DID MY 200 LC FAIL THE WEIGHT CHECK?

[@lesteraizlewood8457]

If the towing weights were suddenly checked and enforced strictly, there would be a lot of caravans parked up everywhere all over Australia. So many owners would be in disbelief at how their vehicles are so far overweight.

[@HardstylePete]

Most people don't know how little these large vehicle payloads are especially when towing near the maximum limit.

[@davidhogg3231]

The only option is a GVM upgrade but not the 3650kg version as you will still be overweight on the rear axle. You need a minimum of 3850kg which is readily available from Pedders, ARB and TJM, etc. The new LC300 has exactly the same issue as well. A RAM will also need a GVM upgrade as that has a very low rear axle rating. Hope you get sorted soon.

[@TheTripleDubya]

A RAM 1500 is worse than a LC200 but the RAM 2500 on truck rego, not 4495kg as it’s still too close. Australian government is so pig headed about the truck rego rules. America has certain exemptions for RV towing purposes.

[@t-dog8528]

Still doesn't fix the gcm

[@garyjones980]

Does the gem increase ,increase your rear axle load?

[@normjames8467]

A lot of cheap tandem vans coming up if they start weighing them and putting them of the road or fines. Would not tow anything over 2500 KG with that vehicle with 250 ball weights .A small truck????may be

[@grootliam]

Thanks for sharing mate. Its just sad that all these manufacturers advertise big tow rating and yet without a GVM upgrade they just dont add up in reel life.

[@iandickinson342]

Even with the dodgy GVM upgrade they cannot safely tow the advertised, bullshit weights

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

Good video. Highlights why it pays to do your homework prior to purchasing a van and tow vehicle. If a GVM upgrade is required it usually works out better to get it done pre-registration. Many touring combinations on our roads are not compliant and that also means you will not be covered by insurance.

[@Itsavanlife]

Yes so much research to ensure you get the right gear.

[@duncanm6589]

It always amazes me what you see being towed by some cars and I am sure a lot of set ups are over weight and the driver probably doesn’t even realise. Great video.

[@Itsavanlife]

Thanks Duncan

[@richardvankleef7172]

Over 20% of caravaners are well over the cvm

[@bobkats]

Buying the bigger car to tow the bigger van, is not always a good idea, we have a 120 prado, and we are purchasing a dual axle van, with a tare of 1850kg and a towbal weight of 130kg, even that is going to be close for the car.

[@harrywalker968]

@@Itsavanlife your ;;4x4;;, has a plate, with gvm,ect.. 2 people & a suitcase, put them over, with a full tank..i dont understand, how a 3t vehicle can tow 3.5t..madness..in a cross wind..gvm upgrade, should be bigger tires, bigger brakes & hydro boost. rotors drilled & slotted,,not dimpled..shoulda bought a 2nd hand f250 7.3lt. 5t towing. &,same economy as your mall 200.. 25lt 100. & will do 1 million miles. not ks..&, you could buy 3 for the price of your sardine can..

[@harrywalker968]

@@Itsavanlife 500kg spare..till the family arrives,,. did you upgrade the suspension.. coils are no good for towing. once your empty,its a pogo stik..plus, air bags need 1 fill port for travel, 2 ports, for 4x4ing. individual lines..plus, its easier to level,vehicle, for camping or jack 1 side for fill ups..the rhino rack,is it upgrade,,because they come off, bad choice.. plus, do not,,put any big weights on the roof,,easier to roll vehicle..

[@iancraig2507]

Scared me as I was towing a 2300kg hire van with my dual cab BT50. Thank you for your time and money.

[@silknfeathers]

Excellent video and well done for posting. It's not just the fact that a huge number of combinations on the road are overweight (I personally think it's a majority, looking at what gets around the campgrounds and parks), but, as some of the discussions in your comments suggest, people simply look to get within the legal limits. They then go and tow these rigs around the country, even off road! Safety would surely suggest you limit yourself to WELL below the legal maximum. It doesn't take much to push it over the edge in a dynamic situation (overtaking, braking hard, wet conditions, emergency swerving etc). Thanks for posting. Good luck with your next choice(s)!

[@scottinwood]

My solution would be to get GVM upgrade and keep your vehicle for much longer.

[@barrymetz]

An upgrade would need to include a rear axle upgrade to get the weights under control

[@Owen4368]

@@barrymetz probably wouldn't with 300kgs TBW and not much in the boot (50kgs).

[@FroggysGoldProspecting]

200’s are garbage

[@Owen4368]

@@FroggysGoldProspecting a bit Yeah, too much car for some men. I can understand why my wife feels more comfortable in a Prado.

[@peterj5751]

@@FroggysGoldProspectingWhat is your suggested alternative? A twin cab ute which is rated for a higher payload but is much worse at actually pulling the load? A big US converted pick up actually also has a poor payload and is very big on Australian roads? Don’t say any other wagon because they all have the same problem with GVM.

[@derekclements5682]

Great to see some honesty. I had a Jeep great tow vehicle but always on the edge with weights. Had been told by many "get a LC" but could see the same problems. You see many say travel with tanks empty but that's ok till you need water then travel to park up and insurance and weights ppl assume that tanks are full at sometime.

[@Itsavanlife]

Very true!

