Some accessory manufacturers are starting to understand weights
I recently praised TuffAnt for providing a detailed weight breakdown. Someone pointed out that TJM do the same, so…thanks TJM!
Here are some weight pointers:
– “Fitted weight” is the net weight addition to your vehicle. In some cases, items are removed from your car to fit the accessory. Bullbars are a great example; you might add 70kg, but remove 20kg, so the net weight “fitted weight” is 50. And of course the packaged weight is different again.
– 50kg ahead of the front axle most probably means 60kg on the front axle and 10kg off the rear. See my “Front Axle Weights” for more on that with actual proof on scales for the sceptical.
– Direct replacements often weigh more. If you replace shocks and springs chances are the replacements will weigh more, and that’s definitely true of tyres – 265/70/17 weighs more than say 265/65/17, and that’s before you consider tread pattern and construction.
– all the little things add up. I’ve just completely emptied my old Ranger and put everything into boxes…all the little things make a big number. Leatherman, UHF handhelds, tyre pressure gauge, box of Bolts and Nuts, tyre plug kit, torch….more on that soon as I through all the tiny essentials.
– kerb and tare weight definitions are not consistent and carmakers are often vague about it. Video just completed and on the way to Patreons and Channel Members very soon.
– it is extremely easy to run out of front axle load limit with a bar and winch. This is one reason why lighter hoopless bars are becoming more popular. Especially with wagons, pretty much all weight has a front axle component.
– just about everything we change adds weight, but I can tell you the sport bar and siderails on a Ranger RA are 20kg, they’re off my car now, not much but it all helps!
Here’s TuffAnt’s post:
Want some good news on weights?
– I think we’re finally seeing a bit of a shift towards the aftermarket caring about weights with more specs coming out, and some effort being made for lightweight engineering as opposed to “gotta be tuff mate 6mm steel plate or nuffin”.
