Legends Weigh In - Who fails and who wins at the Caravan & Car Weigh In

Before purchasing our new van we made a lengthy assessment of both the Caravan and the car and came aweigh with some major developments that need solving fast! Come along with us and watch this Legend v Legend showdown - we run you through the car and van as they face the weight test. What could possibly go wrong!
Want to weight your van or vehicle? takeaweigh.com.au/ Ask for Rowley and tell him we sent you!
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[@johnmathisen1167]

Craig and Tracy that was the best weight explanation of all the videos that I’ve seen, thank you.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks John! I’m blushing - thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated

[@harleyboo6951]

Also the most entertaining weigh in😊

[@jamesfox653]

Excellent video. I was in a similar situation to you with a LC200 and a 20 ft offroad van with an ATM of 3500 kg. I did a GVM upgrade on the LC 200 to 3800 GVM and theoretically complied with all required weights. However, I was concerned at running the LC 200 at around the 95th percentile of capacity. I just thought this was sailing too close to the wind and i knew if we had an accident, our travelling days in a caravan would be over. So, I took a precautionary approach, sold the LC200 and purchased a Ram 2500. Now we're towing at around the 80 percentile of weight capacity with a vehicle designed to tow. It's worth considering whether you want to be close to the edge watching every step or back from the edge admiring the views.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Great observations - I love your approach for sure. I couldn't believe the weight transfer over and above the actual ball weight. Interesting.

[@shaunharris7881]

Well done, totally agree with other comments, Riley explains everything perfectly. I have watched other KZbinrs do exactly the same, but this would have to be one of the better explanations

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you! He is pretty good. Much appreciated comment.

[@4bnewb969]

Well done on having the courage to have the rig weighed, knowing you were probably overweight . Plenty of people out there just don’t want to believe and run the gauntlet that nothing will ever go wrong. That draw system and drop slide probably weigh as much as what you are carrying. Will be interesting to see what path you take to fix the weight issue. Safe travels Cheers

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Yes, you are on the money there for sure. That’s for your comment.

[@juliastevenson-jt6zy]

Great video, enjoyed watching it, we had the same problem with our tow vehicle, solved it by removing the drawers and replacing with stackable plastic boxes 👍 Amazing how much those lovely drawer systems weigh!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

They are heavy aren’t they!

[@Carpo74]

Excellent & informative thanks guys

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you!

[@mykelphotography]

Thanks heaps for doing this video Craig and Tracy, very much appreciated and I echo the thoughts of others as to how well you have explained the information, really good of Rolly too to give his expert advice and knowledge, another fun video, you two are the best lol

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you! Thanks for commenting.

[@placestosea]

Thanks for posting, great explanation, glad to see he kept mentioning rear axle limit. Like Robert pepper videos.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

He’s pretty decent the old Rowley. Thats for your comment.

[@tonygersbach375]

Nice vid as always, thanks for being honest and open, safe travels and enjoy!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Always!

[@bradkark]

After a trip to the weighbridge I sold my Ranger and bought and Isuzu NPS :-) The Ranger was still legal but it wouldn’t have been once I set it up the way I wanted to. One thing about the weight distribution hitch. I have heard conflicting info about using them to lower the rear axle weight. My understanding is that if you are weighed roadside they disconnect them so no advantage there. It would have been interesting to see how much weight hitching the van removed from the front axle.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Agreed. That NPS is a beast - I’d love one of those!

[@bradkark]

@@caravansbythecampfire Like everything in life it has its good and bad points. Its far slower and less comfortable than the Ranger was and its more basic inside (not that this worries me) Its certainly heavier than the van so more in control and is designed to outlast a car based 4wd.

[@ottoswinebar]

FYI You guys helped us decide on our new van which we ordered today. Very excited, April delivery. So this video will help us with weights. Might see you on the west coast. Keep posting

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Terrific - happy vanning, hope to catch up in your new machine. Thanks for the comment!

[@RingoTravels]

Excellent video you two!!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you!

[@michaelk4865]

Thank you, most informative.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Happy to help! Thanks for your comment!

[@dinodadog71]

very very good video, was really surprised at the results, but a very good lesson there. thanks.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you!

