Best Tow Vehicle

Itchin to go · Newbie

Best Tow Vehicle

aussie_paul · Guru

Itchin to go wrote:
We are new to this game and looking for advice on the best type of vehicle to tow a caravan of approximately 18 foot.

Welcome Itchin to go, enjoy the GN forum and the great outdoors.

Aussie Paul. smile

deverall11 · Guru

Hello and welcome,
There are many suitable vehicles that make a competent tug. It all basically comes down to a couple of things:
1) What is your budget? You can spend 80K + on a Toyota Landcruiser or more on a VW Toureg. These vehicles produce a lot of torque, are very stable towing and will return you good fuel consumption.
2) 18' caravan presumably does not weigh a lot and can be towed with any number of vehicles. Ford Falcon station wagon is good for 2300 kg.
3) Future planning. When we first started we had a vehicle that just towed the van. Now we have a vehicle that can still tow the same van but has a towing capacity that will allow us to upgrade to a bigger van without compromising the whole show. Paying 80K + (new) sounds like a lot, but, if you are planning on doing this for while (a number of years), then it's not so bad.
If you have a think about the above mentioned points, you may find the choice of tugs easier.
Larry

neilnruth · Guru

Welcome from us too Itchin to go deverall11 has given some good advice. Hopefully others can help too. We only pull a 14' van so can't help.

KeenTravellers · Veteran Member

Welcome ItchinGo....you will get some good advice here in all forms.

I think what you buy as a tug - depends on the items mentioned above - as well as

1st - Where do you really want to go...
To the far outback and remote places OR mainly sealed roads over this entire great country. It depends on what you have seen so far and what you personally would like to see.

2nd - Then what is the overall weight of your van now and will you ever upgrade.. you will if the bug bites you like everyone else. Initially many say this is perfect only to find in a few years they upgrade to something personally suited to them.

When we started - almost 25 years ago we took tents and had a great time - then as we progressed we towed a camper tailer on a 4x4 all over the outback with the kids.
But as the kids grew up and travelled with us less and less (she) we upgraded to a more modern, heavier pop up camper trailer (with a loo).
We at that time were definately ones who said "Im not towing that great lump around behind - you cant go to places we have been with that" - even if it did have more luxury.

Turns out we traded it in - purchase a new 20 foot fully equipped semi off road van - which so far - after all the miles on sealled roads - has never been off road so far... so never say never..
We now have a toyo V8 on gas/petrol which we absolutley love and have covered some many miles towing our new van all over the place on sealed roads...

So it all comes down to what you can afford now with some room for possible future upgrades (its weight)

Then what fits your budget - & where do you want to go with this.

Once you have shared your ideas and given time for some thought - you will find you may go for a bigger tug than say maybe you need now -
so that you will save on the expense later... But as we all say here - everyone is different and has their own preferences.

Hope this helps

KT

Mousey · Senior Member

mistisbitshi triton

Red Dog · Senior Member

Welcome you will get a lot of answers to this question I prefer the D MAX get a lot of grunt and very good on fuel.

Glenelg · Guru

Hi Red Dog.

i am thinking that may be the best way to go with the D MAX i reckon they are & look great. also looking at 5th wheeler Ormiston 630 offroad made by Winjana.

get a red won like Dougwe bleh bleh i mean the tug

sorry i hijacked your post
-- Edited by Glenelg on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 04:38:10 PM

-- Edited by Glenelg on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 04:39:39 PM

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Firstly ... a big welcome to the forum itchin to go ...

Some good advice already on what to get but I think your question 'begs the question' as a response -

What is the best house?

What is the best dog?

What is the best wife? (or husband )

It really does all depend on YOU and what YOU want and need - in its use, its specifications, its cost, its colour, its size ... the list is endless.

I do not mean to be frivolous or facetious ... it just such a personal thing - "the best tow vehicle". I have a 2006 Discovery 3 which I consider is the most perfect vehicle I have ever owned - as a 4x4 or car and/or tow vehicle. There are very few on this forum, and many other forums, that would agree with me.

Do research, such as this, and then decide on a vehicle that is what YOU want.

Cheers - John

Itchin to go · Newbie

Thank you to everyone who has replied. Your information is invaluable. I am taking all this information in and am sure I will have alot more questions from here on in. I am led to believe that the Holden Colorado motor and the D Max Isuzu motor are the same. Can anybody here tell me.

I am also interested in hearing from all you guys the "fors and againsts" opinions on fifth wheelers. I am unsure about these as I was thinking that if my tow vehicle broke down, there would be no way I could get a temporary vehicle to move the 5th wheeler, whereas you can tow a caravan with anything suitable. Would love your opinions.

I am thrilled with the responses I have had so far and am assured we will meet up with you on the road one day soon.

