We are looking at purchasing a 2012 Landcruiser 79 series GXL single cab to tow our 22'6/3200kg caravan , it is equipped with a box canopy which really interest my husband so he can put all the extra gear needed for our big trip planned at retirement in 2 years.
I would like to know if anyone out there as had experience driving this type of vehicle with a caravan and without one as well- I have heard that they are not too comfortable in rough road and can be noisy on freeway- we have at the moment a 4.2l Nissan Patrol that work great but we need space to put all the extra Free camping gear .
We will be very happy to hear any comments / suggestions anyone may have on this subject.
Thanking you
Mez & CHristian
iana said
09:18 AM Oct 1, 2015
Comfort is one of the reasons I choose a Mazda (or Ranger) free style cab, We can put our seats back and have a snooze, still have the room on the back tray, have 4 x 4 and lockable diff.
Mez said
10:19 AM Oct 1, 2015
Thank you Iana for your reply.
Yuglamron said
10:25 AM Oct 1, 2015
I would look closely at weights. If I remember correctly the towing capacity of the 79 series is 3500 Kgs. If your van comes in at 3200 it only leaves you with 300 kgs for everything else.
It's a very complicated thing towing weights and what you can actually tow and carry in the tug.
I don't want to be the person who pours cold water on peoples ideas but it is a big safety issue, what you can and can't tow.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 1st of October 2015 10:33:31 AM
Mez said
11:36 AM Oct 1, 2015
Hi Yuglamron,
Thank you for your reply, 3200 kgs is actually the fully loaded weight of the caravan.
Your attachment make very interesting reading and I will definitely show it to my husband.
Can not take safety lightly .
Cheers
Yuglamron said
01:54 PM Oct 1, 2015
It's a minefield isn't it. Towball weights, WDH's, GVW, ATM's and all the rest of the acronyms. Hope you get sorted and get out in the playground soon.
Baz421 said
03:33 PM Oct 1, 2015
Mez.
We have a 10 year old 79 series 4.2TD RV model a bit older but still the same vehicle essentially, except engine driveline etc.
We have an uprated GVM of 3.7 tonnes and tow a 3 ton van no problems.
Ride is good as we have RV seats etc, generally it handles things well.
Tyre noise is what you shoe them with generally and yes with snorkel there is some wind noise.
Good morning ,
We are looking at purchasing a 2012 Landcruiser 79 series GXL single cab to tow our 22'6/3200kg caravan , it is equipped with a box canopy which really interest my husband so he can put all the extra gear needed for our big trip planned at retirement in 2 years.
I would like to know if anyone out there as had experience driving this type of vehicle with a caravan and without one as well- I have heard that they are not too comfortable in rough road and can be noisy on freeway- we have at the moment a 4.2l Nissan Patrol that work great but we need space to put all the extra Free camping gear .
We will be very happy to hear any comments / suggestions anyone may have on this subject.
Thanking you
Mez & CHristian
I would look closely at weights. If I remember correctly the towing capacity of the 79 series is 3500 Kgs. If your van comes in at 3200 it only leaves you with 300 kgs for everything else.
It's a very complicated thing towing weights and what you can actually tow and carry in the tug.
Check out this site re Towing capacities etc.
https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/why-a-3500kg-tow-rating-may-not-really-be-a-3500kg-tow-rating/
I don't want to be the person who pours cold water on peoples ideas but it is a big safety issue, what you can and can't tow.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 1st of October 2015 10:33:31 AM
Thank you for your reply, 3200 kgs is actually the fully loaded weight of the caravan.
Your attachment make very interesting reading and I will definitely show it to my husband.
Can not take safety lightly .
Cheers
It's a minefield isn't it. Towball weights, WDH's, GVW, ATM's and all the rest of the acronyms. Hope you get sorted and get out in the playground soon.
Mez.
We have a 10 year old 79 series 4.2TD RV model a bit older but still the same vehicle essentially, except engine driveline etc.
We have an uprated GVM of 3.7 tonnes and tow a 3 ton van no problems.
Ride is good as we have RV seats etc, generally it handles things well.
Tyre noise is what you shoe them with generally and yes with snorkel there is some wind noise.