[@tomz3806]

Been there, seen that, done that. An informative video thanks. I have a similar setup with a Zone Base 20.6. I was 96kg over on the vehicle when hitched up and fully loaded. I got legal by removing fridge and most other items from the back of the LC200 as a temporary solution. I got a Lovells 3800kg GVM upgrade that includes a GCM upgrade to 7300 kg for $6300. I wasn't expecting the GCM upgrade, but it came with the package. Now I'm well under, always. Some things to ponder: - Get rid of the heavy drawers and drop-down fridge slide and you are saving probably 150kg (estimated). I built an aluminium cube lock system and use plastic tubs. Much lighter but not as easy to operate with as drawers, for sure. Compromises I was prepared to live with. - Put stuff in the caravan that you don't often need when without the caravan as close to the axles as possible. As far away from the tow hitch as possible. - Maxtrax onto the top of the toolbox. I did that and it survived the Gibb, the GCR, and lots of other rough roads. - Then get a GVM upgrade if that's the path you choose but, try and get one that includes a GCM upgrade. This is not a legal option in WA but certainly is in Vic. Good luck if you haven't already done stuff like buy an American truck.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

No big truck yet! Out of my budget. Great suggestions and yes I’ve made some simple changes and are on the limit now - will go the upgrade I’d say just to be safe. Thanks for your comment and suggestions.

[@terrywilson7518]

Great review

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks Terry, and for your comment!

[@rattenfanger1502]

In 2016 we went through a situation where our van had an axel load of 3.4t, but the ATM was 3.5t, go figure that out. Van purchased in 2008 with a supposed tare of 2.8t. As we worked overseas we trusted the local manufacturer in Caloundra thinking the figures are correct. We retired Xmas 2012 and went on our first big trip. On our return we thought we better weigh the van completely empty and the tare was 3.2 t. That gave us 300kg for water, food etc. Then our caravan service guy said in late 2016 that Lovells have come out with a 4t hitch together with a GVM upgrade. We now have a new 4t suspension on the van, 4.5t axel load, a monster of a tow hitch, all passed by TMR Queensland and are very happy. The van has disk brakes, air suspension and lithium battery setup with a vitrofrigo 235ltr fridge. All since 2008 and the van is still going strong. GVM VAN AND LANDY 7.8t. Do an GVM upgrade and think big.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Think big, good idea! Sounds epic and thanks for your comment.

[@whatupg1]

Great episode guys and down the road from me at Willoughby leisure centre. If I weigh my setup I will head there. Thanks!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

That’s the place to go! Do you own a Bruder?

[@trevdebhippisley9729]

Good info, loose the metal shackles and get some soft shackles, another 5kg saved or couple pair of shoes added by Tracey

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Haha, soft shackles have been applied for through the minister for shoes!

[@carlfrier2873]

look forward to you sharing your solution. I also have used Rowland a couple of times. 2 different vehicles he is very good.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

He’s a very clear communicator. Thanks for your comment.

[@PhilipWayth]

Finally, someone is talking about the weakest link in towing a trailer or caravan. It is the rear axle limit of the tow tug. People either choose to ignore this, or have failed to educate themselves about it. There are a huge number of vans on the road, and many of these must be outside of the limits for the vehicle. We have all seen them, boats on the roof, large vans, bikes on frames etc etc. They will be denied insurance in the event of an accident, but some people know this and still choose to ignore it. They are safety risks to themselves, and to the rest of us. There are many permutations of weights and measures for these situations that should be considered. Everyone needs to have a professional assessment done, as these people have done, in order to know how they safe they are. Kudos to these people for getting this done, but how did they get to this situation in the first place? Lack of knowledge and research. It behoves us all to understand the various aspects of our own vehicles and situations. State governments also need to do something about this to protect people from themselves (and others). And dont start me on the motoring journalist who decided that a VW Toureag with a rear axle limit of 1480kg was the best tow vehicle!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Great comments, few are compliant when it comes to rear axle load! And nobody talks about it much at, even many other vids about van weights.

[@trooper_209lotus]

Nice setup just had our 200 gvm upgraded to 3850 and 2200 rear axle and are very comfortably under with all weights 😊

[@caravansbythecampfire]

That’s the ticket!

