Hi Shaunno Best tow tip by far is SLOW the F DOWN ! You see so many towing vehicles on the road that think they are sports cars 🚘 110 kmh or better when towing 3.5 tonnes is MADNESS Take it steady and allow extra room for braking/ emergency’s Great informative video Cheers 🍻
Love the show fellas. My tip is not to try to sit on 100+km/h when your towing a big van just because it’s the speed limit. Drop back to 90-95 km/h and you will save a bucket load of fuel and go heaps easier on your rig. Just consider other drivers and make yourself easy to pass for those wanting to go quicker
I drive a truck. Sit on 90kmh most of the time for better ride and fuel. Best advice for caravaners, be consistent with your speed. Predictability is safety. And when there is a good chance for following vehicles to overtake, lift your right foot and let them pass.
Best advice ever. Even in normal usage the fuel needed to take a vehicle of almost any type from 80>100 is very close to equal to fuel needed to get to and hold 80 in the first place. Gravity and air flow sucks but it is what it is.
The first question one should ask: do you really need a 2,5 tonne caravan? Do you really need a 500 kg canopy? Do you really need 6 35 inch tyres on the vehicle? It appears to me most touring vehicles have to same problem as some of the Australian people: too heavy, too thirsty and very, very slow. Cheers
Australia's one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world. So when you say "Australian people: too heavy, too thirsty and very, very slow." Well, you're referring to every nationality on the planet... 🤣
My best towing tip - when reversing, turn the bottom of the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go and make twice as many small corrections.
Can’t beat low range when reversing especially in tight situations. Use you mirrors not your neck. Steer towards what ever mirror can see your trailer to stay straight.
Number 1 for me is weight distribution of both, then test drive locally reload if required, final test drive when your on your way at 80, 100/110klm if it's not right stop & reload. Another good Ep Thanks..
Towball weight is a huge issue with the very long draw bars on off road trailers. Load levelling hitches are great for on road. 1. The big one you missed. You mentioned tyres for the vehicle. BUT you failed to mention trailer tyres. So often trailers are fitted with really cheap and narrow tyres. Fine for going to your local boat ramp, not for long trips though. Shauno, you're guilty of this on your boat trailers. You can see the trailer digging ditches on the older Fraiser island episodes. 2. Weight balance on the trailer. Loading the trailer properly will make it much easier to tow. 3. Lockup kits, intake, exhaust. So vehicle mods that will improve fuel economy, control and power.
Read the RAC recommendations on load levelling devices/hitches with vehicles with sway control. Most new vehicles and caravans over 2T have sway control. These conflict with vehicle sway control. Some insurance companies have denied claims due to this.
A pretty simple one. Don't kid yourself on doing 110 down the highway! Slow and steady, stick to 90 km and you'll save your motor and perhaps your life. And never tow in 5th gear!
@@samuelsutton8299 90kph is fine by me towing 2.5 ton really. Pretty sure you be pushing alot of vehicles at 110 for extended periods hey. Anyways if you can't overtake someone at 90kph probably should look at something with a bit more hp lol.
@@troymatthews668 there's no overtaking lanes near where I live and if there's people coming the other way sometimes you can't overtake and get held up
Really appreciate your explanation of GVM, GCM, tow ball weight, etc., so straight forward and easy to understand. I've got a 2.8T van and have been test driving 4WD's to buy for towing. After watching this video I'll stick to my original plan of not towing it myself, instead paying to relocate as required (it's my permanent home, not for tripping around Oz). I like to do stuff properly the first time and you've helped me decide not to even attempt it, despite friends and family prompting me to. Yes it's a bit daunting thinking about the total weight of vehicle and van on highways that don't have enough overtaking zones or rest areas, but the real reason is vehicle set up costs to do it properly are simply out of my budget.
If you get in a trailer sway, don't panic, just manually push the electric trailer brakes. Do not press the tow vehicle's brakes. Afterwards, take it slow and reload your trailer when you can, chances the trailer is too rear heavy. A 60% front, 40% rear is ideal.
