Modifications for Towing

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Originally Posted by 4ly6m8

thanks for the warm welcome will post more details when i work out how to edit my details we are in gawler sa all help on towing modifications appreciated
cheers Andrew

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Welcome to the forum Andrew.

As far as modifications for towing a 2 ton van, first (and obviously) make sure you have a heavy rated towbar, 2.5 to 3 ton rating.

Suspension. There are a lot of variables to consider, what works for someone else may not suit your needs. Talk to a suspension specialist so they can help you select the right springs and shocks to do what you're planning.

Brake controllers. Any trailer over 750kg GVM needs to have brakes. Electric brakes are the most versatile, but you need to have a good controller to get the most from them. From my limited experience I recommend Tekanosha Prodigy controllers, they're the best I've used. Others with more experience may recommend differently.

Cooling system. Towing 2.1 ton will put a big strain on your cooling system, so a full cooling system service is in order. Start with a heavy duty radiator, check out PWR's website, they make great radiators.
If you haven't replaced the water pump, radiator hoses (all of them, even the little ones), and thermostat in the last 12 months, do them before you hook the trailer up.
If your car has an auto transmission, then I'd be fitting a BIG oil cooler as well. The most common cause of auto transmission failure is overheated transmission fliud.

Rear vision. A big van will block all of your rear vision, so you will need to fit mirror extensions to put mirrors out wider to help you see around the van.
Another good idea is to fit rear vision camera's. If you get a two channel system you can fit one camera to the back of the vehicle to help with hooking up, and the second to the back of the van so you can see what is behind it. Not just handy on the road, but handy for manovering the van into the perfect spot.

Something else to consider is fitting a screen to the front of the trailer to deflect rocks thrown up by the car, down. It's very common for these rocks (if not deflected away) to bounce off the front of the trailer and smash the back windows of the car, or at the very least stone chip the back doors. Fitting bigger mudflaps will help as well.

Tony

Thanks Tony, didn't even think of the cooling issue for towing. Just about to get a Goldstream Storm or Jayco equivalent and had put some thought into the heavy duty clutch and brakes, but didn't even consider the cooling

Cheers

TOOR

how much can i tow with my gq swb tb42

Guys, also consider a weight distribution hitch when towing which I swear by . This spreads the weight around all 4 wheels evenly and gives you better steering and breaking.
Usually when a big weight is applied to the tow ball the front wheels tend to lift reducing steering and breaking and performance of the vehicle, so go the WDH

Couple of good stone blockers are:

Stone Stomper .I think these are the go...Give Christian a call
and Rock Tamers

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Originally Posted by black-mav

how much can i tow with my gq swb tb42

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I think the maximum you can legally tow (if you have a suitable towbar and trailer brakes) is 2.5 ton. Your car being a SWB with 3" suspension and 3" body lift I wouldn't go over about 1.5 ton for stabillity.

Tony

I just towed a 1200 Kg Bull in a GQ TB42 4 door and hardly new it was on.

I frequently tow 3.5 tonne on our custom car trailer carrying everything from your family sedan through to stationary engines! Some of these weigh in excess of 3.0 tonne!
Our Patrol still runs the original clutch set up, clocked up over 500,000ks and still going strong! We fitted progressive rate springs which are holding up very well. Only when I tow over the limit does the nose start to point skyward. All it takes is patience, be prepared to let the vehicle do the work at it's own pace. Dont try and "push" it too hard and all should be good.

In addition to an atf cooler are any other mids to the auto box recommended? Torque convertor lock and valve bodies? I have seen these upgrades available and was wondering how important people regard them when towing larger vans. Cheers, Ben

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Originally Posted by Alben

In addition to an atf cooler are any other mids to the auto box recommended? Torque convertor lock and valve bodies? I have seen these upgrades available and was wondering how important people regard them when towing larger vans. Cheers, Ben

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What model vehicle have you got?


There is a bit on TCL mod http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...nverter-Lockup
and valve body http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...page2&p=230153
and here http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...it-Help-Please

Thanks Nisshead,
Its my dads gu 2004 (would that be series 3?) wagon 3litre with the auto. So we are limited to 2500kg by the rating i think anyway.
Cheers
Ben

Don' forget ball weight no idea what it would be, but guessing 120kg would be a starting point

ball weight is usally 250kg, but the trailer should be designed so that the bulk of the weight is over the axle and alittle to the front so it won't backflip when unhooked.