LC 200 and Towing
Submitted: Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:20
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Member - Don M (NSW)
I have read archives and the feature article on towing but neither help me specifically. I am considering a 23' Jayco Sterling caravan..(no comments please) which has a towball weight of 215kg. What
suspension mods, if any would I need to make to a LC200, Diesel with KDSS. The Kinetic website indicates that their
suspension includes load levelling..in one version. Does the LC200 have this feature? Will a weight distribution hitch be all I would need?? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Reply By: donk - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:37
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:37
The KDSS system only improves
suspension articulation & will not assist in leveling the vehicle so you will need to use a weight distributing hitch when towing
The 200 series diesel should be a ideal tow vehicle & would handle a 23 foot jayco with ease
The towbar receiver is part of the rear chassis crossmember so you do not need to order a towbar from toyota (it is only a tongue that is supplied in the towbar kit) but you should have the genuine towbar wiring fitted as it has a ecu that is fitted behind the rh rear 1/4 panel trim
The wire to supply the power to the trailer brake pin of the trailer plug is also behind the 1/4 panel trim so have them fit the controller at the same time as it will make it easier
When you order your weight distributing hitch kit make sure you work out the height difference between the receiver & the coupling so you can get the correct offset tongue as the receiver sits quite high compared to other vehicles with a seperate tow bar
Regards Don
AnswerID:
282152
Follow Up By: donk - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:43
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:43
Re other
suspension mods needed the rule of thumb is you modify the
suspension to carry the additional weight you put in the vehicle & use a weight distributing hitch to counteract the ball weight of the van
I have not seen how the 200 series rear
suspension reacts to weight put in the rear of the vehicle so you will have to load it up & see what happens & then determine if you need to modify the vehicle
suspension
Regards Don
FollowupID:
546656
Follow Up By: Members - Bow & Nan - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:51
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:51
Don
When I hooked up the 200 series to the caravan with a 240kg ball weight the rear sank 7cm.
Will need to upgrade
the springs.
Greg
FollowupID:
546659
Follow Up By: Member - Don M (NSW) - Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 00:36
Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 00:36
So what is the cost to upgrade springs..? Maybe Polyairs are the answer.
And Don, I assume from what you say about KDSS is that it is different from what Kinetic offer as a a package..they say that self levelling is inherent.
FollowupID:
546694
Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Kath - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:59
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 21:59
Don, self levelling in the Sahara, and even with it in
mine, the previous owner installed Polyairs for a camper trailer -
well so I have been told. I have them still in there.
AnswerID:
282160
Follow Up By: donk - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 22:27
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 22:27
The last 100 Series Sahara & the LX470 had height ajustable
suspension but the 200 series does not as far as i know ???
Regards Don
FollowupID:
546676
Follow Up By: Member - Don M (NSW) - Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 00:41
Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 00:41
Does the LC200 Sahara have self levelling
suspension in OZ...??? I don't think so. It does in UK...they only sell one model and its diesel with all the bells and whistles, most of which will no doubt be added as the model progresses in Australia...typically Toyota...at least Toyota Aus. Frustrating really...maybe I should bite the bullet and buy a near new 100 series Sahara.
FollowupID:
546695
Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Kath - Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 06:05
Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 06:05
Sorry guys, on checking no. Be easier to change
suspension components than
mine.
FollowupID:
546703
Follow Up By: Member - George (WA) - Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 18:09
Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 18:09
"The last 100 Series Sahara & the LX470 had height adjustable
suspension " That is true but only works to a speed of 35km/h after that it reverts back to normal level. i.e only good for low speeds
Cheers
FollowupID:
546799
Reply By: viz - Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 21:59
Friday, Jan 18, 2008 at 21:59
I have in my 100 series air springs (replaces the standard springs; NOT Polyairs) in the back with own-designed air valve controller (manual leveling). Pump is an Endless Air compressor at 8 cfm. Major advantage is I can vary ride height to suit conditions and add a trailer without sagging at the bum - just add air. Ride at low weights can be a bit choppy (care of the h/d shockies) but with a full load and heavy off-road trailer the ride is almost Range Rover in comfort... (had a heavily modified Rangie for 15 years...)
A huge, huge improvement on the original
suspension...
/viz
AnswerID:
282386