Thread: Towing vs. Being over gvm

From a tech point of view:
You're operating vehicle outside design.
You're operating an illegally overweight vehicle.
If an incident occurs and this is found - insurance void.

And yes, insurance companies are now weighing vehicles in some accidents - especially offroad.

There's one valid point Tombie.

Currently, we empty the car every stop and setup camp first before going on day trips, dropping to just within gvm.

But I did do Mount Nameless fully loaded, as it was 100kms prior to where we stopped for the night.

I would reduce weight. Remove all seats that are not being used (not very difficult to do) and then cull stuff and be ruthless about what is really required. I doubt that there is any problem with the car if it is over weight (only really exceeding the rear axle capacity) but it is a legal issue. Every Patrol on a trip would be overloaded. The GVM for them is very low.

I've removed 2 rears but still have the 3rd row to remove which has never been used atleast

The trailer has pros and cons - fast set up and ability to leave camp behind quickly for a day trip is great, but having to tow a big heavy beast around means less access to the really gnarly tracks. Digging a D4 out of soft sand sucks, but not as much as digging a D4 AND a trailer does... Pulling a light weight trailer may help prevent getting bogged too quickly, though I recently towed a light weight over ~ 30km of gravel, and already noticed the panels warping/rubbing, bolts loose, etc. Fairly new trailer too.

I think the question of being over GVM is much simpler - don't be.

I'm actually a bit surprised at how low the payload is on these cars - i'm guessing the D5, at 400kg lighter, will change that. Shame I just don't like it many other elements of it

We just completed a 6000k trip, loaded to GVM, in the Disco 1. My biggest worry was the rear tyres, as they were really close to their maximum load. I ended up running 42psi in them (normally 34) to stay within the 4psi rule, and kept our speed down to 90ks on bitumen, and 80 or less on gravel/dirt.

Made for a tiring trip, having to be extra cautious around wash-outs, bulldust, and creek crossings, but we weren't in a hurry. And I did manage to climb Big Red fully loaded

DSC_0760.jpg

First non after market loose nut noticed today. Luckily it will be an easy job to tighten whilst at extended height.

Other things that have come loose:
Sliders, to be expected though as they were only fitted 2 weeks prior to trip. Re-tensioned.

Wheel nuts on LF had come slightly loose, re tensioned.

Winch control box screws holding the box to the plate have both disappeared in action. Will have to refit those tomorrow, just found some in Broome Bunnings.