Early D3 frame is different, the tank wouldn’t fit as designed - will hang a lot lower.
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Early D3 frame is different, the tank wouldn’t fit as designed - will hang a lot lower.
Looked into LR tank and rear bar but decided that the extra weight negated any benefits unless I was doing a vehicle only desert crossing. Choosing to travel instead with 2 x 20ltr jerry cans on front of 3T caravan and only fill them when heading into remote areas. I always fill up when I can and although coming close on a few occasions I’ve never actually had to refuel from the jerries. I then empty them into the D4 where there’s a few more gas stations. Never had an issue with dirty fuel even after holding it in the jerry cans for months. This system works for me and I won’t be changing it for our 9 month trip to WA. Averaging 13.5 at 100 kmph with the diesel but it jumps to 15 if there’s lots of hills and we averaged 22 over 3 days into a really strong headwind. My travel friends diesel cruiser averaged 32 over those days. So happy to have saved the money as 2 x jerry cans is a lot cheaper and probably saves on weight and fuel
Hi Ken,
I will echo Tombie's note on the GVM. I would do the sums carefully before jumping in. I have a Longranger tank and a spare wheel carrier. When loaded with out 2.5T van, we run very close to the GVM. Add on a fridge etc and it gets worse. You definitely need LT rated tyres. With the ballweight added on the suspension height is compensated for automatically, but the tyres squat appreciably if under 50 PSI.
Thanks for all the great informed comments fellas.
I think I will leave it for an while and carry the 40 litres of diesel on the van until I really work out if I’m suffering re full range.
I love this group!
I'm surprised at your fuel economy figure. I've recently completed a 24,000 km lap including Cape York, and remote WA. Overall economy in my 2013 SDV6 HSE is about 14 litres/100km towing our 2.5 tonne off-road (tall) caravan. This means about 500km range. Not great, but adequate for most areas in Oz. Worst ever performance with head winds was about 18 litres/100km. Best ever on a trip was 9 litres/100km (probably a tail wind). My D4 is stock standard except for a Traxide dual battery to keep our Engel going 24/7 in the boot. Instead of fitting a long range tank, I decided to carry a couple of jerry cans on the caravan. Filled them once and never used them. It turned out to be the right decision because fitting the tank where the spare normally resides means finding somewhere else for the spare. Roof racks will normally impose a heavy penalty on fuel economy, so I have always done without roof racks. Like you, I would like a bigger fuel tank, but I cannot see the value for money in adding more weight (tank, fuel, spare rack, etc.) to gain a few more km between stops. I hope that is useful for you in making a decision.Quote:
Originally Posted by Baytown
KenQuote:
Originally Posted by Baytown
My first thought was try to have a slower speed overall when towing. My van is about 3350kg when fully loaded. If I try to sit at 80-85km/h I have got between 12.5-13.5 l/100km. This will extend your range to about 450/ tank. Anything over 90 really starts to suck the fuel.
If I'm remote and not affecting anyone I enjoy the journey and stop for an extra coffee enroute. I have only ever needed 1 jerry for really long legs.
Enjoy the travels.
I have just got back from a 14000 km trip up north from Melbourne, for me I would not be without the extra fuel in the auxiliary tank or the convenience of having the 2 spare tyres on the back.
The dust dirt and mud would make decanting fuel an absolute nightmare, same said for getting a spare tyre in and out from under a car if needed and having a second spare when remote is a must IMO.
On the trip home I filled up in Alice Springs and Port Augusta then drove to Melbourne without needing more, a range of well over 1200km is ace.
Spread the load carefully and its easy to stay under GVM with a extra tank and rear bar. Speak to any experienced truck driver about vehicle loading...
Discomatt,
I totally agree with re range - it's awesome. I'm not towing but I've got over 1600km out of mine a couple of times.....
However, how you ever put yours over a weighbridge? I'd be stunned if you are far under GVM with bugger all but full fuel tanks. Mine has a few things yours doesn't - but it doesn't have a winch or a second spare on the wheel carrier and I get very very close to GVM with a bit of camping gear and no passengers. [wink11]
GCM is not that hard to avoid if you load vehicle and trailer right.... but with all those accessories.. GVM is not easy to stay under.
I did weigh mine just after I got it and was a little surprised at the weight but it was 300kg under, I didn't weigh it for our recent trip and I had added my Thumper battery pack and fridge fully packed with food but to counter act that weight I removed the second and third row seats.
Fully loaded with fuel and all my gear I would still have some GVM to play with, I think ( hope )
After some of the set ups I saw on our trip I don't think any of us D4 drivers have anything to worry about. Some rigs we saw were nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen...
That second spare that is a “must” - did you need it?