Site Search
Print Page Setup Profile Login
Section Image

HOW CAN WE REDUCE TOWBALL WEIGHT

Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:12

Bunny

We just got a real shock with the towball weight of our Coromal Princeton 602.

We were told the van’s towball weight would be between 140kg to 160kg. We have a Land Rover Series 1, towball rating of 150kg. We were hoping it might come in just over, with careful packing. Kitchen is at the front, shower/toilet at rear (not full ensuite). Air-con is forward of the axle. We have relocated the spare wheel to the back of the van. We've two gas bottles in the front boot (one was full, the other three quarters), two water tanks (each 90 litres), situated just to the front the axle, however, one was empty when we had it weighed. Took it along to have hitch put on yesterday and SHOCK HORROR, we weighed in at 320kg. Came home very carefully and very despondent.

We're now considering our options. We obviously will have to upgrade the vehicle but want to move to a Land Rover Series 2 which has a towball weight rating of 250kg. So that’s our magic number.

Our plan is to try to re-distribute the weight as much as we can in the van. Suggestions made to us so far include moving water tanks to the rear of the van, taking out one gas bottle completely, and putting the other in the vehicle. We will also move heavy stuff like golf clubs (total 35 kg) to the back of the vehicle - they were under the bed right over the axle, for the weigh-in.

Compliance plate shows we have tare of 1773, GTM of 1996, and ATM of 2230. (We believe there is 90kg. in the water, about 40kg under the bed and then a scattering of pots, pans and crockery). As we understand it, that allows us to load 457 kg (i.e 2230–1773) into the van. Therefore if we have loaded evenly, with preference to the back, we thought our tow ball weight would have fallen as it should to 234 or lower, remembering it came in at 320!

Has anyone had experience in having to lessen the weight in a Coromal by doing what we are thinking? How much effect does moving water tanks, and any other actions have on the overall towball weight? Does anyone know of anything else we can do to improve the weight situation in the van. Will we come within a “bull’s roar” of what we need to?

Any hints or advice would be greatly appreciated.
ThreadID: 57212 Replies: 14
Views: 1977 FollowUps: 31
This Thread has been Archived
Thread Summary
Thread Watch Back To Forum Alert Moderator FAQ
AnswerID: 301744   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:24

Steve replied:

Bunny: Do you mean a Disco I????

I would've thought a Land Rover series I would struggle pulling a 20ft van. Maybe I'm wrong though. Saw a few of those Series Is at Cooma recently.

Mate, I've had a couple of Coromals and know a few others who've also had em. They do tend to be a very front-heavy. More than most brands. One obvious move is, bearing in mind water weighs approx 1kg per L, if you put a couple of Jerries on the back bumper you'd be giving yourself another 40kgs on the rear end. You say 90 kgs water weight?? I'd question that, bearing in mind most tanks are 60 liter (therefore 60kgs full) I'd imagine a Princeton would have two tanks - so check the capacity at a rate of 1kg per Liter and it goes without saying, keep it lightweight in the van boot.

Good luck



Reply 1 of 14
FollowupID: 567853   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:41

Bunny posted:

The capacity of our Disco 1 in the book is rated to pull 3,500 kg, so we do have enough power.
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 567920   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 13:55

Steve posted:

most of the big 4x4s have a 3500 tow limit. I don't think there's a problem with towing your van with that weight limit (I've had the same issue with a Disco and a LC100) it's just that when you're climbing some of those l-o-n-g hills, don't expect to do it in 4th gear or much above 60 kph. I think the 3500 weight limit refers to what the chassis will stand rather than what speed or what ease you engine will pull the van.
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 301745   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:27

Member - Duncs replied:

I am no expert, in fact I have no experience in this area what so ever, but to me it seems you have thought of all of the commonsense things.

A few years ago we got a new truck at work. It was big and flash, very comfortable and seemed to go and handle really well.

Then it rained. It was scary, on more than one occasion it just understeered right through a round about. The steering came back under braking but it was alarming to say the least.

