I have a 2006 pathfinder and considering having a long range fuel tank fitted,preferably leaving the spare wheel where it is.
Any feedback (pros and cons) or other suggestions would be appreciated.Towing our van i currently get 5 klm per ltr.
We are enjoying using our ARB long range tank in our Nissan Navara not quite the same car as yours but similar first name.
Its a personal thing and fore the most found the towing range of 400ks a bit of a nuisance with the original tank. The extra ks seems to put me in areas where I can buy fuel at better prices and sometimes I just top up when fuel is a bit cheaper.
It really is a personnal thing, I am enjoying my decision.
My only neg for you would perhaps be the age of the 2006 car but thats your decision.
There was a discussion about this subject once before just last year.
Pikey hi,
type in long range tank in the search area at the top of page,
There is some negs and pos there, maybe this may also help in making your decision.
It did cost roughly about $1500 with the goverment approved modification plate
-- Edited by Radar on Tuesday 6th of February 2018 10:18:32 PM
Unless you are one of those looking towards the next pay day so you can get a decent feed I would see the larger tank far preferable to Jerry cans. This applies particularly to those that do not have the extra capsule in the tray of a ute to isolate the fuel smells. I do not favour putting your fuel cans on the ends of a van a it reduces the stability and critical speed of the van.
__________________
PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
I currently have a 2010 Pathfinder & was looking at a long range tank, but decided against it on the following reasons:
It would have reduced my payload which was already borderline by the time you added the towball weight.
I would have had to manually operate the pump between the 2 tanks.
Did not want the spare in the back as I have drawers, and the rear wheel carrier would have further killed the payload.
In my opinion it would have been way too tight farting about with ensuring we were legal, and also putting more stress on the car. As much as I love the Pathfinder, we are changing next month to a Landcruiser 200 instead.
Of course, if you are towing something with a lighter towball weight or are a single traveller, then you might be ok with legal weights.
I currently have a 2010 Pathfinder & was looking at a long range tank, but decided against it on the following reasons:
It would have reduced my payload which was already borderline by the time you added the towball weight.
I would have had to manually operate the pump between the 2 tanks.
Did not want the spare in the back as I have drawers, and the rear wheel carrier would have further killed the payload.
In my opinion it would have been way too tight farting about with ensuring we were legal, and also putting more stress on the car. As much as I love the Pathfinder, we are changing next month to a Landcruiser 200 instead.
Of course, if you are towing something with a lighter towball weight or are a single traveller, then you might be ok with legal weights.
The additional fuel weight, some of that weight goes forward to the steer. A plus
None of that added weight of the long range tank is behind the drive axle, which is a big plus.
As for pumps and what have. We have one tank 140 litres, not over big giving us an extra 60 litre.
When tank is full about 75kgs more weight.
Of all the mods to my car it goes down as one of the best along side the suspension upgrade. Don't get confused with gross mass weight upgrade.
The worst accessory by far is the canopy, I didn't want it in the first place, got talked into it, now regret it, very rarely load over the tub height.
Just remember a LC has big weight issue also only more expensive.
I currently have a 2010 Pathfinder & was looking at a long range tank, but decided against it on the following reasons:
It would have reduced my payload which was already borderline by the time you added the towball weight.
I would have had to manually operate the pump between the 2 tanks.
Did not want the spare in the back as I have drawers, and the rear wheel carrier would have further killed the payload.
In my opinion it would have been way too tight farting about with ensuring we were legal, and also putting more stress on the car. As much as I love the Pathfinder, we are changing next month to a Landcruiser 200 instead.
Of course, if you are towing something with a lighter towball weight or are a single traveller, then you might be ok with legal weights.
The additional fuel weight, some of that weight goes forward to the steer. A plus
None of that added weight of the long range tank is behind the drive axle, which is a big plus.
As for pumps and what have. We have one tank 140 litres, not over big giving us an extra 60 litre.
When tank is full about 75kgs more weight.
Of all the mods to my car it goes down as one of the best along side the suspension upgrade. Don't get confused with gross mass weight upgrade.
The worst accessory by far is the canopy, I didn't want it in the first place, got talked into it, now regret it, very rarely load over the tub height.
Just remember a LC has big weight issue also only more expensive.
Second that....LC200 has BIG weight issues that are NOT solved by GVM upgrade.Rear axle is the problem,and although GVM goes to 3850kg,the rear axle still is only a low 2000kg.The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
I realise that they are close, but another add on to the pathfinder when I already have drawers & bullbar will tip me over or be too fine. Knowing I have a vehicle like the LC200 already with the long range tank, plus the power to easily handle all terrain, I can manage the payload better, prior to any possible additions, rather than reverting backwards.