[@harrywalker968]

ford f250 7.3tdi, or the 4.2tdi..cheap..toyota jeep rubbish..

[@BradGryphonn]

Good video, mate. John Cadogan has a really good explanation of vehicle and van weights on his latest video, as well as an example of bad driving by a bloke towing a big van with a Ford Ranger (from Daschcam Owners channel). Well worth a good look. For me, I'd want to be at least half a tonne under GCM. But I tend to err on the side of caution.

[@Itsavanlife]

Yes it pays to have some left in the bank!

[@BradGryphonn]

@Its a van life In another life, I worked for few tpt mobs who would load their body trucks to the limit (and beyond). The difference in handling between a 70% loaded truck and a 100%+ loaded truck is exponentially different. They never seemed to think that an extra tonne or so meant the difference between being able to do the speed limit safely, or doing between 70 and 80kmh along 300kms of highway to ensure some semblance of safety.

[@frankguernier2280]

I like your honesty. Most LC 200 owners that I know shrug their shoulders , don't do a weight check and say " I am an experienced driver, it's a Land Cruiser and She'll be right mate " " now where did I put the 12ft tinnie for the roof rack ? Looks like a Ram 2500 is on the horizon. Or as John Cadogan said . Sell the rig and spend the money on five star hotels for a few years.

[@MrEtnorb]

Journo John Cadogan has been covering this issue for ages, pointing out exactly the conclusions this owner came to.

[@peterdickinson9800]

Yes. GVM upgrade is possible but you still need to consider front and rear axle weights. We have had the GVM upgrade to 3800 kg and while this addressed the GVM of car, we still exceeded the allowed rear axle weight of 2000 kgs by 140 kgs, if not using a WDH. We now use a WDH to address this issue.

[@iandibley8032]

Hi Ted ,we upped the gvm on the LC200 to 3650 kg not really expensive will cure the gvm, but in your case with a TBM of 300kg you will run into trouble with your rear axle max load of 1950 kg. Lovell's do a gvm up grade that increases the max rear axle max. Cheers travel safe.

[@Itsavanlife]

Thanks Ian

[@psi999aust]

We looked at all of this upgrading from our nx pajero for our 20ft van. Y62 Patrol was the clear choice without a gvm upgrade (no warranty issues). Picked one up new last week.

[@Itsavanlife]

How good! That sound of the V8! Noice.

[@paulholubecki6386]

The Nissan will still need a gvm upgrade.

[@paulholubecki6386]

I have the arb 4015kg gvm upgrade. 200 series 2008 gxl. Our van weighs 2450kgs fully loaded. Ball weight 230kgs. Drawers fridge exc in the back. Boat loader and 3.5 m tinny on the roof. Bull bar twin batteries under bonnet. Lithium in the rear x 100 amp Was concerned the ride would be affected...not a issue. Still well under weight. Cheers paul

[@Itsavanlife]

Cheers Paul

[@red7060]

Great video Ted. Similar case for us with 2019VX and 20ft Tuff on order. However my cruiser has had the GVM upgrade to 3650 so based on your results this should make you (and me!) legal. Also adds to the resale value of your car so worthwhile investment in my opinion. Good luck with whatever you choose 👍

[@tedsellsproperty]

Yes this could def be an option for me. Thanks for the info. Hope you don’t have to wait to long for that Urban!

[@TheTripleDubya]

Problem is when the van is 3500kg, any GVM upgrade also requires a GCM upgrade or your still over. We’re just legal and most we know are way over.

[@richardvankleef7172]

Unfortunately there was a lot of info that we don’t know in teds scenario,like is his vehicle a seven seater or five seater ect for starters

[@Owen4368]

@@TheTripleDubya GCM upgrade is not required. A 3800kg GVM upgrade will facilitate a vehicle weighing 3350kgs to tow 3500kgs (6850 GCM), while also allowing the transfer of TBW (350 kgs) to the Vehicle (now 3700 kgs), Towing 3150kgs.

[@rosewood1]

The load rating by Toyota is I think due to towing comfort compromise. I had Pedders replace the complete suspension system on my landcruiser and stayed standard height which meant that it was still raised a little because the heavier could simply didn't compress the same. An excellent upgrade. My current vehicle can carry over a ton in the rear but the GCM is only 6000kg. So I have to be careful with my Basestation that has a Tare of 2350kg. Thanks for this. I need to do the same.

[@terrywhitby2585]

I checked with Pedder's and they don't increase the Load rating for the front axel its still only 1700KG so be careful there.

[@danielb8901]

@@terrywhitby2585 Are you sure? Just looking at the paperwork Pedders gave me after my GVM upgrade and front diff rating was increased by 70kg same as the rear diff. I have a GX 200 Landcruiser.

[@stevegoodwin5841]

Your best and cheapest bet is GVM upgrade. Your rear axle load will exceed your max in oem rear axle limit too. Cheapest option is the GVM upgrade. Go Lovells! Then keep vehicle twice as long as you normally do. You don't need GCM upgrade. I myself have a Lovells GVM/GCM upgraded Dmax with payload increased to 1774kg ie up 550kg from oem payload because of GVM upgrade of oem payload of 1224kg but weight of tray (oem alloy) plus bullbar, towbar, winch weights come off that to plus usual items and 2 passenger's weight for fully equipped toured. Utes are popular tugs for a reason ie payload capacity.

