Just seeking some thoughts on the best, no not best, preferred vehicle to tow a van around the lap. See many 4x4's but then again around the same number of sedans. If you are not going off roading do you really need a 4x4.
Just some comments.
Hendo
Plendo said
02:33 PM Dec 20, 2013
Hendo,
I think people would be able to give you much better guidance if you indicated the size and weight of the van you intend to tow.
D and D said
02:50 PM Dec 20, 2013
As my intended van weighs in at about 3 tonne a 4X4 was necessary - chose a Mazda BT50 for a lot of reasons.
JayDee said
03:36 PM Dec 20, 2013
You may have already noticed that many caravaners ahave Cruisers to meet their needs.
We just recently changed to a 100 series cruiser. Choice can be V8 or Diesel, with diesel offering the better milage usage, but at a premium price.
What ever you buy, it will have to have some grunt for your big van.
Good luck
Jay&Dee
-- Edited by JayDee on Friday 20th of December 2013 03:36:57 PM
-- Edited by JayDee on Friday 20th of December 2013 03:37:51 PM
Hendo said
03:40 PM Dec 20, 2013
Thanks for that, didn't think to far, current van is a 17' Roadstar but will be looking to do the lap the smallest van that has a Loo, I guess 18' to 20'. While I've got your attention what is the little yellow tag that appears on my posts, haven't been tagged already have I.
Hendo
Gerty Dancer said
04:46 PM Dec 20, 2013
We all get one of those little yellow tags for topics that we start Hendo.
As far as tugs go, my partner loves his Prado, so we chose a caravan which fitted the Prado weight limits.
glendadon said
05:12 PM Dec 20, 2013
Hi I just bought an AU V8 to pull my 17 ft van as I used to pull it with an x trail and found it was working to hard on hills and used a lot of fuel, as of now I have not pulled the van with the V8 but will do so when the school holidays are over and should have no problems with this as we only do a few days at a time.
Regards
Don
Plendo said
05:37 PM Dec 20, 2013
Hi Hendo, an 18 to 20ft van still gives you a big scope regarding weight. But when you say the smallest van you can find with a loo that puts you in a van with an all up weight (ATM) above 2,000kg, but under 2,500kg, before anyone jumps on me I know there are exceptions, and there are lighter vans with toilets, but coming from a Roadstar, it is likely that Hendo will again be looking at an Aussie van.
There are still many things that can vary the weight, like suspension type, number of water tanks, etc.
Assuming I am guessing in the right ball park, most people would choose to tow with a 4WD, and with that weight capability the Prado (most around 2,500 but not all), and the Ford Territory (2wd @ 2,300kg, and 4wd @2,700kg), there are many others, but these are the ones that are commonly referred to on the forum. The Pajero is worth a mention here as well, as it is somewhat limited by other factors.
The things you should consider, are the towing capacity (has to exceed the ATM of your van), the maximum allowed ball weight, and the payload of the tow vehicle, remember here that the weight you put on the tow ball is include din the load on the vehicle, so has to fit within the payload, along with everything else that increases the weight of your towing vehicle People fuel, luggage, accesories, etc.).
But probably the most important thing to consider when looking at a vehicle, is it a vehicle that I/We would enjoy driving every day for months on end. There would be nothing worse than being a month into the trip and coming out each morning saying I have to drive this damned thing again.
Good luck with your decision.
leevin said
07:58 PM Dec 20, 2013
Isuzu D-Max....unbreakable!
Averaged 14.8 L/100kms.
21', 2.6 tonne caravan.
2.4 Yamaha genny & tools & everything in back...40,000 kms, never missed a beat.
Off again in January, same vehicle, same caravan.
-- Edited by leevin on Friday 20th of December 2013 09:44:26 PM
Everyone has their own views and ideas on tugs you should do some research just google any type of vehicle and you will get very good info i tow with a patrol 4.2 turbo diesel simply because i have been a fan of nissans for a while used them in east Africa out west in Australia never had a problem recently had an engine upgrade increased to 144 horse power also given me improved fuel consumption just my opinion
Neil
KFT said
11:02 PM Dec 20, 2013
G'day Hendo, Welcome to the forum.
Our caravan weighs 2840 kg all up and we chose a Nissan Navara with 7 speed auto and 3L V6 turbo diesel for several reasons.
It can seat 5 so the grandchildren have seats, or another couple if we meet up with friends it has plenty of grunt for touring through hilly country and not holding traffic up, it is comfortable for both of us, with an ABN I get a discount because it is a dual cab ute, plenty of storage area in the back with a canopy fitted, it gets good consumption last trip through western and FNQ over 11,000km we averaged 12.5 L/100km, it tows our van comfortably at 90/95 kmh tow capacity is 3000kg and 300kg on the ball, it is about to get a set of drawers installed to improve the storage organisation.
