Thread: Wheel Track

Originally Posted by noj44

Hi all. I am after input, thoughts, opinions and actual experience regarding wheel track differences between tow tug and trailer. I am contemplating a new camper but what the missus wants and what I want are two different things. She won the argument so I will probably end up with a camper with a wheel track of 1650mm. the 130 defender is 1511mm. I am considering looking at getting the rim offset changed for 25mm more negative to give an effective 50mm wheel track increase. This is still legal as I believe. But that still leaves almost 100mm wider track on the camper.

Is this a problem or can it be a problem? I am talking about off road and probably more thinking for tracks that are sand, mud or less than good. I have been led to believe that the best way is to have the tow tug and trailer with matching wheel track but most camper manufacturers seem to think all trailers are towed by Landcruisers. Quite a few tell me that they cannot match the narrow defender wheel track and that it doesn't matter anyway. I don't trust sales people or their kind.

So what do any of you experienced tow persons say? TIA.

I've had a kanga camper that matched the defender wheel track and a t van that didn't. I did more offroad in the t van and the track width of the trailer was never an issue. I spent a lot of time getting the kanga to match the deefer in track width but I don't think it really matters. In soft sand you will skull drag any camper as the wheel impressions collapse before the trailer wheels reaches them. Same with mud. I did over 30000 kms towing the kanga and then about 15000 towing the t van. Wish I had've done the lot with the t van.

IMHO the suspension setup on your trailer is way more important than the track width. You don't want a skipping trailer (maybe that's why they're called a kanga ? ). Go quality suspension every time. Coils and shocks are best but some leaf units are also good. My advice, steer clear of Alko torsion bar unless you like your trailer to spend as much time in the air as it does on the ground

Thanks for the reply. I have done a lot of towing but none off road. I initially was going to opt for a slideon camper but the Mrs is dead set against that idea. So I researched and decided that an Echo Kavango would suit us. I could quite happily camp with one of these. But she has her eyes on an AOR Quantum.

I know these are probably a bit up on a camper trailer but it is a decision in the making. The suggestion was to get a better tow tug like a 200 series Cruiser but when I asker her for the hidden money stash she was very silent so Defender it is.

Given that a fully watered and loaded Quantum will most likely tare at around 2200kg wet does that present any off road towing problems? Deefer is a 300Tdi but am also considering Diesel Gas Injection for a boost in power/torque. I keep telling myself this is not a good idea but I can't afford an Iveco Daily 4x4 as it is probably the next best thing to a Defender that I can see for off road. I am however not an electronic engine fan for remote travel.

So any further input on any of this for me will be helpful. Thanks.

The 300tdi will pull it fine as long as you aren't expecting to go fast. If I were in your situation I would make sure the cooling system is in top nick (new hoses etc), fit an EGT probe to monitor exhaust temps and maybe turn up the fuel screw 1/4 turn. If you have the $ a bigger intercooler etc would be good too but not essential.

With your track width I think people stress way to much about that sort of thing. Just take it easy and you'll have no dramas. Track width is only important if you are the sort of person that needs every accessory in the ARB catalogue. Ie it probably makes it slightly better but there are better things to spend you $ on.

Good luck with it