Towing with NT Pajero

Submitted: Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 12:55

ThreadID: 73242 Views:8245 Replies:3 FollowUps:2

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Tony @ Naomi

Just looking at the NT Pajero Turbo Diesel to tow a caravan just over the 2500 weight, is anyone on the forum using this vehicle and would appreciate any comments both posite and negitive before I make a decision. The other alternative is a second hand 100 series TD still expensive for a second hand car, or break the bank and go for a new 200 series.

Thanks, Tony

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Reply By: TerraFirma - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 13:29

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 13:29

2nd hand 100 series TD would be better than the Pajero from a handling aspect for towing 2500KG IMO. The 200 series would be the ultimate if money isn't an issue. I think the Pajero maybe fine with 2500KG the only negative thing I have read was the rear handling whilst towing on irregular surfaces, lot of sideways movement.

Here's a test of the Pajero towing a 2 tonne caravan.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/car-reviews-road-tests/mitsubishi_nt_pajero_di-d_tow_test

AnswerID: 388366

Reply By: Bobjl - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 21:48

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 21:48

Tony
I have had three Pajeros 2003 Petrol a 2006 Diesel which I felt was even better tow vehicle than Petrol pulling a 20 foot full van ATM 2100kg. Have towed twice round Aust and very happy with handling economy etc of the Pajeros.

Early this year I bought new Pajero Exceed Diesel just before I sold the 20 footer and ordered our new van [which was to be 22 foot and 2500kg ATM]. I was and still am a real advocate for the Pajero noting importantly I am not a real 4 wd bloke as such, rather soft roader and caravanner.

Unfortunately I failed to do my homework to the extent needed as I learned shortly after the purchase that the Pajero is according to the Manufacturer, only allowed to have a Tow Ball Mass/Weight of 180kg if ATM greater than 2500. If ATM less than 2500kg then max permissible Tow Ball mass/weight reverts to 180kg.
There are suggestions that as a rule of thumb you will get about 10% of the ATM as Tow ball Mass/Weight, however there are factors that will influence significantly that figure including how van is loaded of course.

Following lots of advice from members of this site, discussions with Mitsubishi aswell as taking what I felt was independent and probably expert advise from a recognised and respected Caravan industry player, I sold the new Pajero [and ripped up a lot of money in the process]. I purchased a Twin Turbo Diesel Land Cruiser and whilst it is a much bigger beast I am feeling like I am going to be in control of the new Van [which has grown to 24 foot]. Have done about 7,000 k's in the 8 weeks I have had it and it is very strong once it is out of the blocks and moving. 12 litres to 100k.s on first 5,000 k,s to QLD and back to Vic not towing.

The previous respondent to your post suggested rethinking the vehicle you buy and based on my experience and learnings I agree a bigger stronger vehicle is needed if you are over at or around 2500kg.

Bob

AnswerID: 388445

Follow Up By: Bobjl - Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 08:30

Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 08:30

Tony
Correction in the third paragraph - I should have said
If ATM less than 2500kg then max permissible Tow Ball mass/weight reverts to 250kg. - but noting 250kg is absolute upper limit - not 260, accordingly [and I anticipate you will know this anyway], if say you load your van in a particular way and more than the rule of thumb/approximate 10% of ATM weight becomes the tow ball mass/weight, then you further affect the Pajero limits. The Pajero limits really leave nothing to spare on a full van greater than say 20-21 foot.

Bob

FollowupID: 656113

Reply By: Steve - Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 10:02

Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 at 10:02

Hi Bob,

Notwithstanding the 10% guideline, and given that your van would be a tandem axle and therefore less weight on the towball than, say, a single axle, is it as critical to concern yourself with towball weight? I don't know - just bringing the point up. I suppose the answer is to find out your actual towball weight rather than assume it would be 250kg. I suppose what I'm getting at is, your towball weight might be less than you think.

cheers
Steve

AnswerID: 388486

Follow Up By: Bobjl - Sunday, Oct 25, 2009 at 19:02

Sunday, Oct 25, 2009 at 19:02

Steve
Yep - a very good point as the TB Mass will vary significantly as most know dependent upon a number of criteria.

Van Manufacturer said could move axles forward a tad [but did not like the thought of that], configuring van and or loading it so most of weight over the axles would assist but still marginal given Pajero limitations. I had indications of weight on similar layout Vans from Van manufacturer that were around 2200kg [unladen] and low 200kg TB Mass, so if we added 2 large full gas cylinders plus some tunnel boot cargo plus two fresh and one grey water tanks that would take the Van ATM well over 2500kg. Given that immediately ATM over 2500kg Mitusbishi say revert to 180kg TB Mass and no other figure.

For me to acheive such a TB Mass [Based on my research] was going to be very difficult and meant a lot more weight rear of the axles so the Yawe [sway] factor dynamics would be compromised and create a less stable Van.

In all my recent learnings I noted that some Manufacturers are better at helping customers understand what the can pull and how to manage TB Mass, and certainly I felt Nissan [see Patrol guff on Nissan site] and Toyota were pretty good at that. I think Mits could do a bit more with the Pajero seeing as it drops from a maximum allowable TB Mass of 250kg straight down to 180kg when ATM increases by effectively just a few KG [from say 2499 to 2501kg].

Interestingly I note European Countries seem to want to keep TB Mass to about 6-8% of ATM.

Bob

FollowupID: 656348