It was reported and the mechanics checked it out. They did not tell us what they did but the difference was huge. A little heavier on the steering but not that you would complain about but it turned in under any conditions really well.

I was talking to one of the spanner men a few months later. It seem they reposiotioned the couter weight. The thing has a large iron block hung just behing the rear axle to balance the truck for the load we carry. By moving this forward, not more than about 150mm the problem was solved.

I know it would take from your overall carrying capacity but maybe some lead ballast at the back of the van would help.

Good luck with it
Duncs
Eric the Emu at home
Click Image to Enlarge
Content with where I am but looking for somwhere else to go. Pic 1 Eric the Emu at home Pic 2 camped on Cooper Cr
Reply 2 of 14
FollowupID: 567923   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 14:27

Nomadic Navara posted:

Duncs

That little exercise is similar to the addition of a WDH when towing a caravan. The extra weight placed back on the front wheels makes a big difference to steering and braking.

PeterD
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 301746   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:27

The Geriatric Gypsies replied:

goodday bunny
we have the 651 and when we weighed up fully loade the van went 2440kg all up 40kg overand ball weight went 260kg
where are you would be interested to see how you are packedand what could be moved around
we have 3water tanks 1 over th axle 1 in front and 1 behind and the van is our home
it sounds like you need to cull some more unnecessary objects (we only take the clubs if we are going near a course

steve
steve with beard & hair???
Click Image to Enlarge
currently in broken hill for a week or so
Reply 3 of 14
AnswerID: 301748   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:35

Vivid Adventures replied:

You wouldn't be the first one.

Every kg moved behind the axle (assuming it is single) should reduce the towball weight by that much.

Moving your water tanks will help.

At present half of the weight of the water tanks and their water (1 litre=1 kg) is going on the tow ball.

On my calculations moving the water tanks to the back when they're empty reduces the load on the ball by 45 or 50 kg, and then with 100 litres of water in them there you'll have your ball weight back to the regulation 150. Of course when the tanks empty you're putting more weight back on the ball...

The manufacturers pay scant attention to it, and the dealers less unless you are paying them to do work on it, when they suddenly take interest.

Get the dealer to help you work out the solution, and if he can't prove it to you go to a different dealer or caravan service outlet. Don't leave the joint before his scales show a ball weight under 150 - perhaps well under... considering the water situation. Make sure you know exactly how much is in those tanks too - it makes a hell of a difference.

If you want to work it out yourself, get out the bathroom scales and experiment... it is just like kids in the playground on the see-saw... nothing complicated at all.
Vivid AdventuresVivid Adventures
Member: Lapsed Membership
Reply 4 of 14
FollowupID: 567821   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:38

Bunny posted:

Sorry, forgot to mention, we have dual-axle van.
FollowUp 1 of 9
FollowupID: 567824   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:42

Vivid Adventures posted:

It doesn't change a lot, but if you have two 90 litre tanks fore moving them aft is going to probably fix your problem when they have a significant amount of water in them depending on where exactly those tanks end up.

As I say, make it the dealer's problem and ask them to explain the solution to you, and the outcome that will be achieved, and then ensure they do a good job of the work.

I've seen the off water tank that has dropped out of a van on the road... they aren't much use for carrying water after that ;-)
Vivid AdventuresVivid Adventures
Member: Lapsed Membership
FollowUp 2 of 9
FollowupID: 567827   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:51

Bunny posted:

Thanks for that.....we'll certainly take your advice.

Does our logic about the weights make sense to you - that we should be able to add up to 457kg (approx) and have the towball weight come in at no more than 234, but we've ended up with 320, that's why we're confused.
FollowUp 3 of 9
FollowupID: 567828   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:56

Vivid Adventures posted:

I can't follow that logic.

234 is the difference between the ATM and GTM... god knows how that relates to the tow ball weight.

Get out a two planks and the bathroom scales.

Use one plank as the axle, the scales as the tow ball and the other plank (flat) as the van.
The get 1 litre milk cartons (full) and put them in various places and watch the effect on the scales...

