General heavy towing advice

[Gemaskerde Tuinvurk]

I'd like to ask the gents who have been towing big caravans Offroad for some advice...

I will be pulling a friends bushlapa miskruier through the Mabuasehube area in the KTP - so expecting lekker sand and a few small to medium sized dunes. Expected weight of the trailer is around 1.1 tons

In terms of general tips I've seen folks recommend towing in 4H on the tar. Any other tar tips other than taking it easy on the pedal? (Will be watching my EGTs with interest!)

Offroad towing tips for the sand? I assume the usual low tyre pressure and lots of momentum will the order or the day... I've been told to also disconnect the inertial brake on the trailer when doing the dunes as it stops some of the back and forth kicking when you get those up-and-down humps or at the bottom of dips between dunes.

Do you agree? Any other tips?

[4ePajero]

Stuck are going to get!

I agree with all of the above, but would like to add:

• Don't go alone. You will need to be recovered!
• Recovery equipment.
• Make sure the Paj's cooling system is in 100% condition. (Radiator, thermostat, hoses and coolant)

[andrew.ashton]

What 4ePajero said plus:

Make sure that the Paj sits level, not tail down (air helpers?) else the OEM rear bumper will do a great job of grading the dunes.
Make sure that your viscous fan and fan belts are up to scratch.
Try to tow in the early morning when the sand is more dense.
Watch out for all those gopher holes if you venture off track even a little bit.
Don't forget to deflate the trailer tyres as well.
Experiment to see whether High Range or Low Range suits conditions best.
Allow for much increased fuel consumption.
Glue in your teeth with super glue - the corrugations are real rattlers!

Are you doing any of the exclusive 4x4 trails? They are fun.

Have a blast.
Take lots of photos (and then share them to make us all envious).

[Gemaskerde Tuinvurk]

He he...

I've not gotten stuck yet (but generally not a fan of towing).

My fan belts were replaced 2 years ago... And Mitsu checked them 2 months ago. Its been bugging me as I always get a squeak for a few minutes after having driven in dust clouds (ever since kubu island).

I've got air helpers in the rear and the vehicle has spacers, so clearance hopefully won't be a problem.

There will be navara coming along very eager to recover a pajero

I was thinking of deflating vehicle tyres down to 1 bar front and 1.2 rear. Trailer down to about 1.5?

AFAIK the only hectic sand will be nossob to matopi / mpaya - no exclusive trails for this round

[RoelfleRoux]

Are you pulling the van for your own use, or to do your friend a favour? If the second point is the case, hope you weren't too close:o

[Gemaskerde Tuinvurk]

The friends are coming along ... But we will be using our own tent

[RoelfleRoux]

Prepare yourself for an adventure 'cause you are a gonna get y'self dug in (like Gerhard said).

I'll take a Pajero anywhere, but hooking more than a ton to its tail just isn't fair.

That said, please keep detailed notes on your experience and come and share it here. I'm in more than just two minds about where to take (and not to take) my own off-road caravan.

Enjoy,
Roelf

[LowRange]

Ontspan GTV! The Pajero will be fine!

I've done that route with the Xplorer which is substantially heavier.

Tyres 1.3 bar all round including caravan. 4Hlc and give it a little more gas when approaching the dune road near Nossob. Be vary of oncoming traffic though!

Maybe practice you reversing skills with the caravan. On our last trip we watched quite some entertaining manoeuvres from an appliance owner( ) trying to get a Commander reversed down the 2-spoor track. All part of the fun!

We normally sleep at Matopi so as not to rush from Mabua to Nossob - highly recommended.

Enjoy!

(PS - REMEMBER YOUR GRASS NET!!)

[RoelfleRoux]

Lowrange. That is encouraging news. Thanks

[CATS]

Agreed with Lowrange. Have done the Mabua trip a number of times with the Xplorer on tow. No hassles with the Pajero. I like to stay I. Low range when towing in those conditions and reduce tyres to around 1.3, also on the thing being towed. Just make sure your towbar is up to the job. I lost a towbar on that road before I realised that it actually require 6 bolts per side on the towbar.

CATS