RV MAIL
PATROL GVM CLARIFICATION
I am a subscriber and always read your articles with interest , and my feedback is about the article “ Tow Vehicle Traps ” ( GoRV # 84 ). You mention the need to reduce the Y62 Patrol GVM in that article because of the towball download .
However , this requirement is not mentioned in the MY22 Patrol documentation nor displayed on the ' B ' pillar decal . Also , Nissan ' s towing documentation from November 2020 shows that such a recommendation is no longer applicable , and its reference is being removed .
Historically , Nissan provided towball download tables for some models as a guide for vehicle loading . These tables recommended reducing GVM loading to prevent exceeding GVM , GCM , and GAWRs . It ' s worth noting that exceeding these ratings can void your insurance and warranty . However , these tables are being phased out due to misinterpretation . As a result , it ' s up to the vehicle owner to measure their vehicle and trailer weight distribution at a weighbridge to ensure that GVM ,
If you have an opinion or thought about the RV lifestyle , or about this digital magazine , we ’ d like to hear it ! Email your feedback to info @ gorv . com . au
GCM , TBD , and axle ratings are not exceeded .
Managing the load on the rear axle is also crucial for safe towing . Rather than generic guidance , it ' s more effective to measure the exact loads under fully-loaded circumstances and adjust accordingly . Moreover , it ' s important to consider the leverage effect of the towball download behind the rear axle , which causes an increase in the load on the rear axle and a decrease in the load on the front axle . The latter is where a correctly configured weight distribution hitch is beneficial .
Joe Evans
Thanks for your letter , Joe . That ’ s interesting information about the Patrol . If older versions of the Patrol had a GVM restriction according to the towball download , which no longer applies to the newer models , well , that ’ s an excellent reason to never take anything for granted , and to always read your owner ’ s manual carefully .
I certainly agree that managing rear axle load is crucial . I was talking to a sales rep from Goldstream RV the other day about this and he agreed that rear axle ratings and the importance of not exceeding them was grossly under-appreciated . This gives me an idea for a future article … – Ed 6 \