Towing with a Y62

[fillmc]

Anyone had experience towing with the latest Patrol?

[gaddy]

I think the question should be , does anybody own one , I see a bronze one around , but also see the same one parked at the local nissan dealer each day , I am a rep on the road evey day and only seen 3 or 4 since the release .

[fillmc]

Yeah - that's what worries me
I bought one and put 280kg on the tow ball and watched in horror as it sank over 3" - supposed to have 350kg capability!!!!!!
Now I am told there is no OE or AM products that can address this - not even air bags - due to the new suspension system


If anyone out there can help me I would greatly appreciate it - I am a tad desperate

[MudRunnerTD]

Yeah - that's what worries me
I bought one and put 280kg on the tow ball and watched in horror as it sank over 3" - supposed to have 350kg capability!!!!!!
Now I am told there is no OE or AM products that can address this - not even air bags - due to the new suspension system


If anyone out there can help me I would greatly appreciate it - I am a tad desperate

No way. Old Man emu has a system and I absolutely know that Radflow also have a package. I have seen it. Tidy.

Also speak with Polyair who is a vendor here.

Before that though mate head over to the intro section and say Gday. ;)

[Hodge]

I've seen one towing a serious boat. Now i don't know what the download kg would be but this thing looked level and had ome suspension on it. Give arb a call and ask.
Might also add it sounded very beefy when it took off.

[MudRunnerTD]

http://www.dobinsonsprings.com/news-20110708-y62.php

Up market but very nice

https://www.radflo.com/store/product-tag/2010-nissan-patrol-y62/

[MudRunnerTD]

ARB

http://cache.arb.com.au/catalogue/international/files/assets/basic-html/page137.html


5 minutes on google. There is plenty around mate.

[fillmc]

Thanks chaps and yes it has a very nice engine burble - just gotta love a V8

I guess I should have said it is the TiL model with the hydraulic body motion control system which adds a dimension of difficulty in finding a solution

I appreciate the inputs - thanks

[happygu]

Does it really matter too much if it sags in the rear when you are towing?

As long as it recovers when you remove the load, and it doesn't steer into oncoming traffic at will, it will be ok

Mic

[fillmc]

Cheers happygu - Yeah - sagging rear end is accompanied by raised front end which means less weight on front wheels - steering and handling compromised When encountering undulations at 90-100k. - even on sealed roads - this condition is exaggerated to the point of feeling very unsafe.

Cheers

[MudRunnerTD]

Your option may be to disable the Hydraulic suspension in favour of quality After Market. You still get all the really nice Ti options other than the OE suspension that is not suitable for you? Or just replace the springs only in the rear with HD springs without Ride height increase.

[fillmc]

Thanks mate - some food for thought indeed - have one chap at Nissan who still gives a toss so will run the ideas past him

One worry is that it seems every time an owner wants to change something Nissan automatically wants to nullify the warranty - tough problem

[MudRunnerTD]

Thanks mate - some food for thought indeed - have one chap at Nissan who still gives a toss so will run the ideas past him

One worry is that it seems every time an owner wants to change something Nissan automatically wants to nullify the warranty - tough problem

Give ARB a call and asked them directly about their Old Man Emu setup for your Y62. Don't call your local store though as they almost certainly won't know. Give Head office a call in Kilsyth Victoria.

[fillmc]

Thanks mate - you may have hit the bullseye - if this works I will owe you a beer -- Just noted the base model Patrol TLS has standard suspension so maybe common architecture will allow disconnection and refit - Thanks again

[brycebrown]

whats the thoughts on new patrol any good?

[fillmc]

Hi Bryce brown
Getting the negatives out of the way I bought it knowing it to be a thirsty beast but I didn't expect the saggy bum problem. Hopefully the latter will be resolved

As to the rest - what an awesome beast - as it runs in the exhaust just gets better - nothing beats a V8 burble - comfort is sublime - leather and all - heated AND cooled seats = cool box - 9gb hard drive - bose sound system and on it goes. Rear seats are roomy and comfortable , surprise for a 4wd. Its BIG and I think very awesome and civilised enough around town - auto rear door lift is luxury. Bear in mind I am assessing as a caravaner needing a A1 tug and soft offroader. all in all I will love it if I can get the towing thing sorted

[BigRAWesty]

Are there irs? Can coil bags be fitted??

[MudRunnerTD]

whats the thoughts on new patrol any good?

G'day Bryce,

Please head over to the introduction section and post a Hello mate, we ask everyone to introduce themselves please.

See my note in the second post in this thread for fillmc.

