what's your rig weigh?

[GeeTee]

I've just placed my mighty, incredible GT Camper Toyota Hilux Expedition  on a weighbridge. I weighed it in almost travel ready trim, with most equipment except for food and fuel on board. I was surprised at the result. In these days of dual rear wheel carriers, 500L long range fuel tanks, three-bedroom rooftop tents and triple battery systems to go for a Sunday drive in the bush - and in light of several fuel consumption/suspension/chassis etc etc threads here and elsewhere in recent times - it got me thinking....

Does anyone check accessory weight before they get all this stuff fitted?

[oldmate]

I reckon 90% of people in general ( not just this site) probably don't even think about to much

[Barry G]

I've just placed my mighty, incredible GT Camper Toyota Hilux Expedition on a weighbridge. I weighed it in almost travel ready trim, with most equipment except for food and fuel on board. I was surprised at the result. In these days of dual rear wheel carriers, 500L long range fuel tanks, three-bedroom rooftop tents and triple battery systems to go for a Sunday drive in the bush - and in light of several fuel consumption/suspension/chassis etc etc threads here and elsewhere in recent times - it got me thinking....

Does anyone check accessory weight before they get all this stuff fitted?

So what does it weigh??? 

[DannyG]

Tug is 2800kgs Trailers is 900kgs dry and touching 1400kgs loaded for a big trip.

[BigJules]

So what does it weigh??? 

I'm assuming it's a figure that one should not publish...

I have been wondering about my outfit too, plan to put it all over a weighbridge soon.

[Barry G]

IMO this thread is where so many others come together...

My touring philosophy is:  "Less is More". In an ideal world I would have an expedition specced 1940's SAS Willys Jeep. (Float across sand with momentum and haul it out of mud when stuck with a couple of pulley blocks)
BUT the world isn't perfect, and... I like to sleep in more comfort than a Commando.   
Here are my list of 'traps' to avoid to keep the weight down

• Specced for a small tribe (not much that can be done about that if that is the stage of life your family is at);
  'Checker plate' on everything (why - other than on steps...?);
• Additional metal in the frame to ensure it is 'strong enough' (Is building heavy REALLY cheaper - taking fuel to haul the weight into account -  than having the design engineer certified?)
• 'Pumps R Us'. ( Who needs em? Only add weight, use battery power and are just something extra to break down when most dangerous/inconvenient.)
• Tug draws etc (19mm ply should be ample for bases, 12mm for sides.)
• Extra 'everything'  "just in case".  (Most spares can be had readily in most parts of Aus without too much delay, albeit at a cost.  Cost is however off-set by savings in 'unnecessary' purchases 'on spec', damage caused by excess weight and extra fuel to haul said weight.)

IMO, a couple should be able to do a CAMPING tour almost anywhere in Aus without needing to overload their vehicle.  A Grey Nomad 'mobile home' is another matter... 

[Footy Shorts Shane]

1800kg with Missus and kids, empty tray.

2520kg GVM.

3/4 tonne of sh!t I can take. Cool.

Shane.

[speewa158]

Not game to go over the bridge with all the essentual  equipment  correctly stowed 

[muzza01]

I am only guessing around 2.7-2.8.  I don't want to really know.

[Redback]

Kerb weight is 2570kg (that includes 75kg driver and a full tank 85kg)

GVM 3240kg

Current weight 2994kg (thats loaded with fridge) camper has most of the crap in it, so minimal gear goes in the 4B, trailer ball weight is 70kg

Baz.

[Jeepers Creepers]

I bet it was heavier than a Volkswagon.... 

[speewa158]

Panzer  More like 

[MR MAC GU]

My old patrol tipped the scales at just over 3000kg empty, camper is 1150kg empty. Add fuel, water, tools, spares, food etc and 5 people and I recon we would be pushing 6000kg loaded.
Have not weighed the new one yet but it's much lighter.


