G'day all. Have been following you site with interest, more so now that we're really interested in a local off-road pop-top that's for sale. We're at the Atherton Tablelands in FNQ and intend to head off on 'the trip' early next year. Just have a question though for some of you knowledgeable people. The van is rated at 1550kg ATM, but our 2002 Hillux ute, according to the manual is 1500kg ATM. The towbar is rated at 1800kg. We contacted the local Toyota bloke who suggested we should be OK and that the towbar rating should apply. Would just like some reassurance that this sounds OK. Your input would be appreciated.

I think it is cutting it too fine. You will have to keep the load in your van down and carry a lot in the ute tub.