[@garybeadle9163]

Great vid guys, quite impressed with the Zone weights. Even with a new F150 or a ram you’d have to get a GVM upgrade. Go the GVM/GCM upgrade on the 200. It’s definitely an eye opener getting weighed. We were the opposite with our weights the van was a couple hundred over and had to get the van ATM upgraded. 🍻

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks Gary, we've moved a fair bit of stuff around and ar egetting close - a small GVM upgrade is the order of the day! Love your comments. The Zone has 1000ks to muck around with which is great - I love the fact I'm pretty much along towing a 3T van around fully loaded. Makes driving easier too.

[@passiveincomemadeasy]

Well done great video looks like a new car.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you! A small GVM upgrade is most likely!

[@davidhowell5945]

Excellent video guys, similar situation as I have and a brilliant explanation from the Take A Weigh guy. Just a thought about weight distribution hitch. I believe it can exert extra force on the end of your chassis where the towbar is mounted and the worst bit is that it takes away most of the articulation provided by your DO35 hitch. Apparently the manufacturers recommend releasing the WDH even when going over a driveway crossing, so imagine what can occur on outback roads. Cheers

[@caravansbythecampfire]

I agree, it’s a bit like having a back brace when doing a dance class! Thanks for your comment!

[@JohnDorward-os4jk]

Excellent video Craig and Tracy. What a beautiful caravan you have. My dream!! I really do think the Zone is the best package at present and your video only strengthens my view. In terms of the tow vehicle the LC200 is a great choice and certainly has the weight and integrity to take on the task albeit with a GVM upgrade which I think there is plenty of capacity for. As we caravaners know absolutely everything is a compromise and I’m pretty sure you will do what is spot on for you. You guys are great!!!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thank you and thanks for commenting, great you enjoyed this vid!

[@JohnDorward-os4jk]

Hello again….. since my post to you I have had my caravan and LC200 weighed and with the 3800 Lovells GCM, 7300 combined mass upgrade everything is pretty good………except….. the rear axle. I have a big van with what turned out to be a 342 kilo ball weight (I was a little surprised by the ball weight which has increased since I last weighed it by 10 kilos…..no change in load). Anyhow the axle was 120 over due to additional load in the Landcruiser and the ball weight. Since then I’ve removed the 3rd row seats and transferred weight back to the van….all good. But here’s the thing. The legal rear axle weight for the LC200 can increase to 2304 with the Lovells 4200 GCM upgrade. Worth considering when considering upgrading. Finally (sorry this is long winded) I think the increase in ball weight was caused by the ball sitting a little higher than on my previous vehicle. This apparently has quite an impact on weights. (See excellent video by L2SFBC on the topic). Looking forward to seeing what you do. John

[@caravansbythecampfire]

@@JohnDorward-os4jk that sounds good - our LC is 2009 and is restricted to a GVM upgrade maxing out at the 3650-3800 mark - you only get a 100kg rear axle increase also. The tow ball mass can impose a load 1.5 its weight on the rear axle which is often overlooked. Glad you're sorted! Thanks for the comment!

[@southerngentleman5321]

draws usually 70kg+ on a ute.. more for good ones.. glad i watched that!

[@karlgee3252]

Craig and Tracey top video very easy to understand, one of the better weight videos. don't go spending more money on the Toyota mate go get a Chev 2500 or Ram 2500. the comfort is unbelievable. and on NB2 rego no more weight problems

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Those trucks get me a bit excited for sure! Thanks for your comment and enjoy that big fella.

[@stromdogy]

Hey C & T (Roy & HG)....I can't wait for the GVM upgrade "research" video. That will be an absolute ripper. Something for the real propeller heads and keyboard warriors to feast on. I'm getting the popcorn ready now. Bring it on !!! p.s Keep up the excellent content. Love it.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

There could be cause for controversy!

