Towing Capacity

[Growlerbearnz]

My query is... whats it like to tow? Obviously the Delica can tow, as many have shown here and in the Canada forum. I'm set on a manual diesel; I see above that @Growlerbearnz mentioned 3500rpm in 4th at 60mph, although I'm fine doing 55; I'm never in a rush, and the kids have 12 bathroom breaks an hour anyway.
How loud is it? Probably fine in the back, but will my passenger hate me?
Tire size; many people put 30" tires on, but I'm thinking to go back to stock (28"?) to save some rotational mass and power. Or is that a mistake with how low the gearing is already on a Delica?

A Delica should tow the teardrop just fine. It's slow, but not dangerously so.
If you get a wagon model (people mover, chassis numbers are PxxW - the W is for Wagon) it's not too loud as long as you don't fit a straight pipe exhaust. Not modern car quiet, but you can have a normal conversation. The van models (PxxV) are noisier as they're built more economically.

I prefer the larger tyres as the high engine revs get tiresome after a while. The diesel has so much torque that rotational mass is barely noticeable. Try to go for narrower tyres if you can (9.5" or 235) as wide tyres will give you worse fuel economy.

If you're towing and have a van full of luggage, your passengers will appreciate some air adjustable shock absorbers on the rear (MA708, check out the FAQ here). The rear springs on most Delicas are getting tired, and even a small trailer will cause the rear to pitch if it's under load.

 

[Lucian08]

A Delica should tow the teardrop just fine. It's slow, but not dangerously so.
If you get a wagon model (people mover, chassis numbers are PxxW - the W is for Wagon) it's not too loud as long as you don't fit a straight pipe exhaust. Not modern car quiet, but you can have a normal conversation. The van models (PxxV) are noisier as they're built more economically.

I prefer the larger tyres as the high engine revs get tiresome after a while. The diesel has so much torque that rotational mass is barely noticeable. Try to go for narrower tyres if you can (9.5" or 235) as wide tyres will give you worse fuel economy.

If you're towing and have a van full of luggage, your passengers will appreciate some air adjustable shock absorbers on the rear (MA708, check out the FAQ here). The rear springs on most Delicas are getting tired, and even a small trailer will cause the rear to pitch if it's under load.

Thanks! What’s this wagon and van models you speak of? Haven’t come across that yet; are you saying there are different versions of each L300? I guess I didn’t say that I’m looking at imports to the US. Specifically eyeing 91-95 L300 Chamonix and Jasper models, although possibly any L300 in those model years.

I’ve read up on your suspension thread, so I’ll def do that or something similar.

And 30” tall narrow tires; check. I’ll see what’s available, and post it up here as well.

Many thanks!!

 

[Xplormor Offroad]

+ on air shocks. I have used them on non Delica applications, The air supply lines / leaking down if plumbed with common a single schrader valve seems to be the problem points to look out for. Ensure all the fittings are leak tight or install check valves at the shocks if using a schrader in tee off mode . K

 

[Growlerbearnz]

Thanks! What’s this wagon and van models you speak of?

There were two different methods of assembly for the L300 bodies, despite using the same panels.
Wagon models are built to be people movers and have better noise insulation, more bitumen pads, adhesive instead of spot welds on the roof bows, and more plush interiors.
Van models are built to haul cargo, so noise reduction is minimal. Glued-on roof lining, spot welded roof bows, more exposed metal inside.

To tell which model you're buying check the chassis number as noted. Some markets (looking at you, Australia) took Van bodies, fitted them with seating, and called them Wagons. Ick.

 

[Slabonator]

Noob question here. I plan on towing a small motorcycle trailer behind my manual 1990 L300 soon. I assume only tow in 4WD mode? Or will it tow just fine in 2WD? I’ll be on paved back roads, avoiding the highway when I can.

 

[deskinthewoods]

Noob question here. I plan on towing a small motorcycle trailer behind my manual 1990 L300 soon. I assume only tow in 4WD mode? Or will it tow just fine in 2WD? I’ll be on paved back roads, avoiding the highway when I can.

2WD only on dry paved roads.