You can have a grossly overloaded van and still have a low ball weight if it is all nicely loaded.
Vivid AdventuresVivid Adventures
Member: Lapsed Membership
FollowUp 4 of 9
FollowupID: 567835   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:03

Bunny posted:

We're looking at the Hayman Reece product guide 2008 - it quotes, "to determine the ball weight, take the GTM from the ATM".
FollowUp 5 of 9
FollowupID: 567861   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:54

Member - Doug T (FNQ) posted:

Every kg moved behind the axle is just one step closer to having a swaying Van ,

.

Click Image to Enlarge
Doug & Dusty
In the Shade
Mt Bundy Stn
FollowUp 6 of 9
FollowupID: 567868   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 22:09

kym111 posted:

I'm with Doug T on this one. I was taught years ago that too much weight to the rear will cause sway. Play around with the packing until you've got the weight right without the sway.
You also might need to compromise on some of the things you pack!
FollowUp 7 of 9
FollowupID: 567875   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 22:41

Vivid Adventures posted:

And too much weight up front can cause your vehicle to loose control...

somewhere there's a balance to be had, and the tow vehicle's capability and hitch are important too...

but this van is clearly front-loaded... probably manufactured that way based on van manufacturer's lack of intellectual honesty.

I am not advocating zero or -ve ball weight... and I am advocating taking it to someone with the know-how and giving them the outcome sought - a safe, legal towing set up given the vehicle.

I don't think Bunny is that far from the outcome sought.
Vivid AdventuresVivid Adventures
Member: Lapsed Membership
FollowUp 8 of 9
FollowupID: 567924   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 14:47

Nomadic Navara posted:

Too much weight up front does not necessarily cause your vehicle to loose control. However not enough weight will certainly do so. You should have at least 200 kg on the ball. Your D1 will certainly carry that weight OK with the use of WDH. It's just that the use of WDH does not reduce the ball weight - it just distributes it evenly between the two axles of your tug. The big problem is the ball weight set by Land Rover is not as high as it could be (provided you use WDH) but LR refuse to increase the limit. The fact is you can not tow your van with sufficient ball weight legally with your D1. I believe the D1 is capable of a much higher toe ball weight but the law listens to LR.

Ihave been through the same situation as you and ended up getting a D2 and then a newer van with a lighter ball weight (I could not get the ball weight of the previous van down below 16%.)

PeterD
FollowUp 9 of 9
Activities Index
Broadwater Adventure - Thrill and Grill Broadwater Adventure - Thrill and Grill
Gold Coast - QLD
Feel the adrenaline rush 360 jetboat spins, wake surfing, and incredible Beach Buzzing in only 10cm
Melbourne CBD Helicopter Flight for 2 - 20 minutes Melbourne CBD Helicopter Flight for 2 - 20 mi
Melbourne - VIC
Take in the famous sights on Melbourne with a scenic helicopter flight to remember!
7 Day Mitchell Plateau Adventure 7 Day Mitchell Plateau Adventure
The Kimberleys - WA
This is the best way to see all the highlights of the Gibb River Road plus the breathtaking panorama
Calypso-Certified Diving in the Great Barrier Reef Calypso-Certified Diving in the Great Barrier
Cairns and Tropical North QLD - QLD
Experience the wonders of the largest collection of coral reefs in the world!
Book Now - Things To Do
AnswerID: 301754   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 20:54

Member - Clive G (NZ) replied:

Bunny.
While I agree with the comments above there is one thing you should consider. Was the 320kg ball weight claimed actually correct? Seems to be very high for a Series 1 without you noticing its rear end sagging somewhat. If the Rover has Std suspension (or close to it) and the whole outfit has a reasonably straight and level appearance then I wouldn’t get overly excited about it. Might pay to get another opinion on the actual ball weight before starting on a drastic rebuild.
CliveG, NZ.
Reply 5 of 14
FollowupID: 567833   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:01

Vivid Adventures posted:

I can't see how the vehicle it was connected to says anything about what the ball weight is...

and a large percentage - perhaps the larger percentage of vans on the road are poorly loaded and have higher ball weights than they should.

