D2TD5 auto heavy towing update

[gavinwibrow]

Just come back from a week towing the 3.5T brick around the southwest of WA. Of course we don't have quite the mountains of the east coast, but still found a few reasonable slopes to haul up.

My D2 has recently been fitted with a 2nd hand alum radiator via DazzaTD5/Aztec 4x4 to replace the standard OEM, and definitely makes an incremental improvement.

With my mild remap but oversize tyres, I'm realistically limited to between 80 and 90 on the flat in order to keep the EGTs under 600 (usually varies between 450 and 550).

I had my worst economy ever at 21.43L/100km from Perth to Cranbrook near Mt Barker in hilly country with that terrible wind on the Sunday.

Next day gently did the Stirling Ranges (gravel) and Porongorup National Parks and then downhill on to Albany averaging 15.43L/100km.

Albany to Manjimup through the karri forests, including visiting Klonk/Steve in Albany and then Discorevy/Craig in Nirvana resulted in 17.03L/100 km.

Manjimup to Margaret River to visit family was similarly 17.23L/100 km. Noticed quite a few Discos and the odd Defender in Augusta as we took a quick detour en route. I'm wondering if a certain ex National Park Ranger who lurks on here occasionally has gone more into collecting or maybe servicing/repairing for others in his retirement. Didn't have time to stop and check - next trip.

About to head off for a weighbridge check, and refuel to gauge the economy for the last section from Margaret River back home up the dual lane Forest Highway (which hopefully will be under the 17L/100 km mark with sitting on 2,500 rpm/85 kmph with little or no wind and ambient temps under 27 degrees.

I've noticed that once ambient gets over 30, the coolant temp (which for virtually all of the coolish trip sat between 88 and 91) rises a little, similar to my towing experience for the Coral Bay trip last September.

I have a very good front mounted transmission cooler with over-ride fan, so as an experiment turned on the fan for a while during the last leg. Made no difference to the 60 degrees trans oil reading, so looks like its more likely to be useful in low speed/low range heavy transmission work - if ever needed.

My newly replaced sensor for the trans cooler temp sits at the back of the pan, and does not protrude much into the oil. Nevertheless, I'm sure it reflects close to actual oil temp, even if with a little time lag. This reinforces my long held view that I'm running too cool and I need a trans cooler restrictor/bypass something like the Derale 25792 to allow the oil to get a little warmer consistent with the advice from Dave at Ashcrofts. I'll need two, one for each car, so seeing as how they are difficult to locate in AU (no stock, so I'm advised) just in case anyone wants to join in a group buy, I'll eventually post something in the appropriate section.
Cheers Gavin

EDIT - forgot to mention I always tow in 3rd Sport, plus take off in 1st as suggested by others on here.

[Pippin]

Just come back from a week towing the 3.5T brick around the southwest of WA. Of course we don't have quite the mountains of the east coast, but still found a few reasonable slopes to haul up.

My D2 has recently been fitted with a 2nd hand alum radiator via DazzaTD5/Aztec 4x4 to replace the standard OEM, and definitely makes an incremental improvement.

With my mild remap but oversize tyres, I'm realistically limited to between 80 and 90 on the flat in order to keep the EGTs under 600 (usually varies between 450 and 550).

I had my worst economy ever at 21.43L/100km from Perth to Cranbrook near Mt Barker in hilly country with that terrible wind on the Sunday.

Next day gently did the Stirling Ranges (gravel) and Porongorup National Parks and then downhill on to Albany averaging 15.43L/100km.

Albany to Manjimup through the karri forests, including visiting Klonk/Steve in Albany and then Discorevy/Craig in Nirvana resulted in 17.03L/100 km.

Manjimup to Margaret River to visit family was similarly 17.23L/100 km. Noticed quite a few Discos and the odd Defender in Augusta as we took a quick detour en route. I'm wondering if a certain ex National Park Ranger who lurks on here occasionally has gone more into collecting or maybe servicing/repairing for others in his retirement. Didn't have time to stop and check - next trip.

About to head off for a weighbridge check, and refuel to gauge the economy for the last section from Margaret River back home up the dual lane Forest Highway (which hopefully will be under the 17L/100 km mark with sitting on 2,500 rpm/85 kmph with little or no wind and ambient temps under 27 degrees.

