Metalian Maxi super thread

[KrokODell]

For the Maxi owners out there that utilise the trailer for their families, what tent setups do you have?

Our Maxi was fitted with a Bundutop from the beginning which has been great for my wife and I.
However, we have a little one on the way so need to start looking at other options.
I was very close to pulling the trigger on an offroad caravan but I decided against it for now.
The Maxi is just so great and it has quite a lot of extras put into it.

If I can find a suitable option to put on the Maxi then I won't need to look at anything other trailer/caravan options.

Hopefully there is a suitable option one of you Maxi owners have for us...

Nick, I have the Tentco senior (https://tentco.co.za/product/senior-...1-6-tent-only/) on the Maxi. Wife and me sleep on the trailer, nice comfy mattress, and the two kids, 6 and 9, sleep on inflatable mattress on the floor. Enough space, just flip up the mattress during the day. We don’t have an awning or anything extra. Like to keep it simple. Will move the kids out to their own tent soon…

[NTRyan]

Thanks for the responses so far @Honey Badger @KrokODell.
My initial thoughts were along the line of these tent types and making use of the drop down section as an additional sleeping area.

The setup time will be very different to our current setup but I guess there will be plenty changes now with a little one in the mix.

@KrokODell, that photo looks like Nthakeni...such a great spot that!

[Heinz Modricky]

I know Thule have G in some bike carrier names (https://thulestore.co.za/thule-eurow...-13-pin-922020)?

Thank you, if I recall properly, it was run by two brothers in Jhb, It was locally made stuff - nothing fancy, just a good practical bike carrier.

[KrokODell]

Heinz and others, is this a concern?

Does it indicate a worn ball, warn coupler or both?

[Coenoes]

Mine looks the same. Also want to know. Towball is new, so I guess it's the hitch

[Brollox D4D]

Hi, If you decide to sell the Bundutop, give me a shout please.

I might be intrigued.

[RobinSbrn]

Good Morning,

We are returning from our first proper trip with the Maxi (2 weeks in the Kruger) and we absolutely love it!
I was worried about buying such a big trailer as I was used to my Bushbaby, but it is towing like a charm.
The tent and the awning are also really great and well manufactured and the setup is actually faster than with my old Howling moon.
After 2 weeks leaving out of it, I know feel that my home, and especially the kitchen is too big and disorganized. Really well done to Heinz for this great product!

However, I will need your advise regarding the coupler damper. I noticed on the first weekend out that the trailer was banging a lot on dirt roads and even in Town, I had to go very slowly over the speed bumps to avoid that.
Got the brakes adjusted before the Kruger, it is better but still banging quite and even more if I start taking a bit of speed ( and I am really not a fast and furious guy…).
Hence, do you think the brakes just need further adjustments or, could the coupler’s damper be cooked and will need replacements? The Trailer and damper should have more or less 5k km on the clock, so not much but the trailer was bought second hand so I don’t know what adjustment has been done there…).

Thanks for your help
Robin

[Heinz Modricky]

Heinz and others, is this a concern?

Does it indicate a worn ball, warn coupler or both?

AS a supplier of product and to be compliant with the OEM directives, I should be telling you, yes, it's in the red - send me your money. But in measuring as best I could, the actual play between ball and inside of the coupler, and found that a mere a 0.7mm difference was enough to put this in the red. Note that the 0.7mm is not the wear, the ball and coupler start out not being a size for size fit, so the wear is even less than this. When you consider the locking key hooks under the ball by probably 10mm, I cannot see how this is a problem from a wear point.

BUT, from an indicator point of view, that tells you whether the coupler is properly engaged or note, this is invaluable, unless you do what I do now every time after I hook up a trailer - I go down on my knees, crook my head upside down and physically check that the locking key is in place. I've "disengaged" too many trailers for being distracted or in a hurry (and then found myself going on my knees begging forgiveness.)

[Heinz Modricky]

Good Morning,

We are returning from our first proper trip with the Maxi (2 weeks in the Kruger) and we absolutely love it!
I was worried about buying such a big trailer as I was used to my Bushbaby, but it is towing like a charm.
The tent and the awning are also really great and well manufactured and the setup is actually faster than with my old Howling moon.
After 2 weeks leaving out of it, I know feel that my home, and especially the kitchen is too big and disorganized. Really well done to Heinz for this great product!

However, I will need your advise regarding the coupler damper. I noticed on the first weekend out that the trailer was banging a lot on dirt roads and even in Town, I had to go very slowly over the speed bumps to avoid that.
Got the brakes adjusted before the Kruger, it is better but still banging quite and even more if I start taking a bit of speed ( and I am really not a fast and furious guy…).
Hence, do you think the brakes just need further adjustments or, could the coupler’s damper be cooked and will need replacements? The Trailer and damper should have more or less 5k km on the clock, so not much but the trailer was bought second hand so I don’t know what adjustment has been done there…).

Thanks for your help
Robin

The knocking generally means the coupler gains too much speed between the push and the pull, which only points to two things 1. too much travel in the brakes - they need adjusting, or 2. the damper cannot slow the movement enough - replace the damper. The OEM dampers are expensive at around R1400 plus - before labour. I'd guess you may find a pirate damper at a third of this price.

Just a note on brake adjustment, this cannot be adjusted on the M10 threaded bar. It has to be adjusted at the hubs. If you're not sure, give me a call and I can run you through what to look out for an a video call. 082 650 9636

Here is an excellent video explaining the correct procedure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKReZhdmHxg

[Honey Badger]

As an owner of a Metalian you will be very familiar the unique feeling you have that resembles the green grin emoji when you go camping. Admit it, we all do! BUT did you know about the hidden feature built in by Heinz to keep your Metalian doors from swinging closed that involves that very emoji?

1. Take a (green) tennis ball.
2. Cut it as shown to make the grinning face.
3. Wedge it up into the hinge.
4. Release. No more doors closing when wind blows against tent walls.
5.

[krl747]

Any second hand Maxi's floating around....?

[NTRyan]

PM sent...

[RobinSbrn]

The knocking generally means the coupler gains too much speed between the push and the pull, which only points to two things 1. too much travel in the brakes - they need adjusting, or 2. the damper cannot slow the movement enough - replace the damper. The OEM dampers are expensive at around R1400 plus - before labour. I'd guess you may find a pirate damper at a third of this price.

Just a note on brake adjustment, this cannot be adjusted on the M10 threaded bar. It has to be adjusted at the hubs. If you're not sure, give me a call and I can run you through what to look out for an a video call. 082 650 9636

Here is an excellent video explaining the correct procedure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKReZhdmHxg

Thanks Heinz for the info, I will check the youtube link and send you a video if I am not sure. (didn't want to bother you on whatsapp but you ended up being the one answering in anyways...)

[FCS]

Here is a link to a write-up Metalian received on Expedition Portal.....


https://expeditionportal.com/the-met...l-exploration/

[Nords]

Out in our Maxi yesterday in Northern Kenya, I only put the tent up to give it an airing! Birthday cake and champagne as the elephant and giraffe walked past (out of shot, but promise they were there).