Just look at all those Toyota Camrys and Avalons and Commodes and Falcones dragging their arses around...

The ball weight is easily measured. Any respectable caravan service outfit should be set up to do it properly... to measure it, not just to make a "claim" about it.
Vivid AdventuresVivid Adventures
Member: Lapsed Membership
FollowUp 1 of 7
FollowupID: 567839   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:10

Bunny posted:

We were weighed at a reputable caravan towball place with digital scales. We did wonder at one stage whether it was correct or not, because the whole set up is reasonably level. We have standard suspension and the car is in good shape. We're still confused.
FollowUp 2 of 7
FollowupID: 567845   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:27

Member - Clive G (NZ) posted:

Sorry but I don’t follow your reply. The vehicle the van is attached to has everything to do with it. If Bunny had a vehicle with ball rating of over 320kg then he wouldn’t have put up the post in first place, would he??

You are correct about a lot of vehicles on the road in an over loaded condition, though I did mention a level appearance which is somewhat different to “dragging their ass on the ground”

No the ball weight is not hard to measure, but remember Bunny took it to the Hitch people for a hitch fitting and I guess a measuring. I suspect that they didn’t get Bunny to do it him- her self but told him-her what they claimed to see.
Cheers, CliveG, NZ.

FollowUp 3 of 7
FollowupID: 567848   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:36

Bunny posted:

It's probably the most reputable towbar place in Brisbane, and we actually did see the digital read out. The guy also jumped on the back - he weighed 100 kg and the reading dropped by 70.
FollowUp 4 of 7
FollowupID: 567855   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:41

Member - Graham H (QLD) posted:

I would suggest you take it to a weighbridge and weigh it properly.
Just put the jockey wheel on the scales first and get that weight with it disconnected from the car.
Then hook it up and pull it forward so the car is off the scales Thats the GTM. Back it up and disconnect it again and weigh the whole thing Thats the ATM.

What is your car legally allowed to tow. You might find you actually exceed the cars legal capacity in more ways than one.
Ok till something goes wrong and an assesor runs it over a weighbridge.
Result rather empty pockets.
I had a 3.0 auto Patrol and bought a van which had an ATM of 2564kg Which is in excess of the 2500kg limit for that car.
Had to buy a Croozer to tow it and stay legal.
Worth doing the exercize I think $20 well spent. My Roadstar has a ball weight of 315 KG correctly loaded Specs say 163kg HA HA
JUst spent $500 getting it recertified from 2564 KG ATM to 2800 KG without having to alter anything.
Our new home away from home
Click Image to Enlarge
Another Kiwi that flew the coop

FollowUp 5 of 7
FollowupID: 567858   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:44

Member - Graham H (QLD) posted:

Probaly should have said use a jack right at the towball to measure it accurately A Trailermate is good
Our new home away from home
Click Image to Enlarge
Another Kiwi that flew the coop

FollowUp 6 of 7
FollowupID: 567862   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:54

Bunny posted:

Thanks for the comments - it does have the capacity to pull 3,500 kg as it's a V8.

We had a Hayman Reece plate which rated our vehicle to 120kg but after talking to Hayman Reece, they were prepared to offer a new tag taking it to 150kg which is what is in the car manual.

We too are trying to be legal, but we understand when we read between the lines of some articles we have read, that obviously the towball capacity quoted on vehicles is not necessarily established by engineers and that marketers and other have some input. (That was a comment we read in the Caravan and Motorhome monthly magazine).

FollowUp 7 of 7
AnswerID: 301763   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:30

Member - Roger B (VIC) replied:


Try this Bunny.
.

You can do it by using ordinary bathroom scales using the following method from Hayman Reese:.




To find the towball weight

1. Place your bathroom scales and a brick or paver(s) the same thickness 900mm apart.

2. Place piece of pipe on top of both the scales and the brick and rest a strong plank at least 1200mm across them. Zero the scales.

