Thread: Tow ball weight

Remember you can adjust the weight on the "A" frame of the trailer by re-distributing the load inside the trailer/caravan (fore and aft of the axle group centre) to bring the towball weight back within the 250kg limit. But remember the trailer has to be front heavy for stability, so try to bring it as close to 250kg as possible.

You can measure the towball weight of an unhitched trailer (on level ground) by using a bathroom scale sitting on a stool or box under the coupling.

Yikes, didnt know my bathroom scales went to 250kg

Originally Posted by CSBrisie

Yikes, didnt know my bathroom scales went to 250kg

Stoopid me.

Any scale that goes to 250Kg, or maybe a fulcrum and lever with the scales at the mid-point between the two points doubling the weight on the scales. or two bathroom scales with a balance bar! Lots of ways to do it.

Alot of older style scales will go past their 130kg and go to 200ish. You just need to count the numbers 2nd time around.

I use 2 bathroom scales, lump timber between the 2.

Who would require bathroom scales to go to 250kg... now that's a scary thought.

I noticed today my L322 has a plate affixed to the tow bar assembly from "WESTFALIA Automotive GmbH", which provides Weight in pounds for towing of 7700 (3500kg) and 770 tongue weight (350kg). Interesting. I assume LR are being conservative with their 250Kg down load on the tow bar, ie the tow bar is manufactured to accept a 350kg download; but vehicle dynamics may not support this (not enough weight on front axle).

cheers

Originally Posted by CSBrisie

I noticed today my L322 has a plate affixed to the tow bar assembly from "WESTFALIA Automotive GmbH", which provides Weight in pounds for towing of 7700 (3500kg) and 770 tongue weight (350kg). Interesting. I assume LR are being conservative with their 250Kg down load on the tow bar, ie the tow bar is manufactured to accept a 350kg download; but vehicle dynamics may not support this (not enough weight on front axle).

cheers

I also have the same towing system fitted to my L322 MY03. This is a copied statement from the manufactures site for clarification of the above post


Tow Load

"This is the towable load that can be attached to the towing vehicle. The automobile manufacturers specify the tow load for each vehicle type. Our specifications refer solely to the tow bar. The maximum permissible tow load of your vehicle is specified in your vehicle papers or registration"


Cheers
My first post since my intro.

Originally Posted by harlie

I use WDH (550lb kit), always have, always will. Used it on the D2 since new in ’99 (still using it), used it for 6 years with the L322. Towing just on 3t. It makes a huge difference to highway manners.

When I bought my D2 (SLS) in 1999 the dealer sold me an aftermarket receiver so WDH hitch could be used – I ask, why can I use WDH with D2 fitted with an aftermarket receiver and air suspension but I can’t with a D3??? I visited Hayman Reece who explained the problem with air suspension.

It masks how much pressure you have on the bars. Essentially when you have steel springs you can see the back lift and have some idea of how much tension you have, with air it keeps adjusting until you have so much tension the factory receiver under the D2 would twist and buckle – hence the dealers swapping the receiver (do a search in D2 section for the LR bulletin). The receiver under D3/4/RRS SNAPS OFF! Have a look under L322, it’s solid.

The gentleman at Reece, gave a strict set of instructions. When setting up the WDH for the first time with air suspension, it must be done with the battery disconnected so the suspension can’t level (same result if you leave a door open).

Park the car on level ground ready to hitch.
Measure distance from wheel center to top of guard (front & back).
Disconnect battery
Lower trailer on ball and hitch up (at this time the car will sit bum down)
Install WDH bars
Measure from wheel center to top of guard
Adjust bars so front and rear have same height drop.
Mark chains with paint to ensure same settings next time.
Connect battery
Go

The real problem stems from the stupid hitch receiver that is fitted to D3/4. There was never a problem with RRC or P38a with air suspension. Never a problem with L322 at the start (I looked at the TD6 in 2002 and spoke to dealer about it). Never a problem with D2 if you changed the receiver (Austral LR had a pile of factory receivers in their underground carpark when I picked mine up). But when D3 came out, and a couple snapped the casting clean off while towing, the policy of LR quickly changed to “No WDH with air suspension” - it is easy to blame the WDH. Reece got very scared and decided it easier to agree, after all they do supply LR with all their "genuine" towing tongues in Aus and north america, so there's a bussiness deal to look after.

Reece will happily sell a kit for VW toureg with air (which allows height changes with trailer connected), Prado 120 (top range) with air, ML merc with air. They will happily sell and actively advise to use with a Ford Explorer with air, the LTD/Fairlane with air and the Landcruiser Sahara with whatever self levelling system it has. No issues because they have a solid connection between the receiver and chassis. The big sedans actually have a sub frame installed inside the boot area to strengthen them up - but that is the case for coil sedans as well.

You can buy an extended WDH tongue for the L322 from Reece – solid shaft like the factory tongue, this does however technically exceed the overhang specified in the owners manual. But it does allow for height adjustment.

Hey Harlie, I sent you a PM in regards to this. Are you still using the van like this mate? Come across any issues?
Anyone else using the WDH with an L322?

Any help would be great.