August 2018 03:14:08 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 2nd of August 2018 03:15:41 PM
Hi interested parties, continuing with the weights situation for our few days away near Bendigo this last week. With full water tanks and re arranging loading we achieved the Pajero max ball weight of 180kg. The van ATM was still over BUT will have that upgraded to the group axle rating next month.
I decided not use to use the WDH and this put the tow ball a couple of inches closer to the Pajero rear axle. I was quite happy with the way the outfit travelled at our usual speed of 90/95 km/hour. We used most of the front tank water and she did not travel as well heading to the dump point at Newstead. I measured the tow ball weight and it was 160kg. I emptied the rear tank while emptying the cassette and this left the front tank at ¼ full. The tow ball weigh was now around 195kg and she travelled better than at the 160kg. I am wondering if that amount of ball weight change would be noticeable or is it me?
Ball weight of 160kg = approx. 5.517 %
Ball weight of 180kg = approx. 6.207 %
Ball weight of 195kg = approx. 6.724 %
Compliance plate of 142kg ball and van empty 2252kg is 6.305 %
Aussie Paul.
Hi Paul, I personally would like more weight on the ball but I could not put that down in written words which is not very encouraging to you.
When I fill our front 80 litre water tank adding about extra 30kgs to our nomal 270kgs ball weight. The tank is between the front spring hangers, in a good area of the chassis for weight.
On this tour clockling with the caravan in tow about 5000ks to north Qld across various road surfaces the whole unit has behaved really good, sometimes 3 tanks and other times just the 2 tanks.
aussie_paul said
09:29 PM Aug 3, 2018
Radar wrote:
Hi Paul, I personally would like more weight on the ball but I could not put that down in written words which is not very encouraging to you.
When I fill our front 80 litre water tank adding about extra 30kgs to our nomal 270kgs ball weight. The tank is between the front spring hangers, in a good area of the chassis for weight.
On this tour clockling with the caravan in tow about 5000ks to north Qld across various road surfaces the whole unit has behaved really good, sometimes 3 tanks and other times just the 2 tanks.
Thanks Ralph, around the 20th we are heading to Adelaide to visit Eril's sister and continue around some of SA for a couple of weeks. I plan to have a set of new rear shockers for the Pajero, and from what I am learning I will take ball weight scales with me and try some experimenting with ball weights. I probably need to have the ball weight at the Pajero max of 180kg and see if I can make it comfortable to operate, if not then look further at the tug. The rig was sitting reasonably level this last trip without WDH.
Aussie Paul.
aussie_paul said
12:32 PM Aug 24, 2018
Left home loaded for 3 weeks travelling without 30kg of HR hanging off tow bar, I had it in Pajero "in case". Ball weight 185kg and water levels to achieve that. Tyre pressures all double checked. Being a bit nervous, after several trips where I did not feel comfortable with rig, I was taking things steady and began enjoying driving the rig again.
Purpose of trip is to visit Eril's sister and hubby in Adelaide, sort van ATM and have a look at the Yorke Peninsular. Came to Adelaide from Murray bridge via the more northern route. Quite a few hills, twists etc so good test for rig and me. I quite enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the more scenic drive and got to see the "big rocking horse" and take pics for the Grandies. Arrived at the mechanics, recommended by someone on this forum, and went through the inspection and paperwork process for me to produce to Vicroads when we get home. He had some wonderful and not so wonderful stories of people and their overweight and illegal rig set ups.
Settled in to Adelaide CP for a few days for the family stuff.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of August 2018 12:38:26 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of August 2018 12:55:21 PM
Paul hi, you have done well, I can see the joy and smiles form here in Queensland.
On our trip to North Queensland we have clocked up over 9000ks of that 8000ks with the caravan in tow has been very enjoyable, weights and measures is working well.
We have been enjoying ourselves without a care.
Keep it up Paul. Ral Pl h.
