3L GU - Heavier Caravan? - Dtronic?

From all reports that I have seen, the chip makes the 3ltr a lot better vehicle.
Try this site with your question as some members have had their 3ltr ZD30 chipped.
http://groups.msn.com/Caravanersforum/messageboard.msnw.

I have a dtronic and I'm only towing a chunky offroad CT, its still hard work on some inclines.

However I know what the truck was like before the dtronic, so I could never imagine towing without it.

Hi JD,

I have been running a Dtronic for 100,000kms and would recommend it. I have also blocked of the EGR and turned down the turbo boost to compensate. This made virtually as much difference as the Dtronic.

I haven't changed the exhaust but from what i have read fitting a larger system will help more, plus lower EGT's. If i was keeping my vehicle longer (its about to go) it is something I would defineltly do.

I used to tow my van with this (only ~1600kg) and it was an excellent setup with plenty of power, I could even overtake comfortably!

Cheers

Captain

Brother in law has a DTronic in his patrol and it certainly helps.

He tows an off road pop top around 2.2 tonnes. It still works hard on big hills though.

I had a series III manual with a Dtronic. The extra power and driveability is surely noticeable and towing on the straight flat roads is a pleasure.

I always found the biggest drama to be taking off on an incline. Not good for that poxy clutch they put in them.

Every other aspect I found it a very good vehicle.

Personally I think the Dtronic saved me a little Diesel and once moving power was more than adequate when needed overtaking and pulling up hills.

I never weighed what I was towing but fulling loaded with the kids etc I's be pulling about 1.5 -1.7 ton.

Can't comment on the Patrol auto but I now have a TD100 with the auto box and will never bother with a manual again.

I sold the Patrol purely because of the (engine may go bang) issue. No other. A real shame because I loved it in every other way.

Hi JD

We have towed a heavy van (with 2.2 TARE) with a 3ltr auto. Did it well, including Tasmania; only limiting factor was the auto. Legally, it can tow to 2.5 t due to braking power of the auto. On two occasions, from a standing start on a very steep slope it was slow - due to the auto not the motor, which is the same motor as in the manual version. We have taken it with the van up some 'goat tracks'.

We chose not to make any modifications, but added the EGT and boost gauges so we could ensure we didn't stress the motor. It is easy to cut back a little if you can read what is happening. Although it did the job, long term towing a heavy van MAY effect the longevity of the motor. Doing modifications MAY also effect the longevity. I can only say may, not would. I would not choose the Patrol to pull a really heavy van long term, even tough it is the most comfortable vehicle we have owned. I would not add a chip or make other modifications that some people have made; there has to be a down side.

With 7.3 litres now, we have the capacity to load the van for long trips with power to spare, and still have the convenience of auto. We still won't race up hills just because we can. Take it easy and pull over to let others past, what ever you drive.

Motherhen

Hi JD,
We have a late 2001 3.0 Patrol that has done 150,000k's much of that towing a 2.2t van. Fitted a Steinbauer "P Box" a couple of years ago and that was well worth the $1400 spent. Have just recently fitted a 2 3/4" Beaudesert Exhaust and would say that it has really made a significant improvement on the towing performance. A leaking intercooler core has been my only issue.

Cheers,
bk

These vans are just getting flasher and flasher. They even come with ATM's now? (automatic teller machines). That must come in real handy when you are out in the bush and run out of cash!

Cheers,
PJ.

If your Patrol is an Auto make sure for sure itsATM is UNDER 2500KG.
I made the mistake of buying one that has an ATM of 2564kg which is not legal with an AUTO 3.0ltr Patrol.
Had to upgrade to a Cruiser to fix it and its the best $23,000 I ever spent.

thanks for your comments everyone - much appreciated, JD