Hendo,

I think people would be able to give you much better guidance if you indicated the size and weight of the van you intend to tow.

You may have already noticed that many caravaners ahave Cruisers to meet their needs.

We just recently changed to a 100 series cruiser. Choice can be V8 or Diesel, with diesel offering the better milage usage, but at a premium price. 

What ever you buy, it will have to have some grunt for your big van.

Good luck

Jay&Dee

-- Edited by JayDee on Friday 20th of December 2013 03:36:57 PM

Hi Hendo, an 18 to 20ft van still gives you a big scope regarding weight. But when you say the smallest van you can find with a loo that puts you in a van with an all up weight (ATM) above 2,000kg, but under 2,500kg, before anyone jumps on me I know there are exceptions, and there are lighter vans with toilets, but coming from a Roadstar, it is likely that Hendo will again be looking at an Aussie van.

There are still many things that can vary the weight, like suspension type, number of water tanks, etc.

Assuming I am guessing in the right ball park, most people would choose to tow with a 4WD, and with that weight capability the Prado (most around 2,500 but not all), and the Ford Territory (2wd @ 2,300kg, and 4wd @2,700kg), there are many others, but these are the ones that are commonly referred to on the forum. The Pajero is worth a mention here as well, as it is somewhat limited by other factors.

The things you should consider, are the towing capacity (has to exceed the ATM of your van), the maximum allowed ball weight, and the payload of the tow vehicle, remember here that the weight you put on the tow ball is include din the load on the vehicle, so has to fit within the payload, along with everything else that increases the weight of your towing vehicle People fuel, luggage, accesories, etc.).

But probably the most important thing to consider when looking at a vehicle, is it a vehicle that I/We would enjoy driving every day for months on end. There would be nothing worse than being a month into the trip and coming out each morning saying I have to drive this damned thing again.

Good luck with your decision.

Everyone has their own views and ideas on tugs you should do some research just google any type of vehicle and you will get very good info i tow with a patrol 4.2 turbo diesel simply because i have been a fan of nissans for a while used them in east Africa out west in Australia never had a problem recently had an engine upgrade increased to 144 horse power also given me improved  fuel consumption just my opinion

Neil 

we have just been through this process. Currently have a 2006 Navara towing 20' Jayco Sterling outback (getting near max weight for the Navara)  but we want a bigger van (full time living) Wanted a ute back as we carry fuel, generator, smelly fishing gear, chainsaw and sometimes firewood. Looked at Landcruiser and Patrol utes - great carrying capacity and tow ability but within the cab there's no room for inside 'stuff' - mapbooks, water, hats, jumpers, pillow and the occasional grandkid. So have settled on a new Colarado = 3.5 ton towing and 300kg ball weight.