Hi,
Im looking at getting my new van and car ride height correct and safe. I wont be getting a WDH and want things to be as perfect as can be for safe driving and long term reduction of mechnical wear and tear.
Ive just recently picked up a new Expanda 20.64-1 OB and are towing with a 2015 LC200 GXL Diesel with bullbar, roof racks, single drawer and family of 5.
On first connection of the van, the rear of the car sunk substantially but was fairly level for towing.
Unconnected: Front = 500mm. Rear = 550mm
Connected: Front = 510mm Rear = 500mm.
The weight on the towball was 270kg on a standard 350kg max Toyota 50mm ball hitch. (therefore 77% of max). I thought that seemed reasonable but the person weighing it for me was a bit aghast! Is this a significant weight??
The car tow ball is 30mm low from the caravan being perfectly level so I guess it is riding on the front axle a little. That was unloaded (no kids) but had full front and rear water tanks in the van. I think this is acceptable?...just not perfect?
Today I've received advice, (by a 4x4 mech/saleman) to upgrade to Old Man Emu Suspension based on the fact that:
1/ there was significant sag in the rear. (50mm).
2/ there is only about another 50mm clearance above the rear suspension hard bump stop.
3/ that we still have to fit a single drawer and load the 3 kids etc.
The upgrade may raise the towball after loading to about 10mm above the caravan being perfectly horizontal.
Not taking cost into consideration, do you think upgrading the suspension will be beneficial in light of the figures provided, for damage prevention and safe driving? Will the rise take some of the weight off the towball?
PS: I am not adding a WDH.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Browny
Im looking at getting my new van and car ride height correct and safe. I wont be getting a WDH and want things to be as perfect as can be for safe driving and long term reduction of mechnical wear and tear.
Ive just recently picked up a new Expanda 20.64-1 OB and are towing with a 2015 LC200 GXL Diesel with bullbar, roof racks, single drawer and family of 5.
On first connection of the van, the rear of the car sunk substantially but was fairly level for towing.
Unconnected: Front = 500mm. Rear = 550mm
Connected: Front = 510mm Rear = 500mm.
The weight on the towball was 270kg on a standard 350kg max Toyota 50mm ball hitch. (therefore 77% of max). I thought that seemed reasonable but the person weighing it for me was a bit aghast! Is this a significant weight??
The car tow ball is 30mm low from the caravan being perfectly level so I guess it is riding on the front axle a little. That was unloaded (no kids) but had full front and rear water tanks in the van. I think this is acceptable?...just not perfect?
Today I've received advice, (by a 4x4 mech/saleman) to upgrade to Old Man Emu Suspension based on the fact that:
1/ there was significant sag in the rear. (50mm).
2/ there is only about another 50mm clearance above the rear suspension hard bump stop.
3/ that we still have to fit a single drawer and load the 3 kids etc.
The upgrade may raise the towball after loading to about 10mm above the caravan being perfectly horizontal.
Not taking cost into consideration, do you think upgrading the suspension will be beneficial in light of the figures provided, for damage prevention and safe driving? Will the rise take some of the weight off the towball?
PS: I am not adding a WDH.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Browny