Kenny wrote:

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Hi folks, I have a Jayco Westport Van on hold -- tare 1600kg -atm 2020 -- looking myself blind in deciding as to what to aquire for a Tug -- Aus is a lot "Wilder"than NZ, looking at Toyota,

Cruiser, Prado, Terracan Ford ranger/ BT50 -- prefer Diesel -- The Terracan i am thinking about  has the rear suspension upgrade, diesel 2.9lt with full service chip for fuel and power -- rigged to tow a van --2006 165000km -- thoughts-- there is so much out there --the variety viable is mind boggling --there are a lot of you out there that have had different tugs --your view would be  appreciated  very very much ---

i am a retired truckie ,seen alot of h/way from Perth  Melbourne, Sydney,  east coast up to Airley Beach up to Cairns - some inland parts, always respected the caravans, traveling public, Its becoming my turn to ply the roads h/ways with a van -- is there still respect out there ??????????

Cheers --Ken  

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          Hi Kenny I like the Kenworth pic.

                                                        My experience so far is don't get a Prado to Tow 2 Ton. Why. My van is a Jaco Sterling  Pop top Tandem axles. I have a 2008 Grande 3 lt Diesel ( Always filled with BP ) which is a lovely Car, tows and handles well, comfortable as, 14 lt per 100 km and a range of 1000km on the two tanks of diesel. I feel it struggles power wise. We have done 1 full lap and 2 half laps of oz and many trips in between but the gears are constantly changing no matter what speed I go. Slight rises in the road or head or tail  winds have the car changing from 4th 4 1/2  to 5th most of the time. 180000 km and no problems at all but my next car will be a v8 diesel Land cruiser, I know people who have got them and they tow 3 plus tons in top gear with ease. So Kenny cross the Prado off your list good luck with what ever you get .  

Your question is there still respect out there I would say yes there is. Being an ex Truckie you would know the advantages of having a 2 way radio on board. I found the truckies only too happy to talk and offer info etc. I always sit on channel 40 and its usually the trucks overtaking me. So when they give the word they are about to overtake I wait till I can see them in my mirror then I take my foot off the gas to let them pass quickly. I have often seen a car and van in front of a big line of vehicles holding them up thats the only trouble you sometimes see. With respect i think you Get what you Give.     Tom.

 

-- Edited by Tomcat on Sunday 6th of December 2015 03:27:29 PM

I have never owned anything that might appeal to your use, so no bias from me :)

I reckon safety requires a tug that is significantly heavier that what you tow. The tug needs to be in charge.
For hard work, once a diesel owner, always a diesel owner. You don't see any petrol powered semis.
Away from the capital cities, the availability of experienced service and repair facilities and spare parts become more important than at home.

That leaves you with a diesel Toyota Landcruiser.
Choose your favourite :)
The others you mention are "light weights" by comparison.

Cheers,
Peter

Brisand wrote:

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I have a 3 litre diesel jeep the best value for money on the road without doubt, have had one recall for a minor part in 2 1/2 years. 3.5 tonnes towing capacity, 14 litres per 100 km towing a 22ft tandem van.

-- Edited by Brisand on Sunday 6th of December 2015 06:59:22 PM

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 You're going to have to run for cover, the Jeep bashers will be on you soon enough and on me cos I also tow with a Jeep.

Hey Jim wrote:

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Hi Kenny,

There's just no substitute for cubes.

We went this way for comfort and the economy towing  with  a 200series GX V8 diesel cruiser. the best discission we made.

 

Regards Jim & Lambie

 

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Hello Jim is your Cruiser Man or Auto... Tom 

We have a D-Max which is another name for the Ford Ranger. We tow 3.5 tonne of caravan with no sweat - fuel use great, have to watch we don't exceed the open speed limit and great price. Good thing is it has an Isuzu light truck motor in it and country mechanics are familiar with them. The only other tow I'd have is a Cruiser which country mechanics also know well.

The main thing is not to believe what the Dealers tell you about the towing weight of their tow vehicles. They often exclude any passengers or goods in their vehicles and lots of other tricks. Don't rush and read the fine print. Google the vehicles you finally short list and read the feedback about each vehicle from owners

Tomcat wrote:

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Hey Jim wrote:

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Hi Kenny,

There's just no substitute for cubes.

We went this way for comfort and the economy towing  with  a 200series GX V8 diesel cruiser. the best discission we made.

 

Regards Jim & Lambie

 

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Hello Jim is your Cruiser Man or Auto... Tom 

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Hi Tom,

All 200 series cruisers only come with the  six speed auto gear box with sports shift. Mr Toyo only recommends towing in S5

Its the only way they can handle the massive toque at low rev's 650 newtons from 1600rpm through 2600rpm

When the twin turbo's kick in @2000 -2200rpm you know you have plenty in reserve for safe over taking. from 80km up towing I give the pedal a slight encougement two bring it up to 2000rpm before pulling out. And boy when you plant it, you know you have the ponies up and running for quick over takes. Very reassuring and safe and no stress on the truck.

Just brilliant on the open road. I change my oil every 5000km with oil filter cartrige myself as I run my trucks for the long term, no matter when and where I am on tour.

PS:   And for those thinking of the V8 diesel They use 9.3lts of engine oil at each change. I have 65000km up on the clock and is just run in.

Regards Jim & Lambie

-- Edited by Hey Jim on Sunday 6th of December 2015 09:24:53 PM

Have a look here: www.caravanworld.com.au/tow-vehicle-reviews/

Dave

Trevor law wrote:

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We have a 2010 GXL 200 series towing a 3.5 ton van fully loaded ,we have fitted a scangauge which I have no affiliation to ,but there is no way that I would tow the van in 5 or 6 .The reason I get better fuel economy 18 on a good day 25 on a bad day ,if I use 6 th gear the gear box over heats ,worse fuel economy,engine labours and  runs rough .Imo 4 th is the best gear,only put it in 5 th is on a slight incline or straight road ,also keeping eye on gearbox temp because it frightening watching temp rise and the gauge tells me I am using more fuel 

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 Thank you for your info Trevor, such a mind boggling subject -- the "make up the mind' department is working overtime -- will see how it go's -- Mr Google helps in my research-

Cheers Ken