79 Series Weights

Muddy,

Still waiting to see a photo! The rear springs of the 79 are a bit soft for a heavy load so I’ve had my GVM upgraded and a set of airbags fitted as well to assist. Is she sitting on her bum fully loaded? If so you really should look at a rear suspension upgrade.

With 90 litres of fuel on board mine came upon the weighbridge at 2100 ( without the main pod - That added another 600). My GVM is just under 4 tonnes. With 400 litres of fuel and 120 of water plus two spares, I’m at 3220 kg. Add clothing, people, food, tools and spares and I’m real close. It would also be mindful to check the load rating on your tyres to ensure they can handle the load without issues. My Toyo Open Country MT’s have a 1700kg load rating per tyre (LR – “E”) but some of the lesser A/T type tyres will bubble or bulge in the sidewall if constantly overloaded and then run over rough, sandy or at lower pressures.

Post a photo for us.

Cheers Mick

Hi Muddy

It is a constant issue when traveling. What to include and what to leave behind.

My 79 weighed in at 2870kg with nothing on the back ............ Wow.

The extra weight is just the roo bar, tray, under tray boxes, air compressor, side rails, bar work over cab, and minor other stuff.

Doesn't leave much to GMV.

I have a suspension upgrade and airbags.

Cheers

David



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Muddy79,
these vehicles definitely weigh heavy
I got a shock when I weighed mine after also fitting out an aluminium canopy.
with 2 spares,(1 in canopy) 180 fuel, 65 water under tray, recoverygear and tool boxes under tray and 1 x120 kg drivermine Grossed 3.10 ,split 1.66 rear axle and 1.44 front axle. no food in fridge , no grog , no luggage and no swmbo.
took off the canopy next day and weighed it again and 2.72 gross.
( conclusion canopy as loaded weighs 400 kg)
Have since added suspension upgrade and fitted winch so probably another 75kg in total added.
must admit I am not particularly concerned as old 80 series was 3.72tonne for canning trip last year. I am pretty confident of keeping this vehicle under 3500.
In fact the load capacity on the 79 is only marginally better than the 80 series.as the base 79(including tray) is over 300kg heavier.
lots more space though.
cheers
howard

I've done a bit to reduce the weight in mine. Its about the 3300kg (at GVM) when loaded for the average desert trip and not towing the Tvan. On some desert trips, I'll go over GVM because of extra fuel and water.

Its got an alloy tray and which had 2 very heavy steel cross beams - I replaced these with redesigned footings that saved weight and kept the strength. I removed the headboard because it does nothing once you add a canopy. The aluminium canopy is simply attached with 4 high tensile bolts that go through to the rails - better then the fancy brackets that make it removable. I had the canopy made with a thin floor, because I don't need to to stand alone, and its sits on the tray.
I run mags now - saved 30 kgs.
The spare wheel carrier is simply spare U-bolts - I like to use spare Toyota parts to make accessories.
My Highlift jack is stored on the bullbar and clamped with wheel studs and wheel nuts. I use it as my beadbreaker, so it serves more than one purpose.
My internal fitout is done with thin 9mm ply that is just big enough to glue and screw and has been fine for the past 6 years.
My fridges sit on the floor - Both my wife and I are tall enough to access the fridges without the need for fridge slides that can add weight a fair bit of weight and take up room.
I don't use gas bottles - prefer the lighter weight of a Coleman dual fuel stove for when we don't have a campfire.
We just take a double swag when we're not towing the Tvan. And add a 6kg tent if forced to stay in a caravan park.
Roofrack is 100x100 mesh attached to the canopy roof (adds about 20kgs).
I don't use sidebars or aftermarket steps - they add a lot of weight - I can buy 7 sets of ARB factory-look flares for the price of one set of ARB side bars!
Spares - just pack the spares that are needed to get you out of trouble and share them amongst your group.
Keep your setup simple as possible.

As far as the vehicle goes, It's got ARB springs and I added airbags so it sits OK with about 15psi in the airbags when fully loaded.

Cheers
Phil