Another great episode full of practical advice Shauno. With a SE QLD long weekend approaching I’m going to put it into practice. As always I’m hanging out for the next epic adventure mate. Cheers
Awesome mate Best upgrade to my 76 after the lift and airbags was getting the Castor correction. Drove it for 18 months while pulling a 6m boat or caravan and couldn’t believe how bad it drove floating all over the road!! Castor correction sorted everything almost drives like a 200🤣🤣
I have a stock 60 series that's my daily, I pull a 2.2 tonne trailer through the week with all my tools and stuff for work. I have a roof rack on the cruiser as well that I load up with building supplies. Fully loaded trailer and car is just under gcm
Not a tip or anytning but in my experience i believe people should learn to tow. i know there is a lot of people out there with caravans or just any sort of trailer that just havent a clue what theyre doing and it can be quite dangerous even deadly for other road or offroad uses. Whether your not sure or have never done so before or just dont know how to reverse or take bends etc. Maybe get some lessons. there are people out there willing to help if you ask.
We have a 2021 Isuzu DMax XTerrain - LOVE it!!! My husband was going to purchase and install a catch can,an oil cooler and a fuel filter, however we have now been informed by the dealer that if we install these items we will void the warranty!!!! How ridiculous!!!! We tow a campervan (like a Jayco but not) and we want to ensure our engine is protected. What a joke that the warranty can be voided by protecting the engine!!!! Maybe you could mention this when you do your videos. By the way - awesome episode!!! Very informative and easy to understand all the GVM, GCM etc, etc. Cheers.
My best towing tip would be take it easy, 90km top speed and if a van or camper is ontow, get out and meet lots of great ppl and enjoy the trip and stay safe... 🌞
great info for the people that don't understand weights mate, but i think manufacturers should be held responsible to much of this , ie D Max, 3.500 kg towing , 350 kg on toe ball they claim its safe when we all know its not whats your opinion, i modified my own to take weight they shouldent claim its safe to tow 3,500 kg when its not
Yeah too many people belive the salesman aswell "it can tow 3.5T its classleading"....its not safe and the owner knows fk all about towing 3.5T 🤦♂️🤦♂️
@@Tom-lf8hx I agree, I'd go as far as saying that you should need an endorsement on your licence to tow that kinda of weight. The otherside of it too is that you get idiots tailgating you trying to overtake and then slam on the breaks in front of you to slow down and expect you can do the same.......
One thing to absolutely steer clear of is air bags as instead of distributing the weight across the chassis where the springs are mounted the weight is on a single point! = bent / snapped chassis!
@@Corey-pd3mi They will get over it or go around. That being said, where I come from if you have 5 or more people behind you, you must pull over when safe to do so and let them by.
@@Corey-pd3mi They will get over it or go around. That being said, where I come from if you have 5 or more people behind you, you must pull over when safe to do so and let them by. But good manners say you should do that anyway.
In most U.S. states, trailers that weigh over 3000# must have brakes. Also, Goodyear Tire Co. recommends inflating trailer tires to maximum as stamped on sidewall. Trailers need a stiffer sidewall because of sway and bounce. Sand driving is a different matter.
The trailer has to be loaded so the tow ball loading is not excessive. Some trailer brakes are useless (10 in electric) so make sure yours will actually stop you properly. Auto lock up kit needs to be mentioned as an option especially on a 200 series. Every single thing works better if you keep the weight down. Think weight and load balance with everything. Very good show keep it up
GVM upgrades do not reduce axle load on the rear axle nor do they put the weight back on the front axle. What they actually do is increase the load on the rear axle. Axle limits should never be exceeded regardless of any suspension mod. If your near the limits of GVM or GCM get a bigger vehicle even if that means buying a 4x4 truck like a Mitsubishi Canter or a Unimog.
Breakaway brakes are required over 2000kgs and operate on all wheels on towed vehicle. The ATM can be 2200kgs approximately and still not require breakaways !! VSB 1
My towing tip When on country roads with a lot of bushland either side of the road turn your brake controller up if you have a manual controller that way if something jumps out in front of you the load will help you slowdown quicker ( it's not the best thing to be pulled backwards but it will hopefully save you destroying the front of your vehicle)
There is a reason that manufacturers offer different classes of tow vehicle. My factory suspension leaves me with more than 2t (4,725 lbs) of payload even though the vehicle is de-rated to stay in class 3.
