Towing 2.5+ Ton. Smaller wheels?

[manic]

So I 'accidentally' purchased a 2.4ton something from an auction in Sydney. I have to get it back to Melbourne, and I have to do it on Monday.

I have already spent too much so I'm thinking it would be cheaper to tow it back myself instead of arranging transport. I can borrow a suitable dual axle car trailer with winch and electric brakes. But I would have to tow close to 3 ton with an auto D1 TDI on 235/85 tyres.

Madness?

Maybe smaller tyres would help a little. Anyone in Melbourne running a standard tyre size, want to try some 235/85s on alloys for a long weekend?

I have not towed anything this heavy before so I am looking for some tips, reassurance or sense knocked into me. Which ever you think more appropriate.

[pop058]

Me thinks you will be in 3rd gear for most of the trip with those tyres. [bigsad]. Have you got an additional oil cooler on the trans ? and an electric brake controller?.

[manic]

Standard cooler :(. It does have a brake controller though

Im hoping 3rd at 80kph will be sustainable. 4th lock downhill would be the only respite.

[pop058]

Standard cooler :(. It does have a brake controller though

Im hoping 3rd at 80kph will be sustainable. 4th lock downhill would be the only respite.

The trans runs cooler in lockup, which unfortunately is only in 4th. I would definitely investigate adding another cooler to the trans towing those loads for that distance.

145463

[edddo]

I think you would be asking for trouble on your 235s.
Definitely get some 29 inch somethings..will make a big big improvement.
And as you don’t have lock up third or an oversized cooler....hope you have a trans temp gauge?

[manic]

The only way I can do 29s is if by some miracle someone on here in Melbourne or on the road out to Sydney is willing to do a four wheel swap for a few days. Either today or tomorrow. If you are reading this and know someone with piddly d1 wheels, please consider pointing them this way. :TakeABow:

About to look over the vehicle, check fluids, run through the checklist. Also considering tapping off the washer line to the windscreen and positioning the headlight washers to shoot at the trans cooler. Not sure if it will help much but I might feel better doing it. Fairly big washer tank and I can use the rear window washer to check if empty. Stopping to refill is a good cool down opportunity.

I wish I had a trans temp monitor! I only have the dash warning light. I'm guessing if that lights up its toast?

[manic]

I am not a facebook fan, but in desperation I've sent a request to join the aulro FB group. If anyone on there can approve me that would be great. I'd like to post a link to this thread, to see if anyone can help with the wheels. Worth a shot.

[rangieman]

I am not a facebook fan, but in desperation I've sent a request to join the aulro FB group. If anyone on there can approve me that would be great. I'd like to post a link to this thread, to see if anyone can help with the wheels. Worth a shot.
In a pinch RRC or Series wheels could help [thumbsupbig].
Tried Chops he needs his series wheels for tomorrow for the Steam rally thing in Wantirna but after who knows [wink11]

[cjc_td5]

If its a perentie can you swap the wheels onto your D1 for the trip home?

[rangieman]

If its a perentie can you swap the wheels onto your D1 for the trip home?
Dont Perentie`s run similar in metric to 32`s almost or 750/16" so no good [bighmmm]

[cjc_td5]

Dont Perentie`s run similar in metric to 32`s almost or 750/16" so no good [bighmmm]Haha yes. My early morning arithmetic added up 7.5r16 to 29", but you are right they are 31" so no better than 235.85r16s....

[LRJim]

I am not a facebook fan, but in desperation I've sent a request to join the aulro FB group. If anyone on there can approve me that would be great. I'd like to post a link to this thread, to see if anyone can help with the wheels. Worth a shot.If your that desperate I have set of disco alloys with standard tyre size here. Tyres in good condition you won't get in any trouble with them. Even got a spare also I'm out past tulla way I'd lend em out to ya.
Cheers Jim

[manic]

Could someone post on the fb page for me? Looks like only 4 admins can approve me and they are all busy.

[manic]

Thanks to all you fine AULRO folk for looking to assist. Im near enough sorted for wheels it looks like. Thanks Jim!


So ratios should be good, with more time spent locked up in 4th .

I have improved my cooling a little too by removing grill and lightbar. Also disconnected the headlight washers at the check valve and directed flow to the trans cooler.

