Suspension Feedback

The suspension I have installed is the same as the GVM upgrade, but without the compliance plate. Apparently its much easier to get the GVM upgrade done prior to registration as they can use the Type Approval, however once registered you need to pay for engineering approval - $$$. Why the difference I don't know, but thats why mine hasn't been done. I figure that since mine is fitted with uprated GVM components, an insurance company will have a hard time arguing overloading was the cause of an accident (my suspension is listed with the insurance company). May not be correct but I am happy with my delusional beliefs :)

As for your circumstances, you can get the suspension upgrade without the lift, it would suit you especially as you don't need the increased clearance. IMHO I would not tow 3T plus the extras without the suspension upgrade, particularly the rear springs.

My roof bars are Rhino Heavy Duty Aero Bars, I got them fitted by the dealer but you can easily get them aftermarket. They work very well for me and I am happy I had them fitted. Rhino HD Aero Bars

Cheers

Captain

Hi. My brother has an 07 200 Turbo Diesel Sahara towing a 3.5tonne van. Ball weight is around 300kg. He has I think a 70/75Ltr Aux tank in the rear with spare wheel in the original place. We fitted Polyair bags around 12 months ago and after 15000klms they have proved to be an excellent improvement. He recently had a draw set installed so is around the 600kg recomended load weight. The air bags require around 20Lb air pressure when loaded and with the van on. Around 5Lb without the van. He has a Hayman Reece WDH fitted when towing the van. Ride and articulation are standard and comfortable and he is still able to take to van into some pretty remote locations. Regards,Bob.

Hi Jack
Thanks for all this valuable information. Actually everyone has been helpful.
How did you get the upgrade approved? Did you engage some engineer and what was the cost? Did the Lovell kit lift the vehicle and by how much. I have a hight problem in my garage and have limited amount of lift that I can tolerate. I can understand that the lovell kit allowed you to have the GVM up grade but how do you get the towing upgrade? Yoiu seem to suggest you are going to do a further upgrade to a greater GVM. How, is this another kit that you are fitting? So what are you doing aobut the alloy wheels to get the upgrade?
I have an almost 8M caravan with a base weight of 3020 with a maximum load carrying 3460. As max towing capacity of the cruiser is 3500 I am just OK but it would be advantageous to have a greater legal towing capacity.
Appreciate any info as you seem to have been down that track on this and must know the subject well.

Hullo Graeme

I will try and clarify the details for you here. There are three upgrades mentioned in my earlier post.

1. The GVM upgrade was completed through Lovells Springs. It increased GVM to 3800kg and involved replacement of front and rear springs and shock absorbers. The upgrade was certified by an approved Engineer and a Certificate issued. A copy of the Certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times. The cost was approximately $3,000. The vehicle was raised 13mm in the front and 50mm in the rear. When I load it up now (caravan etc) it rides smoothly and level.

2. The towing upgrade had to be completed separately as Lovells would not entertain the idea. HOWEVER, John Burke at Specialised Vehicles can do BOTH!! This upgrade required the GVM upgrade to have been done (to 3800kg) and upgrade to the towing equipment. I have fitted a 5400kg Reese hitch and 70mm ball rated at 4500kg. All of this was inspected at John Burke's by a second Engineer. A second Certificate was issued indicating the approved TOWING capacity upgrade to 3850kg. This Certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times. This upgrade cost approximately $2,200.

A new Compliance Plate has been fitted to the vehicle showing the GVM of 3800kg and the Towing capacity of 3850kg.

3. I am still working through the third upgrade (with a third Engineer) which is an increase in ATM of our caravan from 3500kg to 4300 or 4400kg. The upgrade is still unresolved because I fitted Toyota 200 Series Alloy rims and tyres to match the 200 Series GXL and we cannot find the load carrying capacity of the damn wheels!! The reason for fitting these rims and tyres was to have them interchangeable between van and Cruiser. I have a "spare spare" steel rim to suit the 200 Cruiser, but it doesn't have a load rating stamped on it and Toyota won't help there either.

We are hoping to have a final ATM for the van of say 4400kg. That would mean a towball weight of 440kg and an axle group capacity (dual axles on the van) of 3960kg OR 990kg per wheel. The tyres are rated at 1250kg - OK!! But Mr Toyoda won't tell us what the rims are rated at. We are still working on that.

The reason I am aiming for the highest possible ATM on the van is that it is quite a difficult and costly process to complete. The manufacturer of the van went bust, so I cannot go back there. So I have endeavoured to do it once and have it compliant for another buyer or myself to upgrade the tow vehicle.

Meanwhile, I will limit my loading of the van to 3850kg all up weight with 420kg towball weight (to suit the new Towing capacity of the 200 Series).

Our van started with a Tare of 3080kg and ATM of 3500kg. Filling the water tanks adds 320kg leaving just 100kg for everything else - it isn't going to work, is it?

I don't know how much the third upgrade (van ATM) is going to cost. The Engineer has had to do a lot more work, on chassis strength, axle and brake capacities etc. I have upgraded the tow coupling to a 6000kg 70mm unit on the front of the van. I have upgrade the disc brake calipers and the Actuator from a 1200psi unit to a 1600psi unit to increase brake rating from 3500kg to 4500kg. I have upgraded the safety chains and bow shackles to the 4500kg rating.

I hope this helps you understand what I have achieved so far.

Regards, Jack