3. Rest the jockey wheel on the plank 300mm from the brick as shown above.

4. Multiply the scale reading by 3 to obtain the towball weight. NB. The caravan should be level and ideally fully loaded with water in the tank(s)
Reply 6 of 14
AnswerID: 301764   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:32

A J replied:

Bunny - when transferring the water tank to the rear of the van you have to remember the levers that we learnt about in science when we went to school all those years ago.

The best way to describe it is with two children on a see saw. If you place the 10 stone child one unit away from the axis and the other 2 stone child five units away from the axis you have a balance and so equal downward pressure. So if the tank was originally four units from the axis point in your van and you shifted it two units behind the axis point you do not get the same weight reduction.


A J
Reply 7 of 14
FollowupID: 567851   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:39

Bunny posted:

The water tanks are presently just forward on the axle, so we probably do have the capacity to position them a little further back down the van to improve the situation.

Thanks to everyone who has replied - all your comments are very much appreciated.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 301766   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:37

Member - Clive G (NZ) replied:

Bunny.
If you have a Series 1 with Std suspension and it stays reasonably level then I find it difficult to believe that there is 320kg on the ball, but I may well be wrong.
I reckon you should definitely get a re weigh at another place as step one.
CliveG, NZ.
Reply 8 of 14
FollowupID: 567856   Submitted: Friday, May 02, 2008 at 21:43

Bunny posted:

we tend to agree with you Clive - much better to do that before we embark on any drastic measures.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 301787   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 00:54

Gronk replied:

Don't forget that if a trailer weighs 2000kg then the towball weight should be approx 200kg......the widely accepted 10% rule...although with a dual axle trailer you may be able to get away with a bit less..

320kg ?? are there any normal 4x4's able to legally tow that sort of ball weight ??
Reply 9 of 14
FollowupID: 567881   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 06:07

Bunny posted:

We're told a Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol (certain models and makes) would take a towball weight of 350.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 301794   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 06:58

Bunny replied:

TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE REPLIED AND OFFERED SUGGESTIONS, MANY THANKS FROM BUNNY AND DAF. THIS IS OUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH THE FORUM (AND WITH CARAVANNING, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY GUESSED!) AND WE ARE REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE CONSIDERATION AND HELPFULLNESS OF YOU ALL - WE'RE GUESSING THIS IS WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE ON THE ROAD, (IF AND WHEN WE EVENTUALLY GET THERE %$#$@#$@)

WE WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW THE OUTCOME - WE ARE OFF TO COROMAL TODAY TO GET THE "LOWDOWN" FROM THEM AND HOPEFULLY RECTIFY/CLARIFY THE WHOLE SITUATION.
Reply 10 of 14
FollowupID: 567884   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 07:41

Member - Roscoe ET (QLD) posted:

Bunny,

Just read your thread. My next door neighbour has a disco 1, same problem you have found the vehicle is rated at 3500kg but the towball weight is only 150kg. He has a single axle van and found the towball weight to be around 250kg from memory. Unfortunately he's left on his trip to WA so I can't get him to give you advise on what he did but he did talk to me about the whole issue as I do a fair bit of towing.

He spoke with Landrover and found that the towbar is only rated to safely carry 150kg at the ball. I was at his place when he hooked up the van and the rear suspension hardly moved so clearly the suspension is strong enough to carry a heavy load and the vehicle is rated to pull 3500kg.

To resolve the issue and from what I understand in accordance with advice he received from landrover he simply replaced the original towbar with a heavier one from hayman reece.

Maybe you need to talk to landrover as well.

On the road to Kalgoorlie
Click Image to Enlarge
Roscoe

I live for the day and regenerate at night; the way I roll
Be yourself, everyone else is already taken
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 301804   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 08:53

Darren W replied:

I'd thought I'd post my experience on ball weights...

I have a disco1 and a Kaymar rear step which has a tow hich. The max ball weight 120kg. All OK till I bought a caravan. It was a Roma dual axel and ATM-GTM was 190kg.

Didn't release possible legal issue until safter the first lap of OZ. Note I had a haymen reece weight distribution hitch and the van towed very well.

