Right, the search for a suitable tow truck starts after Christmas (being spent in Cambodia, don't ask why). After looking around, quite fancy one of the dual cab 4WD utes, suitably converted, including canopy, as a tourer. Any GNs who operate a suchlike vehicle (Navara, BT-50, Triton, HiLux, Rodeo, etc) care to comment? Cheers, Tony
Ma said
01:43 AM Dec 14, 2009
Hi Tony,
We have a Ford Ranger, 3ltr Turbo Diesel. One of the best vehicles we've had. Runs like a dream, pulls as if there is nothing behind. on average we use 14.1 ltrs per 100 towing an 18ft van.
We like the convenience of having the room to carry all our outdoor things in the back when we are travelling, it's very convenient and sure saves stacking tables etc. in the van.
If you want a technical point of view I will get Rob to post something later on today.
I would go with the Navara...the Hilux.feels top heavy.......My mate has a Triton and having trouble with the suspension since new.......the rodeo....is now called the Colorado...I'm a big man...and I can sit comfortable in the Navara....infact it was on my list to get....but I ended up with the Pajero.......the choice is yours Mate
Dave
Terro said
09:56 AM Dec 14, 2009
I started out thinking along the same lines. a dual cab ute, canopy, plenty of storage space. The Navara was going to be my ute of choice. As it turned out I could get a Patrol cheaper than the Navara. The base line cost of the Navara then add the canopy and any other extras you want to add such as bukll bar, driving lights etc. came to much more than I wanted to spend. That is a consideration in my book. The Patrol came with all the fittings I required and under my original budget.
Terro
dave06 said
10:08 AM Dec 14, 2009
I'm afraid I gotta agree with Terro for reasons that I wont disclose on here for fear of animosity but toyota or nissan, I.M.H.O. is the only way to go!,
Firefly said
10:26 AM Dec 14, 2009
We have a Triton dual cab and take it to the Top End, Tanami Road, Coburg, Broome, almost everywhere. Can't say it has missed a beat at all. We had trouble with water in the diff at Jim Jim Falls, the caretaker told us the deepest water was a lot less then it actually was. It was easily fixed by changing the oil a couple of times and Brett did that himself.
We are taking it one more time next year and then retiting the old girl. It is a 1999 model and has served us well.
But next time round, we are going for an Extra Cab, not sure which brand yet, a Hilux is high up there as I worked for Toyota for many years and know they are great vehicles. Sometimes it comes down to cost though, thats for sure.
We want an Extra Cab to get a longer tray without having to have a longer towbar. I like to be able to push the seat back but also throw stuff on the back seat we use as we drive. Lollies, drinks, chips, tissues, pillows, all the important stuff.
brickies said
10:36 AM Dec 14, 2009
I read in a caravan book that you should load your caravan not the tow vehicle do you have any though on that ,has i would like the idea of a twin cab and canopy has part of a rig
Delta18 said
10:56 AM Dec 14, 2009
We have a 07 Triton Dual cab 3.5l DiD and love it.
Read Ma's post and it is ditto for the Triton. Unladen we get 8 - 9 L/100km.
The latest model is getting a longer and higher tub so now get the biggest in class rear seat / big back doors AND good storage area.
I like the DC so the dreaded genny & spare fuel is out of 'noseshot'.
Another feature I like in the Triton is the electric winder rear window. With it down and the front canopy window open long fishing rods etc are not a problem.
brickies wrote:
I read in a caravan book that you should load your caravan not the tow vehicle do you have any though on that ,has i would like the idea of a twin cab and canopy has part of a rig
I have never been a believer in this theory Brickie, I prefer heavier stuff in the tug, up to its limits and of course balance. Without having any technical reason for it I just feel it is easier to carry something rather than pull it.
Having said that, the heaviest item we carry is the Honda genny and the engel freezer, both of which travel in the tub.
