Well, here it is then - the new hack!
Finally managed to find a few minutes to actually hook the van up and sort out the hitch before taking it for a spin around the block. First thing that struck me was that the safety chains are now way too long - I can't imagine why this is so, perhaps it is that the ball is 5cm lower, but I've had to let the last 3 links dangle free to get anything like a setup that would stop the van from hitting the ground.
Then there's the holes for the 'D' shackles - I was in the habit of poking one leg up through the hole and then fitting the bolt. This can't happen here because the hole is just too small (but stronger I tell myself). You end up having to put the bolt through the hole but the end of it jams on the hitch holding bolt/pin and it's just plain awkward. Took and age to sort out something that is OK to go.
Next was the beloved breakaway link. I have to say that I'm not that impressed with this now mandatory setup and can't help but wonder how the law-makers actually tested it out to see what happens. I'm sure its just a 'good idea' in theory. The idea is that if the van becomes detached from the car, the link pulls the pin and the brakes are applied (which s why you have to have the unit connected to a battery and be able to tell from the driver's position that the battery is fully charged. Just why this battery can't be the two 460amp/hour house batteries is anyone's guess, one of the reasons I think it's just a warm fuzzy feel good idea on the legislators behalf). For 'detached' to come into operation, the van has to come away from the ball joint and the two multi-ton safety chains have to come adrift (or the tow bar has fallen off completely). Then and only then, as the van starts to separate forever from the car, does the tenuous link snap that pin out and set the van brakes to the 'on' position. What actually happens then as the front of the van digs a furrow up the bitumen at 90kph and the wheels are locking up one doesn't even want top imagine. They must have written off so many vans doing the testing - second reason why I bet it's never ever been tested. The point is, apart from having to have a dedicated wire from you car to the breakaway battery to charge it, and another coming back to the car up to some as yet unknown 'monitor' on the dashboard, is that the breakaway link has to be attached to some part of your car that isn't related to the tow bar or the hitch. As most of the back panels under the bumper bars are now plastic, that means you have to find a substantial point under the back of the car, and then see how it can be connected easily every time you hook the van up. Anyhow, I used one carabiner around the spare wheel holder frame and another on the end of the breakaway link. I hope upon hope that we never ever see first hand 'how it works'!
Oh, and I got a bit concerned and nervous about the 'Max weight 1600kg' sticker on the hitch. I went and quizzed the Ford people, finally finding one who seemed to know something about their own fabulous hitches and whose comment was 'yair, dunno why they put that on there, the 1600kg tow bar is completely different. It's good to go with the full 2700kg, you choose if you want to use the load distribution gear'
Bright spot - the electrical connection is good, all lights work, batteries charge, breakaway battery charges and all is right with the world. Thanks to Pride Auto at Philip for taking the time listen, advice and install professionally.
They also installed the Tekonsha P3 brake controller. First problem is that on a modern car with airbags galore there isn't really anywhere to put it, especially if you don't want to drill holes and mount it on the top of the dashboard. The Titanium has as hole in the centre console where the ashtray and cigarette lighter would go, if you bought the $$$$ 'smokers' option, and it has a cute little roller door to cover it up so no one can see your nasty habit. However, not having an ashtray means that it's empty, and what's more it has a cable sized hole in the back, so in went the P3. I'm really happy with the install, it looks just like it belongs there and is easy for both driver and passenger to read and operate.
Watts Communication at Fyshwick reinstalled the ICOM 440 two-way radio and the handset sits neatly in the aforementioned hole, right under the P3. Neat. Again its in easy reach of both driver and passenger and no longer has to live on the floor.
Having all that sorted meant that we might as well take the rig for a spin and see how it goes. I was pleasantly surprised - the Territory seems to have adequate power and pulls smoothly, almost effortlessly. This has encouraged me to not bother with the Ford weight distribution hitch, we didn't need it before and i'd much rather travel with any problems being masked by the spring loaded hitch. And besides, they weigh a ton, weight you can live without I reckon.
Had a good play with the P3, its easy to setup, but might take a while for us to find the ideal setting for the base power level and the 3 stage boost. We can work on that over the next 15,000km i guess.
Backed the van back up the driveway without fuss. First thing i noticed is that I have more rearward vision and the second is that it backed up without fuss.
So let's hope we are on a winner and that this blog doesn't get cluttered up with me whining about the car.
Anyhow, it's all packed bar some clothes and we are ready for the off tomorrow morning.
Cheers all, Brian & Judy