The Belmont Bear said
08:22 PM Aug 24, 2018
AP I am using the same towball scales as you and I was also concerned about the ball weight being a bit too light - when I checked the fully loaded van which was 2750kg it had a ball weight of 220kg (empty tanks). I travelled from Newcastle to Urunga then Hastings Point in the Tweed 2 weeks ago without filling the tanks and to me the rig seemed to be pretty stable except for a bit of movement when following large semis. This week for the return leg Hastings Point/Scotts Head/Newcastle I decided to fill the 2 x 95ltr water tanks which added an extra 40kg to the ball weight (260kg) the difference surprised me it was a pleasure to tow with the extra weight on the ball, my wife as passenger even commented that she could also notice the difference. On the M1 I set the adaptive cruise control on 100kph and the Jeep sat on that speed all day up and down hills averaging 16.1 ltrs/100kms, the only time that I needed to cancel it was when I came up behind slower vehicles, down steep descents or speed limit changes like roadworks. A few times I was overtaken by dual cab utes towing similar sized vans but as soon as we hit the longer climbs their speed would drop off and I would go around them easily just staying in cruise, a few kms down the road sure enough they would fly past me again. I wouldn't try using cruise on secondary roads, in winds or in wet conditions but out on the motorway in good weather and light traffic it was great and it didn't seem to have that much impact on the fuel consumption.
Cheers
BB
aussie_paul said
08:42 PM Aug 24, 2018
The Belmont Bear wrote:
AP I am using the same towball scales as you and I was also concerned about the ball weight being a bit too light - when I checked the fully loaded van which was 2750kg it had a ball weight of 220kg (empty tanks). I travelled from Newcastle to Urunga then Hastings Point in the Tweed 2 weeks ago without filling the tanks and to me the rig seemed to be pretty stable except for a bit of movement when following large semis. This week for the return leg Hastings Point/Scotts Head/Newcastle I decided to fill the 2 x 95ltr water tanks which added an extra 40kg to the ball weight (260kg) the difference surprised me it was a pleasure to tow with the extra weight on the ball, my wife as passenger even commented that she could also notice the difference. On the M1 I set the adaptive cruise control on 100kph and the Jeep sat on that speed all day up and down hills averaging 16.1 ltrs/100kms, the only time that I needed to cancel it was when I came up behind slower vehicles, down steep descents or speed limit changes like roadworks. A few times I was overtaken by dual cab utes towing similar sized vans but as soon as we hit the longer climbs their speed would drop off and I would go around them easily just staying in cruise, a few kms down the road sure enough they would fly past me again. I wouldn't try using cruise on secondary roads, in winds or in wet conditions but out on the motorway in good weather and light traffic it was great and it didn't seem to have that much impact on the fuel consumption.
Cheers
BB
That is great for you BB. .
I have learnt some more this trip, and will no doubt learn more as I experiment. I want to be legal AND comfortable driving the rig.
The 10% ball weight and WDH necessity might suit some and may not suit others. I think I was taking too much notice of too many people.
I reckon there could be quite a lively debate if one was to ask the pros and cons of 10% here and less in Europe.
Aussie Paul.
kesa32 said
10:34 PM Aug 24, 2018
Hi Aussie Paul, sorry l missed your reply earlier in July mate , we've been on the road since July 7th so been on and off line a lot lol
Anyway good to hear you caught up with Dale , he's a really honest guy , l got him to do some work on our Territory prior to leaving on this trip ( brakes , struts etc )
Sounds like your getting somewhere with your ball weight and handling mate which is good
Enjoy SA
aussie_paul said
11:38 PM Aug 24, 2018
kesa32 wrote:
Hi Aussie Paul, sorry l missed your reply earlier in July mate , we've been on the road since July 7th so been on and off line a lot lol
Anyway good to hear you caught up with Dale , he's a really honest guy , l got him to do some work on our Territory prior to leaving on this trip ( brakes , struts etc ) Sounds like your getting somewhere with your ball weight and handling mate which is good
Enjoy SA
Dale has been in the US and is due back when we get home so I will catch up again and see what he suggests. He lent me tow ball scales to measure and report back to him how much drop I get when I load the towbar. I have now bought my own set to keep everything balanced.
Aussie Paul.
kesa32 said
12:03 AM Aug 25, 2018
Yeah l have to catch up to him too when we get back in October to do the rear blade bushs as they are getting worn , he reckoned not to worry until we got back
Also l remember reading somewhere , could've been here , that it's preferable to run the van nose down a little , like 20mm? at the ball once hitched , as the vans nose will naturally lift a tad when driving ? Anyway that seems pretty normal with most vans , though you do on occasion see some badly setup vans at weird angles..... makes you shudder just looking at 'em !
