Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year;
how long have you owned this vehicle;
how many Km has the vehicle covered;
what ATM is the van you tow;
approx how many Km have been covered towing;
do you still tow with standard suspension.
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified;
improved;
repaired.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
rockylizard said
08:54 AM Dec 10, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto 2006
how long have you owned this vehicle; seven years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 210,000
what ATM is the van you tow; 2,700Kg
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 130,000
do you still tow with standard suspension. Yes
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; No
improved; No
repaired. No
Cheers - John
Gday...
Thought I would answer first to give an idea on how brief the response needs to be.
cheers - John
Dougwe said
09:26 AM Dec 10, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Holden, Colorado Twin Cab Ute with canopy, 2014
how long have you owned this vehicle; Since new
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 47,000
what ATM is the van you tow; 2,720Kg...actual, 2,680kg
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 30,000 approx
do you still tow with standard suspension. No
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; Yes...Added extra leaf to each side rear springs
improved; Yes...made stronger in rear end and raised back 2"
repaired. No
Cheers - John
Gday...
Thought I would answer first to give an idea on how brief the response needs to be.
cheers - John
G'day back at ya Rocky or should I say, How,
Edit....Should have said that I am extremely happy with my Collie and go as far as saying it is the best car I have ever had, does everything I want and need.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 10th of December 2016 09:27:56 AM
Peterpan said
09:26 AM Dec 10, 2016
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Great Wall, x240, 2010, Petrol
how long have you owned this vehicle; 6.5 years
how many Km has the vehicle covered;112,000klms
what ATM is the van you tow;1200kg
approx how many Km have been covered towing;30,000klm
do you still tow with standard suspension.Yes
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified;No
improved;No
repaired.No
Cheers - Peterpan
-- Edited by Peterpan on Saturday 10th of December 2016 09:28:29 AM
Bill B said
09:36 AM Dec 10, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year;
how long have you owned this vehicle;
how many Km has the vehicle covered;
what ATM is the van you tow;
approx how many Km have been covered towing;
do you still tow with standard suspension.
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified;
improved;
repaired.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
You forgot to ask the most important weight - Tow Ball Weight
rockylizard said
09:41 AM Dec 10, 2016
Gday...
Sorry, but no I didn't forget. I don't want to know that.
Neither do I want to know the GVM of the vehicle - or how much is carried IN the vehicle - or how much is carried ON the vehicle.
To gain a 100% snapshot of EVERY rig - vehicle and van - would take a list of questions so long to cover EVERY possible scenario that not even I would have any interest.
My interest is only as stated.
Cheers - John
kiwijims said
09:44 AM Dec 10, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; 89 Nissan Patrol
how long have you owned this vehicle; 8 Years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 500.000 km +
what ATM is the van you tow; 3.5T
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 70.000 km +
do you still tow with standard suspension. YES
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; No
improved; No
repaired. No
K.J.
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
Hey Jim said
10:02 AM Dec 10, 2016
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Toyota Landcruiser 200TTD GX 2012
how long have you owned this vehicle;4 Years
how many Km has the vehicle covered;86,000km
what ATM is the van you tow;2700kg
approx how many Km have been covered towing;45,000km
do you still tow with standard suspension.Yes
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified;No
improved;Yes / Coil Right Air Bags
repaired.No
Cheers - Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Saturday 10th of December 2016 04:40:54 PM
Tony Bev said
12:02 PM Dec 10, 2016
Apologies if I have gone off topic John
Not a tow vehicle, but a Recreation Vehicle, which some of us have Front wheel drive Fiat Ducato 2006 Modifications to rear springs
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified;Yes / Added extra leaf improved;Yes / No / Time will tell as only just done repaired.Yes / Reset original two leaf spring
Background information Brother has 2003 Ford Transit, rear wheel drive, Winnebago motorhome, 211,000 Kilometres His ride is four times more stable than mine, he has larger leaf springs and a stabiliser on his rear
On his recommendation, I went to the people he has previously used, as I could not find an extra spring leaf for my vehicle, while searching the Internet If my stability improves, then I shall recommend the people I used If my stability does not improve, then I shall advise what I had done, and for others not to bother
Desert Dweller said
05:45 AM Dec 11, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; NISSAN NAVARA D22 2015
how long have you owned this vehicle; BOUGHT NEW IN EARLY 2015 TO REPLACE 2011 FORD RANGER HIT BY LIGHTNING.
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 38,000KM
what ATM is the van you tow; 1580KG
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 30,000KM
do you still tow with standard suspension. YES
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; NO
improved; NO
repaired. NO
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
Vince said
10:25 AM Dec 11, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; 1992 Ford Maverick
how long have you owned this vehicle; 21 Years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 345,000
what ATM is the van you tow; 2460Kg
approx how many Km have been covered towing; Over 100,000 Camper and 12,000 Caravan
do you still tow with standard suspension. No
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; Yes, King 2" Raised 500kg Constant Load Rear & 2" Raised Standard Front/ Ironman Foam Cell Shocks/ adjustable Panhards Front & Rear
improved; Immensely on ride and handling and when towing.
repaired. No
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
John
I would be interested to know how your Discovery performs and if you have/had any issues or anything need to look for if purchasing.