Feeling a little more confident now. Its on!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/e035d01ca326a2b5d80e10a059f4d5e1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/2073d92cff103080b99c6a448dba5531.jpg

[LRJim]

Thanks to all you fine AULRO folk for looking to assist. Im near enough sorted for wheels it looks like. Thanks Jim!


So ratios should be good, with more time spent locked up in 4th .

I have improved my cooling a little too by removing grill and lightbar. Also disconnected the headlight washers at the check valve and directed flow to the trans cooler.

Feeling a little more confident now. Its on!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/e035d01ca326a2b5d80e10a059f4d5e1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/2073d92cff103080b99c6a448dba5531.jpgI think you will be fine mate just take your time if you need too, and plus it's downhill home most of the way so that will help. The fogger you rigged up should help, I've had race mates do the same thing on WRX intercoolers and brakes. I think it's a brilliant idea as a backup. Just let me know when your ready all sweet here, like I said you can swap them here and be on your way.
Cheers Jim

[pop058]

Quite an adventure, should be fun. After all your effort, [thumbsupbig] some travel pics and a trip report maybe. [biggrin]

[rangieman]

Thanks to all you fine AULRO folk for looking to assist. Im near enough sorted for wheels it looks like. Thanks Jim!


So ratios should be good, with more time spent locked up in 4th .

I have improved my cooling a little too by removing grill and lightbar. Also disconnected the headlight washers at the check valve and directed flow to the trans cooler.

Feeling a little more confident now. Its on!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/e035d01ca326a2b5d80e10a059f4d5e1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/2073d92cff103080b99c6a448dba5531.jpg
That will chew the water how about some poly pipe with some misting spray jets that you use in the garden from bunnings might be better [wink11]
Something like this screwed into a length of poly along the whole cooler would be better .
Micro Sprays & Water Misters available from Bunnings Warehouse (https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/garden/watering-accessories/irrigation/micro-sprays)

[manic]

The tug is on piddlies! [emoji28]

Not sure on pressures for this size tyre. Im looking at 150kg on the ball, 48 psi in the rears?

Ive never towed an ebraked dual axle before or towed something that is as heavy as my tow vehicle! Any tips for setting the brakes? I want to steer the bloody thing, not let it steer me!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181027/2797a2ee218a5deece84811e3526b785.jpg

[bee utey]

The tug is on piddlies! [emoji28]

Not sure on pressures for this size tyre. Im looking at 150kg on the ball, 48 psi in the rears?

Ive never towed an ebraked dual axle before or towed something that is as heavy as my tow vehicle! Any tips for setting the brakes? I want to steer the bloody thing, not let it steer me!

If in doubt, check your tyre placard. Over inflated tyres won't help handling, 40psi would probably suffice. 150kg is two people in the back seat. Brakes should be set so that the trailer never pushes the tow tug up the bum.

[AK83]

LOL! beaten to the punchline.

I was going to suggest taking the grille off too, but I reckon you'd be fine to leave the lightbar(if it's a slimline type).

I reckon you'll probably see 5-10°C lower running temps than if you left the grille attached.

[LRJim]

Hahaha my wheels look tiny on your lifted d1, I have 31"s on my non lifted and they look giant. Like bee said look at the placard inside the drivers door but I think normal driving is 38 back, 32 front. Good luck Mate you will be sweet! Don't forget that 1 tyre may have a slow leak keep an eye on it.
Cheers Jim

[Pedro_The_Swift]

38-40 should be fine,, the d1 with its short overhang is a good tug, just needs more grunt and another 12" in the wheelbase[tonguewink]

[manic]

Set off yesterday at 2pm.

Got to truck stop ay 11pm.

No dramas so far.

Empty Trailer: 950kg

Disco 2289kg hitched

Weight on ball 130kg.

38 psi front, 40 rear.

40 psi on the trailer

Drove well, some slow downs to 80kph on steep hills. Not many. GB almost always locked.

For the sake of not blowing out an old ZF, is it better to lug lock up as long as possible? Im down to 2000rpm at 80kph and pretty gutless. Ice been pulsing third to get the revs up a bit the back to lugging 4th. Not sure if thats better or worse for the box.

There was one issue where trailer and disco started shunting/fighting each other going up a steep hill in 3rd. Thought it was a trans horror but cleared after a section of tarmac. Hoping it was just undulations in the road. Would not like to experience that with full load!

Apart from that trailer tows very well.

Trailer tyres say 65psi for 800kg. Im going to be close to that when loaded. Seems very high. Thoughts?

Morning checks then 30 mins down the road to pick up the load.









https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/701d705a096691cb863369f96b45a252.jpg

[LRJim]

Set off yesterday at 2pm.

Got to truck stop ay 11pm.

No dramas so far.

Empty Trailer: 950kg

Disco 2289kg hitched

Weight on ball 130kg.

38 psi front, 40 rear.

40 psi on the trailer

Drove well, some slow downs to 80kph on steep hills. Not many. GB almost always locked.

For the sake of not blowing out an old ZF, is it better to lug lock up as long as possible? Im down to 2000rpm at 80kph and pretty gutless. Ice been pulsing third to get the revs up a bit the back to lugging 4th. Not sure if thats better or worse for the box.

There was one issue where trailer and disco started shunting/fighting each other going up a steep hill in 3rd. Thought it was a trans horror but cleared after a section of tarmac. Hoping it was just undulations in the road. Would not like to experience that with full load!

Apart from that trailer tows very well.

Trailer tyres say 65psi for 800kg. Im going to be close to that when loaded. Seems very high. Thoughts?

Morning checks then 30 mins down the road to pick up the load.









https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/701d705a096691cb863369f96b45a252.jpgSounds like you got there pretty easy! Those hills after Goulburn are a killer I remember lugging the old F up those hills.
When I tow in the v8 I keep it in 3rd all the time, I find the box works better for all speeds below 80ks. The only time I go into 4th is when I'm above 85ks well above the TC lockup. According to rave the TC locks up later in the v8 so it's a little different. When the speed starts to drop back to 80ks I go back to 3rd instead of letting the TC unlock. I havnt had a problem but I hear the diesel is harder on the box than the V8.
The shunting of the trailer may be because you have no load and electric brakes. It's happens when you have overrun brakes and no load, the trailer is moving faster than the car for those seconds. It should go away with a load but you may feel it brake downhill because the trailer is heavier then the car now.
Cheers Jim

[pop058]

Check the sidewall of the trailer tyres to see what the max pressure is. I think 65 seems a bit much.

[manic]

65psi as read off the tyre sidewall.

Delays getting the car loaded, might be hanging around a few hours.

Gives me time to figure out how best to tie this sucker down.

I was given four 682kg rated ratchet straps. Short loop ratchet side with u shackle and long strap with hook. No rating on the shackle.

Emergency recovery manual states 8 point around tyre, but some tyres are shot to bits, shredded open. And I dont think I have the right straps for 8 point.

Indy air suspension is flat. At least it will sit low on the trailer. Parking brake is hard on. No factory tie down loops. So my options appear to be loop through the lower suspension wishbones or through alloy wheel?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181029/d010f76e03f24f029eb6ae99995f8b95.jpg

[LRJim]

65psi as read off the tyre sidewall.

Delays getting the car loaded, might be hanging around a few hours.

Gives me time to figure out how best to tie this sucker down.

I was given four 682kg rated ratchet straps. Short loop ratchet side with u shackle and long strap with hook. No rating on the shackle.

Emergency recovery manual states 8 point around tyre, but some tyres are shot to bits, shredded open. And I dont think I have the right straps for 8 point.

Indy air suspension is flat. At least it will sit low on the trailer. Parking brake is hard on. No factory tie down loops. So my options appear to be loop through the lower suspension wishbones or through alloy wheel?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181029/d010f76e03f24f029eb6ae99995f8b95.jpgI would have lent you some big ass straps! If you have four just wrap them around each axel behind the wheel and cross over the front. See how that goes for starters.
Cheers Jim

[cjc_td5]

I have always found tying down onto the tyres gives much better results. The vehicle can move on its suspension but it securely tied down at the wheels. Just with crossed straps over the tyres.

Yes it probably should have choker loops. They are on the shopping list.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181029/cb39fe75edeacb7948078971ea13b6be.jpg

[pop058]

I have always found tying down onto the tyres gives much better results. The vehicle can move on its suspension but it securely tied down at the wheels. Just with crossed straps over the tyres.

Yes it probably should have choker loops. They are on the shopping list.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181029/cb39fe75edeacb7948078971ea13b6be.jpg

This is the way I have been tying cars down for over 35 years and have never lost one ( or one come loose) yet.
I do have 500mm chocker loops but don't always remember to take them.
If you have it secured correctly with the straps, leave it out of gear and the handbrake ( if it is on the back of the gearbox) off. ( now let me get my flame suit [bigwhistle] )

[manic]

Its got worm gear electric actuated parking brake calipers. Stuck on. Fork lift will get it on the trailer. I will remove the actuator at home and wind them out manually to roll it off. All going well!