[@AnotherBeautifulStretch]

We are currently looking at vans and running into these sorts of issues as well. I dont think gvm will be an issue but gcm might be. Thanks for highlighting how easy it is to be over these wieghts.

[@Itsavanlife]

No problems!

[@richardvankleef7172]

Vans and single cab utes are capable of carrying a 1 ton payload or close to that figure

[@gregwhittingham1909]

We tow a 3.2ton van and we got a GVM 3850 upgrade to our 2019 Sahara. Our numbers come in well under specs now although we only have a ARB bar and a single draw in the back to stop stuff rolling about. We also have airbags in the rear which we pump up when towing. I know I lost some ride quality after the GVM upgrade but safety and being legal comes before ride quality. Upon saying that, it is still comfortable especially on long trips.

[@ladysusanjane2682]

We are similar but not quite as bad in some areas. We have paid for an ATM upgrade on the van and pleased the chassis and axles could deal with that 😢. We have a smaller single axle van with a TBM 275kg! The whole tare weight was wrong from the manufacturer. We’ve removed 3rd row seats and awning on car. Had to redistribute some car contents to van. A massive headache but an interesting learning curve nonetheless 🙁🫣🫨 Such an important conversation that needs to filter through to everyone. The caravan industry desperately needs regulation.

[@johnstaring3210]

I was told that by removing the third row seats (LC200) here in WA my car was no longer legal. What is bizarre about that is that by carrying less passengers you are making your car unsafe !

[@silknfeathers]

I'm not trying to be a killjoy, but f you are playing around to get just under the legal limit, you are on the boundary of unsafe. You want a good margin of error to take into account driving and towing is not a predictable pastime... If you are not the problem, maybe the others on the road, the conditions or simply bad luck may be your nemesis...

[@ladysusanjane2682]

Yep I agree We are looking into a bigger tow vehicle

[@alex.caddell]

Just grab a GVM upgrade. Cheaper than swapping the car. Other advantages too. If you got 100,000kms out of the factory gear, it'll be tired and due for service/replacement of sorts soon enough, perfect time to do it. We did our LC1500 Prado just over 100,000kms too. Was a great upgrade, felt amazing and legal with the weight we ended up with (hence why we upgraded )

[@darkside_adventures]

If you do a suspension ugrade you can get a 10% weight upgrade with mod plate as long as it fitted by the pros might be one option

[@garysinagra-cn9hb]

I have just done the same with my 200 vx. Pedders 3;850 GVM upgrade gives me an extra 500 kg and value adds to the resale of your car when you trade it in or sell privately.

[@Itsavanlife]

Thanks Gary

[@harrywalker968]

you still have the same axle...think about it..

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks for your honesty Ted though I expect my comment will peeve a lot of readers - I can see how you would want to address this weight penalty after your large financial commitment but the devils advocate in me would ask the question why you would want to increase the weight capacity of a vehicle that was designed with maximum metrics in mind when it came out of the Toyota factory? - also how ADR compliant will it be? - affect on your insurance premium and will Toyota or the caravan manufacturer comply with any warranty claims after a GVM upgrade? - I don’t think you would want to be the NSW fellah who was jailed recently for six years after causing fatality’s on an out of control downhill run from Wauchope to Port Macquarie - make absolutely sure you have all your legal documents in order and feel confident enough to manage your 6+ tonnes when it gets out of control on a wet road or hill - I’ll bet most caravaners don’t have a truck licence - Don’t buy a poorly US built RAM or GM make just buy a 4WD truck.

[@Itsavanlife]

Very valid points John.

[@twooccystraps6458]

Isuzu NPS 75/55 4x4 is a great option , but to get them travel ready is close to or over 200k. That put me off one..

[@gregmillen4712]

I'd recommend you do not change anything in the van if it is configured how you want it, the issue is with the tow vehicle; changing the van may reduce the enjoyment you hope to get from it. There are two ways to address the vehicle's shortcomings: replace it with a more capable vehicle or modify the current vehicle. A new vehicle will cost you about $60K after trade-in whilst modifications are in the vicinity of $10-20K. When not towing, the larger (RAM type) vehicle may be less useful than a smaller LC200 when decoupled and just travelling locally, same when at home. The RAM will clearly be better on long legs of your touring. Personally I'd go with a car that I knew well, with wide spares and servicing availability plus it can be used normally for at-home use. Ensure you get certifications for all the work and make sure the revised GCM covers the total all up weight, including water, fuel, gas etc you would take on the road. An alternative to the RAM is to sell the LC and get a Y62 Nissan Patrol. They are just as capable but cheaper. The money saved can go toward the GVM upgrade. Patrols can have 3 upgrades from standard to 4495kg GVM with a 7999kg GCM (not sure what QLD allows). Suggest you look up DMW - dmwindustries.com.au (no association) and start there. Good luck with it and thank you for putting up the facts - no matter how hard they are to live with.

[@t-dog8528]

Manufacturers tare weights are with an near empty fuel tank too, chuck a long-range tank in and there's another 350kg

[@Itsavanlife]

So much to consider Greg!

