I would also check the Prado's Tow ball carry weight, with some vehicles the more you but in the back the less Towball weigh. The van you are looking at could have a towball weight that exceeds the Prado's carry capacity.
To me I would be looking at a van/layout with a lower Tare, say 1900Kg with a payroad of around 590Kg ie ATM of 2490Kg. I would also have the van weighed before handing over your cash, better still have a similar van weighed prior to ordering, because after waiting 3 months to have the van built and finding it over weight you are likely to buy the van anyway rather than waiting another 3 months.
Peter
-- Edited by PeterInSa on Friday 22nd of March 2013 12:58:38 PM
We are looking at updated our van after having bought a Prado last August. Didn't realize that the Prado was limited to 2500kgs when we bought it (had a landcruiser previously). Have looked at a number of vans and sort of thinking about a 19'6 Golden Eagle Eureka. It has a TARE weight? of 2160 and the maximum weight of 2560.
Does anyone have any comments - good/bad about this type of van and are we doing the wrong thing getting one this heavy? Or maybe recommendations of another van with ensuite. Our prado is a 2012 model diesel.
Also - does anyone know of a good site to store the vans in the North Eastern suburbs of Melbourne? We are in Eltham and our block is quite steep. We would have to back our van down our drive - nearly 30% incline off a busy road and I am worried it might be a little too difficult to achieve.
Any thoughts and comments would be very much appreciated.
Welcome to the forum Bazzaswife We have a Prado deisel, and had arguments with caravan salesmen who tried to sell us a caravan which when loaded would have weighed more than the allowed 2500kgs. The van we now tow weighs a little under 2000kgs when loaded and tows very well, doesnt have an ensuite though. Dont let them persuade you to buy a van thats too heavy for your towing vehicle! Its not the salesmen who will be in trouble if, after an accident your van is overweight and your insurance policy is voided! Have sent a pm. Your driveway sounds a bit scary...... I wish you luck finding suitable affordable storage
Welcome form me Bassaswife, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I can't really help with your question but wanted to welcome you.
I have a 1998 Prado Gas/Petrol and tow the Avan Sportliner, at a guess only I reckon the Avan would have to be very close to it's max weight. Sometime over the next Month or so If I come across a public weigh bridge I will check out the weight while loaded with all the "Stuff" I have on board. It will be very interesting indeed. In the mean time,
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
the van that you have picked out is to heavy loaded for your Prado,unless you load it 60kg light, then you will be write your max weight no room for era,I have a 2003 Prado Diesel I am towing a Jayco Westport 21.6ft with combo toilet and shower and I am 340kg under max weight van tares at 1760kg plus our loading of 400kg ATM 2160 kg,keep looking you will find a van that suits don't trade the Prado mighty bit of structure.
Thank you for all of your responses and welcome wishes.
We looked at another van this morning - an Evernew and quite like the van and the build features but the $$$ is getting up there. I was worried about the weight of the other van and the salesman kept saying - "you'd only be 60kgs overweight" but as Gerty said overweight can void the insurance (having been in insurance I know what she's talking about).
Might have to rethink what we are getting - I like the dinette suite rather than an L shaped dining area and want the separate toilet/shower ensuite. Hmmmmm its only money!
Thanks again to all responders. Happy trails. Sandra
Evernew has a lot of good press , we have a regent with dinette, also not keen on L sharpe Do not be in a hurry you will know when you see the one you like , Imaging living in the van when you are looking
This might help you in your decision of what type of van ( weight ) your tug can tow....Australian standards 44177 states that a tow bar must desplay make and model of vehicle it suites, maximum ratings, (verticial and horizontal ) and it;s manufacture's name and trademark. It is illegal to modify your towbar in any way and it must not protrude dangerously or obscure the vihicles numberplate when there is no trailer connected. Australian Design Rule 6200-4.5 states that the height of the centre of a 50mm tow ball must be between 350/460mm from the ground when connected. A class4 type is intended for heavy duty applications, such as towing a caravan or full size boat . it features a 50mm square reciever that can with stand the torsioal forces created by large loads.So when the time comes to choose a hitch you cannot over enginer. Deal with this kind of stuff every day in my line of work,so i hope this little bit of info will help in your choice of van to be towed by your vehicle.
We have a 2001 Prado diesel. The van we just bought is a 2012 Island Star Opal, it is 19ft 6" and has a Tare weight of 2100kg and a tow ball weight of 120kg. It has an ensuite, so we have 400kg for the extra weight of loading it. Which is well within the 2500kg on the RV.
We just looked for vans at 2100kg and under and ignored everything even slightly over this. Some of the salesmen couldn't believe we refused to look inside those that were too heavy. The caravan yard we bought our van, only showed us vans that were suitable, not over our weight allowance...I think it shows what the companies are really like, by what they try and sell you.
Doug you would be no where near the max weight the Prado can tow 2500kg you should be max 1500kg I think tare weight of Avan under 1000kg
I meant the Avan must be near it's max weight of 920kg, I have the Sportsliner Avan. The Prado is no problem as you said has 2,500 kg with 250kg tow ball.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
With a TARE 0f 2160Kg I'll guarantee you'll exceed the tow weight limit for the Prado, unless you don't fill the water tanks etc. A 400Kg payload in insufficent for shower van with two water tanks and 'Not for for Purpose'. Ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
Our prado is a 2012 model diesel. 
