Towing with new 4WD

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:16

ThreadID: 20719 Views:2183 Replies:7 FollowUps:5

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Paul

Hi,

about to take delivery on a new 3L TD Patrol (in about 2 -3 weeks), with Easter just around the corner, wondering it it would be a problem towing my 1.3Ton Camper trailer with it, fresh out of the yard?

Do they put lighter oil in them for the first 1000k's, then put proper engine oil in them at the first service?

Going to Kiama (from Sydney) if I am going to go bush it'll be with out the camper.

Paul

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Reply By: Member - Andrew(WA) - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:32

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:32

They don't change the oil at the 1000k service. They just make sure everything is tight and in the right place. Chassis bolts and all that stuff.

1st oil change won't be until 10,000 unless you change it your self.

I was shocked to learn this too!

AnswerID: 99814

Reply By: sevo - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:44

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:44

Paul,
Towing in the first 1000k is not recommeded. It is an option at the 1000k service to get oil and filter changed, labour is free to do this but you must pay for oil and filter.If you dont the next service interval is 5000k which is standard for all Nissan turbo diesels.
cheers Sevo

AnswerID: 99818

Follow Up By: Member - Captain (WA) - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 23:47

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 23:47

Sorry sevo but its 10,000kms for the 3.0TD (5,000kms for the 4.2TD) for oil changes. But I change mine every 5,000kms anyway, such cheap insurance that I reckon its a must do.

I tow my 1.6T offroad van regularly and the 3.0TD is a fantastic tow vehicle. But I wouldn't want to tow for the first 1,000kms at least. May be OK to, but I personally wouldn't feel right doing it.

I fitted my Dtronic at 5,000kms and is something I would recommend. The boost to bottom end performance comes in so handy when towing and offroad. Also, I found a noticeable improvement to power around the 20,000km mark, still takes a while for a diesel to run in I reckon.

Cheers

Captain

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FollowupID: 358104

Follow Up By: sevo - Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:25

Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:25

Gday Captain,
10,000km service intervals are for normal driving conditions 5,000km for severe conditions. Refer notes on page M-72 and check the conditions,
A Driving in dusty conditions
B Repeatedly driving short distances
C Towing a trailer or caravan
D Extensive idling
E Driving in extemly adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or extremely high
F Driving in high humidity or mountainous areas
G Driving in areas which are high in salt or other corrosive materials
H Driving with frequent use of brakes
J Frequent driving in water
I always recommend 5,000 km service on any turbo engine. And how many vehciles DONT fall into the severe driving conditons category?
cheers Sevo

FollowupID: 358119

Reply By: Brian - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:45

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:45

Paul

When I took delivery of my new Terracan it had 162Kms on the clock and I towed my camper trailer (1200Kg) from Bathurst to Melbourne and the to the Grampions and did about 3000Kms. Just take it easy and don't let the motor labour. Just take your time and you will tell by the feel of the vehicle if it is working too hard. I don't know if you have had a new vehicle before but you can tell when you are driving them if they are a bit tight. Just drive to your capabilities and take it easy.

It is correct that they do not change the oil at 1000Kms. The reply above is quite right.

Enjoy your new purchase and have a great time in this great country.

Cheers

The Bigfella

AnswerID: 99820

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:52

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 at 22:52

IMHO, you should always run a vehicle of any type for 2000-2500klms. Its not for everyone, but how much did you just dish out on the thing? Its all new, bearings, have to wear in etc.. yea some say "they come prerun in".. etc. I'd rather treat it good from day1.

Have always done it with all my bikes, and cars, and they have paid me back...

For me, just take it real easy for first 500k's (usually 1 week with a new car) up and down the revs, then 500+ just work it up little by little in the revs, but never labour the thing until your happy its run in.

I'd change the oil at 1000k's myself... then each 5000klms but depends how long you wanna keep it. MOtors are expensive, oil is cheap.

YMMV.

AnswerID: 99822

Reply By: Paul - Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 06:27

Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 06:27

Thanks for the answers.

I'm getting it as a lease, at the moment I plan to pay it out at the end so I'll treat it like its "mine".

I didn't like hearing Nissan only do it every 10000k's .....so they can do that, but I'll change it a 1000k and inbetween each nissan services.

Can't go wrong then?

Paul

AnswerID: 99858

Follow Up By: Squizzy - Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 07:41

Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 07:41

Paul,

Nissan recommend 800K's before any towing in the manual.

I have recently picked up mynew one too.

Geoff.

FollowupID: 358114

Follow Up By: Paul - Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:27

Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:27

Geoff,

Thanks....may have to do a runner up to Taree and back before I go then.

Paul

FollowupID: 358120

Follow Up By: Squizzy - Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:49

Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:49

I drove mine home from Adelaide, then down around the Copper Triangle, and then another trip to Adelaide to visit my grandson and son last week.

Mine is now ready for the 1000K service tomorrow.

I always changed my oil every 5000K's in the last 3.0L, and the oil filter every 10,000K's, and never had a problem, so will continue to do the same with this one too.

The air filter is also fairly touchy, so I change that every 10,000K's too.

Geoff.

FollowupID: 358122

Reply By: Member - Davoe (WA) - Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 09:11

Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 at 09:11

Ive got a feeling the toyota handbook says 3,000k before towing - dont have it in front of me though.

AnswerID: 99878

Reply By: Richard & Leonie - Friday, Feb 25, 2005 at 21:39

Friday, Feb 25, 2005 at 21:39

No way should you be towing your camper for at least 2000ks and more if possible. Longevity of the engine and running gear is improved if for the first 2000 kms the engine is run freely without excess load and no high revs. The old idea of running engines in still applies for new vehicles IMHO even though it is not stipulated in the manufacturers blurb. Niether should you sit on a constant speed for miles (kms). Speed should vary. Around town driving is best as long as you do not labour the engine or race off children in WRX's at traffic lights.

AnswerID: 100190