Our first posting on this site. We are Kiwis still at home,but planning the big adventure for later this year. We are able to get a Ford ranger XL 3.0lt turbo intercooled diesel 4x2 at a great price (sons wagon) and are wondering if this will be a suitable wagon to tow a caravan around the 18-21 foot range ? We are also thinking of upgrading the chip and exhaust system as well ,and maybe fit a bigger intercoole. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Redwood Another fellow Kiwi here!! Already living in this awesome country. Hoping to do the same as you. Have also been looking at the Ford Ranger XL Diesel. Nice looking car....specs indicate it would tow 20ft but I have some reservations that is is not a 4 x 4. Also be interested to hear feedback. Cya out there sometime. Buffy
Hello buffy and steve and welcome I have the new ranger 3.2 lt 5 speed auto diesel and it is awesome for towing my 22' van The previous model 3lt from what I understand is also a great towing vehicle and able to pull 3t Try them and see for yourself Ken
The ford ranger is the same as mazda BT50 and I have heard from some mates in the trade that they have a bad habit of cracking the chassis I do not know if the newer models have been improved
hi had a ranger 4x2 diesel and believe me in australia you need a 4x4 if going round the country,for example stopping somewhere it is dry and getting an evening storm and you can be stuck, upgraded to 4x4 isuzu d max fuel economy much better towing better etc.i also think the 4x2 is only rated to tow 2.5 but i stand corrected, good luck but ahve a good look around.(not saying buy an isuzu but definitely a 4x4)
Welcome redwood, we also have a couple of Kiwi's on the site that are over here touring. We have spent a fair amount of time with them on the road & here at home as well.
Keep an eye out for them, their user name is;;;; Kiwi-as & Rainbow kiwi. They are great people.
JC.
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Thank you so much everyone for the welcomes and the feedback..looks like we still have plenty of home work to do regarding the tow wagon..we are not (at this stage) planning any off road excursions..so would mainly be on sealed surfaces..not to say we wont get into sticky situations..look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and recomendations.
The last I heard from them they were over in the Grampians with 2 friends from NZ, Neil and Ruth. I think for memory (and that's not good at the best of times) they where heading to South Aus after that.
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While you might not be planning to tow off the blacktop, you should definitely have the ability to go exploring in the vehicle without the van on the back or you will miss out on many great experiences.
I had the PK 4x4 XLT 3L turbo deisel and whilst very happy with it, was disapoionted with it towing our 18ft 2000kg single axil van. We averaged 18 to 20 L/100km from it at 90km/hr. Almost seemed as we were at edge of power. Had suggestions to chip and exhaust it but decided to go for a 2008 landcruiser instead. Am on final leg of trip home from melbourne towing our new van 22ft 2650kg duel axil and getting silmilar L/100km as was in the Ford, with lot less stress and strain.
Hi everybody.
