Have travelled from Brisbane to Armidale in a Mazda 6 towing a Ranger Skamper Camper. Although travelling in manual auto transmission wentBeing replaced now at Mazda dealership at Armidale. Any ideas on services available (paid of course) to get camper back to Brisbane In the next two weeks. Not game to tow it anymore. Appreciate any suggestions.
Possum3 said
04:52 PM May 3, 2017
Google trucking companies/truck owners around Armidale/Uralla - One owner driver may be looking for a load to Brisbane
Dougwe said
04:57 PM May 3, 2017
Even though you have been around since 2015 Glenda, I haven't seen you before so welcome to the gang, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Mmmm, how heavy is your camper? Did you check the weight the Mazda can tow first up? Just curious. Check with a transport company as they may have space on the back of a truck doing a return run from Armidale. Just a thought.
rockylizard said
07:02 PM May 3, 2017
Gday...
There are companies that specialise in organising 'back loads' for truckies ... here's a couple -
BUT. No matter WHO you r, and what you drive\tow.
You should ALWAYS have RACQ (whatever) FULL cover.
Specially being a woman.
it's the cheapest insurance there is if anything goes wrong.
And they WILL get you
Either home again. Where you want to be.
or to nearest repair station.
Not doing so. WILL cost you.
Unfortunately.
I'd go and get it for you. for fuel costs.
But live a long way up from you.
Maybe somebody on here Living down that way.
wants to go for a drive hey?????.
Be nice to a bird in distress.
It'll give yours a run.
Just a thort.
rockylizard said
09:50 PM May 3, 2017
Gday...
I agree Macka ... RACV/RACQ/NRMA/RAA etc full Roadside Assist premium cover is wise and prudent and every traveller should have it. Worth the cost for sure.
However, I doubt RACQ, even if ya had the 'full cover' for roadside assistance, would flat-top a camper trailer 460Km-odd.
They may tow the broken down vehicle for a 100Km or so to a repairer - but they already have their vehicle at the repairer and nearly fixed - but not a trailer to home over 460Km.
Anyway, hopefully gwendawan can get something organised to freight the trailer home.
Cheers - John
hako said
07:58 AM May 4, 2017
A friend of mine down that way recommended "New England Towing Services" - he had his car flat topped to Port Macquarie with them. https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandTowing/
Good Luck.
Glendawan said
09:16 AM May 4, 2017
Thanks everyone, I thought I had sent a reply but I can't see it. I did check out the weight of the trailer and was assured that as long as I had electric brakes fitted I was good to go. I had my mechanic check my car over and his advice was drive in manual and not overdrive. The hills were obviously just too much as coming from flat country was not expecting the non stop climbing. I was in top cover RACQ but you have to choose the deal you take and the most important thing was to get my car back on the road so both the car and trailer were towed into Armidale. There's a weeks wait to have an automatic transmission arrive and be fitted. Still having a lovely time so thanks once again for your help.
rockylizard said
09:31 AM May 4, 2017
Gday...
Good to hear things are looking up for ya gwendawan.
You mentioned you have a Mazda 6, towing a Ranger Skamper Camper.
Some basic research I have done shows the Ranger Camper has an ATM of 1,400Kg and if you were at (or below) that weight then the Mazda should be OK as it has a braked towing rating of 1,500Kg.
So the advice that towing through the very hilly country you have traversed in overdrive quite probably put the transmission under too much strain = overheating etc.
I assume the advice to drive it in 'manual mode' will help - what does the owner's manual for the vehicle suggest for towing?
Anyway, hope it all gets together and you get back on the road. Once the transmission is sorted you should be able to tow the camper back home with the Mazda - just being more 'kind' to the transmission.
cheers - John
Glendawan said
09:41 AM May 4, 2017
Hi John, I was extremely kind to the transmission. I was told not to drive in 5th so I didn't. I think it was just too much on the car quite frankly so will upgrade to a bigger car for my next trip. I had all the towing weight stats but now I have lost my confidence towing with my car. If that transmission had gone a little bit earlier I could have had a nasty accident on a hill rise so I think it's best not too.
