Blokey Stuff - Talk to Rob (4WD, Tech, Towing etc)

[Rob & Marg]

Want to chat about the tow vehicle, caravan tech stuff, towing, fuel economy, the DVD tech tips etc etc? This is the place to do it!

Cheers
Rob

[mowog]

I watched the DVD on the last mag.

I am surprised that you have gone so close to the max capacity of your Tug. Did you consider any other tugs to give you a little more margin?

To me it seems like a lot of van for the available power and torque.

[shenton1]

Hi Rob
Can you please tell me what sort of insulation is used in the Manhattan? I noticed from your DVD that you were at Crusader looking over the place.

Regards Chris

[Rob & Marg]

G'Day Mowog,
Thanks for the enquiry - it's been a common one we get as we travel around
It was on Caravan & Motorhome's radar since winning the Ute of the year test in 4WD Action magazine in 2009.
The set up is close to the limits, however after 15000 odd kms, the ute is proving to be a real work horse & is handling the task comfortably. There are other units out there of course, that would do the job as well.
It's an option for future travellers to consider purchasing a similar vehicle and upgrading some of the components ( springs, turbo, power unit etc) and still come out of any purchases in front compared to some of the more expensive tow vehicles available.
It is the most fuel efficient ute on the market and the engine has great towing ability.

Cheers
Rob

[Rob & Marg]

G'DayChris,

I spoke yesterday with Crusader vans & they state that they use 20mm polystyrene in the walls & in the roof they use the 20mm polystyrene along with sisal sheeting.

I did see their insulation on a couple of vans & it would appear to be cut to shape to fill gaps & wall cavities. Staff at Crusader were more than helpful, so if you gave them a call I'm sure they would be able to expand on this.

Cheers
Rob

[4wd26]

It is the most fuel efficient ute on the market and the engine has great towing ability.

Cheers
Rob

Are you keeping a spread sheet of fuel consumption as you travel around?

[auzinomad]

Just for the unknowing, "What ute is it ?"
This would clarify the post a little.


Ron

[billy the kid]

Just for the unknowing, "What ute is it ?"
This would clarify the post a little.


Ron

G'day auzzie nomad, it's an Izuzu d-max

[shenton1]

G'DayChris,

I spoke yesterday with Crusader vans & they state that they use 20mm polystyrene in the walls & in the roof they use the 20mm polystyrene along with sisal sheeting.

I did see their insulation on a couple of vans & it would appear to be cut to shape to fill gaps & wall cavities. Staff at Crusader were more than helpful, so if you gave them a call I'm sure they would be able to expand on this.

Cheers
Rob

Many thanks for the reply Rob.
It clears up a concern that I had with the insulation. I spoke on the subject to the dealer where we have ordered our Manhattan from and they weren't sure. I sent a email to Crusader but didn't get a reply. Also asked them to clarify the dimensions of the generator hatch that they install, no word on that also.

Regards Chris

[Rob & Marg]

4WD26,

Re the spread sheet .. I'm not keeping a detailed spread sheet of the trip, but have been keeping tabs on costs involved. As for overall fuel consumption, I'm averaging around the 18-19 litres per 100kms when towing ..I haven't kept records of when not towing.

I'm planning to do a "typical month" during the trip where I'll keep the detailed info you probably are asking about.
Cheers
Rob.