Another 2 helpful tips The van should be level or slightly low at the front to make it stable. You can buy hieght adjustable tow ball mounts. Check that the suspension of the van is up to the loads you are putting on it. Some of the cheap imported vans are sold with way too soft suspension. Both of these issues will result in a van that rocks side to side as you increase speed and that can quickly turn into sway
It all good getting a gvm upgrade but not many changes your gcm so still in the same boat and most utes have a load proportional value so as the back goes down it changes percentage of braking to the rear or as needed
What a fantastic vid for people towing. We hope sincerely that ALL of them towing especially caravaners who are travelling with illegal setups sit up and take notice. But better still adjust or upgrade their set ups. Its not just dangerous for the people travelling in their vehicle but for everyone near them on the roads. Thanks Guys for such a clear and consise video. Keep up the great vids. We love them! 🥰
I’m a mobile diesel fitter with a 2012 Nissan patrol and I am 50kgs over without driver or full tanks of fuel and I don’t have all the gear I need yet. Most work vehicle are probably overloaded and that’s why we go to trucks.
Can you do a video on how to properly communicate with other road users like truckies with a UHF radio? I have a radio but I don't know what the different sort of protocols are for talking on the radio. Cheers
Yep I second this, I've had a radio for years but i still don't quite understand the etiquette, how to best use it in an emergency situation and how to know which channel is best for where you are/what you're doing.
Make the marriage strong as possible over rate everything to 4.5ton. I use a WDH , changed the chains ⛓ to 100grade 13mm with 400kg bars. Perfect for me. I only tow 2,900kg max. No suspension mods. 21f van.
Shauno, Can you please tell me more about the braided brake lines and do they come in plus 2 inch for raised suspension options, what brake pads are you using soft for better stopping and rotor life or hard for really heavy breaking under heavy load , but poor rotor life? Please go over the tow pro , and how and WHERE it is fitted and wired to, Thanks P.S take more time when your towing and take extra breaks to allow for fatigue due to towing , you have to concentrate more when you have a large trailer in tow.
Man, watching this as an American with a diesel Chevy 3500 is funny. The rest of the world tows with such small vehicles and I'm over here with a rated towing capacity around 12,000lbs (about 5.5 metric tons).
@@coreyschultze2084 everytime I watch one of their videos and they mention that something would be illegal it makes me even happier to be a American. Just tire sizes alone boggles my mind here with the exception of a couple states you can go pretty much as big as you want and often 35's aren't big enough for some trails which is why 37's are about the starting point for off roading. I have to lift my two wheel drive truck and put 33's on it just to be able to drive the ranch roads due to rocks sticking up and that's the easy stuff.
I looked at getting a big American truck but problem is that they don't fit out track ruts very well I'm told. That could quickly become painful. And then there's the fuel consumption. And then there's the fact they almost cost as much as a house.
Shauno, you mentioned that if you tow anything above 2tonne then you will need electronic brake controller..then all cars manufacturers that boast a 3.5 tonne towing should come with electronic brake controller from factory and included with the car because then it would be illegal to tow more than 2 tonne with your new car that can tow 3.5tonne. If a manufacturer is boasting big tow weights then the car should come with everything needed to tow those big tow weights. Hope this makes sense.
I had an after market transmission cooler installed to my 2017 Colorado the temp never goes above 86 degrees the car drivers better with lower gearbox temps.
Good day, nice good information in this video. Just one question if I may? Im in South Africa and I cant understand why all the Australian people mount the UHf ariel on the front bull bar? It is this big ugly ariel right in front of your front view. Why dont you mount it on the C pilar right by the back door or perhaps on the front of your canopy to one side? It is much higher up for reception and if you mount it on the side of the vehicle it will not be so intrusive but still very effective?
My rangers got a 3500 gvm upgrade and about to tow a 2.5 tonne van (loaded). Cars around 3.3 ish loaded. Still within spec and it has been alot of time and money getting it setup. Just done bendix break upgrade too. Very tricky getting it setup so its a awsome tourer without van and then able to strap van on aswell without taking everything out. Balancing act that im in the final stages of tweaking after two years. Seen the weigh bridge 4 times already and got a couple more trips to make to it yet. Maybe trans oil cooler next i think.
@@craigbrysse887 yeah mate. Ive included everything o possibly can on paper. About to complete new tray cannopy install then weigh in car. If my figures are correct ill be able to tow van at 2.5 tonne with tow ball weight of around 250kgs. Will have van built to sit abit lighter on ball and load it rear heavy. Toy hauler so will have that luxury.