Thanks, Glenda
CC Bear said
09:41 AM May 4, 2017
If you have top cover then you should have accommodation and hire car while you wait. Goid luck either way you decide to return home.
PeterD said
03:10 PM May 4, 2017
Glenda, how much towing had you done before the transmission gave out? If this was not your first trip then It would be safe to make one more trip with it to get it home. Just use your gear selector to keep the engine revs up around 4,000 rpm when ascending any hills and you should be OK.
gwb said
04:12 PM May 4, 2017
Hi,
Our next door neighbor had a heart attack in Killarney and their insurance company CIL is shipping their van back to the Sunshine Coast for them whilst his wife is staying near the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. If you are in a motoring organization eg RACQ check with them or your insurance company. This only happened last week with the van due back tomorrow. The company doing the towing is Border Towing from Warwick and they seem really decent people to deal with.
Geoff and Bev
Glendawan said
05:55 PM May 4, 2017
It was only two hours from Tenterfield. I had to choose with RACQ which option I wanted and I needed the car and trailer towed into Armidale. I had accommodation booked so they would not cover me till the car was accepted by the mechanical business. Then I am cover for up to six days and hire car for same. Good value, not complaining.
macka17 said
06:21 PM May 4, 2017
Change the car when fixed girl. If you lost confidence with THAT car. You will be dangerous to yourself and others on the road. You'll NEVER trust it again.
You should never be towing anything with a front wheel drive anyway. Accidents waiting to happen. Ex Truckie. seen plenty.
Get something with around a 2 ton tow capacity. It'll still be economical to drive, with towing reserves.
Also. modern Vehicle. Buy an Auto. They better than manuals. and (maybe) have a Torque Converter "Lock-up" fitted.
NEVER buy any veh. Where the item you going to tow. is at Max end of it's towing weight capacity doing so.
You have NO reserves. and trailer WILL control you when something happens..
I have a 2010 D-Max Ute with, ON PAPER. 3 ton tow capacity. I tow a 2 ton van. And wouldn't go much heavier. For safety..
NOR. More than 2.5 ton with ANY ute Regardless of what the Paper figures say.
Once you start loading your veh. Towbar allowable weights go down. as so do the trailer WEIGHT. ALLOWABLE figures.
B4 going anywhere regarding changing veh.
Contact the RACQ. OR spend some time on NET. There is lots of info on there.
But stay away from front wheel drives. ANY...
ALL wheel drive, where front primary.
but you can run it in 4 wheels. Weight over rear
will give the control and traction required.
I put a good info one here a while ago.
Somebody else was kind enuff to post a LINK for it. Maybe he. or others. Will repost for you.
It gives very detailed info and figures on how. and what you should be doing, regarding balancing, weights and figures for towing.
Best of luck. and hope things turn out for you. As said RACQ will cover spare tpt and bed while you waiting. And check up on their TOP. TOP membership rates. I reckon they about the best of the bunch.
Used to carry a workshop with me (Almost) Incl Welder and grinders. (ex machanic)
Nowadays. small tool pack. Sockets. and a good phone.
HELLLLLP.
You paying. get them to do. plus, ALWAYS carry BASIC spare parts for your veh. Belts. Hoses. Bearings, Oils (a ltr of each) Plugs if petrol
Maybe YOU can't fix. But if you stopped and have the bits. Somebody will usually do it for you.
Regards Macka
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 4th of May 2017 06:31:38 PM
Glendawan said
07:58 PM May 4, 2017
Thanks for your advice. I did not want to go four wheel drive as I need to do a lot of city driving when not away. Any suggestions re best type of towing vehicle I need.
PeterD said
10:33 AM May 5, 2017
Glendawan wrote:
Thanks for your advice. I did not want to go four wheel drive as I need to do a lot of city driving when not away. Any suggestions re best type of towing vehicle I need.
We do not have much knowledge of the camper you have. What exact model do you have, what's the weight (tare and ARM?) Perhaps you could go the the manufacturers web site, select the model you have so it is the only one on the page and give us the link to that page. The manufacturer of your camper makes units with a wide range of maximum weights, a few of those exceed the maximum weight of your present tug.