I have been looking at a replacement vehicle and after looking at the Discovery 4 SDV6 Auto was impressed with the overall functionality
Interested to hear from others as well
Cheers
Vince
-- Edited by Vince on Sunday 11th of December 2016 10:27:47 AM
Crackles said
04:48 PM Dec 11, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year;2004 Toyota 100 Series Landcruuser Petrol Wagon
how long have you owned this vehicle; 7 Years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 275,000km
what ATM is the van you tow; 2664kg
approx how many Km have been covered towing;95,000km
do you still tow with standard suspension. Yes
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified;
improved; added coil air bags
repaired.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
Radar said
06:24 PM Dec 11, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Nissan Narara D40 DTV6 2014
how long have you owned this vehicle; 2.5 years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 50 000
what ATM is the van you tow; 1980 kgs
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 35 000
do you still tow with standard suspension. no
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; air bags added to rear
improved; ride while towing
repaired.had a shocker absorber failed, replaced the 4 with after market. great improvement on standard ride.
Cheers - Ralph
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
Hewy54 said
06:33 PM Dec 11, 2016
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Toyota Landcruiser, 80 series turbo diesel, 1995
how long have you owned this vehicle; 10 years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 411,000 km
what ATM is the van you tow; 1700 kgs
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 70 000
do you still tow with standard suspension. no
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; 2" lift all round
improved; air bags to rear
repaired nil
Cheers - Steve
Redlander said
09:47 AM Dec 12, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; 2013 Isuzu MUX
how long have you owned this vehicle; Since New
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 35000
what ATM is the van you tow; 1960
approx how many Km have been covered towing; not enough - 4000
do you still tow with standard suspension. Yes
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; No
improved; No
repaired. No
rockylizard said
12:12 PM Dec 13, 2016
Gday...
15,000 registered members on the forum .... 695 views ... 14 replies ...
So, just thought I'd "bump" this ... it appears very few feel they can share their experiences with the rest of us.
Cheers - John
Dougwe said
03:32 PM Dec 13, 2016
15,000 members maybe but 695 are probably more acurate in regular viewers, Rocky. Many seem to join up, ask a question or similar then never seen again, many without even a thankyou. Many over the years I have been here have deleted but their membership seems to still add to the count as with some that have been deleted by webmaster. I could be wrong though.
Don't get me wrong, I love this forum and would be very lost without it. I enjoy it for what it is meant for.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Dickodownunder said
07:47 PM Dec 13, 2016
John, without any predjudice or meaning any ill will..
Maybe the other 14986 members would question why? You need this info...
If the questions are so that you may make an educated decision about a certain make and model then just ask about that make and model.
All other info is irrelevant.
IMO a vehicle is set up to personally suit the application required by the owner.
If I may use myself as an example.
I have a MY 2014 200 Series LC.
I notice that there are many people that purchase these type of vehicle for towing.
For example, some want to go "off road" with a tent as well as tow a 3 tonne van at differing times.
Others, like me, only want to tow the van, the rest of the time the car needs to be, for me, a comfortable tourer, capable of travelling quietly all day just eating up the kilometres.
There are many numerous cosiderations around the personalised use of any vehicle.
Without going into any more detail I feel that most wont contribute as there are just to many variables to be considered when an individual owner sets up his/her vehicle for towing, off road use, or just plain highway touring.
I note by your answer to your own question that your LRD is not modified in any way to tow your 2700 kg van, but the next owner of the same vehicle may have changed, modified, or repaired his / her LRD to suit the required operation of that vehicle.
Current vehicle manufacturers offer many varying options as well. The 200 series LC for example can be opted with KSS suspension which then changes many perameters within the vehicle specification and the way that vehicle performs.
I dont think that people were ignoring your post, 600 odd views confirms that, but most, I think, like me, cant see the need to reply without including all the reasons for the modifications.
rockylizard said
07:55 PM Dec 13, 2016
Gday...
thanks Geoff. Ya probably hit the nail on the proverbial.
Now ... where is that damned bat and ball .... I feel like I should go home
cheers - John
Dickodownunder said
09:17 PM Dec 13, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
thanks Geoff. Ya probably hit the nail on the proverbial.
Now ... where is that damned bat and ball .... I feel like I should go home
cheers - John
If we could get a few more John we could have a game of Back Yard cricket
PeterD said
08:58 AM Dec 14, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
Rocky, a lot of this "needs more power" and "needs a suspension upgrade" are just perceived conditions and are not really necessary. The more power mob are just rev heads, they most likely are the ones who modified their vehicles in their youth. The suspension upgrade mob are those that overload or refuse to use WDH. If you moderate your wants and purchase a van of 2700 kg or less you will have room in the tug for a decent share of the load there and you will have a much safer rig.
Also people who just upgrade the rear suspension without stiffening the front as well upset the under-steer characteristics of their tug. At the wrong moment they are likely to suffer an over-steer moment and not know what is happening. Go to this link and read the articles on "Caravan/Tow Vehicle Behaviour & Suspension."
