We are looking at spending up to $40K for a 4x4 to tow a 21.5 foot jayco sterling caravan (2,450 kilo loaded) and plan to be on the road for approx. 9 months. Can anyone suggest what would be the best vehicle to tow this van comfortably. We have looked at a Nissan Navara 2.5ltr turbo diesel 2013 for $35,000 but not sure if the motor is too small, would appreciate your advice. Many thanks Steve and Ann.
navynurse said
06:50 PM Jun 22, 2015
Ah well I'll through my 2 bits worth in.
I have a Colorado auto and an 18 ft Coromal 2.4 tonn . I recon it would tow it up a gum tree I've had no problems as yet. I would recommend it.
I have added a long ranger tank and uhf but the rest is standard. Saw that they were on special for EOFY sales. But Others will have their own ideas and in the end it's up to what you like
on the day. Have fun and good luck.
Allan
Bruce and Bev said
06:53 PM Jun 22, 2015
Hi Steve and Ann. Have sent you a private message (PM) on my thoughts lol
Nomes said
07:00 PM Jun 22, 2015
I just bought a new 2014 4x4 Isuzu DMax. I paid $38k drive away.
Dual Cab, lock down lid, running boards, back bumper, 3 litre turbo diesel, tow ball, towing is 3.5kg, excellent on fuel. It also has a docking station for recharging phones etc., bluetooth.
Best of all is the 5 year warranty (130,000 klm) and 5 year roadside assist.
I found the dealership to be fantastic and since Izuzu make trucks I can get servicing done up until 8pm at night.
I love it.
It's the end of Financial Year so there are some good deals to be had.
Spydermann said
07:15 PM Jun 22, 2015
There are good deals on before June 30th, especially on 2014 plated vehicles. Also, a new Ford Ranger is due out in September? hence Ford may have runout deals soon. In the last few weeks I've looked at the lot (except Toyota) - Ford, Nissan, VW, Mitsi, Holden & Isuzu. Not all dual cabs have rear doors that adults can get in but the plus side is that the tub is bigger. Personally I cannot get in & out on the running boards and those chrome bars on high spec models don't appear to do much other than hinder a canopy or flat lid. All similar prices for similar features. A new vehicle is currently in my "definite maybe" category.
Confidence in the dealership means a lot, sometimes more than the brand.
Dougwe said
07:41 PM Jun 22, 2015
I have had a 4x4 Colorado twin cab ute for 12 months now and have no regrets, best car I have ever had. I recently added an extra leaf to each side rear srings, big imrovement when towing.
At the end if the day Steve and Ann, it's your call.
Enjoy your choice and keep safe.
Desert Dweller said
07:58 PM Jun 22, 2015
Spydermann wrote: Personally I cannot get in & out on the running boards and those chrome bars on high spec models don't appear to do much other than hinder a canopy or flat lid.
''Sports Bars'' originated in the US & were originally supposed to act like a ''rollover protection bar''. When we bought our new Navara a few months ago the ''Sports Bar'' had to be taken off because we had a canopy fitted. We asked the Dealer to give us the ''Sports Bar'' so that we could sell it on Ebay. The thickness of the metal tubing that it was made of was thinner than a thermos flask & would do nothing as far as protection goes in a rollover situation. These things are just a bit of ''shiny bling'' to attract buyers. If our van was as heavy as yours we would have gone with the D-max.
keiron said
08:40 PM Jun 22, 2015
I have a 4.8 litre Nissan Patrol, and I am beginning to think I am the only one.
I can not recall anyone recommending them as a "tug".
Did I buy the wrong thing ????????????
Stuss said
08:50 PM Jun 22, 2015
Friend of mine brought a Nissan Patrol automatic , but being auto can only pull 2.5 tonne, manual 3.5 , I wouldn't have thought it should have been any different ,
Stuss
rockylizard said
09:04 PM Jun 22, 2015
Gday...
I have no hands-on experience with any of the current "utes" ... but this may help -
Well I have a patrol 4.2 diesel cab chassis because we have a 5 th wheeler love my patrols not too keen on the new 4 cylinder ones my son had a navara about 2012 I think was, not a very good engine blew up not long after he sold it (120,000k I think ) second son has a 2013 navara same engine but it sounds and runs entirely different 10 times better than the other navara there has been quite a few navara on farms around here most not liked that much mostly because Nissan forgot to put 1st gear in the gearbox darn things would nearly break 60 k in first so no good for starting off a heavy load mind you there probably all like that now most have gone to auto now around here, me I am old school prefer my old 2005 patrol for dependability no computers, I'm not a Toyota man but the old 4.2 diesel cruisers have a very good reputation also but these may not suit your needs.