Hope this helps
Cheers Neil
dave06 said
11:09 AM Dec 14, 2009
yep neil is spot on with the "carry it rather than pull it" just try to even it out and remember the all up weight and balance of the vehicle,
try to keep the whole setup "level" and remember the 10% towball loading rule
most "accesories" that we carry are virtually of little weight unless we are carrying great swags of fuel and water,
at very roughly 1 kilo per litre (bush figures) of either water or fuel, the weight very quickly goes up, these I would carry in the vehicles payload section, not on or in the van
the genny and engel would be the biggest weight and the rear of the vehicle would handle that with ease
clazandaza said
12:02 PM Dec 14, 2009
We drag a 17ft pop top(duel axel) with an 05 Holden Rodeo turbo deisel 3 litre. Bought it second hand near new with bull bar, lights, snorkle and running boards for a good price. Fitted a canopy subsequently. Lots of space etc. have had no dramas with the rig but as with any 3 litre diesel I would like a little more power. Not as good a finish as the Hi lux for example but a lot cheaper generally. I get 14.5 litres to 100ks fully booted and spurred with the aircon going etc. The low pop top van helps a lot when we are butting into a wind. Note to techies out there:
I have been told by all and sundry that you should not tow in fifth gear. I only do when going down grades or on flat roads with tail winds etc. Mostly I am in forth gear doing 90 ks an hour at about 2.7 thousand revs. Anybody heard anything different??
that worries me.........your vehicle should be able to run in all gears...if not then the setup is wrong.or its overloaded.....
Ball weight........checked my campertrailer...ball weight.was 120kg.....trailer weight loaded is 840kg....has brakes fitted
Dave
dave06 said
12:17 PM Dec 14, 2009
if you are on the flat and easy going then 5th gear will be fine, you are doing the correct thing, however as soon as it starts to "lug" then drop it back, probably around the 2,200 mark would be a guide
you are looking at keeping the vehicle in a sustainable "optimal" towing rev range, typically between 2,200 to around 2,800, over this and you are not achieving anything and under this range will make it work too hard
if the vehicle is automatic and your final "gear" is an overdrive then do not tow in this it will destroy the box
have a look at your owners manual and look up your final gear, if it is a "true" gear then towing is fine with that, if it is an overdrive there should be a warning about towing
if still in doubt phone up your local manufacturers distributer
DeBe said
12:17 PM Dec 14, 2009
Sounds about right to treat your gearbox Ian shouldnt have any problems at that. Daryl
Rolly said
12:22 PM Dec 14, 2009
brickies wrote:
I read in a caravan book that you should load your caravan not the tow vehicle do you have any though on that ,has i would like the idea of a twin cab and canopy has part of a rig
What book was that?
I've always held the view that, properly loaded with the weight forward of the tug's axle, the greater the tug/caravan eweight ratio, the better.
A problem occurs when people load up the rear of their tug, aft of the rear axle, and lift its front end in the process, thus reducing steering effectiveness.
-- Edited by Rolly on Monday 14th of December 2009 11:29:11 AM
bill12 said
12:35 PM Dec 14, 2009
Has anybody got any experience with automatics on turbo diesels, towing. I should imagine that a transmision cooler would be nesesary. but can,t see any other drawbacks. A bit more expensive to service. but smooth power from the start. I would be interested in your views. Bill
DeBe said
12:40 PM Dec 14, 2009
The issue of a vehicle should run in anny gear aplys to auto & manual. 5th gear shouldnt be used under min 80Kmhr wen Not towing if towing more like 90Kmhr. Ive had to rebuild plenty of gear boxes with stuffed bearings (manual boxes) for 2 reasons one driving in too low a gear with too low RPM stresses bearings, the other gear box oil not changed at apropriate service intervals. people tend to forget the gearbox works just as hard as the engine. Working in a dealership we always changed gear box transfer box & diffs at the first nominated service Kms. The oils were always a silvery colour at that first change. Not so much after that Cheers Daryl
Rolly said
12:40 PM Dec 14, 2009
The "paddle shift" on a Merc. Sprinter belonging to a mate of mine is doing quite nicely.