 

[Delibrian]

I once towed a brand new Toyota land cruiser and it had a caravan behind it, for about 40km. My Deli did not skip a beat

 

[Lucian08]

There were two different methods of assembly for the L300 bodies, despite using the same panels.
Wagon models are built to be people movers and have better noise insulation, more bitumen pads, adhesive instead of spot welds on the roof bows, and more plush interiors.
Van models are built to haul cargo, so noise reduction is minimal. Glued-on roof lining, spot welded roof bows, more exposed metal inside.

To tell which model you're buying check the chassis number as noted. Some markets (looking at you, Australia) took Van bodies, fitted them with seating, and called them Wagons. Ick.

Aight, I confirmed the model I’m looking at is a P25W, so it’s the wagon model. Hopefully get a hitch from Xplormor in a month (they just ran out of L300 hitches ). Any idea what the exact gear ratios are of everything ie diffs, transmission, and or the final drive? Wondering if I can calculate what the exact difference in speed/rpms is with different size tires.

 

[Lucian08]

Alright, I've been following my plan so far.
91-95 L300 Chamonix and Jasper models: Picked up a 1992 Chamonix (wagon model).


Installed Xplormor receiver, and wired everything up on 7 pin connector (still need to find a good place for the plug).


Its already fitted with a large capacity radiator, and I just installed 3:1 gauge with EGT, boost, and coolant. (Need to fix and refill the middle gauge).


Went for a test run around town this weekend, doing some stop n go on city streets and hitting the highway at 60mph.



I gotta say, my first impressions are... WOW! it tows much better than I expected. The van and teardrop (Nucamp Tag XL @ 1500lbs dry) were mostly empty, but the low gearing and torque make it super easy to drive around town and get off the line no problem. Even highway in 4th gear was just fine, and it feels super stable. I'm really really happy.

And the real test will start on Thursday when me and the kiddo start the drive to Missouri for Moore Expo, about 600 miles each way. I'll keep the EGTs in check, and let you know how it goes!!

Then boost controller and looking over this post about tuning the engine a bit.
Tutorial: tuning the 4D56 for more power
Then maybe I'll take a break. No promises, hahaha. Can't forget about those rear shocks I guess.

 

[jixaw]

Is your van an automatic and a stock tune so far?

Is there are reason you need a 7 pin connector as opposed to the standard one?

Keep us posted on how it handles hills and if things change when its all loaded.

Looking real good!!!

 

[Lucian08]

Is your van an automatic and a stock tune so far?

Is there are reason you need a 7 pin connector as opposed to the standard one?

Keep us posted on how it handles hills and if things change when its all loaded.

Looking real good!!

Its a 5 speed manual.
Stock tune; haven't touched the boost or fuel or anything. The fuel injector was replaced by previous owner and setup by Northeast auto imports. Seems to function just fine.
7 pin has added pins for constant power and to control trailer brakes. So I can charge my trailer's house battery while towing, and operate the trailer brakes.

Til next time!

 

[Lucian08]

Made it! Van did great towing back n forth the 600 miles each way. We did all 600 in one day on the day back; about 12 hours on the road with limited stops. A few notes:

I drove essentially by EGTs at highway speeds; it would cruise at 55mph around 3250rpm and 900-1000F EGT on flat, and EGT would go up from there if I went faster or up a hill. I could easily pass 1300F on a long or steep hill if I wasn't careful, but overall it was pretty easy to stay in check.

Wind is... not awesome, haha. Much more noticeable towing, and unfortunately it was pretty windy 2 of the days I drove. When not windy it was just like normal driving, other than in 4th gear.

Mpg was over 12 when windy, and up to 14mpg when it wasn't. That's compared to about 17-19mpg of normal mixed driving.

What's next? I think I'll still turn up the boost. Maybe get a quote on a 2.5-3" exhaust? I'd like slightly lower EGTs, or slower climb of EGTs, but maybe I'm asking a bit of this old engine. Coolant temp would hit 195F at the hottest part of the day, which was probably only 70F outside. The stock coolant gauge still never even made it to the halfway point, so seems like EGTs are def a higher concern than engine temps. Didn't appear to burn any oil either; oil and coolant levels appear unchanged.

Unrelated I neee to track down an oil leak as well. Til next time!