[@paulholubecki6386]

That Nissan weight only allows for 10 litres of fuel. Need to read the fine print

[@harrywalker968]

my f250 tows 4.5t, no probs, std. i get 13lt 100..6 cyl tdi..700nm..no computer bs.. the yuki62,,has ifs..not a good choice for towing,,they break.. f250 7.3tdi, $55k..will do 1 million miles serviced..cheap..26lt 100,, same as your yuk62 & 200 slury.. i would not buy a ram, unless its the hemi.. maybe watch u.s.vids..not jap crap.. you might be able to tow 4.5t, but,,its the same diff..think about that..

[@simonv8868]

I have recently been through the same scenario with a new Y62 Patrol. After a lot of research and deliberation into multiple solutions I sold the Patrol and purchased a next gen V6 ford ranger. The ranger turned out to be less than ideal so I sold it and purchased another Patrol which is currently getting a pre-rego gvm/gcm upgrade which will well and truly solve any weight issue's that I had.

[@Itsavanlife]

Wow! That’s a journey and a half!

[@harrywalker968]

why,,didnt you buy an f250 7.3 tdi. fixes all your problems, cheaper & same economy. ranger,??,,are you kidding....the patrol is ifs,,which you dont want towing..too much sht to break..you people never learn..more money than......

[@glennmckay1186]

You can get toyota parts all over Australia but you will not get Ram part .my mate found out the hard way.

[@AnarchyEnsues]

5% down pressure still gives manageable handling. move the wood to the ass end of the caravan and trim it out.

[@Bwanar1]

Not only do I require a system under the max weight, but I like to have a reasonable amount of buffer. These specs are for highway driving, not off-road. Off-road is much more demanding, and you never know what your getting into a lot of times. I believe you need a 250/2500 class vehicle to tow the trailer you have off-road, other than just flat hard terrain. I've gotten myself in some places (in unfamiliar) terrain, which was well beyond what I expected and was glad to have the extra power/capabilities. Always be over gunned, not under, if you have the choice.

[@bruiser6479]

John Cadogan has a lot of good videos on heavy towing. I agree that buying a new vehicle more suited to the task you have set it is the safest option. The raw numbers tell you that a Landcruiser is really only suited to towing a maximum weight of about 2500 kg. I would not bother putting all those accessories on to your next vehicle as the really don’t add any practical benefit. A bullbar detracts from the safety Toyota engineered into the vehicle. The very heavy Rhino roof rack is absurd as it chews up a large amount of your gvm and reduces dynamic stability by raising your centre of gravity. The WDH risks damage to your caravan and vehicles chassis. The recovery points are heavy and unnecessary in my view. Essentially what all of us should do is sit down and do the maths before we buy our van and car. It is sensible to buy the product that meets ourwants right from the off. So in your situation, with your heavy van, you may need to consider a truck, such as an Iveco Daily or a Mitsubishi Canter. John Cadogan also has a good video on why GVM upgrades are a waste of time and money.

[@sabamacx]

This. I would argue you don't need to drag (respectfully) 3 tonnes of nonsense around just to have somewhere to sleep and sit.

[@bruiser6479]

@@sabamacx I personally wouldn’t want a 3 tonne van, but we live in a free market economy. As such people will buy what they like. As I have gotten older, I find the comfort and convenience of a van to be worth the expense and complications of towing long distances. Especially here in Western Australia where the accommodation options can be quite limited when you travel away from the South West.

[@markoneill9064]

Thanks for sharing what is obviously not a pleasant experience. To me it raises the big question about liability and insurance if one were in the unfortunate circumstance of having to make a claim. Scary to think about but a reality all the same.

[@CLOUTZ162]

Get the OME 4015 gvm upgrade. While your at it take out the third row seats (if you dont use them) before engineering to free up another 40kg. The only thing we are close on is rear axle load, only have 65kg free when hitched and loaded up, but we also have three kids (still have the third row seats installed aswell), and a 340kg ball weight, so you should be fine

[@Itsavanlife]

Great advice! Yes I dont need them rear seats plus they are so bulky!

[@richardvankleef7172]

The authorities don’t way the seats,getting rid of the third row and going to the rego office to change it officially to a 5 seater will give you an extra 136 kgs plus like you mentioned the actual weight of the seats . According the the rules each seat has a 68 kg passenger even if your the only person in the vehicle,this is how lots of people get caught out.I’ve just renewed my suspension at the ultimate suspension and when they weighed my “overweight vehicle it was explained to me in detail “

[@CLOUTZ162]

@@richardvankleef7172 yeah not sure about that one. What state are you in? Im in NSW and the process was to get all your modifications that were going to need engineering done, in my case just the suspension, but if I wanted to remove the rear seats that would have to be done aswell. Then go to a public weigh bridge to find the cars new tare after the mods. Go to engineer and he does his bit, then go to service and amend the cars details with them. Dont gain anything per seat removed except for the actual weight of seats.

[@richardvankleef7172]

@@CLOUTZ162 I’ve been in wa,where you take your vehicle over the pits as they say ,seat belts and seat need to be removed plus you fill out an 8 page form and so on.and they give you a certificate to keep in the glovebox

[@CLOUTZ162]

@@richardvankleef7172 ah ok. Crazy how different each state is

[@rossevans1774]

Interested to hear and see what you decide.