[@zoezoe610]

Always a interesting topic with so much grey area. We tow with a 200 and a 3.5 ton Lotus van and if it had the factory suspension the tow ball weight would put us over. The car is legal without the van and the van and GCM is under. Ours is a 2008 200 series and the last owner put in a 2 inch lift with much heavier shocks and coils suited for towing but this was about 10 years ago before all the fizz about GVM upgrade talk came along but it is legal but was done before these companies issued a compliance plate. Another thing which these weight people don't seem to know with the 200s is that anything under the front 1630 kg axle load can be added to the rear up to 230 kg and still be within GVM. Another consideration is adding a GVM new coils and shocks does not reduce rear axle load but has the opposite effect unless your rear diff housing is braced with plates because adding heavier coils does not change axle load engineering. Those who even go up to 4200kg GVM still face a common weak link which is the wheel bearings are way overloaded according to their spec and no GVM upgrade deals with this. It seems that the 200 series people are the GVM industry's best customer. There are 1,000s of cars out there particularly dual cab utes with just WDHs or heavier leaf springs in the rear with bags with none of them having a new compliance plate. So the area is very grey mixed with a lot of must have marketing. I having a upgraded suspension with airbags is well within engineering specs and for me there seems no point replacing good suspension just get a extra compliance plate. Each to his own with their cars but the area is very grey and the water has been muddied with a lot of marketing. Keep your car and get better suspension if that is your direction, a American truck are petrol and the cruiser is much nicer to travel in.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks for taking the time to comment - a few key considerations there which I’ll investigate further, excellent! Thanks again.

[@johndoug2878]

Hi guys great vid Ive been down this track with my 23 ft off road van started with new colarado 2019 it lasted 12 months ,replaced it with 2500 silverado 6.6 duramax perfect truck, 10000kg gcm 4.5 t off the hook best tow truck exhaust brakes tow hall mode no differnce to performance good luck with what you choose

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Well that is a machine you've got yourself there! Well done.

[@paulholubecki6386]

Keeping the cruiser and getting a 4015kg gvm upgrade is far smarter than buying a new vehicle. Good rundown with the video. By the way I have a 4015 gvm upgrade. Kept the standard landcruiser 6800kg gcm. Happy days.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Couldn’t agree more. Thanks for your comment

[@TheTripleDubya]

@@caravansbythecampfireI couldn’t agree at all. What about GCM !?!? With a car that can carry 4015kg now you can only have a max van weight of 2785 ! Not to mention that you’re running your car at way over spec. Let’s wind that back a bit and say that you go for a GVM of 3650 and you use it all because Van, now your van can only weigh 3150, which is doable with your weights but again, something you’ll always have to be mindful of. Let’s face it, some folks with families on board simply couldn’t do that and carry all that they need.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

@@TheTripleDubya maybe he has a light van? Regardless of what we do we’ll need to get the car unloaded of it’s fat components and redistribute to maintain the CVM at 6800. A small GVM upgrade will achieve this. I wonder why people are so keen to downgrade their ability to tow a full van?

[@TheTripleDubya]

@@caravansbythecampfire well if I was getting rid of fat components I’d have to . . . (Redacted)

[@paulholubecki6386]

@TheTripleDubya Correct. Your assuming I'm at at full 4015kg at the cruiser.. Not the case. Anyone who tows 6850 combined has rocks in there head

[@LChapo71]

Great vid, so we have a LC 200 2011 GXL 4.7L, WE DID A JMACX 4200kg GVM upgrade, as we live in WA, no increase in GCM, which is mad as, and an absolute crock. Hunter Mechanical in Kewdale. Outstanding upgrade and way cheaper than a new car, the only US utes are worthy are the 2500's, as others have shitte payloads. We also got the Alpha 2.5 in cabin adjuster to change the rebound as driving, Well worth the coin.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks for the info! I'll investigate further.

[@brettbarrett7670]

You can move lots of those spares in the car into the van. Ditch one rear cargo drawer which forces you to pack less too. Remove the fridge slide and chest fridge by changing to an upright fridge will save heaps. It just the two of you, loose the rear seat and make a simple shelf up to hold a couple of tubs for light weight items (personal stuff like jackets, hats etc). No need to change wheels/tyres as you are under GCM and these are unsprung weight. That should help you get close, with a small GVM upgrade to be compliant. Good luck, its a minefield!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Excellent ideas thanks. Great comments.