I'm paranoid about legal issues with insurance and thought they would look at this if I had to make a claim.

First things first , the car manual. There's a difference in the wording in the UK owner manual which I believe says max ball wieght 250kg, the oz version talks about a recommended max of 150kg. Note it also talks about a Max rear axle loading so you need to take that into account also. I had a lawyer friend read over the relevant sections and his interpretation was yes you can go more than 150Kg just not above the rear axle loading.

Next problem was the tow hitch , if it says 120kg and you load more its illegal. Rang around a few places and all tow hitches said max ball weight of 150kg.... except ARB the hitch they sell is plated 200kg.

Replaced the KMAR with the old bumper and fitted the ARB hitch.

So in summary hitch now is rated to 200kg and as long as I don't overload rear axle I'm legal.
Note I did actually weight the van and the ball weight empty was more like 280kg , van was empty. There is no way it was ever 190kg when it left the factory. Moved water tanks around , added dual spare wheels, still above 200kg. Van now sold and looking for something new...

Darren



Reply 11 of 14
FollowupID: 567930   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 15:38

Nomadic Navara posted:

Quote - "Note I did actually weight the van and the ball weight empty was more like 280kg , van was empty. There is no way it was ever 190kg when it left the factory."

That is because Ball Weight never equals ATM - GTM. The ATM & GTM are legal limits and you will rarely see these figures when you place a van on a weigh bridge. When you take delivery of your van the ball weight is the tare weight less the axle weight, it probably will never be the same weight again after you start adding things to your van. The ATM & GTM two figures are legal limits that you are not legally permitted to exceed at any time when you are towing your van. When talking about your van's loading you should be talking about aggregate weight and axle (or trailer weight.)

The ball can only ever equal if you can actually load your van to exactly equal the ATM and GTM figures. However if you do this there will probably be too little ball weight on your tug. Thus if you are concerned with safety I stand by my first sentence.

2nd thing - the maximum permitted ball weight is the LESSER of the manufacturers specification and the specification on the compliance plate on the tow bar. In the first case you were limited by the 120 kg limit on the plate on the tow bar. The current situation is you are limited by Land Rover's 150 kg limit.

PeterD
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 301812   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 10:06

Gronk replied:

I think this is a problem with a lot of trailer manufacturers ( not only caravans ) who seem to be blatantly understating ball weights..

I think they should be made to state ( enforcable rule ) dry and wet weights of their " finished " trailers.. not some "approx" weight configured 3/4 of the way thru the assembly line !!

Because of the length of the drawbar and the physics of pivot points etc, you have to put a lot of load on the rear to get load off the ball..
Reply 12 of 14
FollowupID: 567919   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 13:51

Steve posted:

spot on mate

they give these "recommendations" to suit their own ends (and arses) in case any legal issues come up. They're of little help to the owner.

The wife would never put anything in the washing machine if she took notice of the "care label" on the garment. They all say "dry clean only" these days.

It's all a cop-out and the manufacturers shirking their responsibilities. 150 kgs is a ridiculous limit to put on a Disco. I'm sure it has ben upgraded on the later models.
FollowUp 1 of 4
FollowupID: 567934   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 16:00

Nomadic Navara posted:

One thing you have got to watch with van manufacturers is they weigh their first one off the line for a certain model. This could be a full height twin bed version. They then produce a double bed version and lengthen it so you can get around the end of the bed - comes delivered with the same tare weight. They then build a pop-top, double bed version - heavier again and no reweigh and so same tare weight on the compliance plate. Then I get mine with a battery system and solar panel - same tare, ATM & GTM on the compliance plate - result it is so overweight I only have a load allowance of around 100 kg. Don't do as I did and run it for 12 months before you weigh the van - be warned.

PeterD
FollowUp 2 of 4
FollowupID: 567954   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 18:06

Steve posted:

....and that's before they put the awning on


is that what they actually do Pete? Sounds a bit haphazard ro base the whole model off one particular spec - but nothing would surprise, would it?
FollowUp 3 of 4
FollowupID: 567956   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 18:15

Nomadic Navara posted:

Some manufacturers certainly don't weigh many of their vans - only the first of each model. My Spaceland came out around 200 kg heavier than the plated and registered tare weight. Some like Roadstar have a bridge and weigh every van.

