Towing Di-D Pajero

Hi,
I own a 2002 NM DiD paj Auto and we use it to tow a 200kg Jayco Expanda van. this is a full height van and we aren't gentle when towing. We keep to the speed limit and mostly we can. You'd be surprised how many cars we overtook travelling from Melbourne to Merimbula in September. And this was uphill in overtaking lanes.

I have (and I would again) upgraded the suspension with a 50mm lift and stronger springs/shocks. I also use a Weight distributing hitch so the front of the car doesn't lift. mitsubishi recommend a WDh for towball weights over 100kg I think.

Without the van economy is 10-11 l/100km and with the van on it's 15-19l/100km depending on speed (and particularly speed up hills). Compared to the 3litre Petrol V6 we had before it is a significant gain as we used to get 15l/100km without the van on the Petrol Paj.

They tow well but you do need to keep an eye on the back as they have independent suspension and if it sags under load too much (another reason for the WDH, it pushes the front down and lifts the back up) it will scrub out the back tyres very quickly. Make sure the front and rear wheel alignment is spot on too.

Peter

I'd agree with the above in every respect. The Paj pulls 373 Nm at 2000 rpm and with tiptonic auto it's a very good combination for towing. In my case I tow a 16 ft Coromal Seka 505 Pioneer XC dirt road van. The van weighs in at about 1800 kgs fully laiden and has about 220 kg ball weight.
The only down side, IMHO, is the 90 litre fuel tank. When towing in rough terrain in high temperatures, consumption can be as high as 19 L/100 kms so the range is not great. Certainly better than my previous 3.5 Li petrol Paj though.