i have just bought an 02 shogun 3.2 Deisel.whilst on my first trip away i was traveling at about 55mph when i noticed the van swaying in my mirrors.for the rest of the outward and return journey the whole outfit felt very unstable and that snakeing would occur the minute i went over 45mph.van is a compass rallye,mtplm =1320kg.noseweight was outward=75kg.return=90kg.this was with a new and shiny towball,and have since sanded off the "shinnyness" but dont think this will help.i do feel that the "mitsi's" suspension feels a bit spongee/bouncy.has anyone had anything similar. marc.
calling all shogun owners
- Thread starter marc_5128198
- Start date
Marc, Im on my second Shogun 3.2 albeit a swb which they say isnt as good as a lwb but I beg to differ. I can honestly say I have never had as much as a twitch from my van in the time Ive towed with a Shogun. I think there must be some other reason for your problem.
I agree with Geordie. I suspect that it must have something to do with tyre pressures or tyre equipment. Very soft-walled off-road tyres are not conducive to a stable outfit.
I tow with a 2001 3.2 auto LWB and it tows 1500 kgs rock steady well above the uk limit (France at 80mph) having said that when I first towed with it I found it less stable than previous Isuzu Trooper, but the tyre pressures must be 40psi for it to tow well, I have never checked the nose wieght but it will be at least 100-120kg.
It would certainly apply to mud terrain tyres but could also apply to the all terrain variety, although I can't give you any specific information, which makes may be more affected than others. Certainly, larger wheels (17" or 18" instead of 16") would help. Some improvement may also be gained in increasing the tyre pressures to something slightly higher than recommended when towing.
I have a 2004 3.5 petrol Shogun and have since buying it last year have been very unhappy with its stabillity at speeds of 45mph and over. I have tried to discuss this with my servicing dealer, what a waste of time that was. Mitsubishi customer services were very unhelpful also.
I have experimented with tyre pressures and have found that putting in way above the recommend pressures it tows better.
I am trying to find the max pressure for my tyres (Dunlop original fitted) because because the max pressure is not marked on the sidewalls of the tyres in case that I am running with excessive pressure (3.0 bar front and 3.5 bar rear)
I have experimented with tyre pressures and have found that putting in way above the recommend pressures it tows better.
I am trying to find the max pressure for my tyres (Dunlop original fitted) because because the max pressure is not marked on the sidewalls of the tyres in case that I am running with excessive pressure (3.0 bar front and 3.5 bar rear)
What is the caravans angle relative to the vehicle? If the caravan is slightly nose down and you are having this problem I would suggest you have both the vehicle and the caravan checked out.
If the caravan is slightly nose up - as can often be on a 4x4 as the tow hitch is higher - this could be your problem as the airflow under the van is trying to lift the rear of the van.
I would try a variable hight tow hitch - not very expensive and believe me you will find it useful - and set the ride hight a little nose down. A quick test run will confirm.
This has certainly been the main reason for such instability in our experience. And interestingly the speed - 45mph - you state does seem to be the speed that caravans at this angle seem to want to take off!!!
The Shogun is such a capable vehicle it should tow with ease and be a delight to tow with.
If the caravan is slightly nose up - as can often be on a 4x4 as the tow hitch is higher - this could be your problem as the airflow under the van is trying to lift the rear of the van.
I would try a variable hight tow hitch - not very expensive and believe me you will find it useful - and set the ride hight a little nose down. A quick test run will confirm.
This has certainly been the main reason for such instability in our experience. And interestingly the speed - 45mph - you state does seem to be the speed that caravans at this angle seem to want to take off!!!
The Shogun is such a capable vehicle it should tow with ease and be a delight to tow with.
I am on my second 3.2 LWB Shogun Auto and both have been rock steady at all speeds. I tow a Senator Wyoming 2004.When hitched to the Shogun the caravan is level.I do what Mitsubishi recommend and increase the rear tyre pressures to 2.4 bar when towing. This is an increase of 0.4 bar. What caravan do you tow? If your caravan is only slightly nose up you can expect to have problems. If your caravan has an Alko chassis remember the nose weight limit is 100kgs.
Hamer.
Hamer.
Facebook
Twitter