Towing concerns

[3kids]

Hi to all the knowledgable people commenting here.
After trolling through a lot of threads it has become apparent there are potential issues with towing for the 3 litre auto and hills due to over heating of engine and the auto gearbox.
Mine is a stock standard 2012 series 8 and I was hoping to be towing a 1500kg camper trailer, with maybe an extra 500kg's added to the tug. An electric brake controller will be installed shortly.
The max distance initially will be 200-400kms.
Also when not not towing the patrol will be the boss' taxi travelling up and down Welshpool rd hill to Lesmurdie WA and I am slightly concerned that it wont cruise up there at an easy 70-80kmph.
Are there any must have mods that are recommended for the situations metioned above.
Thanks again for the great read so far

[gu8 patrol]

Gday 3kids,ive got a 2012 GU8 AUTO,i reguarly tow a 2ton camper with mine no problems,i have had a 2 3/4 inch beaudesert exhaust put on which really opened the 3ltr up,other than that i installed a oil temp gauge on the tranny,temp never goes over 50c and up to 80 on long hills,make sure when towing you dont drive with the overdrive on,quickest way to cook the tranny.

[Clunk]

Not sure how many gears you guys have in your autos, my old gq only has 1,2 and D plus overdrive....... if you have 4, I'd be dropping down to maybe third gear on Lesmurdie Hill

What you tapin at!!!!!????

[3kids]

Thanks,
As I am new to the 4wd world and a little naive concerning diesels, will the 2 3/4 exhaust have warranty impacts.
Also how is your fuel consumption driving moderately, I plan on enjoying the ride and scenery
I was aware that towing in top gear/overdrive wasnt wise
As stated in intro I am picking up the new toy in 2 days (well the boss is as I am up north) and am getting pretty excited.
Can anyone recommend a reputable Perth based diesel mechanic / 4WD mod centre??

[Clunk]

Not sure about diesel mechanics but the Robson Brothers in Welshpool specialise in 4wd servicing, probably do mods too...... they're not cheap but have a good reputation.

What you tapin at!!!!!????

[3kids]

Thanks Clunk.
Yes I am new and not understanding the "Tapin at" comment (sorry)
The auto is as you stated with 1st, 2nd, drive and overdrive.
I will make sure the lady drops it to 3rd when cruising up the hill.
FYI I wanted a manual but as it was to be the main family car I had to settle for the auto. I figure it was a small compromise to get into my first ever near new vehicle and a 4WD to boot

[3kids]

Cheers Clunk,
Just worked out the tapin at is your signature.
I cant seem to be able to thank you for your assistance by just clicking an icon.
Good help and service in Perth is never cheap, you just want a reliable, recommended company that is referred by others

[Lieney]

Feel free to down-shift (if tranny doesn't do it) and keep engine near on top of torque curve and keep suitable speed.
Down-shift can also assist in ensuring your converter remains locked-up during the climb, as overdrive may cause the converter to slip and cook the oil over time.
Temp gauge in the tranny is one thing you could add to see where you are at.
If you find trans temps are high, you can get aftermarket or larger transmission coolers to increase the cooling efficiency.
Bigger exhaust and chip for increased power and cooler egts. But I'd consider boost and egt gauge if you want to up-size the exhaust. (lots of threads on this)

[Clunk]

No worries 3kids ........... Mines an old GQ patrol auto and always tend to drive with the overdrive off, unless I'm doin over 90 on the flat. Uphills, downhills again overdrive is off

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[3kids]

Thanks again GU8 Patrol, Clunk and Lieney,
I have a lot to consider (including future proposals to the finance minister)
One thing I enjoy and should add to my profile is researching topics that directly interest me.
It is a plus getting advice from enthusiasts and not a salesperson.

Will keep the site posted on my growth into 4WDing.

[Clunk]

Well keep an eye out coz there's a few of us on here who get together from time to time for a bit of wheeling and a few of us are members of the Western patrol club..... I think details are still in my signature if youre on a pc. Also a bloody good bunch of knowledgeable folk who are willing to help spend other people's hard earned lmao :D

Don't stroke it, TAP it!!!!.....

[happygu]

Dave,

If yours is standard off the showroom floor, you will have nothing to worry about.

It will have heaps of grunt, and you will be wondering why you worried about it in the first place.

The Auto will kick down by itself on the hills anyway, so it won't be stuck at 70 kmph. I think the only complaint I have heard is the constant kicking down every time you touch the throttle.