Much less wear on the other transmission components I've been told.
Everything on the latest crop of high speed diesels is designed like a 'Bic' ballpoint pen; when it no longer works, chuck it.
Repairs are prohibitively expensive; manual gearboxes included.
brickies said
12:56 PM Dec 14, 2009
Can not recall but it said you should not overload your tow vehicle it was better to load in in your van ,they were talking about sedans
Disco Duck said
01:18 PM Dec 14, 2009
I have an auto hooked up to 3.5l turbo and it pulls like a student dentist. Has no problem towing our big camper trailer at all
5th gear is usually an overdrive and should not be used for towing!!
whoppa said
06:05 PM Dec 14, 2009
Have heard Nissan Navara is having big clutch problems due to High first gear and power increase on new models.
May not make for good towing.
see this article.
http://www.motorsm.com/complaints/update/display.asp?aid=1462
Delta18 said
10:43 PM Dec 14, 2009
I like the Triton DiD diesel for that very reason, I can take off with the 2t caravan in tow at little above idle speed. NO clutch wear.
Cruising Granny said
12:30 AM Dec 15, 2009
I prefer the carry principle for my 80 series, and I never ever tow in 5th gear.
It's an overdrive when all is smooth and good, at more than 80kph, with not load or hard work for the tug at any time.
I tow at 85-90kph and the highest gear I tow with is 4.
I don't know if the newer vehicles are geared lower or higher, but I like my gearbox just the way it is, and won't put it under anymore pressure than I need to.
I prefer manual vehicles over auto for all occasions. I like to DRIVE my car.
milo said
04:46 PM Dec 15, 2009
bill12 wrote:
Has anybody got any experience with automatics on turbo diesels, towing. I should imagine that a transmision cooler would be nesesary. but can,t see any other drawbacks. A bit more expensive to service. but smooth power from the start. I would be interested in your views. Bill
Dads van / motor home is auto, and a 3ltr turbo diesel, no problems at all..
something i want to ask, in about a year or 2 im thinking of getting my own van, and maybe either a falcon xr 6 turbo or v8 or maybe one of those holden crewman utes, would either of those be good for towing a van say 18 to 23 feet? or would i need something bigger?? its just next year my little car (mazda 2 ) will be 6 years old, so kind of thinking of updating, but maybe some thing with good towing but still easy to drive/ park etc
milo
Cruising Granny said
06:21 PM Dec 15, 2009
If you're looking for a van up to 25ft you'll need something with weight and grunt.
The Holden ute will tow the 18footer, but I wouldn't even attempt to tow a 23ft out of the sale yard with that ute.
Rather too much power and strength than not enough.
milo said
05:57 PM Dec 16, 2009
i like your set up clazandaza out of interest how much was your Holden Rodeo? also what are they like for around town? ie parking etc... cause that would be like what i may do, if the holden or ford utes arnt strong enough..
-- Edited by milo on Wednesday 16th of December 2009 04:58:02 PM
PeterD said
11:25 PM Dec 16, 2009
I tow a 2 tonne pop-top with a Navara diesel auto. It tows well. A friend has a 23Future Systems van he tows with a Pathfinder - he says it preforms better than the 3.0 diesel Patrol but not as well as the 4.8 on gas. I am not a fan of using a manual for towing.
One reason for going the twin cab way rather then the Patrol way is they carry more weight -See this link
Another reason to get the Navara rather than the Pathfinder or Patrol is Nissan give you $5k off if you are purchasing a commercial vehicle and if you have an ABN number. If you are in the market, PM me and I will tell you how to do this (I am not prepared to discuss it on an open forum.)
As for the Idea of carrying the load in the van rather than the tug, was the article from way back discussing a particular case? The advice was probably correct for that case but not for the majority.