(Also you did not answer my question above.)
Glendawan said
11:05 AM May 5, 2017
Rocky lizard above has the correct specs as I understood them to be. It's a Ranger Skamper Camper, the basic model. No extras fitted.. Sorry PeterD I just went back to see what id missed answering. On the day I towed from Tenterfield to Armidale only and I did the transmission just as I reached the summit as the locals called it 30 odd ks out of Armidale. Scary and I don't want the risk and expense of that happening again. I know I could probably make it back to Brisbane but I don't want the stress of every hill having a repeat experience. Ta for any suggestions.
macka17 said
02:37 PM May 5, 2017
Glenda.
IF you definitely want a CAR.
Have a look at SUBARU Stationwagon "Outback"? I think it's called.
Check it's tow weight.
It does a 2.5 ltr and 3,5ltr engines.
Permanent ALL wheel drive.
1500kg trailer weight
150kg Towbar.
Apart from that check some of the AWD (larger) vehicles.
or civilised.... Utes.
Fully enclosed NOT trays.
If new. Look at last yrs models. SUPERSEDED models.
EX demo.
I bought Di's Honda Civic 320km's in clock full wty and 12 mth rego for $3.500 less.
Plane to Brissie and full tank from then to get home.
Same as my current Ute.
EX Brissie council Plumb Manager.. 3 months out of Wty. AS NEW.
Retail $42 k. I paid $23.5k. Plus they paid $50 taxi from airport
and gave me 12mths wty
Cost me $75 plane fare.
I've always bought New. but last 3 have been ex demo.
Save a fortune.. Last 3 saved $27 grand combined.
Just another alternative if upgrading.
Just think about IF Later, you want to upgrade to something.
you don't have to put up and down everytime you move it.
A little extra towing ability. AND SAFETY.
never goes astray.
Glendawan said
02:40 PM May 5, 2017
Thank you
rockylizard said
02:41 PM May 5, 2017
Gday...
Macka .... her current Mazda 6 has a 1,500Kg braked towing capacity ... the subby would be no improvement
.... and her trailer ATM 1,400Kg ......
Cheers - John
macka17 said
04:11 PM May 5, 2017
Rocky.
I Know.
BUT. It has MORE body weight. AND is ALL wheel drive..
With Longer wheelbase, Better control on road.
The main reason for mentioning it
IF she wants to stay with cars.
PLUS.
Subaru's have "stronger transmissions and running gear" than Mazda 6.
Mazda 6 is chopped off arse, 2 front wh drive, lightweight'ish car.
NOT basically designed for towing. A People carrier on roads.
Subaru is wagon. IE Long wheelbase. ALL wheels driving.
2.5ltr eng, and also geared for dirt\off road.
Again.
Better for towing.
That's what was on top of MY list to have.
IF I hadn't decided to buy another van. Just my boats.
And AGAIN.
""Just MY thorts"", on a long list of vehicles.
have fun.
rockylizard said
04:53 PM May 5, 2017
macka17 wrote:
Rocky.
I Know.
BUT. It has MORE body weight. AND is ALL wheel drive.. With Longer wheelbase, Better control on road. The main reason for mentioning it
IF she wants to stay with cars.
PLUS. Subaru's have "stronger transmissions and running gear" than Mazda 6. Mazda 6 is chopped off arse, 2 front wh drive, lightweight'ish car. NOT basically designed for towing. A People carrier on roads.
Subaru is wagon. IE Long wheelbase. ALL wheels driving. 2.5ltr eng, and also geared for dirt\off road.
Again. Better for towing.
That's what was on top of MY list to have. IF I hadn't decided to buy another van. Just my boats.
And AGAIN. ""Just MY thorts"", on a long list of vehicles.
have fun.
Gday...
SEE ! ! ! ..... you really CAN provide very good advice. That's all that is asked for.
All you said in the earlier bit of "advice" was -
"IF you definitely want a CAR. Have a look at SUBARU Stationwagon "Outback"? I think it's called.
Check it's tow weight. It does a 2.5 ltr and 3,5ltr engines. Permanent ALL wheel drive. 1500kg trailer weight 150kg Towbar."
