Towing with a 3.2L Jackaroo?

Thanks heaps OldBaz.

Yeah it is the Gumtree one, and we also thought it strange to be a 3.5l but even now the owner is certain it is, to the point of calling the manufacturer..... but I think he must of bought it thinking it was and refuses to accept that it isn't, personally we know the truth and it doesn't hurt for him to keep his dream alive... except when he is making us stand around for an hour while he fights with Holden on the phone *rolls eyes*

In a way having a bit of restriction on the Caravan size is a good thing, we didn't want to be towing a big beast behind us and probably could have if we weren't careful, this way we at least have some boundaries.

The car looks great, and all seems to go well. Though we can't get the Hub to Lock, it part turns and won't go any further? Any ideas??

Ange, I thought that car looked like a possibility....cant help with the hub..maybe
rotate the wheel & try again. Will the owner permit an inspection by a qualified
mechanic of your choosing?. Would be well worth the cost to have such advice.
The car, I mean, not the hub, (but get it checked too)..:))))).......oldbaz.

Yeah the full check is next on our to do list! :)

Also, From what I have heard even if there is a problem with the Hub, is shouldn't be too much a a deal to fix. So aside from that it is looking good!

Now to get through this long weekend to get her properly looked over. :)

Just so you know, the 3.2L is known as a 6VD1 and the 3.5L is a 6VE1. This should be stamped somewhere on one of the plates in engine bay.

wizzer

Thanks for that Wizzer73, I actually cant seem to find that number anywhere though? do you know where exactly it might be hiding? :)

Had a quick look in my car (3.5L jack) and couldn't find it either. However in my engine bay on the back fire wall there is a black isuzu build plate. On mine it says engine = RJQ. The RJQ denotes that it is a 6VE1 (3.5L DOHC).
If it is a 3.2L it will say engine = either a RLU or RLV (ones a SOHC, the other DOHC).

Got this info from
jack otion codes
about 4th post down.

Also on my little back door of my car it says 3.5L V6.

hope that helps

wizzer

Thank you! Found it using the codes.

This one says its an RLU so 6VD1 SOHC!

Finally it is actually written somewhere!

I am not exactly sure what you mean by little back door? but I had a look on both sides of the tail gate and there isn't anything written there.

I find it really strange that it is not written more obviously somewhere on this car?

hi angie m
the jacks compliance plate should reveal what size engine it has and the licence papers if the owner will allow you to view that
if he reneges then something is amiss and i would shy clear of that sale
the 3.2 jack according to a friend who had one and did tow with it says it was very thirsty while towing and slow going if there where any hills but otherwise a roomy and stable reliable vehicle for its time

barry cheers

Cheers for the Info Barry,
The owner seems pretty good and is holding nothing back, but he is quite grey, and seems to be a bit forgetful yet determined to prove it is a 3.5l and I really just think when he bought it that's what he thought it was and has believed it for the whole time he had it, which would make it hard to accept I guess.
Really, I don't have a problem with him thinking it when I know the truth, and I am not too phased by it being a 3.2l I understand it might drink a bit more and go a bit slower but I think in my price range I am lucky to find a good well looked after 4x4 with reasonable No' of KMs.
At this stage if the inspection all checks out, we will be its proud new owners by next week!

97 jack

98 jack

Hi Angie
Have a look at the 2 links i have inserted.
Have a look at the engine pics. The 97 model (3.2L) has the plug leads at the front of the motor. The 98 model (3.5L) has the leads in a different place.
Also in the pics of the rear of car, under the license plate, the 98 shows the "3.5" where the 97 just shows "V6".

Also just for reference, my 3.5 manual jack when towing my aprox 2tonne van gets between 25-30L/100km. 2 adults, 2 kids.

cheers
wizzer

Thanks for the Link Notso,
Though those specs are for a SWB, this is a LWB which has a tow capacity up to around 2500kg Braked. I have checked out all the specs for it, but nothing beats experience in my mind.
:)

Cheers Ross,
Good rule to stick to, thanks for sharing.

Bit hard to stick to that rule when a lot of caravans way 2tonne or more.

A cruiser, discovery or patrol then should only tow around 2tonne, even though they are mostly rated to 3.5tonne.

Sounds fine in theory for smaller vehicles but with modern large vehicles (patrol excluded) trailer stability software on some cars will eliminate sway issues. Plus with power to burn heavy weights don't hurt the hip pocket too much in fuel usage like they once did.

Im aware of that Bushranger,but all that fancy towing equipment and endless power probably lulls a lot of drivers into a false sense of security.
Once your in trouble,a van that is heavier than the tug will pull it around like a rag doll.
I just did a 2000 klm road trip and every 2nd van seem to be towed by a vehicle that looked too small for the job