Starting out we never intended to do long trips, but after the cancer scare we have changed our thinking to visit as many spots as possible. That in mind is why we are going the way we are. Plus with my back the comfort is also a consideration
The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
I realise that they are close, but another add on to the pathfinder when I already have drawers & bullbar will tip me over or be too fine. Knowing I have a vehicle like the LC200 already with the long range tank, plus the power to easily handle all terrain, I can manage the payload better, prior to any possible additions, rather than reverting backwards.
Starting out we never intended to do long trips, but after the cancer scare we have changed our thinking to visit as many spots as possible. That in mind is why we are going the way we are. Plus with my back the comfort is also a consideration
Hi Bob....I understand whay youre trying to achieve,but I can only iterate what I have already said. The fuel capacity is only 130 litres(?) and the BIG problem is the weight on the rear axle. There is no way that you can carry anything without a GVM upgrade AND the universally accepted cure-all of a WDH. You have NO other options,as by the time you add fuel,towbar,towball weight,and a couple of passengers you will be over your vehicles GVM,and the rear axle will be overloaded in the extreme. These figures are built around a 3500 ATM van,and I dont know what you tow,but even if your van is only 2500kg,with a 250kg TBM there still is nothing to spare.Your choice,your money,your car,but I can only suggest that you do a lot of research before parting with your hard-earned. Ill say again that,in my opinion,the LC200 is the most over-rated vehicle on the road,but I wish you well in your endeavours.Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers
The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
I realise that they are close, but another add on to the pathfinder when I already have drawers & bullbar will tip me over or be too fine. Knowing I have a vehicle like the LC200 already with the long range tank, plus the power to easily handle all terrain, I can manage the payload better, prior to any possible additions, rather than reverting backwards.
Starting out we never intended to do long trips, but after the cancer scare we have changed our thinking to visit as many spots as possible. That in mind is why we are going the way we are. Plus with my back the comfort is also a consideration
Hi Bob....I understand whay youre trying to achieve,but I can only iterate what I have already said. The fuel capacity is only 130 litres(?) and the BIG problem is the weight on the rear axle. There is no way that you can carry anything without a GVM upgrade AND the universally accepted cure-all of a WDH. You have NO other options,as by the time you add fuel,towbar,towball weight,and a couple of passengers you will be over your vehicles GVM,and the rear axle will be overloaded in the extreme. These figures are built around a 3500 ATM van,and I dont know what you tow,but even if your van is only 2500kg,with a 250kg TBM there still is nothing to spare.Your choice,your money,your car,but I can only suggest that you do a lot of research before parting with your hard-earned. Ill say again that,in my opinion,the LC200 is the most over-rated vehicle on the road,but I wish you well in your endeavours.Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers
We intend to tow a vehicle in the 2000-2600kgs fully laden with ball weights in the 160-200kg range. This caravan will also have a decent payload & generator hatch. If necessary it can also handle the small camp fridge with plenty to spare without even reaching full caravan ATM.
As for the axle, I am not sure what you are getting at? These other vehicles are no different.
The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
I realise that they are close, but another add on to the pathfinder when I already have drawers & bullbar will tip me over or be too fine. Knowing I have a vehicle like the LC200 already with the long range tank, plus the power to easily handle all terrain, I can manage the payload better, prior to any possible additions, rather than reverting backwards.
Starting out we never intended to do long trips, but after the cancer scare we have changed our thinking to visit as many spots as possible. That in mind is why we are going the way we are. Plus with my back the comfort is also a consideration
Hi Bob....I understand whay youre trying to achieve,but I can only iterate what I have already said. The fuel capacity is only 130 litres(?) and the BIG problem is the weight on the rear axle. There is no way that you can carry anything without a GVM upgrade AND the universally accepted cure-all of a WDH. You have NO other options,as by the time you add fuel,towbar,towball weight,and a couple of passengers you will be over your vehicles GVM,and the rear axle will be overloaded in the extreme. These figures are built around a 3500 ATM van,and I dont know what you tow,but even if your van is only 2500kg,with a 250kg TBM there still is nothing to spare.Your choice,your money,your car,but I can only suggest that you do a lot of research before parting with your hard-earned. Ill say again that,in my opinion,the LC200 is the most over-rated vehicle on the road,but I wish you well in your endeavours.Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers
We intend to tow a vehicle in the 2000-2600kgs fully laden with ball weights in the 160-200kg range. This caravan will also have a decent payload & generator hatch. If necessary it can also handle the small camp fridge with plenty to spare without even reaching full caravan ATM.
