Slide on 700kg - suspension

[headinwest]

Aplogies, this is copied from my original post in the wrong subforum. I'm looking at a new Triton.

Hello All,

I' building a small slide on camper, 450kg empty, I'm guessing 700kg fully loaded, to take off road. Can I get some assistance with the following please:

I need a dual cab and an alloy tray 1800x1800 which I believe can only go on the GLX Adas model (no diff lock)

- I keep hearing that the chassis will crumble like jelly as soon as you look at it. Is 700 going to really challenge the chassis? Maybe 750-800kg if I get lazy with my packing. I'm not planning on hitting too much rough stuff, just need to get up the odd hill gravel or through some sand. Eg fraser island.

- Will the Triton ride ok without a suspension upgrade? If I upgrade the suspension will it ride badly for the 95% of the time it's not loaded?

- Do I need a diff locker kit etc or is the 4x4 OK on the GLX Adas?

Thanks for your help.

Jim.

[tomdej]

I also carry a slide-on camper with on an 1800x1800 tray.

My homework before I got the tray indicted that a heavy slide-on on a dual cab will have a chance of bending the chassis. This this has happened with examples of every dual cab including the dual cab land cruiser. The Triton is more susceptible to bending as the wheelbase is 3000mm compared to most other dual cabs being 3200mm. This has the weight cantilevered further off the back of the vehicle.

Dual cab utes have the same wheelbase as single cabs and extra cabs. The single and extra cabs carry the weight fairly well over the rear axle. Your dual cab with the weight behind the rear axle will result in a higher chance of chassis bending and reduced weight on the front axle with reduced steering effectiveness.

My vehicle has the rear axle under the load. How? My vehicle has a 500mm chassis extension.

Advantages - Little chance of a chassis bend. Good weight on the front wheels to retain good steering control.

Disadvantages - Cost. Reduced Ramp over (but we are into touring). Increased turning circle.

As for the ride: My vehicle unladen is OK, not great. With the camper on it is very good.

Who can do a chassis extension? Mine was done by Specialised Vehicles in Orangeville (near Camden, NSW). Another I know of and have heard good reports about is Creative Conversions in Qld.

There are more out there.

I don't believe you need a diff lock. Your vehicle has Traction Control.

Some others will tell you to not buy a Triton as they bend.
If you are definitely going to carry a heavy slide on and you are not going to pay for a chassis extension I would also suggest you buy a vehicle with a longer wheelbase. It still won't have a long enough wheelbase but it will be closer.
But if you are willing to investigate a chassis extension then why not start with the Triton.

But lots of people are carrying slide on campers on dual cabs. Yes they are. And many get away for it for a long time.

Google "bent chassis 4wd" images to see it affects all makes, but almost always dual cabs.

I'm happy to provide more details if required.

[headinwest]

Thanks for the info Tomdej, that's a good solution.

Can I ask:
- the cost of the chassis extension? I'm guessing with RTA paperwork?
- did you change the suspension?
- what's the weight of your slide-on empty and loaded?

Thanks,
Jim.

[tomdej]

My chassis extension was done in 2011 with a cost of under $5000 including Engineers Certificate.

Costs are higher now with Creative Conversion listing around $7400.

Suspension was changed later when I knew the true weight of the vehicle with new tray and the weight of the slide-on camper. The cost of this is no different to that you will have to do to any vehicle.

Current weight unladen is similar to original vehicle. With the slide-on still below GVM until fully loaded with water, extra fuel, food for weeks when we are temporarily slightly above GVM . But look at 4WDs when loaded for touring and most are above GVM.

Want to be below GVM all the time? You need to look at another vehicle where higher GVM upgrades are available.