Thread: D2TD5 auto heavy towing update

Originally Posted by 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...

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!

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.

Originally Posted by 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 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.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

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.

Originally Posted by gavinwibrow

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

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

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