Can the vehicle towing capcity be changed?

Warren,

Check the article in 4WD Monthly September 2007 edition, article starts on page 101 and is very informative of increasing the load and towing capacities.

If needed I'll scan and email it to you if you want.

Cheers Kev

Far more complex than that, usually related to the strength of the chassis/body, drivetrain, engine power and braking capacity.
All this is usually worked out by the manufacturer at the production stage. Another thing to take into account is the actual usage rating given in percentage of time at full GVM or towing capacity. The manufacturers rarely quote it and are even more reluctant to give it out.
Many would be surprised that the given tow capacity or GVM is not a continuous duty rating but usually a percentage of the total use time.
In simple terms if you run at GVM or full tow capacity most of the time you will wear your vehicle out quicker.
Rather than upgrading towing capacity or GVM I would be thinking of a larger vehicle that can do it easier rather than at the outer edge of the envelope.
Personally I prefer that the tare (unladen weight) of the towing vehicle comfortably exceed the GTM of the towed vehicle.

Warren, while it is possible, I'd be a bit reluctant with the Hilux, particularly if you are on long range touring.

I have a new model ('05) Hilux TD manual. I've upgraded the suspension and have Firestone airbags on the rear leaf springs. Have also added a diesel power chip and 2.75 inch exhaust. We carry a heavy load (including boat) when touring and are a little over weight on GVM. Our CT is 1,500KG, so well under the limit. Our GCM is under the limit.

With the mods, the Hilux handles very well when touring, but:

I don't think the rear brakes are good enough for any more weight. You would need to upgrade them.

The clutch can't handle any more. Our biggest issue is getting going, particularly from a stand still up hill. The clutch has slipped a few times in this circumstance.

Apart from the clutch issue, the 3.0 TDs in the utes develop their power and torque fairly high in the rev range. When towing and load carrying, you need the torque down low to get you going. The power chip and exhaust have helped with this, but still an issue. See pic below for before and after power chip (but without exhaust).

We love our Hilux and it is a great touring vehicle, but I suspect we are operating it at it's limit. As a result, late next year I'm hoping to upgrade to a TD V8 70 series tray back. Bigger load carrying and tow capacity and torque available right across the rev range - in short an ideal towing and touring vehicle.Well if you forget about creature comforts and basic safety items like SRS and ABS it is, but that's another issue.
Norm C



!MPG:18!

My opinion would be to tow something lighter rather than tow something heavier, i'm always looking at lightening the load in my camper and 4b and my tow capacity is 3500kg with a max ball weight of 250kg.

Don't put more on your vehicle it only puts strain on it and makes going away a chore instead of being fun, remember it's the journey as well as the destination.

My camper is around 1,3tonne, weight over the hitch is 120kg.

Baz.

Would it not be more sense to go and buy a bigger unit in the first place, like work out the specs of what your likely to want to do in the future and get an F250 or Dodge Ram instead of a Landcruiser or Nissan, that's called Planning aye.

Your main issue IMO is that you'll risk bending the chassis on a dual cab Hilux.

These vehicles can carry weight when its forward of the rear axle. But putting all the weight (especially a lot of drawbar weight) behind the rear axle can bend the chassis - especially for offroad travel.

Haven't seen it on a current series Hilux, but seen in on the previous model and other dual cabs.

As someone once said; modifying the tow tug is like putting a fire cracker on the tail of a donkey - it will go like the clappers for a little while, then stop. Get a horse that is capable of doing the job you want. Wise advice.

Thanks everyone for the informative & constructive input. It's so damn good to bounce these questions around and draw on all the experience and experiences out there. We are looking vans & campers, and although I was only going to nudge the limit on my towing capacity, you can bet your lefty there will always be something else I want to chuck on board. The Hilux has been a really good vehicle, but because of this lousy 2250kg limit, I'm now considering changing vehicles. Cheers, Waz