I often wonder though when out on the roads how their engines really handle the towing situation.
I have an old 92 TD42 Maverick 330,000 Ks on the clock and tow a van about 1850Kg, it tows along ok..bit slow on the hills. I am conscious of the vehicle condition at all times by keeping an eye on Revs / Temp and EGT keep under 500Deg F
There is a TM2 engine temperature watch installed and sounds off at 188deg F just to let me know it's getting up there time to back off or look for the down slope. Keeping it all in check helps keep the tug going a lot longer and no damage I do hope
These new vehicles have me wondering how long will they last, I have often seen them tugging a huge van 2T to 3T overtaking us on hills on hot days with the windows up (air/con probably on)
The engines unchecked must be getting quiet hot and don't trust the temp gauge in any of them they are diode backed by computer management, will only go to the extreme hot zone well after they have been there for some time.
With engines of smaller capacity wound up to get more Kw of power out of them how long will they last?????
I guess if they were to be turned over after say 100,000Km put a newy in its place that may solve longevity issues and any problems
Solo not towing I would have one in a flash and I sway towards the D Max although they all look pretty good really, but I find it hard to get my head around towing with one.
Just my 2 cents worth
Be aware, that the Izuzu Mux advertise the tow ball weight of 300kg.....however, when you put 150kg on the tow ball they sit on their ass and Izuzu state you can not use a WDH on their vehicles.
Check their user manual....no mention of this and the sales people do not disclose this when you purchase the vehicle and when you bring it to their attention, they do not want to know.
Anyone using a MUX for towing and wanting to use a WDH, ring Izuzu head office technical department for confirmation.
It is about time the DFT/ACCC got involved for truth in advertising.
Interesting review, not surprised by the winner, it clearly stood out among the ute crowd when we were looking a couple of years ago.
It is interesting how technology has taken another step forward, I remember the days when you would not consider towing a decent sized van with anything less than a V8, diesels were terrible, then along came the turbo, and a big diesel with a turbo was the best thing since sliced bread. Now you talk about 500nm out of a sub 3 litre motor with two turbos. The next generation will offer the option of 2 litre turbo diesel hybrids. Yes the world is moving on.
I remember service intervals of 5,000k, now we are talking 25,000k plus on many modern diesels.
Back in the gold old days, you towed with a four speed manual, if you had a 5 speed you stayed away from 5th, it was too fragile. Now you can not even get manuals in many of the best tow vehicles, many being offered with the same 8 speed auto shifting box.
Now...why'd it post my message??? I didn't ask it to. Never mind, what I was going to say is that you buy the best vehicle that you can afford, that's going to be suitable for the towing you expect it to do. For us it was a twin turbo V8 diesel powered Landcruiser GXL. We tow a LARGE van, so it makes sense...to us, at least.
Isuzu DMax - had it a year - towed all through WA, SA. VIC and NSW (oh and ACT if that counts) and had no problems - just hums along and good fuel economy and drags our 3T van up any hill. The motor is the Isuzu light truck motor and most country mechanics can work on them
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia