Driving to Sydney from Melbourne economy moving parts

[garryseries3]

Hi all I have a standard Defender 130 HCPU, was wondering if you someone could help me with their options. I am about to tow a tandem trailer with a landy and parts on it (3-3.5 ton) from Sydney to Melbourne would I be better off with lower diameter tyres to reduce the loading of the drive chain of my Defender. I have 235x85x16 on the it and would put 205x80x16 on insteed. Would it get better economy or very little difference even though the defender would be revving slighty higher but possibly be under less stress, it a long trip for me to be towing a car back and any thoughts would be appreciated. The Defender has a new clutch so that is not an issue for me. Anyway hope to hear from you.
If anyone needs parts moved interstate I could possibly help out for some contribution to fuel costs.
Regards Garry

[justinc]

I would leave the tyres that it has on it as they are (Hopefully) load rated for the vehicle. DO NOT fit incorrrect tyres with a lower load rating than factory recommended as the insurance company will wash their hands of you should anything go wrong on the trip.

As regards gearing, the 750.16 tyres that they come out with are fine at 100kmh in 4th with a disco on a cartrailer and 4 people on board. On hilly Tas highways also, I was impressed with it's economy. about 14 l/100km and the vehicle has travelled 300,000+kms.

JC

[vnx205]

Don't take this as gospel as I am just passing on my interpretation of what others have said before on this site.

If you have a 5 speed box, 4th gear is just about ideal for towing heavy loads and quite capable of getting along at the speed you will need to travel.

I also have been led to believe that there is less wear and tear and breakages if you use 4th rather than 5th.

I think what the experts will tell you is to keep the tyres and tow in 4th.

[dickyjoe]

Garry,

On most gearboxes, 4th gear is 1:1 and therefore no lay shafts are required to split the gearing. This means that is generally the strongest gear in the gearbox. Like others have said just tow along in 4th and you will be right. The same can be said for automatics as well. On 4 speed autos, third gear is also a 1:1 planetary gear set and is the strongest gear. Pretty much if you stay out of overdrive, you should be fine and dandy.

Rich

[JDNSW]

As the others have said - stay with the tyres you have and plan on doing most of the trip in fourth.

Fuel economy on most diesels varies very little with engine speed for the same power, so changing or keeping tyres is unlikely to affect fuel usage, and nor will using fourth where you would use fifth unloaded. The main thing that will affect fuel use is driving style, especially speed - plan ahead so that as far as possible you avoid having to use the brakes, and remember that wind drag increases as the square of the speed, and is the dominant factor above 60kph. Apart from being safer, this will give best fuel economy and also reduce wear on both tyres and brakes (applies whether you are heavily loaded or not - just has a bigger effect the heavier the load).

John

[p38arover]

Driving to Sydney from Melbourne economy moving parts

I am about to tow a tandem trailer with a landy and parts on it (3-3.5 ton) from Sydney to Melbourne would I be better off with lower diameter tyres to reduce the loading of the

Are you going empty one way?

I'm trying to get a 1/2 length roof rack from Vic to Sydney. :angel:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

As the others have said - stay with the tyres you have and plan on doing most of the trip in fourth.

Fuel economy on most diesels varies very little with engine speed for the same power, so changing or keeping tyres is unlikely to affect fuel usage, and nor will using fourth where you would use fifth unloaded. The main thing that will affect fuel use is driving style, especially speed - plan ahead so that as far as possible you avoid having to use the brakes, and remember that wind drag increases as the square of the speed, and is the dominant factor above 60kph. Apart from being safer, this will give best fuel economy and also reduce wear on both tyres and brakes (applies whether you are heavily loaded or not - just has a bigger effect the heavier the load).

John

Thanks John;)

[garryseries3]

Thanks everyone, will stick it on cruise control at 80 kmh and mosey on down the road. Leave the tyres as they are and take it easy. If anyone needs anything transported let me know by no later than Wednesday night. you can contact me on 0413190072, looking forward to bring back my new Series 3 SWB diesel.
Kindest regards
Garry

[Disco_owner]

Hi garryseries3;

I have an ARB Rear bar for a RRC that I'm trying to get it down to Sclarke in melbourne , are you able to carry this down with you?

[sclarke]

Hi garryseries3;

I have an ARB Rear bar for a RRC that I'm trying to get it down to Sclarke in melbourne , are you able to carry this down with you?

That would be sweet if he can....