[@Itsavanlife]

Making a decision shortly Ross

[@Peter-wc4kr]

Some people don’t have water in their water tanks to help reduce the load weight. If a caravan is written off in an accident the insurance company will take the wreck and weigh it. They will also add the weight of the water tanks as if they were full and add it to the weight. If you go over the caravan’s prescribed weight they will not cover your claim.

[@garyjones980]

Chose tour caravan, then get a car rhat can tow it. We had a gvm upgrade on our 200 as the reliability of yank tanks isnt quite there yet. But unless you get a 3500 ram or chev you are still gonna need to do gvms and suspention work. You do have options, just gotta make a desicion. Good luck!!!😊😊

[@Itsavanlife]

Thank you Gary

[@phillip.9524]

My 300 series VX fitted out has 500 kg of load capacity of the recommended 650 kg available. New van will have around 200 kg ball weight so it will be tight but doable. I hope.

[@Itsavanlife]

Good luck Phillip. Would love a 300!

[@BushDayz]

I'm looking forward to when they really crack down on you caravan owners, Its been far too long ...Time you guys had to do a competency tests and getting these uninsured overloaded, unstable disasters off the road. This Is not a personal attack .Good information

[@steveallen1340]

Wow! Even without the van attached you’re within 50kgs of the GVM and that is with only 2 people on board.

[@Itsavanlife]

Correct Steve. Not much room to play with.

[@superwag634]

I bought a Mercedes’ 4x4 16.290. That’s a proper tow vehicle. My landcruiser was on its second gearbox and third rear differential and then I figured what the problem was. The 2.5 ton boat on trailer at back was simply pushing everything to its limits. Landcruisers are good off-road, but pretty weak for towing in my experience

[@superwag634]

1627 Atego 4x4 I meant. Uses about 25-30 L/100 km of diesel which wasn’t far off landcruiser when towing. It even cost about the same to buy as a new landcruiser.

[@Itsavanlife]

What sort of Merc are you talking about?

[@Itsavanlife]

Just saw your second comment. Soz. A proper truck?

[@superwag634]

@@Itsavanlife yeh, a proper truck. It’s GVM is 16T, GCM I think about 25T which is way too big for your purposes, but you could get one with smaller GVM ranging from 4.5T so you can drive with car licence and they tow caravans like there’s nothing behind. 270hp / 1100 Nm torque, sweet. Could look at Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, MAN etc. Prices fluctuate between them

[@twooccystraps6458]

Go for a Lovells 4000kg GVM upgrade, $4900 all up inc engineering, Or $5850 with Black Hawk upper control arms fitted.. I just purchased a 2014 VX that had a 3580 kg GVM pre rego, with all the accessories the previous owner fitted it weighs 3320kg with full fuel 273L and no passengers.. Thats why i have opted for a Lovells 4000 kg GVM / GCM to 7500Kg. I think i will have about 250 kg in reserve with the missus and gear in the back with the van hitched up 190 tbw. Axle ratings are 1900 Front and 2100 rear, mine is 1660 kg both ends at the moment.

[@michaelnugara1]

Don't get the RAM. Think of the fuel bill. GVM upgrade is the solution. Lovells and Dobinsons do good upgrades for the 200

[@stevematalone2512]

Gvm upgrade and a weight distribution hitch will help with ball weight.

[@billnuttall7281]

Yep a common problem what a lot of people don't realize is you void your insurance? your not covered in a accident even with a GVM up grade? Check out your policy? or do what i'm doing buy a 4ton auto truck still cheaper an a cruiser and you can drive it with a car licence 😜

[@kevindoonan]

I feel I might be missing something. Why don't you shift your gear from the Cruiser into the caravan until the Cruiser GVM complies? You've got 500 kgs to spare in your van, your GCM is ok, so I don't see the problem?

[@Itsavanlife]

I would need to remove all my accessories including OEM tyres and carry nothing but fuel and driver and bride. Not sure.

[@kevindoonan]

@@Itsavanlife I was wrong, you are right. You have 610kgs diff between tare and GVM. Towball takes 300, 80 for fuel and say 160 for 2 humans, 80 for the bullbar.......that's 620, 10kgs over. I was horrified until I saw the Ford Everest is only 696 kgs available. A family of 5 packed for holidays with no caravan will still go over (roofracks etc) As we are quickly finding out, our numbers will never comply with the weight requirements.

[@johnpickering5289]

@@kevindoonan Fuel is included in kerb weight. LC200 kerb weight is 2740kg, GVM 3350kg. 610kg payload. Take the rear seats out and this will increase your payload by probably another 50kg. I would be rejigging my caravan weight distribution as you previously suggested. 50-100kg less on the towball would be perfectly fine. This relates to between 6.6-8.3% of the caravan mass. Currently it sits at 10% which is the rudimentary rule of thumb adopted in Australia and the US, however it can safely be between 5 and 15%. I have personally found that the best towing experience comes between 6-8% and this is backed up by a study done by the department of mechanical engineering at Bath university. Cruisers are great tow vehicles and are easily capable of safely towing what @itsavanlife has while staying in spec without a GVM upgrade.

