WHD

fredcam · Veteran Member

WHD

TheHeaths · Guru

Just an observation.

If the vehicle is new as in a brand spanker, and the manufacturer states you do not use a WDH, then I would not use a WDH for fear of voiding the warranty. Certainly not until the end of the warranty, by which time you will know if the unit would benefit from a WDH or not.

If it is new to you, but used vehicle, then you need to be guided by other owners as to any benefits using a WDH.

This comment is not based on any experience with the nominated vehicle. It may be wise if this post was moved to the Weights sub forum.

-- Edited by TheHeaths on Wednesday 13th of January 2021 01:27:01 PM

Greg 1 · Guru

Some manufacturers recommend a WDH others don't. There are various reasons for that such as the calculated loads on towbar attach points and the like and loads on the rear suspension and axle. If Isuzu don't recommend one then I would try without one. It is not essential but used correctly can have a benefit on steering control and vehicle stability. By the sound of your van, you are more than likely well within the capacity of your vehicle, so it should not have trouble with the van on the back without a WDH.

Possum3 · Guru

I would suggest have the new van fitted with a Dexter Stability Control System and adhere to correct loading of van with 10% total mass on tow-ball.

Seek qualified opinion from Caravan Council of Australia. www.caravancouncil.com.au/contact

fredcam · Veteran Member

Thanks for your help god bless yours all

DMaxer · Guru

When I purchased my Dmax I contacted their engineering department regarding using a WDH. They informed me that they did not recommend using a WDH on the basis that they had not tested one. It was not because they thought it may have adverse consequences, just that as they had not tested one they could not recommend it.

When I took my Dmax in for its services, I enquired of the service staff whether it would cause any problems with my vehicle if I used one. They gave me the same reply as the engineers at Isuzu but added that most of the ones that came in for services that were used for towing vans had been using them and there were no issues. The other advice that they gave me was to fit an extra leaf to the suspension. They had a Dmax that was used for NRMA work and carried batteries and other stuff in the rear. That is what they fitted to that vehicle to carry a heavy payload.

Gundog · Guru

Wether to use a WDH a number of factors come into consideration, firstly you need to confirm that your vehicle manufacture forbids their use totally or not with their tow equipment, or they have no opinion.

If it is because of their towing equipment, then you would need to look at specialist towbar manufactures like Haymen Reece.

There is no point in buying a WDH, before you know if you actually need one, to get to that point you need to fully load your caravan, level it off and then measure the height of the towing coupling.

Next you need to set you towball at the same height as the coupling, now you can connect the 2 vehicles together. If the vehicles remain almost level no action is required except weighing them. If the front of the van and the rear of the towing drop vehicle and rear of the caravan and front of the tow have risen, then the first requirement would be to move load around in the van in an attempt to get a better balance. If this is not acheivable then you may need a WDH.

A word of caution Air Bags, Helper Springs etc are not the answer.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

The weight transfer from the rear to the front of the tug will improve the handling and control of every combination with an overhung hitch, irrespective of any other factors.
It is physics.
Cheers,
Peter

BarneyBDB · Senior Member

Only if you stay on the smooth bitumen, the same physics can cause things to break if the nose of the tug rises or falls.

Tones · Veteran Member

Hi Fredcam,

I note that Isuzu now provide a WDH as an approved Isuzu accessory for the new Dmax. This can be used with the Isuzu towbar. Also, for your information, the new model has an external auto transmission heater/cooler as standard. I know that you are buying an MUX; it might be worth talking to the dealer about whether or not the new Isuzu approved WDH for Dmax is applicable to your new vehicle. Just a thought.

Tones

-- Edited by Tones on Thursday 14th of January 2021 11:22:44 AM

-- Edited by Tones on Thursday 14th of January 2021 11:23:09 AM