We are in the throes of planning a trip round oz, and are presently trying to decide which 4x4 we should  get being a diesel fitter by trade i can do my own repairs and maintenance so a diesel engine is top of my list, i  am also a big fan of 6 cylinder engines for towing and would appreciate feed back on toyota landcruiser we will be towing an 18 to 20 foot van

Welcome to the forum and best wishes for "big trip" Re the vehicle, I think you've almost answered your own question. With your background you're probably better qualified the most of us when it comes to an appropriate tug. That said I guess you're naturally looking at something in the 'Cruiser / Patrol range. At the recent Rosehill Show I sat in on a towing seminar conducted by John Eggenhuizzen of "Tow-Ed". He made the statement that he considered the new Discovery 4 to be the best tow vehicle he's ever driven. Before other forum members challenge me on this statement I make the point that I'm only mentioning this and do not hold a personal opinion on it.

If you ever want to buy a spare part in the bush, buy a commercial series Toyota land Cruiser because that is what all the locals own, drive and maintain and that is advise from an OKA owner.... The only people who drive Landrovers or Patrols etc are tourists. Cheers, Peter

if you want to have a real look at aust and go off road, i would buy a second hand vehicle, if i paid 50 grand or more i would be apprehensive in taking it off road, also the amount of money you would loose compared to a second hand one is worth looking into. this decision can sometimes be an ego thing, where as your van will hold its value reasonably well.

Finding a good tidy midrange k's 6cyl Nissan 4.2 or LC 4.2 at reasonable price is long gone. Prices are what they were new if you did find one.

18 to 20 foot van will happily go behind 2.5l 1 tonne ute and be more economical and probably more reliable.

thanks everyone for your replies Neil

that sounds like good commom sense to me