I've noticed that once ambient gets over 30, the coolant temp (which for virtually all of the coolish trip sat between 88 and 91) rises a little, similar to my towing experience for the Coral Bay trip last September.

I have a very good front mounted transmission cooler with over-ride fan, so as an experiment turned on the fan for a while during the last leg. Made no difference to the 60 degrees trans oil reading, so looks like its more likely to be useful in low speed/low range heavy transmission work - if ever needed.

My newly replaced sensor for the trans cooler temp sits at the back of the pan, and does not protrude much into the oil. Nevertheless, I'm sure it reflects close to actual oil temp, even if with a little time lag. This reinforces my long held view that I'm running too cool and I need a trans cooler restrictor/bypass something like the Derale 25792 to allow the oil to get a little warmer consistent with the advice from Dave at Ashcrofts. I'll need two, one for each car, so seeing as how they are difficult to locate in AU (no stock, so I'm advised) just in case anyone wants to join in a group buy, I'll eventually post something in the appropriate section.
Cheers Gavin

Hi Gavin,
Certain ex National Park Ranger lives just round the corner from me and he has just brought a D2 TD5 which had a head issue. I had a chat with him this morning coincidently. You may have seen my dark grey Disco around.
Regards
Nick

[gavinwibrow]

Hi Gavin,
Certain ex National Park Ranger lives just round the corner from me and he has just brought a D2 TD5 which had a head issue. I had a chat with him this morning coincidently. You may have seen my dark grey Disco around.
Regards
Nick

Cheers Nick - please give him my best wishes/ regards - we had a bit to do with each other when I worked for CALM and he was also President of the Miscos. Pretty sure that would have been your dark grey D2 then.
I recall he also has an immaculate RRC 2 door converted to convertible? (in addition to his OKA).

[Bradtot]

Hi Gavin any pics of the Discovery with a caravan attached...I bought a Royal flair ninteen foot tandem caravan a few months ago with a weighed towball weight of 175kilos when loaded and towed it at Easter to luckybay near Kalbarri. MyD2 is a manual and I was able to maintain 95 to 100 on the flats and eighty on most reasonable hills.Big hills I was down to 3rd with engine temp climbing.Nanocom told me 100 on one of the hills but temp mainly stayed around 92.
fuel economy was bad600kms from a tank max when not towing I regularly get 1000kms.
I am going to fit a gearbox oil cooler in the near future and update my suspension.
was good to read your results.
My TD5 is stock standard with no mods to fuelling at all.
Brad😃

[Bohica]

HI am going to fit a gearbox oil cooler in the near future .....
Brad😃

The Manuals in Australia have a gearbox oil cooler fitted.

[gavinwibrow]

Hi Gavin any pics of the Discovery with a caravan attached...I bought a Royal flair ninteen foot tandem caravan a few months ago with a weighed towball weight of 175kilos when loaded and towed it at Easter to luckybay near Kalbarri. MyD2 is a manual and I was able to maintain 95 to 100 on the flats and eighty on most reasonable hills.Big hills I was down to 3rd with engine temp climbing.Nanocom told me 100 on one of the hills but temp mainly stayed around 92.
fuel economy was bad600kms from a tank max when not towing I regularly get 1000kms.
I am going to fit a gearbox oil cooler in the near future and update my suspension.
was good to read your results.
My TD5 is stock standard with no mods to fuelling at all.
Brad😃

Hi Brad
Hopefully attached. I think all D2s have a trans cooler? I had fitted a bigger secondary one. I drive off my EGT rather than my coolant temp, and on the trip to Coral Bay last September managed to hit just over 100 coolant/nanocom with EGTs just over 650 - not comfortable Jan!

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Thats um,, big! :Thump:

[RobMichelle]

I'm glad you said brick, sheez

[Bradtot]

Bloody hell thats a monster.....and a Royal flair..what a coincidence..they are rare as..I bought mine from Sydney site unseen ..just from pics at a dealer via gumtree..I took a risk buying it but am very very pleased with what I got...I will try and post a pic
My manual don't have a oil cooler for the gearbox..it has a loop of Ali tube that gets a wind blown over it..oil cooler I don't think so..
Thanks for the Pic..😀

[Bradtot]

140235My Royal flair the day I picked it up and took it home and up at lucky Bay near Kalbarri 😀
Brad

[discorevy]

When I first saw that pic I thought a block of flats had fallen over , but since Gavin pulled up in my driveway ( without a pilot / police escort) and I saw it from a different angle , it's not as big as it looks in that pic, liked the fold out verandah.
Brad , would your d2 manual be a Brit import?, or maybe someone has fitted a full size intercooler?