Glenelg · Guru

the isuzu D MAX is a proven ute has been upgraded to tow 3.5 ton or what ever they call it . they may look similar but the motors are not the same. they are made in same place different factories. both look great i prefer the D MAX it's personal of course . a red won like Doudwe got but thats a colorado, thats my thoughts everybody is different.

it's a bit cheaper to.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Itchin to go, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I have only just Two weeks ago purchased a Colorado twin cab ute and after just two weeks have most definitely made the right choice. I don't intend towing the 3.5t so the engine won't be overworked, I just wanted the capability of 3.5t in case.

The NEW Colorado and Dmax motors are a little different, the Dmax is 3lt and Colorado 2.8lt but really not a lot of difference and I am finding the Colorado has plenty of up and go. IMO.

johnq · Guru

Not commenting on any particular make, just to note that the driver ergonomics, particularly seat support/comfort in commercial vehicles may be very different after some hours to how they appear during a test drive.

I am taller and have recently become affected by rheumatoid arthritis. It is surprising how some vehicles that used to have good access and driving comfort are challenges. Best for me is a Landcruiser, which I have anyhow (100 series TD). The lovely BMW in the carport is suddenly not so attractive to get in and out of. -Not a tow vehicle, just giving an example.

BTW, John's Disco (rockylizard's post above) is fine for me, as is a Pajero. Both are good towing options in diesel too.

woollie · Veteran Member

hi to all we have a 17.5 ft poptop and tow with a '98 courier 2.5turbo diesel and it does it well but a later 3 litre would be a lot better especially on the hills
safe happy miles

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

You asked the BEST .. Landcruiser 200 the 4 or 5 cyl diesels don't have tuff chassis like the 200 ..

Plendo · Guru

The never ending question, there is no answer that everyone would agree on.

There are many factors that you need to consider, the weight of what you tow, or plan to tow in the future, do you plan to stay with a van, or would you consider a 5th wheeler, etc.

Once you work out what you need, you will find there will be a number of vehicles that fit, it then comes down to how much you are prepared to spend, and what you will be comfortable to drive.

I went through the same process about a year ago, and while there are a few vehicles that tick all the boxes (3500kg towing, less than 5.1m long, etc.) I eventually decided based on what I thought was the best tow vehicle, and a vehicle that i felt I would be comfortable to climb into every day.

For me the answer was a Landrover Discovery, for others it would be a Jeep, or a Landcruiser, or if a ute fits your bill, it could be a Ranger, BT50, Dmax, or Colorado.

Don't buy what others tell you should like, understand what you need, then buy what suits YOU. That will be the best tow vehicle for you.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I considered an Isuzu light truck for 5 wheeler.The fuel consumption from these new diesels is amassing . When looking for m/home or caravan.. SO many options !!

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Tuesday 1st of July 2014 10:39:16 PM

19bruce54 · Member

My advice is to just buy what you like, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Holden, Isuzu, Ford. There all got there good points and there all got there bad. Me I had a patrol for years and would never wish one on my worst enemy, the best thing I ever did was sell it. Others have a great run out of Patrols and swear by them, my experience however was not so good. My theory is to remember the weight you are towing and not work you vehicle too hard and get it serviced before the recommended service increments and just look after it. If you wondering I have an RG Colorado, so far so good.

-- Edited by 19bruce54 on Wednesday 2nd of July 2014 12:08:43 AM

johnq · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
You asked the BEST .. Landcruiser 200 the 4 or 5 cyl diesels don't have tuff chassis like the 200 ..

Your point about the chassis of some utes is a concern. Owners might do damage with aftermarket modifications to redistribute weight, or gas bags, to take some possibilities. There have been reports.

Landcruisers are a very nice drive, competent and maintain their value.

Radar · Guru

Hi All

Yes the question is how long is a piece of string.

2 weeks ago we updated to a new Nissan Navara V6 turbo diesel with a 3000 kgs. towing cap. but pull a van weighing 2000 kgs.

The main reason for change was the 2002 land Rover was costing me a bit in repairs I didn't minded that to much. I did purchased it second hand and it had been well maintained. It was great to drive with it's superior brakes and handling, good on fuel towed the van OK but the annoying thing to us was storage in the car with us.

From previously owning a Rodeo dual cab and had enjoyed, we shopped around, luck has it our son in law is a journalist writes and reviews cars regularly. So in that we have manage to drive most new released dual cabs and a times have be blown away with the performance of the new diesels. I did 1900 ks. A return trip from Brisbane to Sydney in the 2.5 Navara, not long ago about 16o ks. in B50, Collie 60 ks. D Max around the block a couple of times and the list goes on. For a smaller towing cap. a Samyong with it's much lower price could be a good thing only about 2300 kgs. towing.

Some of the smaller Rv's like the Kia have small cap. motors will do a great job of pulling a medium sized van.

In the the end comfort of Navara won out over the Collie for us.

