Tipping the scales

[markandallan]

Took my 2015 grand Cherokee overland to a weigh bridge today with full tank of diesel no people in the car. I have fitted nitto terra grappler tyres 275/55/20 I had my thumper max dual air compressor in the car. I have the Mopar tow bar fitted and prorack roof racks and It weighed in at 2480kg. Wow not going to get a bull bar on this girl and be legal.

Add 2 adults one child 220-230kg, my draw system with 65 litre fridge 83kg with fridge empty full probably 100kg. A few other tools recovery kit, max tracks etc at least 100kg

van ball weight of around 180-200kg
Plus any other bits and pieces like lights, cameras I'm at the limit with out a bull bar or pre-runner.
Hand books says gross vehicle mass is 2949kg. Mine will be at around 3100kg without a bar. So that answers my questions about bull bars (I can't legally have one) oh well I have insurance and will save me 3K.

Don't think there would be many GC's on the road with a few mods that could be legal.
How do they get away with selling these types of cars for the money they charge with such small pay loads.

Cheers
Mark



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[J33Pster]

Without a GVM upgrade the LC200 won't be much better. They have about 635-665kg payload before any modifications or extras.

The Grand Cherokees seem to vary between about 590-750kg depending on model.

I agree it is a bit ridiculous. My old 90 series Prado weighed in at about 2100kg with me, two full tanks of fuel, bullbar and recovery gear. Leaving another 750kg on top of that for useful load.


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[Troutman]

Yeah, I suppose it's all good till you have a crash and the investigation reveals the vehicle was over loaded and insurance wipes you. Still, just a matter of priorities.....you can have a bull bar, just lose one passenger or the fridge and drawers. And if the vehicle is close to maxxed out, the last thing you need is roofracks to add more shit. I suspect most modern 4WDs have fairly conservative GVM ratings due to the vehicle stability systems most run these days.

[Numb Thumbs]

Very true, Troutman, they are all the same. I reckon most 200 series I see outback are heavily overloaded with massive barwork, loaded up roof racks, huge drawer systems, 90 litre fridges full of beer, etc..

There have been some very interesting articles about twin cab utes lately with respect to available payload when towing near their maximum.

I try to avoid non-useful weight like drawer systems, which might be convenient, but add a lot of dead weight.

You have to balance the load carefully between the car and trailer - and watch the ball weight! Insurance companies are there to find a way to avoid paying a claim, after all...

Cheers
Numb Thumbs

[Benn0]

Yep, if you are towing, move the heavy stuff to the trailer/van, especially fridges and water. I don't tow, about 100kg on the roof and 100kg in the boot for our camping trips. No bullbar either.

[SnakeDoctor]

200kg on the towball sounds like you are basically towing a house, definitely move some more kit indoors

[Clarky]

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