[Bradtot]

Hi
No import ....was sold by Purnells in NSW I bought it from gumtree about 6 years ago with 116000kms on the clock for 12k.. and all service records .had a big oil leak from transfercase when parked on a hill...found out transfer box had recently been out and slinger that goes onto back to back seal from gearbox to transfer case not fitted properly, so I removed and corrected and haven't looked back since..it's now got 162k on the clock..all black interior all in good condition. I love it..but like my Rangie as well....😃😃

[Roverlord off road spares]

Hi Brad
Hopefully attached. I think all D2s have a trans cooler? I had fitted a bigger secondary one. I drive off my EGT rather than my coolant temp, and on the trip to Coral Bay last September managed to hit just over 100 coolant/nanocom with EGTs just over 650 - not comfortable Jan!

Wow that's seriously big caravan, reminds me of this [bigrolf] [thumbsupbig]
140436

[trout1105]

140235My Royal flair the day I picked it up and took it home and up at lucky Bay near Kalbarri 😀
Brad

I am impressed that your TD5 can pull that van it is Huge especially up and down the hills between Geraldton and Northampton.
I haven't been to Lucky bay for a few years But the last time is was there the track in wasn't that "Flash" But it is a Great spot for a holiday.

[Rok_Dr]

And a topical news item as well [smilebigeye][smilebigeye][smilebigeye]

Rising road rage between truck drivers and grey nomads as caravans flock north for winter - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-20/rising-tension-between-truck-drivers-and-grey-nomads/9776266)

Cheers

Steve

[Roverlord off road spares]

And a topical news item as well [smilebigeye][smilebigeye][smilebigeye]

Rising road rage between truck drivers and grey nomads as caravans flock north for winter - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-20/rising-tension-between-truck-drivers-and-grey-nomads/9776266)

Cheers

Steve
Easily fixed if you put a curfew on grey nomads so they can only operate their vehicles between 12pm and 12.30pm this will allow all other road users to use the roads. [thumbsupbig]

[Bohica]

Easily fixed if you put a curfew on grey nomads so they can only operate their vehicles between 12pm and 12.30pm this will allow all other road users to use the roads. [thumbsupbig]

Right in the middle of when they stop for lunch!!

[Bradtot]

I am impressed that your TD5 can pull that van it is Huge especially up and down the hills between Geraldton and Northampton.
I haven't been to Lucky bay for a few years But the last time is was there the track in wasn't that "Flash" But it is a Great spot for a holiday.


You have to pay now at lucky bay.. there is a caretaker on site, and you cant camp at the bay unless you have a chemical toilet. Behind the hills there are now dump points and a several toilets.
I know someone who has one of the shacks and stay there when I go up, this time at Easter first time with van, yes it did slow at those hills but it still maintained 80kms per hr, the worst hill was on the way back near badgengarra turnoff. On the straights I could go well over 100 when passing ..The van is only 19foot even though it looks bigger and is 2100kg supposedly.
I bought it sight unseen from a dealer in Sydney and had it shipped, on a ship, over here to Perth where I picked it up at freo port..was very simple process and was 3k instead of 5k on a truck...transport costs.
I don't think my rangie would pull it as good as the disco..I also have a 2004 D2a V8 that I may tow with and see how good or bad that is...trouble is its not licensed yet..we shall see!![bigsmile][bigsmile][bigsmile]

[DazzaTD5]

Funny how other road users put **** on the "grey nomads" ...... from truck drivers, van drivers, part time holidayers, to that new 4x4 owner.....
Put 3.5 ton behind your 4x4 and drive to where ever and see how clever you really are.

Personally I dont believe I have that sort of driving skill anymore...