@@craigbrysse887 oh yeah cheers for the info didnt know they did that. Ive got a Weigh bridge near me thats $40 a hit and ya can do axles and ball weight and van axle all at once. Might call pedders and look into it. 👍
I got load rated tires on my enclosed bike trailer can’t forget about trailer and just installed electric brakes on trailer and Redarc tow pro in Hilux
Your tow and payload laws are a bit different than here in Canada. Here any trailer over 7000lb needs (by law) weight distribution hitches unless you use a 5th wheel/gooseneck. Any trailer over 3500lbs has to have functional brakes.
I haven't seen a 5th wheel off road trailer here in Canada yet, but considering all the comforts of home many people insist on having, it won't be long!
We only load our trailers to 75% of the limit this has come from grandpa to dad and to me as if you then stuff up still got plenty of room for extra stuff but then your safe
Missed the concepts of axle weights and impact of GVM upgrades on drive line warranty - no way manufacturer is going to go warranty your transmission or engine when your half a tonne over what they say you can do.
Best tow vehicle tip is to sell your standard 200 and buy a ram 2500. It's already a ute and already has the big gvm. Alot less hassle then spending a house deposit just to upgrade your 200 just so it preforms as well as a standard 2500
@@4WD247 I don't agree. For 160k it's already a ute, already has the big gvm, coil springs all the way around and solid front and rear axles. By the time you buy the 200/y62 then chop it then upgrade the gvm then have a tray fitted and then fit all the other accessories on it you would be at that price anyway
What about air bags for the rear axle? Is that not allowed there as they are adjustable? I fitted my Nissan Frontier with air bags with compressor and valves and gauge inside. Super easy to adjust truck attitude by adding or removing air so it sits right.
Please check your vehicle manual as most will say you cannot use the weight distribution hitch… they are actually really dangerous and known as shin breakers too!!
Easiest and best towing tip I have ever learnt is learn to actually drive with your trailer on. Some many times I've seen people towing even with box trailers and they run over gutters or get a bit of a sway going and slam the brakes on. Recipe's for disaster. Learn how your trailer tows and how the car tows it.
Biggest issue i had with this episode was the INCOMPLETE INFORMATION being given. When a GVM UPGRADE is done it does not let you keep your braked towing capacity at the manufacturer limit. To retain braked towing capacity and do a GVM UPGRADE you must also have a GCM UPGRADE which most second hand vehicles can't have done
We have similar restrictions in the US. This is never enforced unless there is a claim. And, even then, may not be a huge factor. How diligent is Australia in enforcing these ranges after inspection? Or, is inspection even enforced for diy and new trailer purchase? 🤠
I cant speak for all the Aussie states, but in WA we have mobile vehicle inspectors that can pull you over and weigh your vehicle on the roadside. They mainly target trucks, but have been known to check caravans / car trailers occasionally. (FYI - the guys are knows as Mermaids: c@nts with scales) 😉
The idea of being able to up my vehicles tow and load capacity is foreign to me. I live in New York state. Not aware of any state where it can be done to satisfy the DOT. So I have a Ram that can have a 1500 kilo load capacity and tow 6500 kilos. From the dealer.
Why do you say tow vehicles should always be heavier than the tow load? Besides the ideal and the whole physics stuff... Are there exceptions in your opinion, besides big rigs, ie. (even 1/2, 3/4, and 1 tons and up "Utes"/Trucks are towing sometimes upwards of 3x truck weights?) Is this more offroad issues? You Mates, seem to have very strict regs there? Curious, what would you do on stock 200 5.7 petrol, to be able to highway towing heavy 4k+kg, (stock 3900kg towing), but heavy offroad w/3k kg? Your stretched 200 Ute, now that's a Proper Ute! Mate!
What people don't realise is when you update your gvm to +4000gvm you still can't go over your gcm So you can do all this but you can no longer tow a 3500 caravan if your car is that gvm weight! So that is why Shaun is towing a small van!
What if you don’t have a vehicle that’s as capable of a towe rig as a 200 series, but still want to do some towing? I currently drive a second gen 4Runner that I’m setting up for touring, which is eating up my gvm pretty quickly, but I usually do quite a bit of recovery’s whenever I go out with my friends and my concern is if one of them broke down and if I had to towe them home I’d be quite a bit over my gvm. Would I be able to get away with just upgrading my suspension and brakes?