Member - Blue (VIC) replied:

Stu,
I've been to hell and back trying to get mine upgraded, I only wanted 150kg. Which department did you contact? I went to customer service a couple of months back and was told the ball weight remained 100kg and no plans were afoot to provide a retrospective increase. I would feel better if I had a genuine reply on file in case I have further issues.
If this works out to be fairdinkum you may consider yourself a legend, I had given up...

Blue

Baz (NSW) replied:

Our Explorer has a 250kg tow ball weight max but i would never put anything near that weight on the back, anymore than 100kg and your tempting fate IMHO aspecially when you take into account all the gear you have in the back of the car as well. Our trailer puts about 65kg over the ball and i'm happy with that because i know that the girls wont have trouble picking the front of the trailer up if for some reason i can't help them.

Baz.

Truckster (Vic) replied:

I would send a 10th email asking for it in writing on a Mitz letterhead. Always cover your anus.

Wombat replied:

Stu,

I just rang Mitsubishi Australia to be told that "No, there are not even any plans to retrospectively upgrade the towball downweight on the Triton!"

So I pushed harder - "But, I have an email in front of me from Mitsubishi Motors Customer Service stating that the weights have been upgraded."

"Oh, hold the line please."

Suddenly Miss Efficiency is on the line, "Yes sir, they have been upgraded to those specifications. It's in the letter you've received."

"Sorry Ma'am I don't have a letter, I've only seen a copy of an email. Could you put it in writing for me, for insurance purposes?"

"Sorry we can't do that, but the dealer you bought it from will be able to. Ring them."

Guess what! The bloody dealer knows nothing about it and therefore definately can't put it in writing.

Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

So I rang the Box Hill Office of Mitsubishi. At last someone who is interested, and helpful. Unfortunately, after searching through all his documentation this very polite gentleman discovered he DID NOT have notification that the weights have been upgraded.

Hmmmm! Looks like it's back to the drawing board.

Would it be possible to get a CC of the original MMA email sent to me, Stu? paul at backhouse-thomas dot com dot au

Wombat replied:

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

Had a phone call back from Mitsubishi and YES, as of June 2004 the weights have been upgraded retrospectively for all MK models. All I have to do is send them an email with my vehicle details and they will respond with written confirmation. Wooooo Hoooooo!

Then all I have to do is get my tow bar upgraded, I think!

Wombat replied:

Hey Stu,

Karen at MMCA (who sent your email) asked me tou apologize but she forgot to mention that you have to upgrade your tow hitch assembly accordingly.

Banjo replied:

Yep - this seems one of the worst attended to technical aspects by retailers and manufacturers. The old "10% of towed mass, or 100kg, whichever is the least" is the standard cop out used by those who have not bothered to do the engineering research (hell ! - its their vehicle - why not?). Thankfully some of them are doing the research and issuing the specs to maintain their market share it seems....otherwise the ever-increasing band of informed purchasers will give them a wide berth. As one contributor said though, you might be unwise to go the max - you still have to keep level up front !!

Stu. replied:

Howdy All.

Made a follow up phone call today in regards to the email I recieved yesterday and I was told yes! there has been an uprate for Tritons from Nov 96 - May 04. I asked how I go about getting this in writing and was told they were unable to put it in writing. Anyone got the home phone no. for Mitz Aust. CEO?
I aint giving up yet.

Stu.

Wombat replied:

Mitsubishi have just confirmed via email that the towing weights for the Triton have been amended.

Following is a copy of the confirmation;

From: mmalwebenquiry@contact121.com.au
Subject: Re: Mitsubishi MK Triton maximum towball download
Date: 9 September 2004 12:19:31 PM GMT+10:00

Hi Paul,

We acknowledge receipt of your email and apologise for the delay in our
response.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited wish to advise the Triton towball
download ratings have been upgraded to 10% of the towed mass.

The Towing Capacity of your MK Triton has been revised to:

1800 kg Towing Capacity (maximum)
180 kg Tow Ball Download (maximum)

Thank you for your enquiry.

Regards,
Mitsubishi Motors Customer Assistance
1300 13 12 11

According to legal definition I now have it in writing and all I have to do is have the compliance plate upgraded on my tow hitch.