[@brettbarrett7670]

Been down this road with our 200 but what I've discovered is its an almost impossible challenge to balance between towing and touring with a well set up 4wd. To have the accessories to allow us to delve deep into the rugged areas of Australia with confidence to get back out again. As with some others, we've gone with 4495kg gvm and 3t rear axle but still limited by 6850kg gcm , which has meant we need to keep the van under around 2800kg (ish) fully loaded (unhitched). 2.6t on the axle and 4.2t gvm last time weighed with 270kg on the ball. Kissed the GCM right on the limit. Other problem is the accessories are stupid heavy even empty and there aren't many options to go lighter - and those that are, are frightening $$ or impractical. Good luck, will keep watching with interest!

[@BobSmith-vg7fv]

@@brettbarrett7670what brand gvm upgrade did you fit to get the 3t on rear axle

[@brettbarrett7670]

@@BobSmith-vg7fv its a whole new housing.

[@gregwhittingham1909]

We have a Sahara and we did a 3850kg GVM upgrade due to the poor load limits out of the factory. We picked up our Sojourn in December and yet to have them weighed but will do before our next trip (I feel we could be fine though, but who knows?)

[@caravansbythecampfire]

You'll be fine going by our results.

[@PeninsulaDroneography2024]

I feel a RAM a coming :). Great video guys, excellent info.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Send me one please LOL!! Nah, I'll make this one work until it wont go anymore!

[@iandibley8032]

The 1500 Ram is not out of the woods either with a rear axle max load of 1770 kg. A LC 200 has 1950kg or 2100kg with Lovells 3,800 kg upgrade.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

@@iandibley8032 Exactly! We've take most things out the rear now and just scrap in - no way to live so we'll get the basic GVM upgrade!

[@iandibley8032]

​​​@@caravansbythecampfireWe tow a atm 2.5 ton single axle van 255kg tbw with a LC200 with a 3650 kg GVM up grade and we are still close to 1950 kg rear axle max. Bigger van large water etc capacity more issues. Quite a conundrum really worth sorting though. 🤔

[@paulcallan5540]

Hey guys . I got rid of my drop down MSA fridge slider . They are a great product. But way too heavy. I opted for Drifta Camping Draws . Single draw with fridge slider a the tail gate level. 😅

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Yes, no doubt I’d save a lot removing all of that stuff if not being used for touring also - perhaps 1 draw and an upright fridge is the go. Thanks for your comment!

[@user-hx2kl1ju6r]

please check that any gvm upgrade is not going to void your MANUFACTURES WARRANTY.

[@ianwhittle5097]

Hi Craig. Seriously consider the dead weight you are carrying in the rear drawers. I took mine out and they came in at over 80kg. More kg's in the fancy fridge slide. Then re-distribute some of the gear into the van. You have some tough decisions to make. Great van though and thanks for the stubby holders. Cheers.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

No worries Ian, I’m on it!

[@ladysusanjane2682]

Well you see that’s the thing…..we want a new van and there are many we would love but it will all end in tears cos we will need a new car. It all becomes a $$$$$$ headache.🤦🏼‍♀️ I can’t guess what you will do. I guessed wrong last time 😂

[@caravansbythecampfire]

We have already emptied the car of most things but a small gvm upgrade is in order - looks like my Jayco fund will have go towards this first!

[@billroach2393]

Great video...I've just hit the subscribe button. I too, have 3500kg caravan (Bushtracker) and tow it with a Chevy Silverado 3500 4x4 with GVM of 5,171kg and GCM of 11,113kg. One thing the chappy didn't mention, which I believe is an important factor is this: Try to keep your rig in a proportion whereby the caravan doesn't weigh more than approximately 75% of the loaded mass of the tow vehicle. Just because it's legal, doesn't mean it's "right" or a good idea. For example, you may have found yourself complying with ALL the legal weights during that weighing session. Your van could have legally weighed 3500kg and if you didn't have all your gear in the back, your car could have weighed 3300kg ( or whatever the GVM is). That doesn't make it a good idea!!! Trundling down the highway at 100kh with a "pig" trailer that is heavier than the tow vehicle, is a disaster waiting to happen. One adverse factor, such as a sudden wind gust, swerving to miss something etc, abd the trailer will be telling the vehicle where to go!!!! At that point, you're just a passenger!!!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Excellent point you make, I’m a real must for the tow vehicle to be less than the car for sure. I love those Bushtrackers! Thanks for the comment and sub! Nice vehicle also!!