Sent from Behind you...BOO

[Kit_e_kat9]

Excellent subject heading!

I'm sure at least half of those who travel, just pack it all in and wonder why things break ... let alone the dangers of overloading both the vehicle and what ever it's towing.  Throw in overloading balls weights by not packing things "on the level" and not knowing what a GVM etc are, and travelling at your usual pace and distance from other vehicles ... it's a match made for the undertaker.

I think everyone should pack like they are leaving right now and then visit the weightbridge before heading off to the middle of no where, keeping in mind their vehicle and trailer limits.

Where possible, we have a very good idea of what everything weighs and could give you a very good guestimate of where we are at load wise on any given day.  I don't have much idea about what his vehicle limits and capabilites are ... but he does.  It really is rather surprising how quickly the kilo's add up.

Kit_e

[GeoffA]

..........It really is rather surprising how quickly the kilo's add up.

I've averaged about a kilo a year, for the past 30 years........pretty consistent, huh??..

[GeeTee]

I bet it was heavier than a Volkswagon.... 

It was definitely heavier with the Volkswagen

[GraemeL]

Great thread!
I have been trying to come to terms with the GVM etc and am about to get a suspension upgrade for the Dmax. I also took the opportunity to have the GVM upgraded, this will give me an extra 270kg to play with.

I am pretty paranoid about overloading and am aware of not only the dangers but also the implications should something go wrong.

[GeeTee]

Great thread!
I have been trying to come to terms with the GVM etc and am about to get a suspension upgrade for the Dmax. I also took the opportunity to have the GVM upgraded, this will give me an extra 270kg to play with.

I am pretty paranoid about overloading and am aware of not only the dangers but also the implications should something go wrong.

It's good that you are doing your research, but keep in mind that although your GVM upgrade may mean you are 'legal' in the eyes of the law, like other manufacturers, Isuzu will regard that extra 270kg as evidence of overloading your vehicle and will probably void your warranty

[GraemeL]

That's provided I am at the limit, which hopefully won't happen. Just by putting the bull bar on and upgrading the suspension has already voided some of the warranty, so the GVM upgrade won't change much in that respect.

[weeds]

OK, put my rig over the weigh bridge at work
 
3700 Defender and camper trailer 1A 2K
2740 Defender by itself 1A 2K
2800 Defender with trailer connected but off bridge 1A 2K
1000 Camper trailer by itself
1240 Front axle weight defender 1A 2K
1480 Rear axle weight defender 1A 2K
940 Camper trailer axle weight when connect to defender
 
approx. 60kg tow ball weight

trailer will probably max out around 1200kg.....umm a little heavier than i thought it was going to be, i best get around to fitting the brakes

[GeeTee]

That's provided I am at the limit, which hopefully won't happen. Just by putting the bull bar on and upgrading the suspension has already voided some of the warranty, so the GVM upgrade won't change much in that respect.

Your suppliers should offer warranty of parts but you should chat to Isuzu if driveline warranty is important to you

[GeeTee]

OK, put my rig over the weigh bridge at work
 
3700 Defender and camper trailer 1A 2K
2740 Defender by itself 1A 2K
2800 Defender with trailer connected but off bridge 1A 2K
1000 Camper trailer by itself
1240 Front axle weight defender 1A 2K
1480 Rear axle weight defender 1A 2K
940 Camper trailer axle weight when connect to defender
 
approx. 60kg tow ball weight

trailer will probably max out around 1200kg.....umm a little heavier than i thought it was going to be, i best get around to fitting the brakes

Great info weeds

[GraemeL]

Your suppliers should offer warranty of parts but you should chat to Isuzu if driveline warranty is important to you

The lift is only 30mm, according to OME this is as high as it can safely go and yes the supplier (ARB) will have their own warranty.

[Jeepers Creepers]

It was definitely heavier with the Volkswagen

Hey Grasshopper, good story in Unique Cars too......