After looking around, quite fancy one of the dual cab 4WD utes, suitably converted, including canopy, as a tourer.
Any GNs who operate a suchlike vehicle (Navara, BT-50, Triton, HiLux, Rodeo, etc) care to comment?
Cheers, Tony
We have a Ford Ranger, 3ltr Turbo Diesel. One of the best vehicles we've had. Runs like a dream, pulls as if there is nothing behind. on average we use 14.1 ltrs per 100 towing an 18ft van.
We like the convenience of having the room to carry all our outdoor things in the back when we are travelling, it's very convenient and sure saves stacking tables etc. in the van.
If you want a technical point of view I will get Rob to post something later on today.
Terro
We are taking it one more time next year and then retiting the old girl. It is a 1999 model and has served us well.
But next time round, we are going for an Extra Cab, not sure which brand yet, a Hilux is high up there as I worked for Toyota for many years and know they are great vehicles. Sometimes it comes down to cost though, thats for sure.
We want an Extra Cab to get a longer tray without having to have a longer towbar. I like to be able to push the seat back but also throw stuff on the back seat we use as we drive. Lollies, drinks, chips, tissues, pillows, all the important stuff.
Read Ma's post and it is ditto for the Triton. Unladen we get 8 - 9 L/100km.
The latest model is getting a longer and higher tub so now get the biggest in class rear seat / big back doors AND good storage area.
I like the DC so the dreaded
Another feature I like in the Triton is the electric winder rear window. With it down and the front canopy window open long fishing rods etc are not a problem.
I have never been a believer in this theory Brickie, I prefer heavier stuff in the tug, up to its limits and of course balance. Without having any technical reason for it I just feel it is easier to carry something rather than pull it.
Having said that, the heaviest item we carry is the Honda genny and the engel freezer, both of which travel in the tub.
Hope this helps
Cheers Neil
I have been told by all and sundry that you should not tow in fifth gear. I only do when going down grades or on flat roads with tail winds etc. Mostly I am in forth gear doing 90 ks an hour at about 2.7 thousand revs. Anybody heard anything different??
Ian
I've always held the view that, properly loaded with the weight forward of the tug's axle, the greater the tug/caravan eweight ratio, the better.
A problem occurs when people load up the rear of their tug, aft of the rear axle, and lift its front end in the process, thus reducing steering effectiveness.
-- Edited by Rolly on Monday 14th of December 2009 11:29:11 AM
Much less wear on the other transmission components I've been told.
Everything on the latest crop of high speed diesels is designed like a 'Bic' ballpoint pen; when it no longer works, chuck it.
Repairs are prohibitively expensive; manual gearboxes included.
Dads van / motor home is auto, and a 3ltr turbo diesel, no problems at all..
something i want to ask, in about a year or 2 im thinking of getting my own van, and maybe either a falcon xr 6 turbo or v8 or maybe one of those holden crewman utes, would either of those be good for towing a van say 18 to 23 feet? or would i need something bigger??
its just next year my little car (mazda 2 ) will be 6 years old, so kind of thinking of updating, but maybe some thing with good towing but still easy to drive/ park etc
milo
out of interest how much was your Holden Rodeo? also what are they like for around town? ie parking etc...
cause that would be like what i may do, if the holden or ford utes arnt strong enough..
-- Edited by milo on Wednesday 16th of December 2009 04:58:02 PM
For comparisons of the new twin cabs go to http://tinyurl.com/ycpjk3k .
One reason for going the twin cab way rather then the Patrol way is they carry more weight -See this link
Another reason to get the Navara rather than the Pathfinder or Patrol is Nissan give you $5k off if you are purchasing a commercial vehicle and if you have an ABN number. If you are in the market, PM me and I will tell you how to do this (I am not prepared to discuss it on an open forum.)
As for the Idea of carrying the load in the van rather than the tug, was the article from way back discussing a particular case? The advice was probably correct for that case but not for the majority.