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

[diwayne]

Hi Rob. Just watched the dvd in issue 155 and am interested in your thoughts re the anti sway controller We have a 23' (int measurement) Manhattan and tow with a 200 series cruiser.regards Wayne.

[Rob & Marg]

Hi Rob. Just watched the dvd in issue 155 and am interested in your thoughts re the anti sway controller We have a 23' (int measurement) Manhattan and tow with a 200 series cruiser.regards Wayne.

G'day Wayne,

After fitting the anti-sway bar, there was a noticeable differance especially when we encountered cross winds. So if your budget allows, it would be a good addition I believe. You are towing a big van, with a big vehicle so if all else is set up properley, i.e. weight hitches, balanced loading of van, correct tyre pressures etc, the anti-sway bar will give you that extra stability on the road.
Bob, the chap who fitted it to our van also recommends that larger vans, say over the 21ft size, would benifit from installation.
Cheers
Rob

[diwayne]

Thanks Rob its now on the list. ta Wayne

[GJenko]

Hi Rob and Marg,
Throughly enjoy your articles and dvd's and I am sure this has been mentioned but I will ask anyway, is your tug a manual or auto?
Cheers, Geoff

[ParamountCruiser]

After fitting the anti-sway bar, there was a noticeable differance especially when we encountered cross winds. So if your budget allows, it would be a good addition I believe. You are towing a big van, with a big vehicle so if all else is set up properley, i.e. weight hitches, balanced loading of van, correct tyre pressures etc, the anti-sway bar will give you that extra stability on the road.
Bob, the chap who fitted it to our van also recommends that larger vans, say over the 21ft size, would benifit from installation.
Cheers Rob

Hayman Reese instructions (http://haymanreese.com.au/products/swaycontrollers.htm) state that they are only suitable for ball weights of up to 200 kgs. I would suspect that the majority of vans over 21' would have a ball weight greater than 200 kgs.

[LeeVin]

Hi Rob,
Why do you change the engine oil (diesel) at 5000kms intervals? My BT50 has a recommended service interval of 10000kms.
I thought that with new engine/machinery & oil technology, this was not necessary.
I heard a rumour from a service agent that one company (Mitsibishi I think) was talking of raising their service intervals to 15000kms.
I prefer diesel for working engines, but they are expensive to maintain.
Have a great day.
Robert.

[Old Techo]

Why do you change the engine oil (diesel) at 5000kms intervals? My BT50 has a recommended service interval of 10000kms.
I thought that with new engine/machinery & oil technology, this was not necessary.Robert.

The Prado is recommended at 10,000 kms but like most cars if used under severe conditions (eg. towing, short trips, high speed, dusty) the recommended distance is halved. It's detailed in the service manual. I always do mine around 5,000 kms.

This has been the case for decades for most makes. For the 2004 diesel Prado, 5,000 kms was standard interval and 2,500 kms for severe.

[Rob & Marg]

Why do you change the engine oil (diesel) at 5000kms intervals? My BT50 has a recommended service interval of 10000kms.
I thought that with new engine/machinery & oil technology, this was not necessary.Robert.

The Prado is recommended at 10,000 kms but like most cars if used under severe conditions (eg. towing, short trips, high speed, dusty) the recommended distance is halved. It's detailed in the service manual. I always do mine around 5,000 kms.

This has been the case for decades for most makes. For the 2004 diesel Prado, 5,000 kms was standard interval and 2,500 kms for severe.

rraakk & Old Techo,

Old Tech I reckon has given you the answer. The oil is the lifeblood of the engine, and because it is working harder when towing the van it needs to be in the best possible condition. Also, take care when choosing the oil, cheaper brands aren't necessarily cheaper in the long term.
Cheers
Rob

[Rob & Marg]

After fitting the anti-sway bar, there was a noticeable differance especially when we encountered cross winds. So if your budget allows, it would be a good addition I believe. You are towing a big van, with a big vehicle so if all else is set up properley, i.e. weight hitches, balanced loading of van, correct tyre pressures etc, the anti-sway bar will give you that extra stability on the road.
Bob, the chap who fitted it to our van also recommends that larger vans, say over the 21ft size, would benifit from installation.
Cheers Rob

Hayman Reese instructions (http://haymanreese.com.au/products/swaycontrollers.htm) state that they are only suitable for ball weights of up to 200 kgs. I would suspect that the majority of vans over 21' would have a ball weight greater than 200 kgs.

G'day Paramount Cruiser & DiWayne,

It's a matter I guess of personal choice. Anything that can add stability to your set up is worth considering in my opinion. Obviously budgets have to come into consideration.
We fitted the unit after all other aspects of the set up were completed ( as mentioned in the earlier post) and we did notice a differance after the unit was installed.

Cheers
Rob

[gregstewart1]

Hi Rob,
Well your back eh!! and I notice you are selling your Van .Any reason,like not happy with it??I was wondering do you know of a manhattan group club or the like.And also do you know of a maintenance/service manual or similar as we are about to head off for a trip.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Greg