[@LChapo71]

Great response as well, at minimum the big US utes should be used are the 2500 and 3500, the 1500's are over priced hiluxes 😂, the local Toyota shop has 3 new tundras, mid range tundra maybe priced around $160k, WHOA

[@terrystewart2326]

No doubt you will need to get the upgrade on the vehicle or upgrade the vehicle. Just curious if any weight would be saved these days from having a standup compressor fridge rather than the car fridge you currently have. The van looks beautiful. Enjoy the travels.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Absolutely correct about the upright fridge and less draws. Thanks for your comments, I’m onto it.

[@Mambey]

Can you remove the rear seat, moove the weight forward.Use plastic boxes instead of the steel drawers.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

I think we’ll just grab a small gvm upgrade.

[@johnoneill1011]

Congrats on the best YT on this topic. Issue: If you elect to replace your tug, you likely cannot wait for a new RAM 2500. A one year old dealer demo 2500 runs $170k, but likely won't it fit in the garage or parking spaces, won't have Toyota reliability, nor be easy to fix in the bush or manoeuvre around town. Then there are the insults from the woke. A GVM upgrade for $10-$15k all up could be done next week, but may affect ride when not towing.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks John, appreciate your comment. Talking about woke, I’m now into the next movement - awake! I’m feeling the minimum gvm upgrade will do me.

[@martingould841]

Maybe get the Datsun 😊

[@ausguy4385]

Just need a paper gvm upgrade... that axel is paper upgrade to why above that load. Can go jmax diff if money no issue for even more rear load

[@caravansbythecampfire]

I need 4million more views to afford that per video - not happening. I’ll go for the small gvm upgrade I reckon - I’ve already shifted the load between car and van and tricked up a few other bits and bots - I very close to ok already! Thanks for your comment!

[@ausguy4385]

​@caravansbythecampfire yeah the paper upgrade to the axel is huge!

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Significant eh! @@ausguy4385

[@tony613]

WE have a 200 series and got a Pedders GVM upgrade

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Love to hear what you got and how for much.

[@garynew9637]

Where does this 10% TBW come from?

[@4tosserstouringcompany249]

My 200 is your 200 BP51 plus springs tyres gvm 4050 And a ride that won’t break your back

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Great info - thanks for the comment!

[@hickory01au]

I took my second row seats out saved 75kg

[@caravansbythecampfire]

That’s good to know, thanks

[@aljeeper3292]

Something you didn't weigh was your draw systems😢😢 You'll find the draws weigh heaps more than what they carry 😮😮😮

[@brianmaclennan561]

These 200's look very easy to overload, im thinking this would catch out a bunch of 200's if weighed.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

A percentage are always over according to the stats unfortunately. However there are lot with sensible small upgrades to suit. I’ll need to be one of those!

[@michealplater9007]

How many times have you had them shoes on. I bet they don't stay behind

[@caravansbythecampfire]

No way - my favs! I only have 1 pair however.

[@ausguy4385]

I did that the van was 200kgs over the atm empty and stock... Thankfully the ATM upgrade is easy to get on it... Long story short they added the figures in the wrong why 😂 Its also registered as 400kgs less then dry weight 🤣😂 ATM upgrade is adding over 1400kgs 🤯 mostly just there stuff up.. Its weight is 1750 and the atm will be 3t after 🤣 as it was ment to be 😊

[@caravansbythecampfire]

What an experience - comedy cappers. Thanks for your comment

[@ausguy4385]

​@caravansbythecampfire the funny part is the manufacture just claims is not stock 🤣 and I added water tanks etc. Yet the real ATM is known

[@garynew9637]

Where did the 10% TBW come from?

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Can you ask me this question a different way - I'm not sure what you want to know exactly.

[@garynew9637]

@@caravansbythecampfire 10 percent weight on towbar

[@davidmilledge221]

A gvm upgrade will be cheaper than buying an expensive rig must be ? And then you'll still have that Toyota reliability

[@caravansbythecampfire]

No new rig here! GVM upgrade is happening.

[@davidmilledge221]

@@caravansbythecampfire hope your doing a vid on that 👍

[@caravansbythecampfire]

@@davidmilledge221 yep!

