Thread: Load carrying & buying tips

Hi all,

Looking at getting a 130 dual cab tray back to replace my soft roader(Navara D40).

What is the real world carrying capacity of the 130?
I have a slide on camper unit that weighs about 600kgs, could be even up to 700kgs when fully loaded for a extended trip. The poor navara drags its bum with this weight on the tray.
How well would the 130 cope with this load?
I am hoping to build a much lighter camper in the future but can not escape the weight of food, water, beer, fuel etc.

I am assuming I my need to install air bags to help carry this load?

Also as I have not bought one as yet are there any tips of things to look for in buying a second hand 130? Looking at an 08 or 09 to current. The model with the ford motor.

Thanks for the help

I tend to agree with Summit, the standard set up is very good. It will carry your 700kg well, and for most applications for most people.

In saying that however, I ended up putting 2" taller springs in the back, and 2.5" in the front of mine. I found at the vehicles GVM, evenly balanced out over front and rear maximum axel weights the car bottomed out a bit. I know that is a big ask, but one of the reasons I bought a 130 was to cope legally and within specification with what is required for remote travel. Weights are high, and the track can get rough, so taller springs set at standard spring compression ratios gave me great articulation and standard ride comfort with a full load. Of course this still is speed dependant, so if you want to drive it like a Patrol you will need a 6" lift.

Usually an 07 of later will require a double uni prop shaft in the front with 2" lift. For reasons unknown I have not had this requirement. I worked within standard bump stop and diff distances and seems to have worked. I did put +40mm shocks on to cope a bit better with droop.

The car has done central Australia trips effortlessly. Full of crap, full of family, full of fun.