Most of what you said in that initial post (following the bit I have copied into here) was unrelated and provided nothing for anyone to use to make a decision for any particular vehicle.
This latter post (above) gives MORE than just your OPINION ... it gives REASONS the advice and has validity. Surely even YOU can see the difference.
It is not my intention to annoy or berate you and/or your advice ... just that it is tiresome to see that someone who has so much to offer (and you continue to very pointedly remind us of that) wastes it on unrelated stuff that is really just an opinion with very little substantiation or broadness.
I really WANT to read your posts ... but you make it so difficult to gain anything positive from them.
Cheers - John
macka17 said
05:22 AM May 6, 2017
Sorry John.
I'm on a LOT of Opiate drugs, Patches.
have been. Daily, for over 26 yrs now.
They make my mind wander a bit sometimes.
NOT an excuse I know.
Just what is.
My mind buzzes with things I've done and seen over the yrs.
Specially with experiences in Cranes, and Machinery, sailing, boats.
etc.
Shame we have to fall over without passing some of it on. hey.
I know. We ALL the same.
Still a shame though.
Glendawan said
05:34 AM May 6, 2017
Hi guys, does $440 for a backload Armidale to Brisbane for the camper trailer sound about right?
toglhot said
11:11 AM May 6, 2017
If your car is rated to tow the camper then it is perfectly safe for you to do so. I suspect you have simply been unlucky and possibly the car has always had a well disguised problem with the tranny, towing has just aggravated it. Car manufacturers aren't going to over rate their vehicles towing capacities, after all they are the ones funding the warranty!
blaze said
12:17 PM May 6, 2017
Glendawan wrote:
Hi guys, does $440 for a backload Armidale to Brisbane for the camper trailer sound about right?
I would think so, cost me about $2500 for my van from port hedland to perth
cheers
blaze
Rip and Rosie said
09:06 AM May 7, 2017
macka17 wrote:
Sorry girl. ........ Specially being a woman. ............... Be nice to a bird in distress. It'll give yours a run.
Just a thort.
Your sexist response is unacceptable and inappropriate.
No wonder women dont post much.
Glendawan said
10:02 AM May 7, 2017
Thanks Rosie,
I felt I was repeating myself on this forum, some blokes whilst I'm sure they were meaning to be helpful were making statements which just didn't apply. I was in top level RACQ, I had done my homework re weight of trailer I could pull etc. I just wanted local info. Thanks again
Have travelled from Brisbane to Armidale in a Mazda 6 towing a Ranger Skamper Camper. Although travelling in manual auto transmission wentBeing replaced now at Mazda dealership at Armidale. Any ideas on services available (paid of course) to get camper back to Brisbane In the next two weeks. Not game to tow it anymore. Appreciate any suggestions.
Mmmm, how heavy is your camper? Did you check the weight the Mazda can tow first up? Just curious. Check with a transport company as they may have space on the back of a truck doing a return run from Armidale. Just a thought.
Gday...
There are companies that specialise in organising 'back loads' for truckies ... here's a couple -
https://www.truckit.net/backloads
http://www.backloadingaus.com.au/
http://www.backloadit.com.au/
Cheers - John
I can't help you with that question.
BUT. No matter WHO you r, and what you drive\tow.
You should ALWAYS have RACQ (whatever) FULL cover.
Specially being a woman.
it's the cheapest insurance there is if anything goes wrong.
And they WILL get you
Either home again. Where you want to be.
or to nearest repair station.
Not doing so. WILL cost you.
Unfortunately.
I'd go and get it for you. for fuel costs.
But live a long way up from you.
Maybe somebody on here Living down that way.
wants to go for a drive hey?????.
Be nice to a bird in distress.
It'll give yours a run.
Just a thort.
Gday...
I agree Macka ... RACV/RACQ/NRMA/RAA etc full Roadside Assist premium cover is wise and prudent and every traveller should have it. Worth the cost for sure.
However, I doubt RACQ, even if ya had the 'full cover' for roadside assistance, would flat-top a camper trailer 460Km-odd.
