My subject says it all. Apart from which one is the best for us I'm considering a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, but that's where I get stuck. I was hoping for some opinions and I have these specific questions and looking for your recommendations. They are;
We have flat towed a Grand Vitara all over Oz with no problems at al. Would certainly recommend it. While we were driving our Susuki last year we were hit by a truck & the Suzuki was written off. police who attended accident told us that it was only because we were in a Suzuki that we got out of it unscathed as the Suzuki has a proper chassis, not like some modern cars that just crumple in. We got another Suzuki but this time we have a 6 cyl one. Wish it was 4 cyl like the other one as it used a lot less fuel.
I can only go by my own experience here re a Grand Vitara. I have a 2001 two litre version which is obviously my daily ride when I get to where I stay after travelling. During my research you can virtually flat tow anything depending on the legal weight restrictions but some vehicles have to have gearbox oil pumps so I was advised, so as not to damage the transmissions. Decided on the two litre for economy and the fact this two litre was known to me . A local guy and his wife had it from new and it had very low mileage.
I stayed away from that option and went for the Suzuki which doesn't need it. I hitch up all the various connections. Electrical, breakaway cables and tow hitch of course. I personally don't like tow balls so changed to a MacHitch tow system, much more secure. Two separate locking systems to avoid separation. With the Suzuki I hitch up, put the gear stick in neutral and also the transfer gearstick as well . I have to have the key in the ignition to keep the steering lock from operating. then lock up the vehicle.
I don't use the usual key with the transponder in it I just had a plain key cut so it wouldn't start the Suzuki if I left the key in the ignition by mistake. With the overall length you can then legally add the "Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle" signs to the back of the Towed vehicle.
I have a Motorhome that's around the 8.5 tonne mark so can tow without brakes. I used to have an override brake on the tow hitch but I broke the cable and when I asked the manufacturer he told me that I could save the $160 for a new cable as the brakes on my MH were sufficient that I didn't need them.
There are multiple companies that do a Flat towing hitch and I got one from Yepoon in Qld. Quite adequate but after using it for three years I think I would opt for the American Sterling. Main reason is the ease of hitching up. Mine I have to line up accurately with the rear of my MH.
The Sterling has automatic arms so you can drive to the back of your tow vehicle and not have to be straight on. The arms will straighten then auto lock in Position when you drive off.. Believe me that makes it a lot easier. The are more differing braking options as well, from override braking to air/vacuum/Hydraulic and even computer assisted through a black box under the driver's seat versions. All at a cost though.
If you need to reverse that is not possible, the tyres just turn outwards if you try. Just unhook and reverse than hitch up again. Have had to do that twice in two years and I'm blaming the GPS.
I did buy a stone guard and fit it across the A frame of the tow hitch. I found it a pain and eventually put on some anti spray mud flaps across the whole underside of the motorhome which is a much better solution. Under three hundred dollars and a little bit of work. I bough two truck sized anti spray mudflaps cut them in half and mounted the four across the whole width of the MH. With two flat strips of Galvanised bar to hold the flaps between them. If needed I could PM photos showing the results.
That's my input and I am sure you will get lots more advice form the forum members. Sorry to be so long winded.
Cheers
Trevor
PS
Do not buy any second hand version with the individual power packs in the ignition system stick to the versions with a Dizzy and plugs.
Each power pack is around eighty bucks, less on fleabay, but easier on the pocket to just have the good old spark plug.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 7th of March 2014 03:55:52 PM
I also have a Grand Vitara which I pull behind a Winnebago Esperance. After much deliberation I chose the Ready Brute hitch for four main reasons.
1 The arms are telescopic so you don't have to be pin point accurate when hitching up and you can do it by yourself.
2. The hitch can remain on the motorhome when you disconnect the car.
3. The hitch is aluminium and is relatively light. The cheaper fixed steel ones are back breakers and do not fold for storage.
4. The tow hitch is rated to 3t so I can pull a 5door fully laden Vitara. with some other units I would have been limited to the smaller 3 door.
The only downside is that every 300k the car has to be started and run through the gears to circulate oil ( this can be done with the car still attached). I would stop every 300k for a break anyway so the issue is minor. I think you would find that this applies to most tow vehicles.
hi grandrey we flat tow a 2009 grand vitara auto 2.4 4cyl with a sunliner based on an ivecco. we use a hitch and go a frame which is supported very well by the manufacturer. done about 45000 ks now and we are very happy. easy on and off . keep your electric connections dry and you wont have a prob.
