Towing of camper trailer
Submitted: Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 22:06
ThreadID:
44144
Views:
2874
Replies:
8
FollowUps:
0
This Thread has been Archived
stoker571
I own a 2006 GU Patrol 3ltr turbo diesel manual. I recently brought a 2006 goldstream camper trailer and I have a question in regards to the set up of my vehicle when towing. The weight of the trailer is approx 1100kg, and the patrol is the norm towing capacity of the car. I find that it makes the front end of the car lighter in the steering as this is shown by looking at the angle of the car. Am I better of upgrading my
suspension or possibly fitting a set of poly air bags to the rear. Also I find that it tows reasonably
well (done about 300kms) but after some advice on whether fitting sway bars to the trailer would be of a benefit to me. Do plan to add extra components to patrol in future so weight of car will increase.
Reply By: Notso - Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 22:32
Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 22:32
Cripes, What is your draw bar weight??
An 1100 kg trailer shouldn't have that much effect.
I'd be looking at the weight sitting on the draw bar of the trailer. Should be around 10% of the trailer weight, eg 110 kgs
AnswerID:
232476
Reply By: Motherhen - Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 22:34
Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 22:34
Sounds like your weight balance in the camper trailer may be wrong. We have been towing a very heavy caravan with a 3 ltr and it is set up nice and level.
AnswerID:
232477
Reply By: DIO - Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 23:14
Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 23:14
You might have to consider installing a WDH (Weight Distribution Hitch) - move some weight onto the front axle.
AnswerID:
232478
Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 05:53
Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 05:53
10 % loaded camper weight, on the towbar.
I use my bathroom scales ,, its easy to pick up
Like you I have a camper trailer, and its just a matter of adjusting /shifting a few things in the storage area of the camper, ( and that includes your spare, and fridge ) till you can basically pick it up at the coupling.
Cheers Mate
Bucky
AnswerID:
232486
Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:49
Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:49
I had the same problem with my CT when I first bought it.
Pack it a different way now to reduce the load on the tow ball.
Try and keep the heavier stuff over the axle and not too far forward.
Also make sure the rear
water tank has water in it.
AnswerID:
232495
Reply By: pmacks - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:23
Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:23
Hi Stoker,
we also tow a goldstream with a gu patrol, although ours is petrol and we over came this issue with a set of polyairs. Our Goldstream is 190 KG's on the ball and tows very
well.
The goldstream's have the wheels a little further back than others and this has the effect of making the ball weight heavier, this did concern me when we got the camper but after 6 years and i guess about 50,000 k's i dont worry any more
pmacks
AnswerID:
232501
Reply By: madfisher - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 12:07
Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 12:07
Heavey duty springs from Kings or lovells are cheap(less than $200.00) and reasonably easy to install . Will make a big diff.
I went for Ehd and a 25mm lift so it tows level
Cheers Pete
AnswerID:
232532
Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 15:25
Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 at 15:25
Hi stoker571,
I have previously used heavy springs but now have airbags and find the airbags MUCH better.
While the heavy springs do a great job at carrying a heavy load, they also produce a harsh ride when unladen. As the airbags are adjustable for the load, you get the best of both worlds. I personally wouldn't go back to heavy springs after having airbags.
Cheers
Captain
AnswerID:
232555