They may tow the broken down vehicle for a 100Km or so to a repairer - but they already have their vehicle at the repairer and nearly fixed - but not a trailer to home over 460Km.
Anyway, hopefully gwendawan can get something organised to freight the trailer home.
Cheers - John
A friend of mine down that way recommended "New England Towing Services" - he had his car flat topped to Port Macquarie with them.
https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandTowing/
Good Luck.
Gday...
Good to hear things are looking up for ya gwendawan.
You mentioned you have a Mazda 6, towing a Ranger Skamper Camper.
Some basic research I have done shows the Ranger Camper has an ATM of 1,400Kg and if you were at (or below) that weight then the Mazda should be OK as it has a braked towing rating of 1,500Kg.
So the advice that towing through the very hilly country you have traversed in overdrive quite probably put the transmission under too much strain = overheating etc.
I assume the advice to drive it in 'manual mode' will help - what does the owner's manual for the vehicle suggest for towing?
Anyway, hope it all gets together and you get back on the road. Once the transmission is sorted you should be able to tow the camper back home with the Mazda - just being more 'kind' to the transmission.
cheers - John
Thanks, Glenda
Our next door neighbor had a heart attack in Killarney and their insurance company CIL is shipping their van back to the Sunshine Coast for them whilst his wife is staying near the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. If you are in a motoring organization eg RACQ check with them or your insurance company. This only happened last week with the van due back tomorrow. The company doing the towing is Border Towing from Warwick and they seem really decent people to deal with.
Geoff and Bev
It was only two hours from Tenterfield. I had to choose with RACQ which option I wanted and I needed the car and trailer towed into Armidale. I had accommodation booked so they would not cover me till the car was accepted by the mechanical business. Then I am cover for up to six days and hire car for same. Good value, not complaining.
Change the car when fixed girl.
If you lost confidence with THAT car.
You will be dangerous to yourself and others on the road.
You'll NEVER trust it again.
You should never be towing anything with a front wheel drive anyway.
Accidents waiting to happen.
Ex Truckie. seen plenty.
Get something with around a 2 ton tow capacity.
It'll still be economical to drive, with towing reserves.
Also. modern Vehicle. Buy an Auto. They better than manuals.
and (maybe) have a Torque Converter "Lock-up" fitted.
NEVER buy any veh. Where the item you going to tow. is at Max end of it's towing weight capacity doing so.
You have NO reserves. and trailer WILL control you when something happens..
I have a 2010 D-Max Ute with, ON PAPER. 3 ton tow capacity.
I tow a 2 ton van.
And wouldn't go much heavier. For safety..
NOR. More than 2.5 ton with ANY ute
Regardless of what the Paper figures say.
Once you start loading your veh. Towbar allowable weights go down.
as so do the trailer WEIGHT. ALLOWABLE figures.
B4 going anywhere regarding changing veh.
Contact the RACQ. OR spend some time on NET.
There is lots of info on there.
But stay away from front wheel drives. ANY...
ALL wheel drive, where front primary.
but you can run it in 4 wheels. Weight over rear
will give the control and traction required.
I put a good info one here a while ago.
Somebody else was kind enuff to post a LINK for it.
Maybe he. or others. Will repost for you.
It gives very detailed info and figures on how. and what you should be doing,
regarding balancing, weights and figures for towing.
Best of luck. and hope things turn out for you.
As said RACQ will cover spare tpt and bed while you waiting.
And check up on their TOP. TOP membership rates.
I reckon they about the best of the bunch.
Used to carry a workshop with me (Almost)
Incl Welder and grinders. (ex machanic)
Nowadays.
small tool pack. Sockets. and a good phone.
HELLLLLP.
You paying. get them to do.
plus, ALWAYS carry BASIC spare parts for your veh.
Belts. Hoses. Bearings, Oils (a ltr of each)
Plugs if petrol
Maybe YOU can't fix.
But if you stopped and have the bits.
Somebody will usually do it for you.
Regards
Macka
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 4th of May 2017 06:31:38 PM
We do not have much knowledge of the camper you have. What exact model do you have, what's the weight (tare and ARM?) Perhaps you could go the the manufacturers web site, select the model you have so it is the only one on the page and give us the link to that page. The manufacturer of your camper makes units with a wide range of maximum weights, a few of those exceed the maximum weight of your present tug.
