I haven't seen any recent posts on tow vehicles (tugs). I am looking at something for the long haul after I get out of company cars later this year. I currently have a Coromal 16' pop top (around 1150kg tare, so probably around 1400 - 1500kg gross) and been looking at dual cab 4x4 diesels, probably a 3-4 yo Hilux/Triton/Navara/Colorado, depending on price mainly as I realize mileage up to a point is not an issue with diesels as long as they are serviced correctly and regularly (have had 2 diesel company vehicles).
Would like anyone's thoughts/comments/reasons not to buy on these four as I they seen to be the most common on the road towing mid sized vans, from what I have seen on my travels so far. I currently tow the van with a CX5 diesel which is OK, but would not want to go much bigger van wise. I intend to upgrade to a full size off road when I retire in a couple years, so need to factor that in as well.
Cheers and regards,
Craig D.
Dougwe said
11:32 AM Jan 25, 2015
Hi Craig,
This has been asked many times and I usually say the same thing, it's all personal choice really however for what it's worth I went through a similar process around March/April 2014 and after many weeks of researching and test driving decided on a 2014 Twin Cab Colorado with canopy.
I found all the similar vehicles similar in flavour and narrowed it down to the Colorado and Izuzu Dmax. I had trouble separating both so decided to start talking turkey with Izuzu first, they weren't interested in talking even sparrow so went to Holden and they talked Emu with me so they got the sale in the end. I wanted something capable of 3500 kg towing and 350kg on the ball even though I was not going to tow those weights. My theory is not to overwork the Tug. I sit well under both weights. Well not me but the rig.
Many moons down the track and I am very happy with the Collie and have just about set it up the way I think I need it. The Den sits on the back very nicely indeedy and so far causing no problems. They seem to matched well.
I understand you are talking second hand but don't go back to many moons as they might not be as good.
Hope that is of some help and whatever you decide on enjoy and keep safe.
Craig55 said
03:23 PM Jan 25, 2015
Hi Doug and many thanks for your quick reply.
Yes, I do realise the end decision is down to personal choice (and of course available funds!!). Just wanted to hear if anyone had any particular problems with their tug (have heard about overheating engine problems with Hilux under load), as there are new models coming out regularly.
Good point about not going too old, I was thinking around the 09 - 11 vintage, depending on price. Not worried about frills, just want a good reliable engine, with enough grunt to pull my van comfortably, with a bit in reserve if/when I upgrade later.
Hi Craig, I have a 2011 D Max with canopy and tow a 22' Crusader. Mine is the last of the 3tonne towing limit before 3.5s. I have had no trouble towing our van and like the Colorado they have Light Truck motor which hopefully will be more duable over time. I'm only into retirement by a few months so like you I was looking for something that would stand the test of time. The vehicle was bought as a demo model so it did have a couple of modifications such as beefed up rear suspension and few other bells and whistles, but as a truckie driving an Isuzu buying the D Max was an easy decision. Only to plaesed to expand further if you wish, happy motoring.
Regards Colin
Craig55 said
09:17 PM Jan 26, 2015
Cheers Aussie Paul, some good info at these sites and pretty well reinforces what I have been thinking.
Cheers, Craig
aussie_paul said
09:34 PM Jan 26, 2015
The search, function can be handy to find "stuff".
Click on the search button then enter a word or two.
There are numerous tests done on all the vehicles to consider for towing and if you check out Camping and Caravans test reports re The towing capabilities and costs to run of the Amarok.
A lot of people do not consider the Amarok because of engine size.
My son has bought one and now never uses his Colorado.
grahos said
07:54 PM Jan 28, 2015
I bought a 2nd hand HiLux and had trouble with the rear springs which broke. My suggestion is if you buy 2nd hand and it has travelled more than 80K then renew the rear springs,do not retension / reset them it does not work. The problem is a result of the vehicle being strapped down extremely heavy while on the water.
-- Edited by grahos on Wednesday 28th of January 2015 07:55:00 PM
G'Day all,
I haven't seen any recent posts on tow vehicles (tugs). I am looking at something for the long haul after I get out of company cars later this year. I currently have a Coromal 16' pop top (around 1150kg tare, so probably around 1400 - 1500kg gross) and been looking at dual cab 4x4 diesels, probably a 3-4 yo Hilux/Triton/Navara/Colorado, depending on price mainly as I realize mileage up to a point is not an issue with diesels as long as they are serviced correctly and regularly (have had 2 diesel company vehicles).
Would like anyone's thoughts/comments/reasons not to buy on these four as I they seen to be the most common on the road towing mid sized vans, from what I have seen on my travels so far. I currently tow the van with a CX5 diesel which is OK, but would not want to go much bigger van wise. I intend to upgrade to a full size off road when I retire in a couple years, so need to factor that in as well.
Cheers and regards,
Craig D.
This has been asked many times and I usually say the same thing, it's all personal choice really however for what it's worth I went through a similar process around March/April 2014 and after many weeks of researching and test driving decided on a 2014 Twin Cab Colorado with canopy.
I found all the similar vehicles similar in flavour and narrowed it down to the Colorado and Izuzu Dmax. I had trouble separating both so decided to start talking turkey with Izuzu first, they weren't interested in talking even sparrow so went to Holden and they talked Emu with me so they got the sale in the end. I wanted something capable of 3500 kg towing and 350kg on the ball even though I was not going to tow those weights. My theory is not to overwork the Tug. I sit well under both weights. Well not me but the rig.
Many moons down the track and I am very happy with the Collie and have just about set it up the way I think I need it. The Den sits on the back very nicely indeedy and so far causing no problems. They seem to matched well.
I understand you are talking second hand but don't go back to many moons as they might not be as good.
Hope that is of some help and whatever you decide on enjoy and keep safe.
Yes, I do realise the end decision is down to personal choice (and of course available funds!!). Just wanted to hear if anyone had any particular problems with their tug (have heard about overheating engine problems with Hilux under load), as there are new models coming out regularly.
Good point about not going too old, I was thinking around the 09 - 11 vintage, depending on price. Not worried about frills, just want a good reliable engine, with enough grunt to pull my van comfortably, with a bit in reserve if/when I upgrade later.
Happy trails and cheers,
Craig
A search with "tug" yielded these threads.. http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/p/results/
Aussie Paul.
See if these will work Craig.
Aussie Paul.
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t55993032/tows-tugs-whatever/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t50211519/tugs/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t41664721/tugs/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t40520660/tugs-versus-economy/
Cheers Aussie Paul, some good info at these sites and pretty well reinforces what I have been thinking.
Cheers, Craig
The search, function can be handy to find "stuff".
Click on the search button then enter a word or two.
Aussie Paul.
Have a look at the VW Amarok.
There are numerous tests done on all the vehicles to consider for towing and if you check out Camping and Caravans test reports re The towing capabilities and costs to run of the Amarok.
A lot of people do not consider the Amarok because of engine size.
My son has bought one and now never uses his Colorado.
I bought a 2nd hand HiLux and had trouble with the rear springs which broke.
My suggestion is if you buy 2nd hand and it has travelled more than 80K then
renew the rear springs,do not retension / reset them it does not work.
The problem is a result of the vehicle being strapped down extremely heavy while on the water.
-- Edited by grahos on Wednesday 28th of January 2015 07:55:00 PM