Once you start modifying with bigger tyres and the extra bits and pieces, then you will probably need to think about exhausts and chips...... having said that, mine is still standard.

Mic

[3kids]

Good to hear mic,
It is comforting to know the stocker is a very capable unit.

Clunk,
I look forward to visiting your site tomorrow when I can access a fibre network instead of a wireless unit that continually drops out.
It is probably all the WC Eagles supporters accessing help lines overloading the usable band width after the defeat dished out by the dockers

I just couldn't help myself

[twisty]

FYI I wanted a manual but as it was to be the main family car I had to settle for the auto.

Be happy with the auto! Better box than a manual for 4wd except downhill (not everyone agrees though :-). Learn to drive through the brakes and you have "poor mans lockers". Enjoy the new rig.

[NissanGQ4.2]

Not sure how many gears you guys have in your autos, my old gq only has 1,2 and D plus overdrive....... if you have 4, I'd be dropping down to maybe third gear on Lesmurdie Hill

What you tapin at!!!!!????

Yours is a 4 speed gearbox

[gu8 patrol]

Gday 3kids,depending on where in perth you are,i generally go to opposite lock midland or lifestyle 4wd in morley,both places are great at what they do and are very helpful for information about your 4by,there is no warranty issues with th 2 3/4 exhaust as it only helps it breath better,power is greatly improved and i dont really see the need for a chip,but others may have different opinions,just depends what you want out of it i suppose,i havnt really had a chance to record any fuel figures yet as i just go out and have fun in it,im off to do the top end and the kimberleys for 2 months in may so will report fuel figures when i return,have fun with your gu,there great.

[Cuppa]

Can anyone recommend a reputable Perth based diesel mechanic / 4WD mod centre??

Probably a tad off topic here, but a recommendation to folks over in the west.

Not a a 4wd mod centre & not even in Perth........ But in my experience finding a good mechanic is a real lottery, finding a great mechanic is a find indeed. I cannot recommend Dave & his team at Avon Precision Engineering Services in Northam, WA highly enough. His workshop serviced our bus (3.3 litre 4 cyl Nissan) when we were over that way. Not only was Dave a rare commodity in that he actually listened to what I wanted, evidenced by his responses & the advice he gave, but his workshop & team are highly skilled & very well set up. They have full machining/engine reconditioning facilities on site, so as well as general mechanical work can undertake any rebuild/repair. Even has x-ray for cylinder heads etc. Generally I think they concentrate on larger trucks (I think they are a CAT agent), but we found them exceptionally helpful. This is not an 'eat your dinner off the spotless floor' type of workshop in case that is the sort of thing you prefer to pay for.
Later when further north we had problems with work done in Geraldton, Dave was very helpful with advice on the phone. I only wish we lived closer as without exception I have never found a better set up, skilled & trustworthy workshop.

No connection other an as a very satisfied customer.

A.P.E.S. - 9 Chidlow st, Northam, 08 9622 2782.

[Clunk]

Yours is a 4 speed gearbox

Semantics my dear Toddy lol

What you tapin at!!!!!????

[3kids]

Thanks again,
3 of the recommended mechanics are basically next door considering how spread out Perth is and Northam is only 1 hour away.
Throw in the pleasant cruise through Mundaring and it makes for a possible visit to sound out the Northam option

[rottodiver]

Be happy with the auto! Better box than a manual for 4wd except downhill (not everyone agrees though :-). Learn to drive through the brakes and you have "poor mans lockers". Enjoy the new rig.

Auto lock up switch fixes the down hill problem!!!!!
Scotty

[jack]

Auto lock up switch fixes the down hill problem!!!!!
Scotty

The car is still under warranty, wouldn't that possibly void it?

[rottodiver]

The car is still under warranty, wouldn't that possibly void it?

Yeah I think you are right, wasn't specifically talking about this car, was referring to the problem with autos in general... But yes I stand corrected..
Scotty

[jack]

I'm considering installing one but worried about the warranty issue, was hoping that someone would come on and say 'no problems with the warranty' :biggrin:

[emm]

We have a 2010 3lt auto and we towed our 2tonne van too woods point recently... The hill up from Marysville we lost power and ended up freaking out that we were travelling at 20kph with overdrive off (!!!). On the way home I read in the manual about the power button giving power on hills and the difference was like night and day, heaps better and back to being the type of car we love!
BTW I loved woods point, how good is it?? Won't be taking an 18 foot full sized van there again in a hurry though, roads too narrow.

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