statement from mitsubishi on pajero tow ball weights

Hi all,
I have recently posted a couple of questions on different vehicles - 1 of which was the pajero and its ambiguous tow ball down force weights.
A good mate who has a Pajero contacted Mitsubishi Australia and recieved the following reply;

"We acknowledge reciept of your recent correspondence regarding the towing capacity of the NT Pajero. Please be advised that the towing capacity of all long wheel base models is as follows - towing; vertical load towing capacity is 180kg @ 3000kg

250kg @ 2500kg

Please note that the total vertical load (hitch mass) must not exceed 250kg when the towing capacity is 2500kg or below. When the towing capacity is between 2500kg and 3000kg, the hitch mass must not exceed 180kg.
With regards to your concerns about above figures, we wish to advise that the Pajero towing capacity has been set according to Mitsubishi's worldwide towing specifications. The Pajero's previous 2500/250 kg towing capacity was unique to Australia and was set in accordance with an Australian rule of thumb that tow ball down be approximately 10% of trailer mass.
mitsubishi's worldwide towing specification, guided mainly by the European market practices differs from this Australian towing specification by allowing higher towing loads with tow-ball downloads below 10% of trailer mass."

"It is worth noting that in the absence of any specific regulation that mandates a tow ball download range, generally Australian registration authorities recommend that tow-ball downloads be in the range of 5 to 10% of trailer mass. A 180kg download limit is 6% of 3000kg, and as such falls within this range.
Mitsubishi acknowledge that the 180kg tow-ball download limit at 3000kg may not suit all towing applications in Australia due to design practices of Australian trailer manufacturers. However the increase in towing capacity from 2500kg to 3000kg will provide customers with greater flexibilty in their towing options.
Thank you for your enquiry and allowing us the opportunity to provide comment."
Regards,
Carmel
Mitsubishi marketing assistance centre
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd.
GPO Box 1851 Adelaide SA 5100


So there we have it from the horses mouth....Apparently they are doing us a favour and I didn't even realize it (excuse my sarcasm) Considering it IS industry standard for 10% download on our caravans they might as well not have bothered.

Apologies for the long post, Keith