As for the axle, I am not sure what you are getting at? These other vehicles are no different.
Rear axle capacity:
LC200 1950kgs
BT50/Ranger/Colorado 1850kgs
Pathfinder 1710kgs
Hi Bob....All seems OK with the van you propose to tow,as it seems that your van has plenty of carrying capacity. One of the biggest problems with a 200 is the TBO,or distance from the rear axle to the hitch point. That distance is often 1500mm +/-, and this means that when you hook up a van with 200kg towball weight,you add over 300kg to the rear axle weight.......and THAT is where you start to have problems.A WDH exacerbates that problem by increasing the TBO (towball overhang) and a McHitch makes that situation even worse.With a 350kg TBM it is very easy to see over 500kg added to the cars rear axle.However,by loading your car carefully,and putting a lot of your weight into the van,you should be OK,and with a 3350kg car towing a 2400kg GTM van,your setup will be a lot safer than most,with the car being about 40% heavier than the van! Go for it! Good luck with your project.Cheers
The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
I realise that they are close, but another add on to the pathfinder when I already have drawers & bullbar will tip me over or be too fine. Knowing I have a vehicle like the LC200 already with the long range tank, plus the power to easily handle all terrain, I can manage the payload better, prior to any possible additions, rather than reverting backwards.
Starting out we never intended to do long trips, but after the cancer scare we have changed our thinking to visit as many spots as possible. That in mind is why we are going the way we are. Plus with my back the comfort is also a consideration
Hi Bob....I understand whay youre trying to achieve,but I can only iterate what I have already said. The fuel capacity is only 130 litres(?) and the BIG problem is the weight on the rear axle. There is no way that you can carry anything without a GVM upgrade AND the universally accepted cure-all of a WDH. You have NO other options,as by the time you add fuel,towbar,towball weight,and a couple of passengers you will be over your vehicles GVM,and the rear axle will be overloaded in the extreme. These figures are built around a 3500 ATM van,and I dont know what you tow,but even if your van is only 2500kg,with a 250kg TBM there still is nothing to spare.Your choice,your money,your car,but I can only suggest that you do a lot of research before parting with your hard-earned. Ill say again that,in my opinion,the LC200 is the most over-rated vehicle on the road,but I wish you well in your endeavours.Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers
We intend to tow a vehicle in the 2000-2600kgs fully laden with ball weights in the 160-200kg range. This caravan will also have a decent payload & generator hatch. If necessary it can also handle the small camp fridge with plenty to spare without even reaching full caravan ATM.
As for the axle, I am not sure what you are getting at? These other vehicles are no different.
Rear axle capacity:
LC200 1950kgs
BT50/Ranger/Colorado 1850kgs
Pathfinder 1710kgs
Hi Bob....All seems OK with the van you propose to tow,as it seems that your van has plenty of carrying capacity. One of the biggest problems with a 200 is the TBO,or distance from the rear axle to the hitch point. That distance is often 1500mm +/-, and this means that when you hook up a van with 200kg towball weight,you add over 300kg to the rear axle weight.......and THAT is where you start to have problems.A WDH exacerbates that problem by increasing the TBO (towball overhang) and a McHitch makes that situation even worse.With a 350kg TBM it is very easy to see over 500kg added to the cars rear axle.However,by loading your car carefully,and putting a lot of your weight into the van,you should be OK,and with a 3350kg car towing a 2400kg GTM van,your setup will be a lot safer than most,with the car being about 40% heavier than the van! Go for it! Good luck with your project.Cheers
Now I see said the blind man! Towing the old van with the pathfinder, all we had in the car was the 2 of us, the camping fridge, couple of fishing rods & the generator. Apart from that it was only a couple of drinks & red snakes to munch on during the drives. I say all we had as in extras; the drawers had a few tools & spare hoses etc.
Knowing the payload of the LC200 is why we targetted a van with a low tare but good payload to compensate, whilst avoiding high towball weights. Will be doing a couple of mechanical mods to it, but thats it. Itching for late September to see it all come together. We spent hours & hours & weeks & months of reading & farting around with figures. I would have loved a ute but the feel of them just didnt grab me. The discs in my back need a decent ride & this is it.
