How was your nap?? I remember in europe 1994 getting into their way of living and once returned to Melbourne, it was a hard habit to get out of the afternoon nap. Pace.
Xpandafan's 18.57-7 - the learning curve.
- Thread starter Xpandafan
- Start date
How was your nap?? I remember in europe 1994 getting into their way of living and once returned to Melbourne, it was a hard habit to get out of the afternoon nap. Pace.
Sorry mate, was all lined up and then had visitors arrive ( no beer or cake).
Thought at least I'd got out of doing my "lawn" Then they up and left!
Now covered in dust and clippings. Know why our Queenslander mates hate daylight saving. It could have already been too dark to see grass. Now have to measure up the landing pad for proper foundation (I've set before next winter as target date...project director has a different time-line though) and still no sign of a sun set.
Picked up our Expanda this morning after having its annual service and the axles under slung.
She is now 100mm taller at the wheel arches (now at 780mm), and importantly, gives me extra clearance where I need it. Sits very nicely behind the Pathfinder (with 22psi in the airbags). Tows beautifully and returned <15 litres/100km on trip home.
Service guys were quite impressed with the mods, so I took full credit for the lot rather than confuse them by talking about all the great ideas I've borrowed from this forum. Didn't think you'd mind!
She is now 100mm taller at the wheel arches (now at 780mm), and importantly, gives me extra clearance where I need it. Sits very nicely behind the Pathfinder (with 22psi in the airbags). Tows beautifully and returned <15 litres/100km on trip home.
Service guys were quite impressed with the mods, so I took full credit for the lot rather than confuse them by talking about all the great ideas I've borrowed from this forum. Didn't think you'd mind!
These cropped pics probably better show the difference 100mm makes with the axles under slung. In combination with my spare tyre carrier mod, I've now got the clearance I need.
BTW in the freebie "Free Camping" mag with most recent issue of Caravan & Motorhome on Tour there's a review of a 16.49-1OB. They talk of axles under springs (p70) for added ground clearance on the OB (albeit with incorrect pic). Note that the axle clearance doesn't change, just the chassis height so you get even better entry/exit angles.
BTW in the freebie "Free Camping" mag with most recent issue of Caravan & Motorhome on Tour there's a review of a 16.49-1OB. They talk of axles under springs (p70) for added ground clearance on the OB (albeit with incorrect pic). Note that the axle clearance doesn't change, just the chassis height so you get even better entry/exit angles.
Wow, nice one xpandafan. You can really see the difference in the height.
Did you need to adjust heights at the car at all?
Did you need to adjust heights at the car at all?
Surprisingly seemed to tow better, CD. That probably really means no noticeable difference at all. As nicely balanced as previously which I thought I had pretty well sorted. Luckily the hitch adjustment matched the lift, with the hitch mate and longer shank towball fitted to reversed tongue. Our Flamingo was an OB, but this is now a good hybrid.
Looks good Xpandafan. 
Its good to see some pics of one that has been done. You just need some whiskers on your wheel arches to make it look tough.
Its good to see some pics of one that has been done. You just need some whiskers on your wheel arches to make it look tough.
Great minds! Was browsing those spray dispersal brush thingies on the net last night.Looks good Xpandafan.
Looks great....
Was it to low with the hitch the right way around?
Not sure on the pathfinder I haven't read mine but I thought by reversing the hitch it reduced the capacity of the tow hitch by a certain amount?
I remember reading a sticker on a previous tow bar I had that mentioned this.
Haven't checked my one but my new van is also under slung non outback so curious about this as I will be using air bags as well for the first time and WDH so can not adjust the hitch height other than reversing if required.
Thanks Expanda. Reversible 3t tongue not a problem. Don't use a WDR though, so like my rig naturally balanced with just slight tilt toward tow vehicle. Set low, the van would be less stable on uneven roads. Tongue itself gives 80mm, the "CoupleMate" adds another 10mm. The fine tune is via the airbags. Your WDH and airbags should do job. Else could you use an adjustable tongue for your WDH?