Not very many non 4wd can offer the towing capacity or engine gearbox features.
you might like to consider what your needs are and make a list so you can see what ticks all the boxes for you.
hope that helps
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 20th of December 2013 11:03:45 PM
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 20th of December 2013 11:05:03 PM
villatranquilla said
12:36 PM Dec 21, 2013
we have just been through this process. Currently have a 2006 Navara towing 20' Jayco Sterling outback (getting near max weight for the Navara) but we want a bigger van (full time living) Wanted a ute back as we carry fuel, generator, smelly fishing gear, chainsaw and sometimes firewood. Looked at Landcruiser and Patrol utes - great carrying capacity and tow ability but within the cab there's no room for inside 'stuff' - mapbooks, water, hats, jumpers, pillow and the occasional grandkid. So have settled on a new Colarado = 3.5 ton towing and 300kg ball weight.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 21st of December 2013 12:37:36 PM
Hendo said
01:10 PM Dec 21, 2013
Thanks to all, plenty to think about. Will keep you posted.
Hendo
Mousey said
05:31 PM Dec 21, 2013
triton dual cab ute for us
Colchap said
07:50 AM Dec 24, 2013
I to am interested in my soon to buy a secondhand tow vehicle and van. I am looking at van with a Tare 1000kg. I don't plan getting off road at all. A mate who also tows a van has suggested a 4x4 turbo diesel vehicle, probably 3.0ltr. I will be travelling solo. My original thought I was looking at a ford 4.1ltr ute on unleaded. I have been checking out vehicles and find that the 4x4 is going to be cost me than I really wanted to spend. My mate has told me that his 4x4 gets about 11ltr/100km normal driving and upwards of 19ltr/100km all hitched up and loaded. From the information I have found a mid 2000's ford ute is going to give much the same in fuel usage. I understand that the diesel is going to give me greater torque. But when it comes down to money. A ford ute is going to cost me considerably less than a 4x4. I have a budget of around 10k for a vehicle and the same for a van, and I really don't want to spend more than that. It's also worth noting that I find the ford option is a lot more comfortable to drive and also I would rather auto than manual.
What's everyone's thought?
Which way should go..... I am really favouring the Ford option, but I also value my mates opinion as well.
Colin
deverall11 said
03:47 PM Dec 30, 2013
Hendo,
We started off with a Mitsubishi Pajero, towing 2.5t van, this was burning 25l/100km and not all that comfortable to ride in. Not long after we setoff, traded her in for a Toyota Lancruiser 200 series V8 diesel. Never looked back. Very comfortable, drives like a car and will cruise on 95 kph all day, up and down hills, and returns around 16l/100km.
Have seen and talked to a lot of people and what ends up mostly in the conversations is that we are all proud of our tug and do not want to admit the possibility of a mistake. We did with the Pajero. Nothing wrong with the unit but the Landcruiser is that much better.
You may want to peruse this article also: caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/articles/fifth-wheelers.html
I am not advocating you should buy a fifth-wheeler, but the article does mention the relationship between the weight of the tug vs the weight of the van.
In one sentence, the heavier the tug as compared to what you are towing, the more stable the whole deal is. Basic physics. This only applies to caravans.
Also, should you decide to go for a Landcruiser, there is a forum that is full of useful information: www.lcool.org/
Good luck in your research and hope you find what you are looking for so that you can start your travels ASAP.
Larry
Just seeking some thoughts on the best, no not best, preferred vehicle to tow a van around the lap. See many 4x4's but then again around the same number of sedans. If you are not going off roading do you really need a 4x4.
Just some comments.
Hendo
Hendo,
I think people would be able to give you much better guidance if you indicated the size and weight of the van you intend to tow.
You may have already noticed that many caravaners ahave Cruisers to meet their needs.
We just recently changed to a 100 series cruiser. Choice can be V8 or Diesel, with diesel offering the better milage usage, but at a premium price.
What ever you buy, it will have to have some grunt for your big van.
Good luck
Jay&Dee
-- Edited by JayDee on Friday 20th of December 2013 03:36:57 PM
-- Edited by JayDee on Friday 20th of December 2013 03:37:51 PM
Hendo
As far as tugs go, my partner loves his Prado, so we chose a caravan which fitted the Prado weight limits.
Regards
Don
Hi Hendo, an 18 to 20ft van still gives you a big scope regarding weight. But when you say the smallest van you can find with a loo that puts you in a van with an all up weight (ATM) above 2,000kg, but under 2,500kg, before anyone jumps on me I know there are exceptions, and there are lighter vans with toilets, but coming from a Roadstar, it is likely that Hendo will again be looking at an Aussie van.
There are still many things that can vary the weight, like suspension type, number of water tanks, etc.
Assuming I am guessing in the right ball park, most people would choose to tow with a 4WD, and with that weight capability the Prado (most around 2,500 but not all), and the Ford Territory (2wd @ 2,300kg, and 4wd @2,700kg), there are many others, but these are the ones that are commonly referred to on the forum. The Pajero is worth a mention here as well, as it is somewhat limited by other factors.