IFS IRS means im pretty much restricted to wheel or lower wishbone. I will try the trye criss cross and see how it holds but worried it wont grip a flat as a pankcake tyre that has been shredded to bits. Perhaps the tyres caused the accident.....

The wait continues.....

[LRJim]

I have always found tying down onto the tyres gives much better results. The vehicle can move on its suspension but it securely tied down at the wheels. Just with crossed straps over the tyres.

Yes it probably should have choker loops. They are on the shopping list.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181029/cb39fe75edeacb7948078971ea13b6be.jpgPerfect example!

[DiscoMick]

Make sure you do plenty of manual chafed and don't let the auto lug along before changing up/down. And go slow.

[donh54]

Its got worm gear electric actuated parking brake calipers. Stuck on. Fork lift will get it on the trailer. I will remove the actuator at home and wind them out manually to roll it off. All going well!

IFS IRS means im pretty much restricted to wheel or lower wishbone. I will try the trye criss cross and see how it holds but worried it wont grip a flat as a pankcake tyre that has been shredded to bits. Perhaps the tyres caused the accident.....

The wait continues.....

If tying down via the wishbones, (or over tyres with exposed wires) use rags etc to prevent the straps being cut on any sharp edges. Also look for where suspension movement may jam or even cut the straps.

Take your time with getting the weight distribution right. That will be the single biggest thing that will differentiate between a pleasant experience, and the trip from Hell! [biggrin]

Remember, for every strap pulling in one direction, you MUST have one pulling the opposite way!

After loading, travel no more than one kilometre before you stop and check all lashings. Do this a couple of times, particularly after stopping and starting, turning a few corners, etc. Once you are happy everything has settled down, pull up at least every hour or so, walk around and check things, have a leak and a look around, then continue on.

Remember how much higher than usual your concentration level will be. After a few hours, fatigue can become a very insidious problem. Plenty of short breaks are very helpful in this regard, even for us old truckies! [thumbsupbig]

[manic]

Made it home this afternoon. Later than expected but the disco went well. No dramas with the trailer or cargo. Smooth runnings.

Unloaded, dropped off the trailer and got home to find the key I got cut recently is useless. Spent 30 mins rattling the front door barrel. Always one extra hurdle just when you think your done!

Got into the back yard tho. Not too bad out here. There is a hammock and the outdoor speakers had been left on. So ive got some beer, chill tunes, and waiting it out till the missus gets home.

Have got some weigh bridge, fuel consumption and photo action .... some sort of trip report to come. Should probably reveal what I picked up too.

Later...

Zzzzzz






https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181030/7fe5138fce6e770800ea2f62422138fe.jpg

[rangieman]

Made it home this afternoon. Later than expected but the disco went well. No dramas with the trailer or cargo. Smooth runnings.

Unloaded, dropped off the trailer and got home to find the key I got cut recently is useless. Spent 30 mins rattling the front door barrel. Always one extra hurdle just when you think your done!

Got into the back yard tho. Not too bad out here. There is a hammock and the outdoor speakers had been left on. So ive got some beer, chill tunes, and waiting it out till the missus gets home.

Have got some weigh bridge, fuel consumption and photo action .... some sort of trip report to come. Should probably reveal what I picked up too.

Later...

Zzzzzz






https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181030/7fe5138fce6e770800ea2f62422138fe.jpg
And you know the:rulez::ttiwwp:

[manic]

Ill tell you now. Its a salvage job, statutory write off.

Normally I would never dream of purchasing a wreck of a car. Might be the stupidest thing I have done... or genius. Probably stupid.

My advice, never load up piclkles live auctions in your browser, just to see whats going on.

I'm in alot of trouble.

Im not saying this one is a bad buy [emoji848].... its still there if anyone wants it [emoji16]







https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181030/633d9478e21e6265332db35eb7a0e0e0.jpg

[LRJim]

Ill tell you now. Its a salvage job, statutory write off.

Normally I would never dream of purchasing a wreck of a car. Might be the stupidest thing I have done... or genius. Probably stupid.