(Also you did not answer my question above.)
IF you definitely want a CAR.
Have a look at SUBARU Stationwagon "Outback"? I think it's called.
Check it's tow weight.
It does a 2.5 ltr and 3,5ltr engines.
Permanent ALL wheel drive.
1500kg trailer weight
150kg Towbar.
Apart from that check some of the AWD (larger) vehicles.
or civilised.... Utes.
Fully enclosed NOT trays.
If new. Look at last yrs models. SUPERSEDED models.
EX demo.
I bought Di's Honda Civic 320km's in clock full wty and 12 mth rego for $3.500 less.
Plane to Brissie and full tank from then to get home.
Same as my current Ute.
EX Brissie council Plumb Manager.. 3 months out of Wty. AS NEW.
Retail $42 k. I paid $23.5k. Plus they paid $50 taxi from airport
and gave me 12mths wty
Cost me $75 plane fare.
I've always bought New. but last 3 have been ex demo.
Save a fortune.. Last 3 saved $27 grand combined.
Just another alternative if upgrading.
Just think about IF Later, you want to upgrade to something.
you don't have to put up and down everytime you move it.
A little extra towing ability. AND SAFETY.
never goes astray.
Gday...
Macka .... her current Mazda 6 has a 1,500Kg braked towing capacity ... the subby would be no improvement
.... and her trailer ATM 1,400Kg ......
Cheers - John
I Know.
BUT. It has MORE body weight. AND is ALL wheel drive..
With Longer wheelbase, Better control on road.
The main reason for mentioning it
IF she wants to stay with cars.
PLUS.
Subaru's have "stronger transmissions and running gear" than Mazda 6.
Mazda 6 is chopped off arse, 2 front wh drive, lightweight'ish car.
NOT basically designed for towing. A People carrier on roads.
Subaru is wagon. IE Long wheelbase. ALL wheels driving.
2.5ltr eng, and also geared for dirt\off road.
Again.
Better for towing.
That's what was on top of MY list to have.
IF I hadn't decided to buy another van. Just my boats.
And AGAIN.
""Just MY thorts"", on a long list of vehicles.
have fun.
Gday...
SEE ! ! ! ..... you really CAN provide very good advice. That's all that is asked for.
All you said in the earlier bit of "advice" was -
"IF you definitely want a CAR.
Have a look at SUBARU Stationwagon "Outback"? I think it's called.
Check it's tow weight.
It does a 2.5 ltr and 3,5ltr engines.
Permanent ALL wheel drive.
1500kg trailer weight
150kg Towbar."
Most of what you said in that initial post (following the bit I have copied into here) was unrelated and provided nothing for anyone to use to make a decision for any particular vehicle.
This latter post (above) gives MORE than just your OPINION ... it gives REASONS the advice and has validity. Surely even YOU can see the difference.
It is not my intention to annoy or berate you and/or your advice ... just that it is tiresome to see that someone who has so much to offer (and you continue to very pointedly remind us of that) wastes it on unrelated stuff that is really just an opinion with very little substantiation or broadness.
I really WANT to read your posts ... but you make it so difficult to gain anything positive from them.
Cheers - John
I'm on a LOT of Opiate drugs, Patches.
have been. Daily, for over 26 yrs now.
They make my mind wander a bit sometimes.
NOT an excuse I know.
Just what is.
My mind buzzes with things I've done and seen over the yrs.
Specially with experiences in Cranes, and Machinery, sailing, boats.
etc.
Shame we have to fall over without passing some of it on. hey.
I know. We ALL the same.
Still a shame though.
I would think so, cost me about $2500 for my van from port hedland to perth
cheers
blaze
Your sexist response is unacceptable and inappropriate.
No wonder women dont post much.
I felt I was repeating myself on this forum, some blokes whilst I'm sure they were meaning to be helpful were making statements which just didn't apply. I was in top level RACQ, I had done my homework re weight of trailer I could pull etc. I just wanted local info. Thanks again