Hi there geoffmaree. We bought a dmax 2013 space cab to tow a 3 ton van. Love it and it tows like a beauty. Be aware that from 2012 on I am told they used the Asahi gearbox (ours has the Asahi) which is the same auto gearbox they fit to the v8 land cruiser. We fitted a transmission cooler for my peace of mind -wasted Money on buying the fan as it runs quite cool. Only problem we had was with passenger seat belt -it is fitted with baby crib setup and would lock up on the boss regularly got it rebbes by seat belt place. All good Hope this helps PM us if you want any more info happy to help
chooknphil
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Hey folks. We have a 2014 SX Dmax. This is the bottom of the range of the DMaxs, but we bought it on the recommendation of the dealer (and yes, it is the cheapest) for towing a van.
It has the stiffest rear suspension and all rubber cab flooring - and that's really important when you've been camping in a few muddy places. Easy to clean and doesn't smell.
We have had NO warranty problems at all and recently had our 40K service (the most expensive when the tappets are adjusted - cost $704).
We tow a 3000kg van and it tows like a dream. On long flat roads we often find we're in the 120kmh range and need to ease off. It also has a braking system so that when you go down hill with your van on the back, the gear box will automatically change down to slow you down and save on the brakes (like Uzusus's large trucks). The motor is the same as those in their small trucks, so country mechanics don't have problems working on them and parts are not too many days away with the Dealer network.
And to cap it off, its nice to drive and the seating is very comfortable.
Heaving had Patrols and L/cruisers in the past to tow 'vans, we're very happy with our DMax and have no regrets (and the price is great !!). Have a serious look at the base SX model if you decide to go the DMax.
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
I second the Dmax SX 4x4 high rider, loving mine especially the rubber flooring!
Whoever came up with the idea of putting carpet in a vehicle had rocks in their head. A dust pan and broom and quick clean with a damp cloth and all nice again.
5 year warranty and road side assist comes with the new vehicle, servicing has been easy as my dealer is also a truck dealer and I can book a service after work as they are open until 8pm.
I think it is bottom of the range because you have to put the extras on the outside, but you get to choose what you want, I have added a few extras but the cost still came in well below comparative 4x4s.
As for towing, I'm still a beginner but having no problems so far.
Hi Geoffmaree, we have a 2013 LSu with 35000 on the clock and have only had the passenger seatbelt problem so far. We tow a 2500kg 5th wheeler very easily getting 7 km per litre towing. Very happy with our d-max!
In Jan this year we bought a SX Space Cab chassis , alloy tray , GVM suspension upgrade . I have broken a CV so have a lot of others .
Isuzu 5 year , 130k warranty might be ok if you leave the vehicle completely std but change anything and the warranty is out the window .
I do a lot of 4x4ing the weak CV's really are a worry . I have a Scangauge plugged into the OB2 port , to keep a eye on the Auto temp , it get pretty warm at low speed , haven't fitted a trans cooler , will see what it's like come summer .
We tow a Tvan , 1250kg Max , the 3lt motor is only 130kw and 380nm ,
To tow anything heavier , I would be looking for more power .
I am onto my second Dmax a 2012 new model LSU man Dual cab. My first one was a 2009 SX man Dual cab both of which towed the same 1998 19 ft Windsor Dynasty poptop caravan.
Both were owned from new and I have had nil problems with either Dmax over that time.
When on holiday and because time is our enemy as we work still I do press on at 100 kmph plus at times with no problems re power and generally get about 12 to 14 ltr per hundred. Worst I've had was in the first Dmax going into a bad head/side wind going to Newman in WA even down to 80 to 90 it did 16 ltr per 100.
Re towing between the two the newer Dmax seemed to pull the van marginally better/easier in 5th than the older model. I have fitter larger tyres as well which wouldn't help (265/70 x 17).
I have just changed to a bigger 2008 21 ft Windsor Genesis full van so it will be interesting to see how it goes. In the short drive home from picking it up seemed to tow very well and didn't seem to suffer from having a bigger and heavier van in tow.
Overall a very happy owner over the past 6 years of Dmaxing !!