[@twooccystraps6458]

The 2740 tare only includes 10 l fuel

[@dpd6401]

I tow a 3.2 tonne boat with an LC200 4.7 petrol. I know I’ll weigh within the GCM but GVM, who knows. I suppose I need to get weighed.

[@mikejames615]

Depending on which state where you live, you may be able to get a 300+kg GVM upgrade through someone like ARB. Obviously, there is a cost to beef up the suspension, if not already done, plus the cost of getting an accredited engineer's sign-off (which ARB/whomever) will be able to organise. None of this increases the GCM of 6850kg, however.

[@tedsellsproperty]

Thanks Mike. Yes I am going to explore the 10% increase option.

[@billywatt1427]

im in the same boat, 300kg ball weight has put me over. Lovells GVM GCM upgrade at $5kish is the only company that offer both in south australia. but with 320,000kms mostly towing our family van on the clock im weight up whats going to be worth it, still tows faultlessly but illegal . interested to see what you go with.

[@Itsavanlife]

Thanks Billy

[@RocketRod63]

Yes the 200 Landcruiser trap….my friend opted for an aluminium nudge bar instead of a bull bar for his driving lights to save weight on his 200 series 🤦‍♂️

[@Itsavanlife]

Best without a bar I reckon.

[@RocketRod63]

Reduce the TBM. The box at the front of the van would weigh @ 100kg loaded.

[@maxwood192]

You have done well, most units like yours would be over weight.The problem is the tow vehicle, a landcruiser should be the best. Basically you need a heavy duty truck to row your caravan.

[@pjtaylor3]

So correct me if I' wrong, but in this instance a Ford Ranger with a 1000kg payload would be legal in this instance. Even though the 200 series would be a much better tow vehicle.

[@terrywhitby2585]

Sad to say I have the same issue and I'm not towing a van. I have only fitted the TJM bar to the vehicle and when weighed i have 67kg available (no people in the car for this weight check) for the front axle not to be over the 1700kg allowed. I wasn't aware that when you buy a 200 series you cant add anything to it to be able to drive the car. How did Toyota think they could build this and be ok with what they delivered. Currently awaiting Toyota to give me a please explain as the supplied and fitted the bar before i purchased it.

[@annoakley2289]

We have a 21 ft Tuff with the larger toolbox and extra solar on order and have just purchased the 300 L C and still to have the bullbar roof rack and tow ball has to be fitted. We are very new to these weights and all that goes with it. We have to be legal for both our safety and others on the road. my husband has been to ARC, Pedders and has spoken to countless people. We need guidance as to how we go about this mammoth task. Appreciate any advice. TIA

[@stevesanders3992]

Gvm up grade won't help that much. Loose some stuff or bigger tow vehicle. Stay safe.

[@gettingtheretravel]

Something doesn’t add up. With the 300kg TBM that leaves 310kg payload. So at 250kg over that means 560kg of extras (including passengers). You’ve got more than 50kg of “bits and pieces”. Time to reassess what you need, weigh everything and then cull.

[@grahamhastie896]

I would be looking to spend the 5 or 6 grand on the GVM upgrade if your 200 is south of 100,000km. The Govt charges on chang e over to a new vehicle would be more than that, and you pickup around 300 to 350kg I think off hand, and a far more comfortable drive?ride.

[@grahamhastie896]

Also, you have more chance of getting a replacement fan belt out Backabuggery than 1 for a Ram, F truck or Chev...just sayin...

[@Itsavanlife]

@@grahamhastie896 Very true!

[@zukjeff]

What was your rear axle mass with the van hooked up?

[@Itsavanlife]

Didnt go into axle load to keep it simple but yes was 16kg over on the rear axle.

[@johnallen3555]

well, if you want help with solutions, put a link to the full report.

[@indeepeterhopwood8106]

What’s more concerning is that, considering any vehicle over 4.5t requires a Light Rigid truck license, we have untrained unproven drivers running around with over 6 tonnes of vehicle on a car licence. No wonder so many caravans get destroyed

[@GrummanRV]

Take the tool boxes off and put the gear in the van ( or do without). All of the tool box weight is directly on your tow bar, move the weight back. Most people take way too much stuff the can really do without.

[@shaneyule3484]

The car certainly didn't look loaded up.

[@morrowstevemorrow]

Have you considered the Aussie built OKA?

[@Itsavanlife]

Whats that?

[@Chris-by8eh]

are you doing any traveling or moer videos ?

[@wadeperrie]

Good on you for your honesty should be more of it. Somethings i just don't get why have a bull bar especially towing a caravan mostly at a lower speeds you must be going to be doing a lot of towing at night, dusk and dawn? You have a big heavy roof rack with nothing on it, surely not just to mount a blind on your vehicle. You have a bike rack on the back of the van but no bikes on it thats weird. Why do you need big tool boxes on the draw bar surely you can store that stuff in the van down low somewhere over the wheels thus reducing the weight on the tow ball. Only drive with one water tank full, fill the other two at the caravan park.

[@pete3003]

No one ever talks about manufacturers Axel load limits. BUT I’m sure your insurance company knows them ?

