I have a 2010 Pajero with totally standard suspension and tow a Franklin 21ft 6 dual axle van (with roller rocker suspension) with a tow ball weight about 150kg. I have used a Hayman Reese WDH and now use an Andersen WDH.

I cannot fault either the Pajero or the van and am very happy with both. I am very wary of load weights for both but don't particularly stress about them (so long as they are within legal requirements).

One thing I have experienced on the Pajero is a bit of a wheel wobble as if a front wheel balance weight had fallen off.

It turned out to be a Michelin tyre (with lots of tread left) actually starting to delaminate so replaced them all and no further problem.

I know this doesn't help you much but I just thought the tyre issues might be playing a part. It would be worthwhile getting a tyre professional to check them out. I have 300kPa in the van tyres and just under 300kPa in all Pajero tyres.

Hi Dave & Maz,
I picked up one point that won't have affected the above.
You said you put new tyres on the front of the car. If there is a seen difference between the tread depths, just be wary that you could get "transmission windup" if you use the car in 4WD on firm surfaces for a long instance (unless there is a centre diff fitted).

I have HD airbags on my Patrol - they are rated to 65psi but the most I've put in is 27psi (I don't follow the instructions of blowing up to level the car with the van on the back).

markf, I believe you are correct - something happened when Dave pulled off the road.

Jaahn wrote:

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markf wrote:

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miroku12g wrote:

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.... as i pulled back onto the bitumen [only going slow] the van appeared to step out to the right violently ....

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 And herein lies a clue. My guess is that something has either broken or shifted. What that "something" is I can only guess at - chassis, suspension system, etc. Get underneath it and check EVERYWHERE for cracks, signs of slippage, breaks, etc. Check everything between tow hitch and tail lights - welds, nuts and bolts and whatever else. I reckon that the chances are good that you'll find something loose, broken or moved.

-- Edited by markf on Wednesday 2nd of January 2019 11:27:49 AM

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 Hi Markf 

+1 for this. I would check for obvious things as above. Then I would run a tape between the axle centers both sides, and both axles to the front corners each side. You should get a measurement identical(to 1mm) for each pair of measurements. If not have it checked out by someone qualified.

Jaahn 

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Jaahn.  I respectfully disagree with methodology you quote,,,, agree to measure but you must measure from each axle to the tow point (not sides as they could be 5mm or more out, due fit and welding) to achieve an accurate result.  A preliminary measure could be from each axle (same point on each) to a common point on tow hitch (close to centerline down van). Ideally you would measure with van connected and wheels off and measure to centre of towball.

Cheers Baz

My Van
ATM = 2500
GTM = 2280
Taree Mass = 2100
I don't think i would be near the ATM, but will get over a weigh bridge over next couple of weeks, before we start the Ocean Road. Appreciate all replies, although some of the technical answers are way over my little brain, i'm just a dumb o'le ex Bricklayer.

Cheers
Dave

PeterD wrote:

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Baz421 wrote:

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Jaahn.  I respectfully disagree with methodology you quote,,,, agree to measure but you must measure from each axle to the tow point (not sides as they could be 5mm or more out, due fit and welding) to achieve an accurate result.  A preliminary measure could be from each axle (same point on each) to a common point on tow hitch (close to centerline down van). Ideally you would measure with van connected and wheels off and measure to centre of towball.

Cheers Baz

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 I agree. The best bloke to do the measuring for you is a truck aligner (a wheel aligner experienced with trucks and large trailers.) He will know better than anyone on any forum trying to solve problems by correspondence.

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 Hi 

I agree that there may be better ways to measure, but my point is that a simple check of the axle locations relative to each other and the van body, as it stands with the wheels on, will tell you if there is a serious problem. If that is found then take it to some person to find out what has happened. 

I have done wheel alignments on vehicles with a tape and a flat drive way. A careful use of a tape with two people can be revealing.  In this case I might expect a sheared center bolt and an axle has slipped. If so easy found ! Indeed you should(I would) put some pressure on the wheels with a 4x2 to see if they have any movement fore and aft.  

Jaahn 

PS When I go for a stroll around the caravan park I usually see vans with wheels that are obviously out of alignment.  When they are backed in for example, the turning stress pushes the  axles into odd angles if there is a problem. You would be surprised how many my eye sees without even looking hard !

-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 4th of January 2019 09:09:27 AM