Cheers
-- Edited by kesa32 on Saturday 25th of August 2018 12:30:43 AM
aussie_paul said
12:30 PM Oct 29, 2018
Update. Finally had a chance last week to empty van and take it to official weighbridge to get my new tare weight. This morning went to Vicroads who accepted the SA engineer that inspected the van, when we were in Adelaide late August, paperwork to have the ATM upgraded to the axle group load capacity. This takes ATM from 2727kg to 2950kg, so as long as I load to have no more than 180kg on the ball I will be ok.
Hoping to get away for a few days shortly to test all this out. Genset might have to sit on Eril's knees.
Aussie Paul.
Greg 1 said
06:51 PM Oct 29, 2018
I was in the exact same dilemma when we bought our van 3 and a half years ago. Had a lovely Pajero VRX which we were very fond of but the numbers just didn't add up.
From an engineering point of view the ball weight cannot just fall off the cliff at 2501kgs but legally you are bound by the manufacturers numbers.
I looked at all possible solutions and in the end bought a Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 litre which is currently on its third trip across the continent with the van in tow. Best decision I have made for a long while. Probably the best tow tug I have ever owned and I have had a few including Cruisers.
aussie_paul said
09:15 PM Nov 14, 2018
Eril has started moving only essentials back into the van. I have started the same with the front boot. Learnt a lot in 5 years.
Guy rang me back from equipeauto in Adelaide and says they do not have a GVM upgrade for a Pajero that is registered in Victoria.
AND $3600. Pajero has gone very soft in the rear end so some refurb is needed. Don't want to change van as it is very suitable to our needs other than too much ball weight.
With the van ATM upped to the axle rating of 2900kg and careful with water I think that will now be ok.
I would like to know the availabilty and cost of getting Pajero to carry more ball weight.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Tuesday 10th of July 2018 05:30:22 PM
Ok Ken. That is the sort of info I was hoping for. Thanks from Miners Rest.
Aussie Paul.
Called in to Truline and chatted Dale. He gave me a few clues. One of his guys was coming back with parts from Geelong last week and a twin cab with approx 24' van got the wobbles and pulled over to the side. His guy stopped to see if all ok. The driver had airbags and the chassis had broken both sides causing him to have a control problem!!
Dale has lent me some ball weight scales. He reckons some new rear shockers to start with.
Aussie Paul.
Hi interested parties, continuing with the weights situation for our few days away near Bendigo this last week. With full water tanks and re arranging loading we achieved the Pajero max ball weight of 180kg. The van ATM was still over BUT will have that upgraded to the group axle rating next month.
I decided not use to use the WDH and this put the tow ball a couple of inches closer to the Pajero rear axle. I was quite happy with the way the outfit travelled at our usual speed of 90/95 km/hour. We used most of the front tank water and she did not travel as well heading to the dump point at Newstead. I measured the tow ball weight and it was 160kg. I emptied the rear tank while emptying the cassette and this left the front tank at ¼ full. The tow ball weigh was now around 195kg and she travelled better than at the 160kg. I am wondering if that amount of ball weight change would be noticeable or is it me?
Ball weight of 160kg = approx. 5.517 %
Ball weight of 180kg = approx. 6.207 %
Ball weight of 195kg = approx. 6.724 %
Compliance plate of 142kg ball and van empty 2252kg is 6.305 %
Aussie Paul.
The attached pics showing side view without WDH.
Genset not on rear bumper.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 2nd of August 2018 03:14:08 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 2nd of August 2018 03:15:41 PM
Hi Paul, I personally would like more weight on the ball but I could not put that down in written words which is not very encouraging to you.
When I fill our front 80 litre water tank adding about extra 30kgs to our nomal 270kgs ball weight. The tank is between the front spring hangers, in a good area of the chassis for weight.
On this tour clockling with the caravan in tow about 5000ks to north Qld across various road surfaces the whole unit has behaved really good, sometimes 3 tanks and other times just the 2 tanks.
Thanks Ralph, around the 20th we are heading to Adelaide to visit Eril's sister and continue around some of SA for a couple of weeks. I plan to have a set of new rear shockers for the Pajero, and from what I am learning I will take ball weight scales with me and try some experimenting with ball weights. I probably need to have the ball weight at the Pajero max of 180kg and see if I can make it comfortable to operate, if not then look further at the tug. The rig was sitting reasonably level this last trip without WDH.
Aussie Paul.
Left home loaded for 3 weeks travelling without 30kg of HR hanging off tow bar, I had it in Pajero "in case".