[@rodkennedy4330]

Im sure your guy said that the gvm on your 200 was 3300 where in fact it's 3350 giving a gcm 6850 not much but 50kg helps

[@caravansbythecampfire]

For some reason fat Betsy has a stamped plate and rego stating 3300. Interesting eh!

[@rodkennedy4330]

@@caravansbythecampfire okay my 200 is a 2015 gxl and definitely is 3350 gvm so not sure why yours is different but it is what it is . I got a minimum gvm up grade from arb to 3580 cost around 2000 and is compliance plated ,it did not increase axle load rating as the gvm is no higher than the standard 3580 axle combined load rating on a 200

[@caravansbythecampfire]

@@rodkennedy4330 our car is nearly vintage - 2009. Probably why. We have a few fixes in place and will get on with a small gvm upgrade.

[@ACTMCC3150]

If you don't need to use the 2nd and 3rd row of seats, remove and store them. It will save you heaps of weight.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Thanks for you comment - I might do that.

[@ACTMCC3150]

@@caravansbythecampfire I did that to my Kia Grand Carnival turbo diesel that I use to tow my single axle pop van. Its now a 2 seater van with a long, wide flat floor that easily converts back to an 8 seater people mover. For camping and caravaning I installed 2 Kings 900mm long ute draws that I can top with 2 single mattresses to sleep in the car. I store recovery gear, tools, 12v pump and trolley jack in one and camping gear in the other. I also load those items that used to overload the caravan (table, chairs, BBQ, solar panels) I also have a 75 litre duel zone Engel fridge and,Arkpak battery box eadt west in the large luggage area behind where the 3rd row of seats was. It helps to balance the weight from the caravan into the car. Works well.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Sounds like are a great set up, well done to you.

[@thelonewolf666]

if you need a gvm upgrade you have the wrong vehicle or you need a lighter caravan--- the dopes out there towing is scary

[@caravansbythecampfire]

We’ve seen some specimens out there - stay clear.

[@davescott5506]

Trade the toyoda for an inos Lol

[@caravansbythecampfire]

I’ll be looking 👀👀

[@environmentalvoicesAU]

Good video. But I cannot believe that a professional weighing person claimed that airbags would take weight off the rear axle. That’s sadly complete und utter rubbish. Sad if professionals can’t be relied upon with their info. Same as him wanting to see 10% TBW. Hard to kill Australian folklore always. But that’s a max not a goal, with 6-8% likely a better range according to research, unless you do in excess of 130km/h??

[@caravansbythecampfire]

I think he said it didn’t look that bad as the airbag were holding the weight - not meaning the axle had less weight. I’ll watch again but that’s what he meant I’m sure. I’ll ask about that if he did say it when we get weighed again after making some adjustments. Thanks for you comments, much appreciated.

[@ausguy4385]

All that research 😂 and you didnt weigh it all before buying 😅

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Yes, this was all done before buying. The van is great and the car is fat - new diet has been activated.

[@ausguy4385]

​@caravansbythecampfire 😂 not sure that's better or worse. Luckily the 200 has huge gvm options

[@caravansbythecampfire]

@@ausguy4385 The van is outstanding with its weight - our car always needed a small correction which didn't surprise us.

[@slowboat6021]

rip out the drawers and all that crap you never use. why carry all that crap when towing a van? why not put the camping recovery stuff in the van and then if you go solo put in the car?

[@darrindouglas1]

GVM upgrade or just buy a Next Gen Ranger.....lol...... Lucky nothing happened while hiring, or you would be in a world of pain right now........

[@caravansbythecampfire]

Yes a big ranger sounds great!

[@peterpumpkin1077]

Yeah the next gen ranger with a rear axle capacity of 1959kg. Lol

[@christhomas4260]

15:36 a GVM upgrade does not make the axle or diff or chassis stronger. Most cars have nothing done to them when they get a GVM upgrade. Just suspension which is normally the same as non GVM but just with a bit of paper. Biggest con of all time

[@brettbarrett7670]

100%, its engineered with a safety margin by OEM, by increasing it (all be it with the wisdom of an engineer) on paper isnt increasing it in reality. I went with the 3t rear housing.

[@caravansbythecampfire]

I understand what you say! Thanks For your comment.