8000km Roadtrip review of QM

[Mudnut]

I have just finished a 8000km road trip with my 2024 QM, towing a Reconn R2 hybrid caravan. It was just over a month of travel and living out of the caravan with the Mrs, and 2 dogs. The INEOS pulled the caravan like it was not even there, which impressed me. The only issue was excessive bounce due to the weight of items in the tub, and ball weight. A set of airbags in the rear springs solved this with 20 psi in them. I installed them in my son's level driveway in the Gold Coast. I did need spring compressors to get the springs out and re installed. My 2 post lift at home would have made it much simpler.
About 2 weeks into the trip, I developed severe back pain when lying down. Thought it might be the bed, but have never had an issue with it in the past. I later realized my driving posture was a bit slumped, due to no lumbar support in the otherwise comfortable seats. Tucking a towel behind the seat cover solved this temporarily. Will investigate an inflatable bladder lumbar support for the seat. This was the only real issue I had for the whole trip, not including "TSA Not available", warning that randomly popped up, and the constant annoyance of the front middle parking sensor going off. Have the car booked in to finally replace it as it has been adjusted multiple times to no effect.
Fuel economy averaged 16l per 100km. Normal economy is around 11l per 100km, so happy with this. I did have a spare fuel can in the back, along with an Ad Blue container. Was able to top off the Ad Blue at a pump, so not any real issue. Not having a high flow inlet was really annoying however. Even with my adapter, was very slow running through this.
All in all I am very pleased with how the vehicle performed.

 

[TheDocAUS]

Thanks for the report.

What was the weight of the van as towed (max is 3,000kg)?

Any idea of the ball weight?

Either your tub was near empty or the van has a very low ball weight. Only because my PolyAir Suspension Airbags are at 20PSI, just driving around the suburbs, never mind being loaded up or towing.

 

[Mudnut]

Thanks for the report.

What was the weight of the van as towed (max is 3,000kg)?

Any idea of the ball weight?

Either you tub was near empty or the van has a very low ball weight. Only because my airbags are at 20PSI, just driving around the suburbs, never mind being loaded up or towing.

Van weight is just over 2 tonnes loaded. Ball weight around 220kg Probably 100kg of gear and tools in the tub.

I found 20~ 25 psi comfortable ride. Still wanted supple ride, as the potholes on the Qld, and NSW roads are bad.

 

[Clark Kent]

My hybrid camper typically puts 220-240kg on the ball. It varies according to how much water I put in the 2x tanks. I always fill the 80 litre front tank then I'll add water to the 120 litre rear tank depending on the trip duration and time away from a known resupply point. I do my water tanks as the last part of loading. I measure my ride height before I hook up. After hookup I add pressure to the airbags until I have restored the ride height minus 10mm to ensure I have a positive lean forward on the towbar. So if I measure 40mm sag after hookup I take out 30mm with the airbags. That equates to about 35psi pressure in my setup and gives a very stable towing platform.
I carry an 18v cordless inflator to adjust the airbags pressures. I run 5psi when I'm unloaded to preserve the airbag shape and prevent pinching. 5psi adds about 3mm to the rear ride height so it plays nice with ride comfort and doesn't significantly increase the rake or front driveshaft angle when I'm not towing.

 

[Mudnut]

My hybrid camper typically puts 220-240kg on the ball. It varies according to how much water I put in the 2x tanks. I always fill the 80 litre front tank then I'll add water to the 120 litre rear tank depending on the trip duration and time away from a known resupply point. I do my water tanks as the last part of loading. I measure my ride height before I hook up. After hookup I add pressure to the airbags until I have restored the ride height minus 10mm to ensure I have a positive lean forward on the towbar. So if I measure 40mm sag after hookup I take out 30mm with the airbags. That equates to about 35psi pressure in my setup and gives a very stable towing platform.
I carry an 18v cordless inflator to adjust the airbags pressures. I run 5psi when I'm unloaded to preserve the airbag shape and prevent pinching. 5psi adds about 3mm to the rear ride height so it plays nice with ride comfort and doesn't significantly increase the rake or front driveshaft angle when I'm not towing.

Sounds like sound advice. Have not lowered the airbags since disconnecting, and find the ride still comfortable. I will measure the ride height next time I get ready to hook up, and follow your lead. I have 270l of water in 3 connected tanks over the axle. They seem to balance nicely, so don't affect the tow ball weight much when full or empty.