The things you should consider, are the towing capacity (has to exceed the ATM of your van), the maximum allowed ball weight, and the payload of the tow vehicle, remember here that the weight you put on the tow ball is include din the load on the vehicle, so has to fit within the payload, along with everything else that increases the weight of your towing vehicle People fuel, luggage, accesories, etc.).
But probably the most important thing to consider when looking at a vehicle, is it a vehicle that I/We would enjoy driving every day for months on end. There would be nothing worse than being a month into the trip and coming out each morning saying I have to drive this damned thing again.
Good luck with your decision.
Isuzu D-Max....unbreakable!
Averaged 14.8 L/100kms.
21', 2.6 tonne caravan.
2.4 Yamaha genny & tools & everything in back...40,000 kms, never missed a beat.
Off again in January, same vehicle, same caravan.
-- Edited by leevin on Friday 20th of December 2013 09:44:26 PM
Everyone has their own views and ideas on tugs you should do some research just google any type of vehicle and you will get very good info i tow with a patrol 4.2 turbo diesel simply because i have been a fan of nissans for a while used them in east Africa out west in Australia never had a problem recently had an engine upgrade increased to 144 horse power also given me improved fuel consumption just my opinion
Neil
G'day Hendo, Welcome to the forum.
Our caravan weighs 2840 kg all up and we chose a Nissan Navara with 7 speed auto and 3L V6 turbo diesel for several reasons.
It can seat 5 so the grandchildren have seats, or another couple if we meet up with friends
it has plenty of grunt for touring through hilly country and not holding traffic up,
it is comfortable for both of us,
with an ABN I get a discount because it is a dual cab ute,
plenty of storage area in the back with a canopy fitted,
it gets good consumption last trip through western and FNQ over 11,000km we averaged 12.5 L/100km,
it tows our van comfortably at 90/95 kmh
tow capacity is 3000kg and 300kg on the ball,
it is about to get a set of drawers installed to improve the storage organisation.
Not very many non 4wd can offer the towing capacity or engine gearbox features.
you might like to consider what your needs are and make a list so you can see what ticks all the boxes for you.
hope that helps
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 20th of December 2013 11:03:45 PM
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 20th of December 2013 11:05:03 PM
we have just been through this process. Currently have a 2006 Navara towing 20' Jayco Sterling outback (getting near max weight for the Navara) but we want a bigger van (full time living) Wanted a ute back as we carry fuel, generator, smelly fishing gear, chainsaw and sometimes firewood. Looked at Landcruiser and Patrol utes - great carrying capacity and tow ability but within the cab there's no room for inside 'stuff' - mapbooks, water, hats, jumpers, pillow and the occasional grandkid. So have settled on a new Colarado = 3.5 ton towing and 300kg ball weight.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 21st of December 2013 12:37:36 PM
Hendo
I to am interested in my soon to buy a secondhand tow vehicle and van. I am looking at van with a Tare 1000kg. I don't plan getting off road at all. A mate who also tows a van has suggested a 4x4 turbo diesel vehicle, probably 3.0ltr. I will be travelling solo. My original thought I was looking at a ford 4.1ltr ute on unleaded. I have been checking out vehicles and find that the 4x4 is going to be cost me than I really wanted to spend. My mate has told me that his 4x4 gets about 11ltr/100km normal driving and upwards of 19ltr/100km all hitched up and loaded. From the information I have found a mid 2000's ford ute is going to give much the same in fuel usage. I understand that the diesel is going to give me greater torque. But when it comes down to money. A ford ute is going to cost me considerably less than a 4x4. I have a budget of around 10k for a vehicle and the same for a van, and I really don't want to spend more than that. It's also worth noting that I find the ford option is a lot more comfortable to drive and also I would rather auto than manual.
What's everyone's thought?
Which way should go..... I am really favouring the Ford option, but I also value my mates opinion as well.
Colin
We started off with a Mitsubishi Pajero, towing 2.5t van, this was burning 25l/100km and not all that comfortable to ride in. Not long after we setoff, traded her in for a Toyota Lancruiser 200 series V8 diesel. Never looked back. Very comfortable, drives like a car and will cruise on 95 kph all day, up and down hills, and returns around 16l/100km.
Have seen and talked to a lot of people and what ends up mostly in the conversations is that we are all proud of our tug and do not want to admit the possibility of a mistake. We did with the Pajero. Nothing wrong with the unit but the Landcruiser is that much better.
You may want to peruse this article also:
caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/articles/fifth-wheelers.html
I am not advocating you should buy a fifth-wheeler, but the article does mention the relationship between the weight of the tug vs the weight of the van.
In one sentence, the heavier the tug as compared to what you are towing, the more stable the whole deal is. Basic physics. This only applies to caravans.
Also, should you decide to go for a Landcruiser, there is a forum that is full of useful information:
www.lcool.org/
Good luck in your research and hope you find what you are looking for so that you can start your travels ASAP.
Larry