D4 Strength

[Celtoid]

Hi All,

Just been reading articles on other threads and I picked up on this comment posted by a member planning to tow a caravan the size of a city block... :)

"The 3 litre D4 is obviously significantly better than the D2 in both power and wheelbase, and it has many positives compared with the LC, but it also has some shortcomings compared with the LC. The main shortcomings for what I do and what TerryO is planning to do include: inadequate fuel capacity, inappropriate wheels (19 inch minimum for the 3 litre), and nowhere to put the aux battery without moving components around under the bonnet. While TerryO does not intend to use a WDH, I do, but the D4 has inadequate structural strength to use a WDH, so that is a major shortcoming for me."

I thought the D4 was incredibly strong structurally, and that's why it is so rigid and weighs so much....railway tracks and monocoques and all that.....:)

Comments?

[mowog]

The WDH is not a chassis strength issue. It's all about the SLS being confused by a WDH.

Fuel capacity when towing is an issue but Longranger can fix that.

I have towed a 21' van over some horrible roads and I can tell there are no shortcomings in regard to the ability of the D4 to tow.

In fact I consider no WDH as a bonus after having to use one with my last tug I don't miss the hassle at all.

Strength is an issue with some LC's and Prado's using a WDH there have been chassis and towbar failures. I haven't heard of a D4 having a towbar or chassis failure.

[Duck's Guts]

Strength is an issue with some LC's and Prado's using a WDH there have been chassis and towbar failures. I haven't heard of a D4 having a towbar or chassis failure.

Nissan has specifically advised against the use of WDH's on the R51 Pathfinder, saying their use will void the factory warrenty.

[DiscoWeb]

to use a WDH,?

Sorry, but what or who is a WDH ?

George

[Rod 46]

Weight distribution hitch ;)

[Celtoid]

Sorry, but what or who is a WDH ?

George

Don't worry George....I had to look it up too.....:)

Fortunately I figured out Self Levelling Suspension at the same time....

[Celtoid]

Thanks for the input Mowog,

How does the WDH actually work/attach?

Cheers,

Kev.

[ADMIRAL]

Nissan has specifically advised against the use of WDH's on the R51 Pathfinder, saying their use will void the factory warrenty.
If you use the genuine Hayman Reese hitch, I believe Nissan are ok with it. Must be the bracing and method of attachment to the chassis.

[ADMIRAL]

Hi All,

Just been reading articles on other threads and I picked up on this comment posted by a member planning to tow a caravan the size of a city block... :)

"The 3 litre D4 is obviously significantly better than the D2 in both power and wheelbase, and it has many positives compared with the LC, but it also has some shortcomings compared with the LC. The main shortcomings for what I do and what TerryO is planning to do include: inadequate fuel capacity, inappropriate wheels (19 inch minimum for the 3 litre), and nowhere to put the aux battery without moving components around under the bonnet. While TerryO does not intend to use a WDH, I do, but the D4 has inadequate structural strength to use a WDH, so that is a major shortcoming for me."

I thought the D4 was incredibly strong structurally, and that's why it is so rigid and weighs so much....railway tracks and monocoques and all that.....:)

Comments?
If you do a search on the WDH, you will see it doesn't work with the LR SL Suspension.
As for strength, have a look at 'The Big Lift ' ( I think that was the name of it ) on UTube. They pick up a D3 with 2 others attached.
The aux battery can be mounted on a tray in front of the main battery. Just as is the case on other 4wd's such as Patrols. Yes it may affect battery life as it will get a little warmer than up the back in the plastic case, but even without insulation, the battery is no worse off than the 1000's of Patrols, and Pajero's with dual batteries mounted a handspan away from the turbo. How hot do you want it ? Drivesafe will do you a kit for an lh engine mounted dual battery ( I have fitted one ) or you can always go for the remote battery case option behind the rear seat . ( I went for both...trying to maximise my options )
The fuel tank options are numerous, but you have to mount the spare on a wheel carrier. I can live with it.
A lot of D4 3.0lt owners are living with 19" wheels and MTR's.

There is generally a way around issues as they arise.
It pays to think of how things can be done, rather than why they can't. A little lateral thinking usually does the trick.

[mowog]

Thanks for the input Mowog,

How does the WDH actually work/attach?

Cheers,

Kev.

Here is a link with some info. HowStuffWorks "Search" (http://www.howstuffworks.com/search.php'terms=Weight+Distribution+Hitch)

[101RRS]

I thought the D3/D4 handbook specifically prohibits the use of a WDH on the vehicles - not needed due to the air suspension system.

Garry

[mowog]

I thought the D3/D4 handbook specifically prohibits the use of a WDH on the vehicles - not needed due to the air suspension system.

Garry

It does... This WDH thing is always debated with vigor on the caravan forums. There many old school caravaner's who claim that the world will end if you don't use a WDH. Of course most of these old school dudes tow with Toyota's so in their case they have dynamically suspect vehicles to start with. By adding 3000kg of caravan truly upsets dynamic abilities of those Toyota's. So I guess from their point of view the world will end.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi All,
Just as a f'rinstnce, I used to tow my caravan (1600kg) behind my D1 using a WDH.

With my D3 (coiler), I kept the WDH in the 'van storage in case I needed it, but never have.

With air suspension, you guys are much better off, so NO WDH needed or recommended.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Duck's Guts]

If you use the genuine Hayman Reese hitch, I believe Nissan are ok with it. Must be the bracing and method of attachment to the chassis.

Naa, Nissan not happy with any WDH on any towbar attached to a Pathie.
Even sent a formal letter from Nissan Australia explaining just that, complete with two stickers stating WDH not to be used => one sticker to place in the owners manual under the section "Towing" and the other to be placed on the drivers door next to the tyre placard.