Setting up a D4 for a 2.5t Caravan

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Originally Posted by ScottD4

G'day Dingo!

Mate the reason I was looking at the 'new' Mitch Hitch was because I was of the belief that if I purchased an outback it would be too high for the Disco. Interesting to read you have found it not to be. I would prefer not having to go down the Mitch Hitch route if I can.

I will be purchasing second hand so the whole wiring plug is in the lap of the owner of my van (when I find one). I will have to get the Disco changed to whatever it has on it (or at least an adapter to get us home).

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Jump on something like Expandadownunder.com for better advice that I can give, but I believe its simple enough to run a couple of new wires from the Setec system back to the drawbar. Of the 12 pin, after the first 7 as per a 7 pin, and pins 8&9 get swapped for an ando plug and heavier wiring instead. (8=battery charger, 9=Auxiliaries/battery feed/fridge)

So as TerryO is suggesting, it will depend on how you want to use it. I don't go for areas needing a lot of articulation or clearance, so the standard heights are satisfactory for me. How you intend to useit may want more height?

Also yes the type of connection will affect the connection height - again I have the standard 50mm ball. Tregg, poly block or McHitch may be a little different.

Measure the height of your tow ball on level ground, and compare it to vans as you look at them to get an idea whether you need to change anything. LR allow for a small rise or drop also on the tongue if required, but not much.

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Originally Posted by stray dingo

So as TerryO is suggesting, it will depend on how you want to use it. I don't go for areas needing a lot of articulation or clearance, so the standard heights are satisfactory for me. How you intend to useit may want more height?

Also yes the type of connection will affect the connection height - again I have the standard 50mm ball. Tregg, poly block or McHitch may be a little different.

Measure the height of your tow ball on level ground, and compare it to vans as you look at them to get an idea whether you need to change anything. LR allow for a small rise or drop also on the tongue if required, but not much.

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We don't intend on really doing any off road stuff. I was only looking at the Outback for resale, extra things they come with, and a bit of ground clearance. However if the right touring comes up I'll settle for that. So it's really a waiting game at the moment (still trying to sell our previous car to fund the purchase).

Yeah as you have said I will inspect a van, pay a deposit then sort out my hitch before pick up. I would love to keep the standard LR hitch in place and maybe just run an inverted tongue that fits within the LR rise/drop specs.

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Originally Posted by stray dingo

For what its worth, I have a Jayco Expanda (and still very happy with it too).

1. It is an outback model, and even their hitches sit very low. Unlike most other caravan manufacturers, Jayco keeps their hitch points at the lower end of ADR requirements. I actually need to install a 50mm riser between the A frame and hitch to raise for both the D4 and the previous car.
As it is it sits perfectly flat with the standard D4 hitch, and if i installed a Mitch hitch it would be nose up. ....

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Hi Stray Dingo, I too have a D4 & Jayco Expanda but am running a tregg hitch. Off the lot the van either sits too low with the std hitch or too high with the MitchHitch - I originally picked up the van with the OEM hitch before reinstalling the MitchHitch from my previous D3.

I note with interest your comment regaring a 50mm riser between the A frame and hitch of the caravan. Was this installed by Jayco? Would you be able to post a photo?

While I really rate the MitchHitch, a recent 3000km trip with the van slightly nose up and the fact that the Expanda is not rated for anything harsher then a not-too-corrugated dirft track is making me lean back towards the OEM hitch (although I would miss the extra protection afforded by the sturdy MitchHitch....)

thanks a mil,
RickO

RickO
You can ask your local Jayco dealer, but chances are they'll be very quick to tell you the evils of such a proposal.
However, Canberra Jayco stock and happily sell them - about $100 or so (or was when I got it) for block and bolts (plus postage). You might need to grind a small section out for the handbrake lever depending on model.

Unbolt hitch, stick block in place, stick hitch on top and do new bolts up.

Perhaps I can add the results of my research and the mods that were made to suit the "rough" road caravan that we have (not Jayco) for our MY10 D4.
1. Traxide system a must
2. Rear view camera (refer Safety Dave) hooks into Hema GPS (great GPS!)
3. Convert the white plug to suit a) ESC Caravan power supply (Red Anderson Plug) and b) Grey Anderson Plug (to work in with 1. above and the caravan battery system) ie two plugs
4. Hyland hitch (provides flexibility and allows ease of removal (the tongue was inverted to bring the van level).
5. Using Brunsgaard mirrors - easy to set up and withstands truck passing wind loads
Happy Touring

Hey man I'm an auto sparky in newy. I'm in Kurri. How soon are you gunna buy a van and where are you. I've read sneigys post front to back and its all pretty clear. I've got black and white plugs at home so can adapt to a 12 pin no dramas. I've got a traxide kit in my d4 too easy done. Give me a call 0437116588

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Originally Posted by josh.huber

Hey man I'm an auto sparky in newy. I'm in Kurri. How soon are you gunna buy a van and where are you. I've read sneigys post front to back and its all pretty clear. I've got black and white plugs at home so can adapt to a 12 pin no dramas. I've got a traxide kit in my d4 too easy done. Give me a call 0437116588

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Good on ya mate!

Hey tombie we just hired a bloke who was a trained rep for roo doing the remaps I've been picking his brain and gunna get some decent info on what goes on. So far im told fuel rail pressure and max boost unchanged

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Originally Posted by josh.huber

Hey tombie we just hired a bloke who was a trained rep for roo doing the remaps I've been picking his brain and gunna get some decent info on what goes on. So far im told fuel rail pressure and max boost unchanged

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I rang Steve up in QLD and had a good long chat to him too...

They've got all the right gear and are testing significantly on The big fellas D4.

We discussed the 1000nm and gearbox life a little - I think it's a proof of concept with them pushing it that far..

They are doing lots of data logging of EGTs etc. I must say I came away from the conversation quite impressed.