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In the vast expanse of the Australian landscape, the Nissan Patrol has carved out a niche for itself as the premier full-size SUV for caravanners, especially those who travel with their families. Its spacious cabin, comfort features, nostalgic 90’s woodgrain finish, and advanced infotainment system rivaling that of an Atari, set it apart from the competition. When you factor in the affordable V8 option, the Patrol presents an excellent value proposition for caravanners.
At LoadMate, we’re going to delve into the technical aspects of the Patrol, examining its design and specifications. But first, let’s explore why the Patrol is such a standout choice:
Size Matters
When it comes to towing, one rule is universally acknowledged: size matters. Those in the know understand that the towing vehicle should always outweigh the trailer it’s pulling. This is a simple principle of physics: a heavier vehicle provides a more stable and safer towing experience.
Many people highlight the Patrol’s high Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 7,000kg, which is indeed the highest in its class. However, it’s essential to consider this in relation to the Patrol’s kerb weight. Weighing in at 2,861kg, the Patrol is on par with a Fuso Canter 4x4 Crew Cab, and is only surpassed in kerb weight by larger American SUVs or trucks like Hino or Isuzu.
Need a refresher on what all these Caravan weight terms and limits are? Find out here!
The internal space of the Patrol is second to none – it’s akin to having a loungeroom on wheels. While its size can be a disadvantage in tight city environments, the larger footprint translates into a longer wheelbase. In our comprehensive analysis of what makes a good tow vehicle, we highlight the importance of wheelbase for stability. Here, the Patrol leads the pack, particularly among family SUVs.
The substantial kerb weight and extended wheelbase significantly enhance the Patrol’s towing capabilities. You can expect a towing experience, comfort, and safety that could only be surpassed by a larger American SUV or a Hino, Fuso, or Isuzu truck. And you don’t have to look far to find a community of supporters who can attest to this fact.
Why Old is Good
The Nissan Patrol, often referred to as an old-school dinosaur, holds a unique advantage in the world of towing. Its large bore V8 engine delivers unbeatable towing power. While modern rivals may boast similar power, supported by smaller bore engines equipped with single or dual turbos, when it comes to towing, the Patrol’s bore size offers unmatched reliability.
Despite its thirst for fuel, especially in city environments, the Patrol’s engine performs effortlessly, handling hills and heavy loads without strain. When it’s out in the country with a caravan hitched behind, it truly comes into its own.
Simplicity and Strength
Drawing parallels with the old Toyota models, the Patrols are simple yet robust. Their presence on the road is significant, parts are readily available, and they are free from diesel-related DPF issues. The community is well-versed with the Patrol’s quirks and potential issues, and its minimal technology compared to modern rivals means fewer electrical problems.
The Patrol’s ladder frame chassis lends it the strength of an ox. While we usually recommend a conservative approach to GVM upgrades, the Patrol is one vehicle where a moderate GVM upgrade (not the 4,500kg GVM though) could be considered without significant warranty concerns. This proven platform, despite its need for a woodgrain delete and an infotainment system upgrade, is an uncomplicated beast that you’d choose without hesitation.
What ‘Should’ You Tow?
Having established why the Patrol is such a popular choice, let’s examine its capabilities from stock, by the numbers, and the role of a GVM upgrade. The Patrol boasts a GVM of 3,500kg, a Braked Towing Capacity of 3,500kg, and a GCM of 7,000kg. While these numbers may excite novices, it’s important to remember that the Patrol is a hefty vehicle. With a kerb weight of 2,861kg, it actually offers the least available payload among most SUVs in the same class. Surprising, isn’t it?
To simplify this for our readers, we’ll present two different scenarios: one towing 3,000kg and the other 3,500kg
Towing Capacities: A Numbers Game
When it comes to towing a 3,500kg trailer, the numbers tell an interesting story:
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): 3,500kg
- Kerb Weight: 2,861kg
- Tow Ball Download: 350kg (Why 350kg? Find out here)
This leaves a mere 289kg payload for the Patrol for any occupants, luggage, and 4x4 gear. And let’s face it, who can resist decking out a Patrol?
For the discerning reader, the rear axle’s limit of 2,030kg may seem impressive. However, when you factor in the ball mass and the Patrol’s hefty kerb weight, you’re left with just 217kg for all the above.
