Payload is important because very few 4WDs can act as capable, reliable tourers in their stock form.
In most cases, you’ll need to add about 150-500 kg of aftermarket equipment in order to raise the car’s survivability, offroad performance and practicality. Such items are:
- bullbar
- winch
- door sill protection
- bash plates
- suspension lift
- light truck tyres
- lights
- compressor
- fridge
- drawers
- second battery
- roof rack
- second spare wheel
- recovery gear
- awning
All of these items add weight.
Why You Run Out Of Payload.
Barwork, rear drawers and fluids are your 3 biggest payload killers.
- Bullbar (40-60 kg) and stand-off bars (40-50 kg) instantly kill over 100 kg of your payload. Rear bars are particularly heavy – and sit behind your most vulnerable point – the rear axle. Do not add one of those if you plan to tow.
- Drawers (50 kg) with a fridge (30 kg) full of food and beer (30 kg) on a drop-down slide (30 kg) already tallies up to 140 kg. By the time you fill the drawers with recovery gear (20 kg), tools (20 kg), kitchen stuff (10 kg) and a second battery (20 kg) to power the fridge you’re well over 200 kg. “Chucking a set of drawers in the back” isn’t as simple as it sounds!
- Diesel or water in a couple of jerry cans on the roof? Another 40 kg gone.
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