TECH TALK
By Ralph Longley
..2..
Load
First off, lets look at the over all capacities of both the Pajero Sport and Pajero.
As per Mitsubishi's specifications, the Pajero Sport gross is = 2,710Kg with a
combined vehicle / towing capacity of 5,400Kg.
The Pajero however with a lower ball weight and towing capacity still came in at
gross = 3,030Kg with a gross combined weight of 6,030Kg. (Capacities as per the
Mitsubishi web site)
Apples for Apples - To attempt to balance the Pajero Sport with the Pajero, the load
carried for this test was estimated on the merit of each vehicle. Basically, both
vehicles were equipped with camping accessories that we would normally put into the
towing vehicle along, with a full fuel tank and 2 passengers.
(Also read below ‘Economy before towing’)
Hitched to the back of the test vehicles was a Lotus Freelander 20.6' Caravan
weighing in at 2850KG Gross weight.
It's interesting to note, the maximum ball weight for the Pajero Sport is 310k. This is
180k greater than the Pajero. Towing capacity for the Pajero Sport is also up 100k on
the Pajero.
TOWING
The towing test was carried out over two long weekends. The Pajero Sport was first
off on weekend 1. Pajero test, weekend 2. Weather conditions on both weekends
were coincidentally similar with some rain and tail wind travelling to our destination
with again some rain and a slight head wind on both return trips.
Pajero Sport - standard 3 link coil spring & stabiliser bar. Additionally, Hayman
Reese weight distribution bars were definitely necessary to transfer the weight to the
front of the Pajero Sport and provide additional towing height between the car and
caravan. I would definitely recommend a rear suspension upgrade to strengthen the
towing capacity and maintain a level towing ride.
Due to the overall lower vehicle weight of an estimated 2,500K,
the Pajero Sport was constantly drawn into the suction of
Pajero
overtaking trucks. You soon learnt to keep well left each time
sport
you saw a large truck in your rear view mirror.
The 8 speed gear box is definitely a bonus for towing. I found
however, you are continuously going up and down the gears in
most driving situations, either in manual mode or leaving the
Pajero
shift in Auto. The paddles are a bonus making self up and down
shifts very easy. With the auto in 'Drive', I did note the gearbox
continuously hunting for the right gear especially in the hilly
terrain. This would increase not just the fuel economy but also
the automatic gearbox temperature.
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Vol 34 No. 6- AUG/SEP