[@robertlewis7237]

THANK YOU FOR VIDEO AS TRUE GET KNOW LOVE ISUIZI 4X4 TRUCK 300NPS 75 AS DO THAT WELL WITH NO PROBLEM

[@Itsavanlife]

Yes saw one of these with a canopy pull up last week in Awinya Creek. Looked beasty

[@David-ic8mm]

Went RAM1500 figures. Same issues unless you go for a 2500. Ram include fuel in kerb weight. Went for a test run. Noice! Just gotta get the funding.

[@harrywalker968]

2nd hand f250 7.3 better choice.. the hemi have problems, & the 6.7tdi, is fkn huge heavy.. a ford 7.3 gets 26 lt 100,,with or without 5t on the back..reg services, will do 1 million miles..easy..watch u.s vids.. japs have no choice.. you spend 200k, then 50k fixing it..upgrades.. i tow 4.5 ton no probs. 6cyl 4.2tdi. s/duty..NO COMPUTER.. i have 700nm, & get 13 lt 100..

[@craigoOZ]

where are your towing mirrors?

[@Itsavanlife]

Good spotting Craig

[@AussieSnoek]

Good one! Braam

[@tedsellsproperty]

1st world problems mate! Should have bought a LR. 😮

[@Danger_mouse]

Take all the unused seats out of the car, they're very heavy and would likely get you back near your magic number.

[@phillcc8524]

good advice

[@t-dog8528]

Sooner buy a 4wd truck like a fuso or something than waste money on a lc, the warranty is likely to not be refused when or if needed too unlike Toyota's.

[@Itsavanlife]

Saw an Isuzu pull up at Awinya creek last week and its like a beast!

[@t-dog8528]

@@Itsavanlife did you ask for a test drive lol

[@bradkark]

This was my solution, I bought an Isuzu NPS. Its legal but its way more primitive, slower and less comfortable than a LC200.

[@jeffscott5312]

This video is a wake up call to all those LC200 drivers who think they can load them up to the hilt and tow whatever they want.

[@tonyf7997]

Yes Toyota have a good reputation as a soccer mums car but with some accessories and a full sized van will fail nearly every time. We have a from new 2020 VX and after adding the accessories have had King 2.5 suspension with a DMW 4495 GVM+ and now awaiting legislation update to allow 7995 GCM - Drives better than OEM and feels more capable on road! We did it as plan on keeping this car for several years so the cost will be softened over this time and resale will be positive around ‘27.

[@harrywalker968]

so,,you think its safe to drive a 3t vehicle,,towing 4.5t,,mad.. with your upgrade,,they dont fit a stronger diff,,do they,, FAIL.

[@tonyf7997]

@@harrywalker968 - actually yes! Fully strengthened and engineered rear diff rated at 3t 😉and front to just under 2t. Only a couple of companies do the engineered upgrade with diff housing- JMax and DMW here on east coast- Not the same as GVM+ that some offer with no upgrade to rear!!

[@martinstock9772]

How is the urban going?

[@mikeexell983]

Couldn’t agree more Ted! Just buy a new car with a higher GVM. Toyota is out here trying to rip us off. Couldn’t believe the tow ball weight is included. Just not right 😡

[@bobkats]

I know you did this as an excersise, to fimd out the weights, but I want you to know this, if you are over, anywhere, and you are involved in an accident, you lose huge, the fact you put it on the internet, although for information, you now publicly admit a legal breach, I would be looking for a gvm upgrade on the car urgently, and or, move gear into the van, you said you had 500kg to play with, if you put that 50kg worth of gear, behind the axles, you might actually save 70kg, add the gbem upgrade, you will be alright, it is a shock isnt it??

[@deep8873]

make sure you get a Lovells like upgrade with yout new Tojo otherwise you will be in the same boat

[@braydendonnelly8388]

I took the rear seats out(70kg) and reduce what I carry in my car, tool kit reduced (put it in the van) and load the van heavy at the rear if possible I am under by 100kgs (gvm)TBW is 280kg however if I am doing a long trip (Nullabour)I carry extra fuel 100lt in the front tool box and that puts me in the danger zone

[@braydendonnelly8388]

also just like to add you wont get a better car than that either, so replacing it will be a harder option they are a far superior in all aspects to all other vehicles it that class

[@bradcarey7617]

Just get the GVM upgrade , why are you reluctant ?

[@Itsavanlife]

Brad I lease my cars and this one is coming to its end...hence my reluctance on this one.

[@bradcarey7617]

@@Itsavanlife yep understand now, otherwise a gvm upgrade would be no brainer

[@jeremygyles3492]

Try removing the tool boxes from the draw bar and re weighing it. Might be as easy as swapping the bike rack to the front and getting the box mounted to the rear.

[@richardvankleef7172]

He was 250 kgs over and like he mentioned there’s nothing he can do except for the upgrade

[@jameswhyard2858]

Unimog?

[@richardvankleef7172]

Did he add the weight of five seats as if people are sitting in the vehicle

[@thesausage351]

He said 2 passengers.

[@richardvankleef7172]

I believe that he’s confused about that because it never got a mention.his vehicle didn’t have much fruit that was visible either.

[@thesausage351]

@@richardvankleef7172 he said “with myself and my wife in the car” starting at around 5:23

[@norego6237]

isuzu truck is your answer

[@JAStheACE]

Now i know why freight companies are being delayed.

