Supension Upgrade vs Weight Distribution Hitches

[shaneb Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close shaneb]

G'day,

I've been towing an offroad camper trailer on various trips over the years mainly on bitumen without any suspension upgrade or Weight Distribution Hitches. Camper trailer ATM is 1020kg with a few 100kgs of gear and hasn't posed any real issues while towing. The rear suspension does sag a little bit but no issues noticeable while driving.

We have just ordered a 16ft jayco expanda outback (ATM ~1800kg) for a half lap trip later next year and I'm thinking I will either need to upgrade the suspension or use weight distribution hitches. Keen to understand your peoples thoughts and experiences on what I'm likely to require so I can prep the car for caravan pick up and first trip over Christmas.

I'm thinking a suspension lift may not be required as I won't be doing any serious offroad (gibb river rd & meerenie loop will be the extent) although open to advice. Thinking polyair bags or WDHs will see me through?

Prado is a V6 on LPG. (also considering side grading to a diesel for range but that's another discussion...)

Cheers,
Shane

[Whitey Shockie Maker of the Month Award Find all posts View Profile Close Whitey]

Hey Shane,

If you're planning on doing the Gibb and you're driving an older 120 on factory suspension, then I'd definitely upgrade it rather than have a strut or shock start leaking out on the tracks.

A warning on the factory towbar on the 120 series Prado: it is cast iron, and weight distribution hitches/bars have snapped the casting clean through in both on and off road driving conditions.

I would suggest that you upgrade your towbar to a Hayman Reese, see here;

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ese-120-Towbar

I would also add airbags to your rear coils to combat the sag you will get from loading up the cargo area and your towball weight.

Best

Mark

[Guest Close Guest]

What Whitey said. Also to add, consider a set of standard height King springs (KTRS-102). Gives about 1" lift and can take a bit more weight when the camper is hooked up. May even do without the airbags depending on the ball weight.

[shaneb Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close shaneb]

Hey Shane,

If you're planning on doing the Gibb and you're driving an older 120 on factory suspension, then I'd definitely upgrade it rather than have a strut or shock start leaking out on the tracks.

A warning on the factory towbar on the 120 series Prado: it is cast iron, and weight distribution hitches/bars have snapped the casting clean through in both on and off road driving conditions.

I would suggest that you upgrade your towbar to a Hayman Reese, see here;

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ese-120-Towbar

I would also add airbags to your rear coils to combat the sag you will get from loading up the cargo area and your towball weight.

Best

Mark

Thanks for the infot @Whitey. If I opt for the air bags, which is likely, I don't plan on using the hitches. So it's mainly just the hitches that create the problem with the cast iron tow bar?

[shaneb Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close shaneb]

What Whitey said. Also to add, consider a set of standard height King springs (KTRS-102). Gives about 1" lift and can take a bit more weight when the camper is hooked up. May even do without the airbags depending on the ball weight.

Thanks amts. So just rear springs, or shocks also and front?

Cheers,
Shane

[voyager Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close voyager]

Shane

I have been towing a 2 tonne off-road caravan with 160 - 180kg of tow ball weight for over 5 years with our D4D 2008 GXL Prado.

All I did was get ARB to upgrade the suspension using their OME product. Rear suspension was upgraded to the 400kg option.

Ended up with about a 2" lift and no need for air bags or a weight distribution hitch.

The ride is a little harsh when unladen and not towing but is very comfortable when we are travelling.

Try an upgrade without air bags to start - they can always be added later if required.

Harry

[shaneb Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close shaneb]

Thanks Harry, good advice. Was it just springs that were upgraded or both springs and struts? Also, both front and back suspension?

Cheers Shane

[Guest Close Guest]

Thanks amts. So just rear springs, or shocks also and front?

Cheers,
Shane

Just rear springs would be fine if you're on a budget and are happy with the current ride.

[voyager Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close voyager]

Thanks Harry, good advice. Was it just springs that were upgraded or both springs and struts? Also, both front and back suspension?

Cheers Shane

Springs and struts - front and rear

Harry