My advice, never load up piclkles live auctions in your browser, just to see whats going on.

I'm in alot of trouble.

Im not saying this one is a bad buy [emoji848].... its still there if anyone wants it [emoji16]







https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181030/633d9478e21e6265332db35eb7a0e0e0.jpgNice one Garry! You told me it was a tesla for an electric car conversion! You really had me going! Is that a suzy in the engine bay? I got a home for it if you want!
Cheers Jim

[manic]

Haha, that ones still got the trusty TDI in it! Jim, you can tow it from Sydney with your disco - no probs! Oh hang on, you've got a V8... [emoji848]

Trip summary:

Fuel consumption on the way up towing 950kg and flooring it = 12.8L per 100

On the way down towing 3200kg and going slow and easy = 13.05L per 100

Cool weather so no AC, and barely any wind to battle. Perfect conditions really. Still suprised the consumption was so low, those tyres really helped!

Slowest hill climb 55kph!

Most hills 80kph

100kph on the smooth flat sections

Highway probably averaged around 85kph gps, 90 on the speedo.

Issues with the disco = zero.

Issues with the trailer = zero.

The cargo was indeed a Tesla. For me, a huge break from the norm.

A smashed up 2016 Tesla Model X 90D to be precise. It will never drive again, but the tech contained within is of interest to me. Lots of potential, a few project options, but not sure which way im going to take it yet.

Fork lift dropped it on the trailer and it wedged in between the side rails. At this point I realised how wide the car is, it is huge. A few mm wider and I would have been stuffed.

Getting it off the trailer was not going to be easy. No room to fit a jack under, so no way of unlocking the parking brake. Totally wedged in and the tyres were flat.

When I got to Melbourne there was only one option available to unload. Brute force!

I unhitched the disco from the trailer, stuck the trailer brake hard on and chocked the wheels. Snatch strap came out and the Disco transfer box went into low range diff lock.

A bit of a battle, but the Disco won!

Super impressed with the old TDI D1. 360k, and still trucking.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181031/b7ead1725b88b2bec70bcf1bd17c7fef.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181031/29e8fdd5df322a572a919b2fd413c8ff.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181031/7b553a319b242b38fc7c45c4ed7c79f0.jpg

[Brooksy106]

So I 'accidentally' purchased a 2.4ton something from an auction in Sydney. I have to get it back to Melbourne, and I have to do it on Monday.

I have already spent too much so I'm thinking it would be cheaper to tow it back myself instead of arranging transport. I can borrow a suitable dual axle car trailer with winch and electric brakes. But I would have to tow close to 3 ton with an auto D1 TDI on 235/85 tyres.

Madness?

Maybe smaller tyres would help a little. Anyone in Melbourne running a standard tyre size, want to try some 235/85s on alloys for a long weekend?

I have not towed anything this heavy before so I am looking for some tips, reassurance or sense knocked into me. Which ever you think more appropriate. I wouldn't worry. There is a guy who regularly tows his Bertram 25 with his S1 Disco. I have no issues towing my Bertram 23 (3 tonne) with my Disco 2. Just take it steady and keep to around 80 - 90 kph

[Dawsy1997]

i havent read the whole post but you can borrow my tyres, i live in kilmore and im part of the way up, got 5 tyres, not the best tread but still above wear line. Id be keen to see what i would need for the tyres as id be seeing if 32s will fit stock veichles

EDIT- Glad to see the disco 1 ares towing with ease. Good luck with your project

[manic]

Thanks for the offer Dawsey, but all done and dusted now.

235/85s would be fine on a stock D1 on road. Offroad there is a chance it would catch on flex. Dont think you need much lift, maybe a minor 'camel cut'

[LRJim]

i havent read the whole post but you can borrow my tyres, i live in kilmore and im part of the way up, got 5 tyres, not the best tread but still above wear line. Id be keen to see what i would need for the tyres as id be seeing if 32s will fit stock veichles

EDIT- Glad to see the disco 1 ares towing with ease. Good luck with your projectI had 32x12s on offset rims, no lift but big camel cut at the back. Looked really cool but the offset rims made a mess of the fenders in spots. Couldn't really do any off roading at all, lucky the tyres were shagged anyway so I went to 31x10.5. TBH get the lift or at least HD springs to help with droop from other accessories. I still havnt got HD springs and the bull bar really drags the nose down, but no rubbing still.
Cheers Jim