Hi I am looking at buying a caravan with a 1500kg atm and 130kg ball weight. My partner does not want drive a Ute, BT50, Ranger etc.
does anyone have any recommendations for a SUV type vehicle. I have bee on considering a CX5 or CX9 but thought the tow weight might be a bit close to there limits.
What leeway would be suitable when choosing a tow vehicle, 10%, 20% or more higher than the van weight?
Bicyclecamper said
10:33 PM Nov 17, 2024
A friend has a top of the range 2016 model Grand Cherokee, by Jeep and swears by it, he has been living next door to us for 3 years, and he has had no issues with it at all. He tows a almost new 22 foot van with it.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 17th of November 2024 10:34:31 PM
Dick0 said
10:06 AM Nov 18, 2024
My previous caravan, a dual axle pop top with ATM of 1900kg, I towed with a Ford Territory All Wheel Drive diesel.
Engine 2.7lt V6 diesel, tow capacity 2700kg. Fantastic vehicle towing that capacity. Never had any mechanical problems.
Many of these vehicles around for sale and many in fantastic condition according to my mechanic, who did the RWC on mine.
Possum3 said
05:38 PM Nov 18, 2024
Welcome to the Forum Ali; The Isuzu MU-X is a mid-size SUV produced by Isuzu. It is a body-on-frame SUV based on the D-Max pickup truck, and the successor to the MU-7. The name "MU-X" stands for "Multi Utility eXtreme".
BaldEd said
07:54 PM Nov 18, 2024
Another mid-sized SUV type that could be considered is a Colorado7, this is a 7 seat SUV based on the Colorado ute (has same engine and gearbox). The body shape and size is the same as the Isuzu MUX - both being GM vehicles. Where the Colorado7 has the GM 2.8 litre Duramax turbo diesel, the MUX has the same Isuzu engine as fitted to the D-Max ute. Both would be great tow vehicles for your needs.
Ali said
06:23 PM Nov 19, 2024
Thanks for the replys everyone.
sorry I was about lax in replying but I had really bad service and was travelling over the last few days.
I was considering a Grand Cherokee but hadnt heard to much about them. I remember a few years back that Jeep didnt have a very good name and was a bit concerned.
i have also narrowed the van requirements down and have come up with the following:
Tare around 1100 kg
Towball around 100 to 130 kg
ATM up to about 1500 kg
i will probably end up buying a Jayco van, either Journey, Freedom or StarCraft around 12 to 14 ft, which is where the above figures come from.
if there are any other suggestions please let me know.
cheers
and thanks again
Ali
-- Edited by Ali on Tuesday 19th of November 2024 06:25:26 PM
-- Edited by Ali on Tuesday 19th of November 2024 06:29:47 PM
Honest John said
10:32 PM Nov 26, 2024
Hi Ali. I towed my first van, a 1950kg Geist with a diesel Territory and it was great. Comfortable, reasonably fuel efficient and nice to drive.
jegog said
10:01 AM Dec 8, 2024
I have a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed and have towed a 20 footer. between Melbourne and Mareeba seven times in the last two years.
The Pajero Sport is a true four wheel drive and I drive almost exclusively in 4H(high speed 4 wheel drive).
I have experimented towing a 8x5 trailer in both 4 and 2 wheel drive and the difference is chalk and cheese.
The 10 year extended warranty was also a bonus.
I would also recommend the RACV Total Care, as they have always came through for me, even when RACQ failed.
tempestv8 said
10:00 AM Aug 13, 2025
Curious to know what you ended up purchasing, Ali.
There's the Ford Everest V6 if you are thinking new. Not at long as a Ranger so your partner can drive it.
oxleigh said
07:37 PM Aug 24, 2025
Dick0 wrote:
My previous caravan, a dual axle pop top with ATM of 1900kg, I towed with a Ford Territory All Wheel Drive diesel.
Engine 2.7lt V6 diesel, tow capacity 2700kg. Fantastic vehicle towing that capacity. Never had any mechanical problems.
Many of these vehicles around for sale and many in fantastic condition according to my mechanic, who did the RWC on mine.
I do have a Territory Diesel RWD towing a 16.5 ft pop top. all up van is close to 1600 Kg, the territory is one of the best SUV tugs because of the power, comfort and economy, I hav considered what to replace this vehicle with for the job it does for us but after looking at and sitting in and driving dual cabs Everest, MUX, and most others, and taking to owners etc, I have come to the conclusion there is no other I would buy, we are just going to hang on to the Territory as long as we are towing, at my age I wont be towing for ever, when that happens we will downsize but I cant think of any vehicle to replace the Terri with even then. Everyone should at least drive a Territory for 50 Km towing or not and they will understand what a great Aussie car can be like.
A friend has a top of the range 2016 model Grand Cherokee, by Jeep and swears by it, he has been living next door to us for 3 years, and he has had no issues with it at all. He tows a almost new 22 foot van with it.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 17th of November 2024 10:34:31 PM
My previous caravan, a dual axle pop top with ATM of 1900kg, I towed with a Ford Territory All Wheel Drive diesel.
Engine 2.7lt V6 diesel, tow capacity 2700kg. Fantastic vehicle towing that capacity. Never had any mechanical problems.
Many of these vehicles around for sale and many in fantastic condition according to my mechanic, who did the RWC on mine.
Thanks for the replys everyone.
sorry I was about lax in replying but I had really bad service and was travelling over the last few days.
I was considering a Grand Cherokee but hadnt heard to much about them. I remember a few years back that Jeep didnt have a very good name and was a bit concerned.
i have also narrowed the van requirements down and have come up with the following:
Tare around 1100 kg
Towball around 100 to 130 kg
ATM up to about 1500 kg
i will probably end up buying a Jayco van, either Journey, Freedom or StarCraft around 12 to 14 ft, which is where the above figures come from.
if there are any other suggestions please let me know.
cheers
and thanks again
Ali
-- Edited by Ali on Tuesday 19th of November 2024 06:25:26 PM
-- Edited by Ali on Tuesday 19th of November 2024 06:29:47 PM
Hi Ali. I towed my first van, a 1950kg Geist with a diesel Territory and it was great. Comfortable, reasonably fuel efficient and nice to drive.
The Pajero Sport is a true four wheel drive and I drive almost exclusively in 4H(high speed 4 wheel drive).
I have experimented towing a 8x5 trailer in both 4 and 2 wheel drive and the difference is chalk and cheese.
The 10 year extended warranty was also a bonus.
I would also recommend the RACV Total Care, as they have always came through for me, even when RACQ failed.
There's the Ford Everest V6 if you are thinking new. Not at long as a Ranger so your partner can drive it.
I do have a Territory Diesel RWD towing a 16.5 ft pop top. all up van is close to 1600 Kg, the territory is one of the best SUV tugs because of the power, comfort and economy, I hav considered what to replace this vehicle with for the job it does for us but after looking at and sitting in and driving dual cabs Everest, MUX, and most others, and taking to owners etc, I have come to the conclusion there is no other I would buy, we are just going to hang on to the Territory as long as we are towing, at my age I wont be towing for ever, when that happens we will downsize but I cant think of any vehicle to replace the Terri with even then. Everyone should at least drive a Territory for 50 Km towing or not and they will understand what a great Aussie car can be like.