How far away is the Discovery?
How far away is the Discovery?
No weight distribution this time for me just standard towbar and air bags like you....
Against my better judgement SWMBO would prefer we give the disco a go with air bags on there own as the disco ball weight is very low.
But I don't like my chances of turning the hitch around as the bolt that holds the shank in is not turning anywhere in a hurry!
?
What was it like with the shank around the otherway I am guessing 60mm clearance when the other way around?
Disco will be here in two weeks she has been at the dealer for 4 months now locked in the shed awaiting its ride home but alas due to work commitments and other things just have not had the time but two weeks will be there to pick her up so not long know.
Its funny the first two vans and I was hassling the dealer constantly but this time I have hardly contacted the dealer!
for me just standard towbar and air bags like you....Against my better judgement SWMBO would prefer we give the disco a go with air bags on there own as the disco ball weight is very low.
But I don't like my chances of turning the hitch around as the bolt that holds the shank in is not turning anywhere in a hurry
!?
What was it like with the shank around the otherway I am guessing 60mm clearance when the other way around?
Disco will be here in two weeks
she has been at the dealer for 4 months now locked in the shed awaiting its ride home but alas due to work commitments and other things just have not had the time but two weeks will be there to pick her up so not long know.Its funny the first two vans and I was hassling the dealer constantly but this time I have hardly contacted the dealer!
Hitch is removeable with lockable pin (just don't lose keys). Just measured it both ways and there's exactly 70mm difference (New setup is 490mm from floor to top of tongue as against 420mm) without load and airbags still at 22psi. The airbags are terrific in the Pathie, should have done them years ago.
This Expanda is our first dual axle van. Very pleased with how well it tows given Tare of 2100kg and 161kg (empty) towball mass, it doesn't wander or pitch at all so Jayco's experience counts for something.
I'm retired now, but still know what busy means. Admire your patience. You've got two weeks to loosen that bolt.:smile:
This Expanda is our first dual axle van. Very pleased with how well it tows given Tare of 2100kg and 161kg (empty) towball mass, it doesn't wander or pitch at all so Jayco's experience counts for something.
I'm retired now, but still know what busy means. Admire your patience. You've got two weeks to loosen that bolt.:smile:
Hehehhe not normal for me to have patience but Ill get it eventually
!!!I think the bolt is frozen on there to be honest!!!
After fraser and all the salt it just refuses to budge, tried a rattle gun and everything just does not move....
Aside from heating it up with the oxy I must just leave till after the xmas holidays and chuck a hayman reese bar on when I get home as I am little suspect on the towbar.
Thanks for the measurements I got my air bags for my pathy just have to fit them before the two weeks up and need to finish wiring the car!!!
Talk about being easily led!Looks good Xpandafan.
This afternoons project- and whiskers it is. Approx 4 metres of 175mm spray dispersal brush.
Don't know about looking tough, but sure looks pretty cool.
Trade off is that now I have to do new blinds for our family room for SWMBO.
Had to visit Spotlight before I could go to Hy-Way Truck Parts.
Talk about being easily led!
This afternoons project- and whiskers it is. Approx 4 metres of 175mm spray dispersal brush.
Don't know about looking tough, but sure looks pretty cool.
Trade off is that now I have to do new blinds for our family room for SWMBO.
Had to visit Spotlight before I could go to Hy-Way Truck Parts.
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Lookin Good. I will have to post some pics of mine up too when i get some pics of them.
Talk about being easily led!
This afternoons project- and whiskers it is. Approx 4 metres of 175mm spray dispersal brush.
Don't know about looking tough, but sure looks pretty cool.
Trade off is that now I have to do new blinds for our family room for SWMBO.
Had to visit Spotlight before I could go to Hy-Way Truck Parts.
View attachment 10852View attachment 10853
Hey Xpandafan. your van is in for Movember a little late isnt. lol. Pace.