[@HardstylePete]

Gvm upgrade for the lc.

[@grahambelby9117]

Good video, highlighting a very common problem. We have a 2016 Landcruiser and tow a Zone 20.6 RV, we had to have a GVM upgrade to make for legal, safe travel and also keep our insurance cover. The Cruiser was lifted due to the GVM upgrade, which led to me having to install power steps to keep the Co-pilot happy. With all the other mods we have fitted for comfortable touring, we have spent a considerable amount of money. We previously changed our car every 3 years, now we have decided to keep this one for at least 10 years plus, once fitted out properly, they are a great tow tug and if properly maintained should go for 300K +. Life is full of compromises, this is one where you may have to rethink your vehicle change over policy as we did.

[@666dualsport]

- the lc200 one of the best tow rigs about, 300kg tbw and hardly any accessories shouldnt blow out gvm/rear axel load, christ my old lc200 would have been 400kgs over but did the job fine, dont worry about it, just drive, i sold the lc200 and now have a y62 series 5, all i have is a alloy bullbar and a towball weight of 285kg , im under gvm by 100kgs or so. rear axel load in y62 2030kgs, get some weight off you towball if you can, every dual cab ute out there towing with family and bikes etc on back is way over,

[@Itsavanlife]

😃

[@markrobinson6479]

You say don't worry just drive overweight however if there is an accident you are uninsured if found to be too heavy. Something to consider.

[@SteveBurns80]

This is a perfect example of why you can't and shouldn't tow 3t caravans with these types of vehicles. The caravan industry and its regulatory is a joke! No way should it be legal to tow such large caravans in Australia, with such light vehicles. It makes me cringe every time I see these big vans hooked up to such small tow vehicles. My rule of thumb for safe towing is, the tow vehicle must weigh at least 500kgs more than what's being towed. So with this vehicle, a smaller/lighter caravan, no more than 2.7t fully loaded. The caravan industry shouldn't be allowed to operate the way they do, the regulatories make it over complicated for most punters out there and the caravan manufacturers use this to their advantage to sell the wrong vans at the expense of safety of their customers. Less is best, people.

[@iandickinson342]

Good video. I find the GVM an absolute piece of crap. Most 4wd,s put the same after market suspension on their vehicles and dont get a GVM. Pay an engineer $2000 and suddenly you can put an extra 250kg+ on your GVM!! nO BRAKE UPGRADE, NO DIFF UPGRADE OR ANYTHING ELSE. iF IT WAS SO EASY WHY ISNT EVERY MANUFACTURER DOING IT TO SELL MORE VEHICLES?

[@baranduda]

Obviously forgot to attach the towing mirrors before setting off. Pretty poor for a compliance video

[@Itsavanlife]

Good spotting!

[@jc7654]

i see that you still have the 3rd row seating installed. you need to unbolt them and leave them behind. each seat is at a guess without weighing mine 35+kg . the tow bar down weight is good, it needs to be around 10% of the weight of the trailer.

[@Itsavanlife]

Yes thats an option and a worthy mod.

[@jc7654]

​@@Itsavanlife if you go to Toyota and talk to parts you can get a rubber mate for the back that doesn't have to cut outs in it for the back seats, it's out of the GX base model that doesn't have them as standard. it will make the boot floor like normal and be more practical without the holes. look up kaon and get a cargo barrier and some rear shock guards.

[@notyermonkey2134]

A RAM wouldn't get you where the Cruiser will. Weight? Leave the Mrs home.

[@garyhancock1091]

GVM upgrade

[@Hemanfreeman536]

Can you not just put all your gear from the LC into the van? Maybe the wife too? 😂

[@alexwood5425]

If you want to take a truck load of stuff get a truck. Or, get a tent.

[@markryan5493]

GVM upgrade not that Expensive my hilux for 600 kg springs & shockers $1800 ARB. Took it from 3100 kg to 3500 kgs

[@markryan5493]

Oh I should add it was $600 for the engineers report to change the gvm plate.

[@bigfishfishing-111]

Just put the mrs and all your gear in the van 😂. Just kidding.

[@hedydd2]

It looks like you had the Cruiser up on weigh pads while the van was at ground level. Raising the hitch height will have increased your two hitch nose weight substantially even though it came in nominally at 300kg, which was presumably weighed when the van was unhitched. What this means is a puzzle but it may be that if both van and Cruiser were weighed on the same level or uncoupled that it would all come in under the maximum. Basically I would ignore those results and get them weighed uncoupled and add the 300kg nose weight to the Cruiser and deduct it from the trailer. Hope that makes sense. Or ignore it all. I regularly tow 3.5 tons or slightly above [who knows exactly what cattle weigh ;-) ] with the Land Cruiser 100 and a Ford Ranger. No issues apart from the nose weight of the trailer far exceeding 300kg, depending on which way around the free standing cattle stand, and they move in transit anyway. At times the Cruiser Skyhook suspension just bottoms out and refuses to lift. The Ranger breaks leaf springs now and again but so far always while unladen or with an empty trailer [1200kgs]. I think I’ve just had a fourth replacement rear spring fitted in 85,000 miles/140,000kms. The Land Cruiser did 350,000kms but is now scrapped at the top of my yard.