[Slunnie]

I have a very good front mounted transmission cooler with over-ride fan, so as an experiment turned on the fan for a while during the last leg. Made no difference to the 60 degrees trans oil reading, so looks like its more likely to be useful in low speed/low range heavy transmission work - if ever needed.
Was that towing with the torque converter locked up though?

[Bluetoes]

Hi Brad
Hopefully attached. I think all D2s have a trans cooler? I had fitted a bigger secondary one. I drive off my EGT rather than my coolant temp, and on the trip to Coral Bay last September managed to hit just over 100 coolant/nanocom with EGTs just over 650 - not comfortable Jan!

A small brick towing a massive brick. Love the way discos just tow anything

[donh54]

Funny how other road users put **** on the "grey nomads" ...... from truck drivers, van drivers, part time holidayers, to that new 4x4 owner.....
Put 3.5 ton behind your 4x4 and drive to where ever and see how clever you really are.

Personally I dont believe I have that sort of driving skill anymore...The thing is, Dazza, you realise the level of driving skills you possess, a lot of Nomads don't!
Beats me why many of them buy a 3.5 tonne van, with everything that opens and shuts, an LC200 to tow it with - and then do 80klms an hour on the highway to save fuel costs!
One group of nomads we encountered at Bourke were using the tent campers cooking area, their explanation was that if you cook in the van, the smell is hard to live with (dunno what they're cooking) and an unused kitchen area improves the resale value of the van. Plus they can book an unpowered site cheap, then use all the facilities for free.
Lovely attitude!

[weeds]

Fez I’m no where near being a grey nomad but have sat back and watched my parent enjoy being grey nomads.......although at the lower end of the market...a 10yo falcon station wagon with suspension upgrade and dual batteries and a smallish pop top.

Yeah dad adjusted his speed to road conditions....but generally between 80 and 100km/hr....never to save fuel.

Although they always only booked powered sites, ensuite if available.....as they didn’t have solar or batteries.

Re: Camp kitchen, it available to all regardless of which site you book or level of setup. Although my parents generally never use them but I do as it a good spot to have a chat other travelers and get tips or suggestions.

My old man did a lap and 1/2 and can only remember a hand full of times where he copped abuse.....and was generally being a little confused in a new town looking for a turnoff or entrance.

I give get nomads time and space......just like the majority of motorist did for my parents.

Dad sold the caravan when he turn 80 as he figured it was about the right age for him.

[gavinwibrow]

Funny how other road users put **** on the "grey nomads" ...... from truck drivers, van drivers, part time holidayers, to that new 4x4 owner.....
Put 3.5 ton behind your 4x4 and drive to where ever and see how clever you really are.

Personally I don't believe I have that sort of driving skill any more...



Are you calling me clever!!!! But yes I do hold an HC licence, and used to drive an ex greyhound RV coach with 4.5T car trailer behind.

[gavinwibrow]

Was that towing with the torque converter locked up though?


Yep - drive in 3rd and sport mode. If I try 4th in anything except downhill, EGTs go through the roof. My auto has always been cold since the extra trans cooler, and about to go back to the installer to discuss bypass options.

[DazzaTD5]

Are you calling me clever!!!! But yes I do hold an HC licence, and used to drive an ex greyhound RV coach with 4.5T car trailer behind.

Pfft I didnt call you that, but I also didnt call you anything negative either [tonguewink]

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Yes Gav,, that bypass valve sounds Ok,, it does add an extra FOUR leak points though,,, [bighmmm][tonguewink]

[Ean Austral]

My father in law has 1 of the last D2a classics made ,late 2004 model and other than a front bulbar and roof rack it is as standard as it came off the show room floor. He has had it since new and its prolly in better condition now than when it was built.

He has a 26foot dual axle jayco van that has done the lap 3 times plus many trips to regional WA and hasn't missed a beat, he had the head done at about 180,000 ks only because he had heard it was a time bomb, but never had any there reason to do so. I think on his last lap he done the gearbox oil cooler lines because someone told hi they are prone to failure.

I know he does most of his towing in 3rd at about 2300rpm but other than that all I know is its been a bloody good car and not been modified in any way other than the bar work.

hopefully it will be in my driveway when he decides to move it on.

Cheers Ean

[Pedro_The_Swift]

[bigrolf]

and it goes to who exactly??? [bigwhistle]