The Pathfinder has payload of 667kg and the LC has payload of only 665kg.....out of the frying pan and into the fire. Perhaps you could look elsewhere,as the LC200 is one of the most over-rated vehicles around,in my opinion.Before I bought my car,I spent a lot if money and time doing research,and the LC200 was eliminated very early in the search.Just saying.Cheers
Just saying.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 09:49:44 AM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 14th of August 2018 01:11:26 PM
I realise that they are close, but another add on to the pathfinder when I already have drawers & bullbar will tip me over or be too fine. Knowing I have a vehicle like the LC200 already with the long range tank, plus the power to easily handle all terrain, I can manage the payload better, prior to any possible additions, rather than reverting backwards.
Starting out we never intended to do long trips, but after the cancer scare we have changed our thinking to visit as many spots as possible. That in mind is why we are going the way we are. Plus with my back the comfort is also a consideration
Hi Bob....I understand whay youre trying to achieve,but I can only iterate what I have already said. The fuel capacity is only 130 litres(?) and the BIG problem is the weight on the rear axle. There is no way that you can carry anything without a GVM upgrade AND the universally accepted cure-all of a WDH. You have NO other options,as by the time you add fuel,towbar,towball weight,and a couple of passengers you will be over your vehicles GVM,and the rear axle will be overloaded in the extreme. These figures are built around a 3500 ATM van,and I dont know what you tow,but even if your van is only 2500kg,with a 250kg TBM there still is nothing to spare.Your choice,your money,your car,but I can only suggest that you do a lot of research before parting with your hard-earned. Ill say again that,in my opinion,the LC200 is the most over-rated vehicle on the road,but I wish you well in your endeavours.Safe and happy travels to all.Cheers
We intend to tow a vehicle in the 2000-2600kgs fully laden with ball weights in the 160-200kg range. This caravan will also have a decent payload & generator hatch. If necessary it can also handle the small camp fridge with plenty to spare without even reaching full caravan ATM.
As for the axle, I am not sure what you are getting at? These other vehicles are no different.
Rear axle capacity:
LC200 1950kgs
BT50/Ranger/Colorado 1850kgs
Pathfinder 1710kgs
Hi Bob....All seems OK with the van you propose to tow,as it seems that your van has plenty of carrying capacity. One of the biggest problems with a 200 is the TBO,or distance from the rear axle to the hitch point. That distance is often 1500mm +/-, and this means that when you hook up a van with 200kg towball weight,you add over 300kg to the rear axle weight.......and THAT is where you start to have problems.A WDH exacerbates that problem by increasing the TBO (towball overhang) and a McHitch makes that situation even worse.With a 350kg TBM it is very easy to see over 500kg added to the cars rear axle.However,by loading your car carefully,and putting a lot of your weight into the van,you should be OK,and with a 3350kg car towing a 2400kg GTM van,your setup will be a lot safer than most,with the car being about 40% heavier than the van! Go for it! Good luck with your project.Cheers
Now I see said the blind man! Towing the old van with the pathfinder, all we had in the car was the 2 of us, the camping fridge, couple of fishing rods & the generator. Apart from that it was only a couple of drinks & red snakes to munch on during the drives. I say all we had as in extras; the drawers had a few tools & spare hoses etc.
Knowing the payload of the LC200 is why we targetted a van with a low tare but good payload to compensate, whilst avoiding high towball weights. Will be doing a couple of mechanical mods to it, but thats it. Itching for late September to see it all come together. We spent hours & hours & weeks & months of reading & farting around with figures. I would have loved a ute but the feel of them just didnt grab me. The discs in my back need a decent ride & this is it.
As they say, each to their own!
Great to see that youve done your homework,and Im sure that youll enjoy your travels.Good luck.Cheers
They work fine with me . My vehicle has much higher GVM . Have driven up to 1500ks on one fill .. Been caught on smaller fuel capacity vehicles either not filling or no fuel available . If you have weight limit ? Then I guess your stuffed. !!
Same here. I replaced the original 80 litre tank with an LRA tank that holds 130 litres. Above the rear axle there is room for an auxiliary 50 litre tank which I will install in due course. I don't like the idea of carrying jerry cans.
It's a bit difficult to follow this thread with all the white noise on it, particularly when you get a large off topic discussion between two blokes who are not bright enough to prune the quotes text to include only the bit they are commenting upon.
Greystone, is your vehicle an R51? The only LRA tank available for the R51 only holds 120 litres.
__________________
PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