PeterD
FollowUp 4 of 4
Activities Index
Calypso-Certified Diving in the Great Barrier Reef Calypso-Certified Diving in the Great Barrier
Cairns and Tropical North QLD - QLD
Experience the wonders of the largest collection of coral reefs in the world!
Tasmania East Coast Tour - 2 Days Tasmania East Coast Tour - 2 Days
Hobart - TAS
Explore Tasmania's spectacular East Coast over 2 fun filled days!
Reef Experience Reef Experience
Cairns and Tropical North QLD - QLD
Join us aboard Reef Experience for an unforgettable journey to pristine outer reef locations and dis
Premium Gliding Air Experience Flight - Sydney Premium Gliding Air Experience Flight - Sydn
Sydney - NSW
Soar like an eagle high above the picturesque Camden valley, with views to the Sydney skyline and th
Book Now - Things To Do
AnswerID: 301823   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 11:36

Member - Olcoolone (S.A) replied:

I would get a lighter tow ball.....suggest alluminium.
A Day At The Beach
Click Image to Enlarge
I just got lost in thought............. It was unfamiliar territory
Reply 13 of 14
FollowupID: 567910   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 11:59

Gronk posted:

Why not an axle front and rear of the van ( like a truck dog ) then you have no towball weight !!!!!!
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 567940   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 17:03

Nomadic Navara posted:

Or you can try the suggestions in this link

PeterD
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 301852   Submitted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 at 17:31

Nomadic Navara replied:

Quote - "We were told the van’s towball weight would be between 140kg to 160kg."

The dealer seemed to be aware that you were limited to 150 kg ball weight. Is this correct? Can you prove the promise of 140 to 160 kg ball weight? If so then you have them on toast. They have sold you goods that are not fit for the purpose you described to them. The next question to ask is - do you wish to keep the van? If you wish to try to get another that is suitable for your Disco and return the present one for a refund.

Do you know what the ball weight is empty? The current loaded ball weight limits you to the big Toyotas or Patrols. If you can get it down below 300 kg then some of the latest twin cab utes will fit the bill.

PeterD
Reply 14 of 14
FollowupID: 568260   Submitted: Monday, May 05, 2008 at 20:36

Bunny posted:

Although we didn't specify it previously, we actually purchased a second hand van and referred back to the original dealer for details. So we really have no claim back on the manufacturer's agent.

Seeing as we had a few comments about the 90 litre tanks being excessive (although that's what we were told when we purchased the van) we have actually found we have 2 60 litre tanks and with 3/4 full, so we still had 90 litres of water on board when weighted.

Our impression from what we read is that if we move the water tanks back plus take out a gas bottle, the 90 kg. behind the rear axles will improve the situation, but won't get us down to the 150 we presently have on the Disco 1.

Seems like we need to upgrade to a Series Two or trade the van in for a rear kitcheon one.

FollowUp 1 of 1

 Page Sponsors

ExplorOz ExplorOz
Become a Member of ExplorOz; buy or sell in Trader; buy Maps, Books, DVDs, camping accessories, and ExplorOz wheel covers, shirts, hats and stubby holders from the ExplorOz Shop; and book Activities &Tours or buy someone a gift certificate from our Activities section. Become an ExplorOz Member for just $60 in your first year, and $40 when you renew.
PO BOX 967  HILLARYS, WA, 6923
Phone: (08) 9403 3737
More info | Website
WAECO Pacific Pty Ltd WAECO Pacific Pty Ltd Premium Listing
Portable refrigeration provider WAECO, is celebrating 10 years in Australia in 2009. Established in high-technology headquarters in Germany 35 years ago, WAECO has developed a wide range of mobile technology for people on the move.
1 JOHN DUNCAN COURT   VARSITY LAKES, QLD, 4227
Phone: 1800 21 21 21
More info | Website | Driving Directions