[fillmc]

Todays update for those interested
Got an email from Nissan saying their tech people would look again at the issue
Got a phone call from ARB - great chaps- who recommend replacement of rear springs at 200kg or 400kg rating depending on what else I am carrying in the car. If they disconnect the HVMS system they would have to install ant sway bars and other components to manage ythe new configuration - they advise against that course of action
I am now waiting on Nissan before I pull the trigger on ARB action
Just for fun go to the Nissan Aus website a look up the TiL Patrol - the towing section has a big boat behind a Patrol and the statement that "it will surpass all your towing expectations" Hmmmmmmmm I don't think so Mr Nissan

[MudRunnerTD]

Todays update for those interested
Got an email from Nissan saying their tech people would look again at the issue
Got a phone call from ARB - great chaps- who recommend replacement of rear springs at 200kg or 400kg rating depending on what else I am carrying in the car. If they disconnect the HVMS system they would have to install ant sway bars and other components to manage ythe new configuration - they advise against that course of action
I am now waiting on Nissan before I pull the trigger on ARB action
Just for fun go to the Nissan Aus website a look up the TiL Patrol - the towing section has a big boat behind a Patrol and the statement that "it will surpass all your towing expectations" Hmmmmmmmm I don't think so Mr Nissan

That's great news that ARB can sort it out mate. Obviously you must go without a Lift to fit the springs and retain the HVMS but as a Tow vehicle that should be fine.

Given the fact that Nissan push the Y62 as the ultimate Tow rig (surely the intended purpose in our market) and its failing! Maybe they will replace the factory springs for you as they are obviously inadequate assuming your Towball weight is within spec!

Let us know what they say please.

[fillmc]

Ok - here is the state of play on the new Patrol towing capability
Nissan repeat that the vehicle is within specifications ???? What does that mean?- it was designed to drop 3+" when 280kg is put on the tow bar? - with of course a corresponding rise at the front to the extent steering is compromised? "within specification" come now Nissan
Anyway with car fridge, toolbox and sundry other necessities the car ( without van) sat a few centimetres low at the rear until ARB fitted their OME 200kg springs. Again without the van this realised an 84cm lift at the rear. With the van this produced a very level ride to the extent the ride leveller bars are redundant
Towing at 100km/hr and more is now comfortable and our trip will proceed in safety and comfort. BUT when I get home and unhitch the van and unload the car I am not sure what all to expect of the vehicle - that can however wait until then.
Have Nissan reimbursed the $90 for the weigh bridge certs - NO
Have Nissan offered to pay for the OME springs -$491 - NO
Has anyone from Nissan customer service contacted me - NO
Damn poor show Nissan but understand I have now had 23 enquiries about this vehicle from travellers and grey nomads - and expect that number to increase significantly over the next 5-6months travelling. What message do you think I will be carrying Mr Nissan? The vehicle performs to specifications which are to drop 3+ inches with 280kg on the ball , of course.
Buyer beware - this is not the ideal towing tug you will be lead to believe it is by all the written info and the spiel you will get from the salespeople. Basically a pack of lies.
Thanks for reading the rant and the help along the way (thanks Mudrunner) -- next stage Consumer Affairs. Cheers Phil

[monkeeman]

Hi Phil,
I bought the same car 3 weeks ago and have towed a 1,500kg camper and a 4.5m boat (light) and it went very well. I had electric brakes for the camper on my previous GU but I'm not going to worry about it for the new Trol.
Speaking to the dealer he said a client towed a 3,200kg boat and put in airbags from ARB, but it sounds like you have it sorted.

Brilliant car. Economy is 12l/100kms on the highway not towing and 16 - 18l/100 towing. its 25 - 30l/100 when flogging it, as you'd expect so overall very impressed!

Its light years beyond the GU, may she rest in peace!

Mark

[fillmc]

Did fit 200kg rear springs and all is well (at least until I get to unpacking and running around empty) Similar fuel use - I am towing 2.8 tonne tandem wheeled caravan. Forced to travel at 90kph for an hour the other day and got 18 l/100km
Yes an awesome vehicle - Nissan just lie bare faced about its towing capacity/performance




Hi Phil,
I bought the same car 3 weeks ago and have towed a 1,500kg camper and a 4.5m boat (light) and it went very well. I had electric brakes for the camper on my previous GU but I'm not going to worry about it for the new Trol.
Speaking to the dealer he said a client towed a 3,200kg boat and put in airbags from ARB, but it sounds like you have it sorted.

Brilliant car. Economy is 12l/100kms on the highway not towing and 16 - 18l/100 towing. its 25 - 30l/100 when flogging it, as you'd expect so overall very impressed!

Its light years beyond the GU, may she rest in peace!