Ball weight 185kg and water levels to achieve that. Tyre pressures all double checked. Being a bit nervous, after several trips where I did not feel comfortable with rig, I was taking things steady and began enjoying driving the rig again.
Purpose of trip is to visit Eril's sister and hubby in Adelaide, sort van ATM and have a look at the Yorke Peninsular. Came to Adelaide from Murray bridge via the more northern route. Quite a few hills, twists etc so good test for rig and me. I quite enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the more scenic drive and got to see the "big rocking horse" and take pics for the Grandies.
Arrived at the mechanics, recommended by someone on this forum, and went through the inspection and paperwork process for me to produce to Vicroads when we get home. He had some wonderful and not so wonderful stories of people and their overweight and illegal rig set ups.
Settled in to Adelaide CP for a few days for the family stuff.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of August 2018 12:38:26 PM
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 24th of August 2018 12:55:21 PM
Paul hi, you have done well, I can see the joy and smiles form here in Queensland.
On our trip to North Queensland we have clocked up over 9000ks of that 8000ks with the caravan in tow has been very enjoyable, weights and measures is working well.
We have been enjoying ourselves without a care.
Keep it up Paul. Ral Pl h.
AP I am using the same towball scales as you and I was also concerned about the ball weight being a bit too light - when I checked the fully loaded van which was 2750kg it had a ball weight of 220kg (empty tanks). I travelled from Newcastle to Urunga then Hastings Point in the Tweed 2 weeks ago without filling the tanks and to me the rig seemed to be pretty stable except for a bit of movement when following large semis. This week for the return leg Hastings Point/Scotts Head/Newcastle I decided to fill the 2 x 95ltr water tanks which added an extra 40kg to the ball weight (260kg) the difference surprised me it was a pleasure to tow with the extra weight on the ball, my wife as passenger even commented that she could also notice the difference. On the M1 I set the adaptive cruise control on 100kph and the Jeep sat on that speed all day up and down hills averaging 16.1 ltrs/100kms, the only time that I needed to cancel it was when I came up behind slower vehicles, down steep descents or speed limit changes like roadworks. A few times I was overtaken by dual cab utes towing similar sized vans but as soon as we hit the longer climbs their speed would drop off and I would go around them easily just staying in cruise, a few kms down the road sure enough they would fly past me again. I wouldn't try using cruise on secondary roads, in winds or in wet conditions but out on the motorway in good weather and light traffic it was great and it didn't seem to have that much impact on the fuel consumption.
Cheers
BB
That is great for you BB.
.
I have learnt some more this trip, and will no doubt learn more as I experiment. I want to be legal AND comfortable driving the rig.
The 10% ball weight and WDH necessity might suit some and may not suit others. I think I was taking too much notice of too many people.
I reckon there could be quite a lively debate if one was to ask the pros and cons of 10% here and less in Europe.
Aussie Paul.
Anyway good to hear you caught up with Dale , he's a really honest guy , l got him to do some work on our Territory prior to leaving on this trip ( brakes , struts etc )
Sounds like your getting somewhere with your ball weight and handling mate which is good
Enjoy SA
Dale has been in the US and is due back when we get home so I will catch up again and see what he suggests. He lent me tow ball scales to measure and report back to him how much drop I get when I load the towbar. I have now bought my own set to keep everything balanced.
Aussie Paul.
Yeah l have to catch up to him too when we get back in October to do the rear blade bushs as they are getting worn , he reckoned not to worry until we got back
Also l remember reading somewhere , could've been here , that it's preferable to run the van nose down a little , like 20mm? at the ball once hitched , as the vans nose will naturally lift a tad when driving ? Anyway that seems pretty normal with most vans , though you do on occasion see some badly setup vans at weird angles..... makes you shudder just looking at 'em !
Cheers
-- Edited by kesa32 on Saturday 25th of August 2018 12:30:43 AM
Update. Finally had a chance last week to empty van and take it to official weighbridge to get my new tare weight. This morning went to Vicroads who accepted the SA engineer that inspected the van, when we were in Adelaide late August, paperwork to have the ATM upgraded to the axle group load capacity. This takes ATM from 2727kg to 2950kg, so as long as I load to have no more than 180kg on the ball I will be ok.
Hoping to get away for a few days shortly to test all this out. Genset might have to sit on Eril's knees.
Aussie Paul.
Eril has started moving only essentials back into the van. I have started the same with the front boot. Learnt a lot in 5 years.
Aussie Paul.