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Saturday 10th of December 2016 08:50:17 AM
Gday...
Thought I would answer first to give an idea on how brief the response needs to be.
cheers - John
G'day back at ya Rocky or should I say, How,
Edit....Should have said that I am extremely happy with my Collie and go as far as saying it is the best car I have ever had, does everything I want and need.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Saturday 10th of December 2016 09:27:56 AM
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
Cheers - Peterpan
-- Edited by Peterpan on Saturday 10th of December 2016 09:28:29 AM
You forgot to ask the most important weight - Tow Ball Weight
Gday...
Sorry, but no I didn't forget. I don't want to know that.
Neither do I want to know the GVM of the vehicle - or how much is carried IN the vehicle - or how much is carried ON the vehicle.
To gain a 100% snapshot of EVERY rig - vehicle and van - would take a list of questions so long to cover EVERY possible scenario that not even I would have any interest.
My interest is only as stated.
Cheers - John
Gday...
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
Cheers - Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Saturday 10th of December 2016 04:40:54 PM
Apologies if I have gone off topic John
Not a tow vehicle, but a Recreation Vehicle, which some of us have
Front wheel drive Fiat Ducato 2006
Modifications to rear springs
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
Background information
Brother has 2003 Ford Transit, rear wheel drive, Winnebago motorhome, 211,000 Kilometres
His ride is four times more stable than mine, he has larger leaf springs and a stabiliser on his rear
On his recommendation, I went to the people he has previously used, as I could not find an extra spring leaf for my vehicle, while searching the Internet
If my stability improves, then I shall recommend the people I used
If my stability does not improve, then I shall advise what I had done, and for others not to bother
John
I would be interested to know how your Discovery performs and if you have/had any issues or anything need to look for if purchasing.
I have been looking at a replacement vehicle and after looking at the Discovery 4 SDV6 Auto was impressed with the overall functionality
Interested to hear from others as well
Cheers
Vince
-- Edited by Vince on Sunday 11th of December 2016 10:27:47 AM
Over time I read about tow vehicles and the need (requirement?) to modify/improve/repair the standard suspension.
I would be interested in -
what vehicle do you own - make/model/year; Toyota Landcruiser, 80 series turbo diesel, 1995
how long have you owned this vehicle; 10 years
how many Km has the vehicle covered; 411,000 km
what ATM is the van you tow; 1700 kgs
approx how many Km have been covered towing; 70 000
do you still tow with standard suspension. no
If you have needed to alter the standard suspension, which did you do and how?
modified; 2" lift all round
improved; air bags to rear
repaired nil
Cheers - Steve
Gday...
15,000 registered members on the forum .... 695 views ... 14 replies ...
So, just thought I'd "bump" this ... it appears very few feel they can share their experiences with the rest of us.
Cheers - John
Don't get me wrong, I love this forum and would be very lost without it. I enjoy it for what it is meant for.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Maybe the other 14986 members would question why? You need this info...
If the questions are so that you may make an educated decision about a certain make and model then just ask about that make and model.
All other info is irrelevant.
IMO a vehicle is set up to personally suit the application required by the owner.
If I may use myself as an example.
I have a MY 2014 200 Series LC.
I notice that there are many people that purchase these type of vehicle for towing.
For example, some want to go "off road" with a tent as well as tow a 3 tonne van at differing times.
Others, like me, only want to tow the van, the rest of the time the car needs to be, for me, a comfortable tourer, capable of travelling quietly all day just eating up the kilometres.
There are many numerous cosiderations around the personalised use of any vehicle.
Without going into any more detail I feel that most wont contribute as there are just to many variables to be considered when an individual owner sets up his/her vehicle for towing, off road use, or just plain highway touring.
I note by your answer to your own question that your LRD is not modified in any way to tow your 2700 kg van, but the next owner of the same vehicle may have changed, modified, or repaired his / her LRD to suit the required operation of that vehicle.
Current vehicle manufacturers offer many varying options as well. The 200 series LC for example can be opted with KSS suspension which then changes many perameters within the vehicle specification and the way that vehicle performs.
I dont think that people were ignoring your post, 600 odd views confirms that, but most, I think, like me, cant see the need to reply without including all the reasons for the modifications.
Gday...
Now ... where is that damned bat and ball .... I feel like I should go home
cheers - John
If we could get a few more John we could have a game of Back Yard cricket
Rocky, a lot of this "needs more power" and "needs a suspension upgrade" are just perceived conditions and are not really necessary. The more power mob are just rev heads, they most likely are the ones who modified their vehicles in their youth. The suspension upgrade mob are those that overload or refuse to use WDH. If you moderate your wants and purchase a van of 2700 kg or less you will have room in the tug for a decent share of the load there and you will have a much safer rig.
Also people who just upgrade the rear suspension without stiffening the front as well upset the under-steer characteristics of their tug. At the wrong moment they are likely to suffer an over-steer moment and not know what is happening. Go to this link and read the articles on "Caravan/Tow Vehicle Behaviour & Suspension."