Good luck in your search for what best suits your needs
signwilson said
10:29 PM Jun 22, 2015
we just love our 100 series diesel landcruiser. Have seen a few navaras with a broken back. Weak in the chassis.
-- Edited by signwilson on Monday 22nd of June 2015 10:30:13 PM
Spydermann said
10:21 AM Jun 23, 2015
Stuss wrote:
Friend of mine brought a Nissan Patrol automatic , but being auto can only pull 2.5 tonne, manual 3.5 , I wouldn't have thought it should have been any different , Stuss
Some autos pull more than manuals these days. My auto ute pulls 1600kg but the manual version only pulls 1200kg. Was the other way around unless an auto transmission cooler was added. These coolers must be standard equipment these days.
Chris61 said
01:52 PM Jun 23, 2015
Nomes wrote:
I just bought a new 2014 4x4 Isuzu DMax. I paid $38k drive away.
Dual Cab, lock down lid, running boards, back bumper, 3 litre turbo diesel, tow ball, towing is 3.5kg, excellent on fuel. It also has a docking station for recharging phones etc., bluetooth.
Best of all is the 5 year warranty (130,000 klm) and 5 year roadside assist.
I found the dealership to be fantastic and since Izuzu make trucks I can get servicing done up until 8pm at night.
I love it.
It's the end of Financial Year so there are some good deals to be had.
If the Dmax is automatic, what more would you need. I think a 3 litre engine would do the job easier and with less revs than the smaller engines. It would be new and EOFY sales are well under way. Put the pressure on them and they may throw in a tow bar. I have a manual Colorado with same engine (less power) towing 3500kg and will pull down to 1800rpm with ease.
JackoFJR said
03:47 PM Jun 23, 2015
The Colorado 2.8 has the most power and torque of all the Dual Cabs , the Dmax has the least
I tow a Tvan about 1250kg behind my new Dmax that's enought I think .
We are looking at spending up to $40K for a 4x4 to tow a 21.5 foot jayco sterling caravan (2,450 kilo loaded) and plan to be on the road for approx. 9 months. Can anyone suggest what would be the best vehicle to tow this van comfortably. We have looked at a Nissan Navara 2.5ltr turbo diesel 2013 for $35,000 but not sure if the motor is too small, would appreciate your advice. Many thanks Steve and Ann.
I have a Colorado auto and an 18 ft Coromal 2.4 tonn . I recon it would tow it up a gum tree I've had no problems as yet. I would recommend it.
I have added a long ranger tank and uhf but the rest is standard. Saw that they were on special for EOFY sales. But Others will have their own ideas and in the end it's up to what you like
on the day. Have fun and good luck.
Allan
Dual Cab, lock down lid, running boards, back bumper, 3 litre turbo diesel, tow ball, towing is 3.5kg, excellent on fuel. It also has a docking station for recharging phones etc., bluetooth.
Best of all is the 5 year warranty (130,000 klm) and 5 year roadside assist.
I found the dealership to be fantastic and since Izuzu make trucks I can get servicing done up until 8pm at night.
I love it.
It's the end of Financial Year so there are some good deals to be had.
Confidence in the dealership means a lot, sometimes more than the brand.
At the end if the day Steve and Ann, it's your call.
Enjoy your choice and keep safe.
I have a 4.8 litre Nissan Patrol, and I am beginning to think I am the only one.
I can not recall anyone recommending them as a "tug".
Did I buy the wrong thing ????????????
Stuss
Gday...
I have no hands-on experience with any of the current "utes" ... but this may help -
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/60644/the-top-5-utes-and-pickups-for-2015-ranger-bt-50-d-max-hilux-amarok
Cheers - John
Good luck in your search for what best suits your needs
-- Edited by signwilson on Monday 22nd of June 2015 10:30:13 PM
Some autos pull more than manuals these days. My auto ute pulls 1600kg but the manual version only pulls 1200kg. Was the other way around unless an auto transmission cooler was added. These coolers must be standard equipment these days.
I tow a Tvan about 1250kg behind my new Dmax that's enought I think .