So, while the 7,000kg GCM is class-leading, the Patrol’s size places it towards the bottom of our list in its standard configuration when towing a 3,500kg trailer.
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When towing a 3,000kg trailer, the numbers are slightly more favourable:
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): 3,500kg
- Kerb Weight: 2,861kg
- Tow Ball Download: 300kg (Why 300kg? Find out here)
This leaves 339kg payload for the Patrol for any occupants, luggage, and 4x4 gear. The rear axle’s limit leaves only 288kg for all the above.
When you look at these numbers, it’s clear that these payloads are small compared to many other options in the market.
GVM Upgrade: A Considered Decision
Upgrading your Patrol’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) from standard can potentially impact any warranty claims relating to the chassis, powertrain, and drive items. Nissan dealerships have been increasingly stringent on pre-registration GVM upgrades in recent years, and their warranty customer service can be challenging. Therefore, we recommend a cautious approach to GVM upgrades.
The Patrol, being an old and well-proven platform, is one of the least risky vehicles for a GVM upgrade. However, it’s not a guarantee that your Patrol may be a hassle-free experience.
LoadMate’s Stance on GVM Upgrades
If you’re new to LoadMate, you may not be familiar with our stance on GVM upgrades. In essence, a GVM upgrade should only be considered when you aim to increase the available payload on the vehicle, thereby allowing a higher vehicle-to-caravan weight ratio. We never recommend GVM/Gross Combination Mass (GCM) upgrades to enable someone to tow a heavier caravan than their vehicle.
For the Patrol, we would advise seeking a GVM upgrade that will allow you to utilise the extra 350kg in your GCM 7,000kg limit. This would take your GVM up to around 3,850kg or 3,999kg, ensuring you select a vendor that also increases rear axle limits. There are GVM upgrades that can push you right up to 4,499kg, but we certainly wouldn’t advise that level of loads. If you need beyond 3,500kg towing, or really 3,850kg GVM, you should be considering a purpose-built truck or an American SUV.
Understanding the Implications of GVM and GCM Upgrades
The decision to upgrade isn’t without its complexities, especially concerning the vehicle’s warranty. Here are some key considerations:
- Safe Towing Ratios: A GVM upgrade can significantly benefit towing, particularly by allowing you to load more weight into the tow vehicle itself, thereby achieving a higher vehicle-to-trailer weight ratio. This can enhance stability and safety while towing.
- Extra Capacity: The GVM upgrade enables more comfortable and legal payloads, allowing you to make the most of your travels with the Patrol.
- Warranty Concerns: Non-genuine modifications may affect the vehicle’s warranty. Nissan’s warranty documentation explicitly states that damage or performance issues resulting from modifications with non-genuine products will not be covered.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Operating your vehicle at its maximum capacity, and beyond with a GVM upgrade, places a significant load on the vehicle itself. This extra burden inevitably accelerates the wear and tear on the vehicle, especially on critical driveline components.
For those considering these modifications, thorough research is advisable. Our definitive guide on Gross Vehicle Mass offers a comprehensive review of GVM upgrades, including detailed insights into the process and critical considerations you need to be aware of.
Understanding Standard Spec Limits
From a technical standpoint, the Nissan Patrol is a formidable beast, capable of towing most trailers with ease. However, to stay within legal limits and ensure safe towing, accurate load calculations are crucial, particularly for the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Rear Axle Loads.
We recommend avoiding any 4x4 accessories on your stock Patrol until you have a clear understanding of the available payloads. It’s important to maintain a conservative buffer before adding any extras. Make sure to account for all occupants, luggage, and other loads. While this used to be a complex process, LoadMate has simplified it significantly. Check out the free version of our app for more information!
The Benefits of an Upgraded GVM Patrol
If you’ve upgraded your GVM to approximately 3,850kg and adjusted your rear axles to match, you’ll be able to fully utilize your 3,500kg braked towing capacity and your 7,000kg Gross Combination Mass (GCM).
With a laden vehicle weight of 3,850kg (GVM), 90% of this equates to 3,465kg. This is the recommended vehicle-to-caravan weight ratio for safe towing. You can read more about this in our in-depth guide here.
Additionally, you will have around 639kg of payload available in the Patrol. This should be ample for a large family, along with some conservative accessories and luggage. The Patrol is one of the only family SUVs we would recommend for safely and confidently towing upwards of 3,500kg.