Mark

[Luke62]

I've got an STL without the HBMC and had the same problem, put the camping trailer on the back and it was sitting on the bump stops, questioned Nissan and they said put a 2 inch lift in it! Pretty poor on nissans behalf. I've put a dobinson lift with 350kg springs in the rear and it's a lot better, doesn't sag at all with the camper on now. Check out Arb Dandenong as they have a TI with a 2 inch lift in it

[bullo]

Hi, I just had the Firestone coil air bags fitted and they work really well. Only have them pumped to 15 psi with a 220kg ball weight on an almost 3 ton caravan. Mine is a Ti with the kinetic suspension and tows really well. Cost was $500 even and works really well, no back to front pitch on undulating roads either. Also only used 19.4l/100k's towing for the first fill, my Gu 8 uses much the same, same caravan similar speeds, road was hilly and windy so had to travel around the 95k/h, probably only 5 kph faster than the oldie but never dropped below 80kph even on the steeper hills. cheers!
t

[bullo]

Hi, I just had the Firestone coil air bags fitted and they work really well. Only have them pumped to 15 psi with a 220kg ball weight on an almost 3 ton caravan. Mine is a Ti with the kinetic suspension and tows really well. Cost was $500 even and works really well, no back to front pitch on undulating roads either. Also only used 19.4l/100k's towing for the first fill, my Gu 8 uses much the same, same caravan similar speeds, road was hilly and windy so had to travel around the 95k/h, probably only 5 kph faster than the oldie but never dropped below 80kph even on the steeper hills. cheers!
t

Back now, averaged 21L/100 over 940 k's however 2/3 of trip against a head wind and then averaged 23L/100K's. One day hopefully I will get a tail wind and this should bring the average down. The head wind although 45 degrees off being straight ahead was very strong maybe 40kph. Big caravan, "big blunt instrument",
5260952609

[preacher]

[QUOTE=fillmc;498539]Todays update for those interested

Got a phone call from ARB - great chaps- who recommend replacement of rear springs at 200kg or 400kg rating depending on what else I am carrying in the car.

Anyway with car fridge, toolbox and sundry other necessities the car ( without van) sat a few centimetres low at the rear until ARB fitted their OME 200kg springs. Again without the van this realised an 84cm lift at the rear. With the van this produced a very level ride to the extent the ride leveller bars are redundant
Towing at 100km/hr and more is now comfortable and our trip will proceed in safety and comfort. BUT when I get home and unhitch the van and unload the car I am not sure what all to expect of the vehicle - that can however wait until then.

Did fit 200kg rear springs and all is well (at least until I get to unpacking and running around empty)


Thanks fillmc
Am I to understand that my Ti-L once loaded up with rear drawers, water tank, fridge, tools, camping gear, roof top tent etc etc AND/OR my caravan, can be fitted with 200kg or 400kg stiffer springs that will put the suspension back within spec for the hydraulics to work.
AND that when the Y62 is empty MAY raise it by 84mm - which is over 3". I appreciate at this stage that you haven't reported on these results on your return - however you must have measured the lift at some point to get that precise 84mm.
If this is the case and ARB can and are willing to do this mod then together with a variety of pressures in the after market airbags the Ti-L should be able to do anything, anywhere within spec, utilizing the benefits of the hydraulics both on road, towing and off road.
Please comment!!

[threedogs]

I read alot of bashing the Y62 for towing, I would think you would need to set the 4x4 up suspension wise
to be able to tow safely.
Most I've heard of pack the 4x4 to the hilt then hook up a van that is on the limit of the vehicle
then blame the 4x4 because it cant handle it.

Even the 4.8 GU would benefit from a larger radiator and decent suspension [not OE] and airbag assist in the rear.
Do all this and you might be singing its praises rather than canning it for its short comings.
Its an Off road 4x4 but we change a hell of a lot to go "Off road"
Do we can the GU cause we got stuck on some ruts when fitting 285s might have been all thats needed
plus a 2" lift to safely go "OFF ROAD".

[preacher]

I've got an STL without the HBMC and had the same problem, put the camping trailer on the back and it was sitting on the bump stops, questioned Nissan and they said put a 2 inch lift in it! Pretty poor on nissans behalf. I've put a dobinson lift with 350kg springs in the rear and it's a lot better, doesn't sag at all with the camper on now. Check out Arb Dandenong as they have a TI with a 2 inch lift in it

ARB Dandenong have a Ti-L with a lift and a winch, but have done away with the hydraulics HOWEVER it has been a heck of a lot of work and are not keen to emulate that job for the public.

[BigRAWesty]

Back now, averaged 21L/100 over 940 k's however 2/3 of trip against a head wind and then averaged 23L/100K's. One day hopefully I will get a tail wind and this should bring the average down. The head wind although 45 degrees off being straight ahead was very strong maybe 40kph. Big caravan, "big blunt instrument",
<img src="http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52609"/><img src="http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=52609"/>

They are some very respectable fuel figures there I think. I'd be happy with that for a full size van and 3 ton car.
I bet you'd gain a few litres if you dropped to 90km/h everywhere.

[bullo]

Last trip 900k's with a moderate tail wind actually got 19k/100 from bowser figures, and appears to get 21/100 with no wind and the usual 23/100 against a wind. Not alot of difference to the V8 LC's. I found manual 5th for most of the 90-100kph towing is best with a tap down to 4th when the car drops to 80kph going uphills. However I slip it across to auto on longer downhill runs, and then back to manual when it evens out. cheers!!