Hauling a Load

[timsrv]

My son and I are renovating an old house in Grays Harbor, WA (about 3 hrs away). We've been using the All-Track Previa to make trips back and forth and also dump runs while we're there. This one run (pictured) we tipped the scales at almost 9,000 lbs (both van and trailer loaded)! It performs pretty good for this, but could use some overload springs on the back. It does gets pretty crappy mileage when used like this (about 12 1/2 mpg). I've been running it really hard, but other than a scary blow-out it's been doing fine.

[fang]

Tim's middle name is moderation. If ever there was a decent guy who took it easy on his vans, it was good old Tim.

He's an example to all of us.
-fang

[timsrv]

[timsrv]

Here's one pushing 10k lbs (combined weight of trailer and van) . It was a little scary. I don't think I'll load this heavy again. The yard debri alone was over 3k lbs. Tim

[gushaman]

could a VAN do that? What are the major differences that would make one NOT want to do that in a VAN.?

[timsrv]

could a VAN do that? What are the major differences that would make one NOT want to do that in a VAN.?

Uhh, this IS a van I know what you mean though. A person can do whatever he feels comfortable with I guess. I would never recommend anybody do this unless they totally understand they do so at their own risk. Like I said, it was a little scary. Anything over 45mph was dangerously unstable, but I only had to take it about 7 or 8 miles & I do have good working electric trailer brakes.

When it comes to towing safety, "Do as I say, not as I do" Tim

[bufferboy]

Since we have been bumped by a spammer.....

This was 7 or 8k load, including weight of van, no trailer.. Handled it fine, crosswinds sucked, look close in front of and above the windshield.

I think ultimately I was 10' tall (van, not me)

Pictures do not do this load justice.

[BippuToyo]

Geez, you blokes really take "hauling a load" to heart eh?

For me hauling a load was when I moved out from my apartment using the Tarago as the transporter (along with a HiAce panel van, and a 3 ton truck).

[future_spiegel]

holy cow i never tought a previa could do that. whoo boy.

also, sauce on the cut 4wd?

[timsrv]

Ha Ha Bufferboy, every time I see that picture I can't help but think of this one too



You know you are a redneck if.............................

[douglasferrman]

Timsrv is this the van that was lifted?

Do you know the empty weight of the towing vehicle?

Nice work.

[timsrv]

Yeah, that was it before I lifted it. Curb weight of the Previa is 3,875 lbs and it is rated to carry a payload of 1,340 lbs (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 5,215 lbs). Max towing capacity is rated at 3,500 lbs, so I was a bit overloaded . Tim

[95-le/sc-all-trac]

your hitch wasn't upgraded or?

[timsrv]

I am using a class II hitch

[95-le/sc-all-trac]

damn i would've thought u needed to upgrade that,but there's no options to upgrade it to.any issues with the tranny with towing more than the towing capacity tim?

[timsrv]

Tranny seems fine. The All-Trac transmission has a temperature switch in it that will automatically turn-off overdrive if the tranny gets too hot. So far I've only managed to have that happen once . Tim

Although I occasionally misuse and overload this, keep in mind that I am still observing safety issues. I am very conscious of tire pressures, tongue weight, and I have good working electric brakes. In addition I keep a good following distance and avoid sudden stops and / or other maneuvers. I'm not saying this makes it okay, but it greatly increases my safety margins. I would not recommend anybody else do this unless they have a good understanding of equipment limitations and they do it at their own risk. There is also the safety of others to consider, so play it safe. Tim