Towing a travel trailer?

[etohk]

Hi Everyone,

I was considering buying a 3000lb travel trailer for my 2.8td Paj and taking it to the East Coast this summer. Has anyone ever pulled a travel trailer? After some research it appears I have to do the following:
- Pyrometer
- Class 3 Hitch
- Upgrade suspension

Is this accurate? Or even worth it?

Thanks!

[mararmeisto]

After some research it appears I have to do the following:
- Pyrometer

Definitely advantageous. Helps to monitor engine temps.

- Class 3 Hitch

Either that or a class 2, but regardless you'll probably have to get it fabricated.

- Upgrade suspension

Not sure about this one, but it wouldn't hurt. jfarsang?

And finally, at 3000lbs you're going to need a trailer brake arrangement of some sort, because 3000lbs is more than half the weight of your Pajero. Your profile doesn't indicate where you're located, but I'm pretty sure every province in Canada has that requirement (definitely here in BC). Also, do you have the LWB or SWB, because that'll make a difference in the suspension department.

[TardisDeli]

You've already had a reply from the towing expert, Mararmeisto, he uses electric brakes on trailer. I'm not sure how much his travel trailer weighs, but I know he did a lot of research into weight before buying trailer. We tow boats with my L300, using surge brakes on trailer. Also ensure your hitch is welded on, not just bolted. Best place is E&H Hitch in Burnaby, they do tons of L300 ALSO L400's. and used to fitting around all the different things (spare tires, special mufflers, anti sway bars, etc. Christine.

[Green1]

Also ensure your hitch is welded on, not just bolted. Best place is E&H Hitch in Burnaby, they do tons of L300 ALSO L400's.

E&H "only" bolted mine on... and from everything I've read, on unibody vehicles (like Delicas) welded=bad, bolts=good
care to clarify?

[mararmeisto]

Also ensure your hitch is welded on, not just bolted. Best place is E&H Hitch in Burnaby, they do tons of L300 ALSO L400's.

E&H "only" bolted mine on... and from everything I've read, welded on unibody=bad, bolts=good
care to clarify?

Agree: welding to a monocoque frame is NOT recommended. Properly bolting on a hitch receiver is the recommended course of action.

[jessef]

Bolt it on.

You have options :

You can use one of the pinch hitches as a template/weld and brace from there back.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/trailers-t ... rFlag=true

Here's some examples :



I would grab some recv tube and weld it to the frame.

Guys with Montero's have been doing it this way since the 80's and towing 5-6k loads.





There's aftermarket hitches for Montero's in the US (same vehicle - different engine).

Pyro gauge is almost a given if you're towing.

You have the 2.8 so it will pull 3000lbs without a hickup.

You're not loading 3000lbs in the back of the Pajero, you're just towing it so it's the tongue weight you can add on plus some.

The stock suspension is fine that a load that small/light.

Enjoy

[thedjjack]

My concern about welding it on is in the inspection standards welding to the frame is a big no no (from my understanding). It has to be certified if you want to weld to frame technically (problem is someone could fail you down the road on an inspection if they wanted too)

[mararmeisto]

My concern about welding it on is in the inspection standards welding to the frame is a big no no (from my understanding). It has to be certified if you want to weld to frame technically (problem is someone could fail you down the road on an inspection if they wanted too)

That's the reason I remember too, but more from a poor-welding-job-can-warp-the-frame perspective than from a sharp-eyed inspection officer.

The receiver bar on a Pajero is different because although it is in fact welded to the frame, it's not part of the frame. Jesse raised a good idea with the welding a more familiar hitch receiver into place.

If you choose to bolt something on, the bolt pattern is a standard pintle hitch mounting. This is what I chose because it was only about 80$ with the bolts - much cheaper than welding (which I didn't think of), and cheaper than the bolt-on ones available from the States (if you can find them).

[jessef]

Sorry

I meant to say weld it to the receiver bar (round tube behind the bumper) as shown in the pics I posted above.

[etohk]

Thanks so much everyone, for all the informative posts, I have found the same trailer hitch that mararmeisto has at princess auto for about $100. Gonna check locally if I can find it. Glad to hear the suspension thing is not necessary as well.

[thedjjack]

If you off road I would use the Pinto hitch as it is a way better design for off road. Just have to convert all your trailers!

[etohk]

If you off road I would use the Pinto hitch as it is a way better design for off road. Just have to convert all your trailers!

Convert trailers?

[mararmeisto]

If you off road I would use the Pinto hitch as it is a way better design for off road. Just have to convert all your trailers!

Convert trailers?

Change the ball cup to a lunette ring.

[etohk]

My concern about welding it on is in the inspection standards welding to the frame is a big no no (from my understanding). It has to be certified if you want to weld to frame technically (problem is someone could fail you down the road on an inspection if they wanted too)

That's the reason I remember too, but more from a poor-welding-job-can-warp-the-frame perspective than from a sharp-eyed inspection officer.

The receiver bar on a Pajero is different because although it is in fact welded to the frame, it's not part of the frame. Jesse raised a good idea with the welding a more familiar hitch receiver into place.

If you choose to bolt something on, the bolt pattern is a standard pintle hitch mounting. This is what I chose because it was only about 80$ with the bolts - much cheaper than welding (which I didn't think of), and cheaper than the bolt-on ones available from the States (if you can find them).

This type hitch can do both lunette and standard...is that right? No trailer mods necessary?

[mararmeisto]

Yes, which is why I bought it.