So this probably has not answer how long is that piece of string but hey welcome to you. Ralph

-- Edited by Radar on Wednesday 2nd of July 2014 07:25:44 AM

Legendts · Senior Member

Plendos quote:

Don't buy what others tell you should like, understand what you need, then buy what suits YOU. That will be the best tow vehicle for you.

Unquote.

That is the best advice I have heard from anyone and worth remembering when looking for ANY vehicle.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

johnq wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
You asked the BEST .. Landcruiser 200 the 4 or 5 cyl diesels don't have tuff chassis like the 200 ..
Your point about the chassis of some utes is a concern. Owners might do damage with aftermarket modifications to redistribute weight, or gas bags, to take some possibilities. There have been reports.
Landcruisers are a very nice drive, competent and maintain their value.

Yes ( I was thinking) the construction . A box is far stronger than chassis rail alone.. Which concentrates a lot of weight in one area.. We use to carry elect drums of wire on the back of Rodeo's / Tritons etc.. After a few bent I must must with crassly driving in most .. Weight of drums on rear isn't used any more.. Yet the ILoad , Transits never had any issues.. Box V ute..

Phil C · Guru

Hi Folks

Ive got to chime in here.

We have a Jayco Starcraft 20 footer, TARE is 2093KGs, ATM is just a smidge under 2500KGs (we have a lot of add on options).

The pickle we were in started when we purchased a new Ford Territory which will tow a max of 2300KGs, which would mean we fill the tanks and bingo we couldnt even put a spoon on board.

I have been a great believer in safety and was VERY concerned that the Territory would not cut the mustard LEGALLY.

Long story short, we went for a NEW Ford Ranger dual cab diesel UTE (2012 XL)

Now this little 4 cylinder 2.2L CRD surprised the heck out of me on its first trip, we went to Yongala (up near Jamestown) in SA for a few days with a mate. The little donk only took 13.9L per 100KMs under tow and that was a NEW engine. I read an article in one of the caravan mags to see the XLT (next variant upwards) took 16L per 100KMs (winner winner chicken dinner!).

Anyway, despite this vehicle being a small truck it returns 8.4L per 100KMs out and about in the country not dragging our van. It has all the bits needed for reasonable comfort (good lord I do miss the Territory luxury) and handles very nicely.

At $40,000 NEW on the road, it was optioned with HD Tow bar all wired, snorkle, soft cover over the tray (cant spell tournau), side wind shield front and back and darkest legal tint on the glass. The little bugger also has a curb weight of 2000KGs with fuel, a GVM of 6000KGs, which means I can fill the tray with the real heavy stuff which increases the safety ratio and keep the beast towing nicely at 80KMPH.

All in all a big winner.

Safe travels

BTW: Im a Ford man, didnt even test drive the rusty cars. YUK!

mr glassies · Guru

i like my 20012 colly i had isues and fixed them and have modified it to suit me gr8 truck

dibs

Itchin to go · Newbie

I wish to thank all for the replies. It was very beneficial for us to make an informed choice of tow vehicles. My partner decided on a Colorado. They've been advertised at a great price from Holden, so he is very happy with his choice and for those who said your choice is personal and this is very true. We've bought the van and hope to hit the road at the end of July. We'll be looking for work on our way around. Any suggestions where to start? I want to know where you could possibly buy a 12/240 volt recorder set top box.

Keith W · Veteran Member

Thanks Guru, we are on the lookout for a used dual cab 4x4 somewhere around the 2010-2016 mark Auto trans preferably with no more than 150,000 ks on the clock. Toyota is out they are out of my budget. Probably D Max, Triton maybe Ranger but I have heard their autos are suspect. Thanks Keith

Keith W · Veteran Member

Thanks, yeah we have done the tent thing and the camper trailer experience, We are over the off road thing been there and done that, got the T shirt, last thing I want is to be bogged with the Camper/Caravan on a lonesome track, holding up traffic. My plan is to be able to do a bit of dirt road, some corro, maybe a dried up creek crossing into a national park. I have a 17 foot pop top I have dropped the axle under the springs to achieve more ground clearance. Hopefully that will be enough for my purposes. Tow weight is around the 1500kgs.

Keith W · Veteran Member

Yeah thanks for thanks for that, I will most certainly take that advice, what I am really looking for is the UNBIASED pros and con of cars people have and have dumped and why . Thank Keith

Keith W · Veteran Member

Yes I have seen that air bags on the back of leaf spring Ute can create a fulcrum point, change the manufacturers design they spen million designing and test only to have an after sales guy, say Yeah Mate you can level up your with no problems at all Risky business

Keith W · Veteran Member

I currently have a Patrol and it has served me well but Theeeen the Turbo blew replaced that, did a few hundred k, now I have huge , blow by, keeps blowing the dip stick out, looks like a cracked piston, think its terminal . So will fix and it will be gone