CaravanWorld's Top 10 tow vehicles...

rockylizard · Guru

CaravanWorld's Top 10 tow vehicles...

blaze · Guru

nice to see landrover has 3 in the top 10 , unbias reporting

landy · Guru

blaze wrote:

nice to see landrover has 3 in the top 10 , unbias reporting

Your not wrong Blaze biggrin

Landy

Bryan · Guru

landy wrote:
blaze wrote:

nice to see landrover has 3 in the top 10 , unbias reporting

Your not wrong Blaze

Landy

And Jeep in at number 5. biggrin

Young Simmo · Guru

I put a 1992 Troopy at the top of the list. Mine went from 50,000 Ks to 320, 000 Ks in 14 years and only cost me tyres and batteries and can openers.
Simmo.

The Phantom · Guru

blaze wrote:
nice to see landrover has 3 in the top 10 , unbias reporting

How do you know it is unbiased reporting? The journalist may have accepted $1 million from Landrover to write that article, or a new Landrover or, more likely, a carton of beer.

How many K's has he towed a caravan? Over what conditions? On what roads? Did he tow with all the vehicles over identical conditions?

It's just another bullsh*t opinion designed to get the suckers in.

The Phantom

-- Edited by The Phantom on Friday 8th of January 2016 12:20:06 AM

Bruce and Bev · Guru

So Ill rush out now, buy the winning lotto ticket so I can buy a V8 Cruiser or the Merc.

And theres been plenty of criticism here recently about the MUX's towing ability - I would have thought the DMax was the pick from Isuzu

As for the VW - well, I wouldn't buy any VW because the makers have probably lied about its abilities, but yes, the Amorok has had good ratings, but I wonder if you will find any mechanics in the country that can find their way around one, let alone how long it will take to get a part (which makes like Totoya, Holden/Isuzu, Mazda don't suffer from)

And a Jeep????.......you've got to be kidding

Other motoring and caravanning magazines regularly rate tow and off road vehicles and their lists of the top 10 are no-where like the one from this publication

Desert Dweller · Guru

Land Rover, 3 models in the top 10, Jeep at number 5? Are you sure it wasn't a list of the top 10 most unreliable tow vehicles? What a load of rubbish & exactly the reason why I don't waste my money buying those advertisement filled glossy magazines.

Dav4Cris · Senior Member

Yep I agree totally, what a load of rubbish, that is also the reason I don't buy glossy mags to, only buy them if I can look at them first, most come in sealed bags now so I wont spend my money on Crap, rather spend it on having a good time out on the road.

rockylizard · Guru

Bruce and Bev wrote:
~~~SNIP but I wonder if you will find any mechanics in the country that can find their way around one, let alone how long it will take to get a part (which makes like Totoya, Holden/Isuzu, Mazda don't suffer from) ~~~SNIP

Gday...

Whilst I understand why this myth continues to be believed, it is really no longer the case for any (if any) of those makes nominated.

If you own a modern vehicle, particularly a 4x4, and are away from any MAJOR city and the vehicle needs a part that is not a "usual item/part" consumed during 'normal' servicing, you are very likely to wait a minimum 24 hours and in some cases upto two weeks to have it freighted in.

Dealers, let alone independent mechanics, do NOT carry very extensive spare part inventory ... and with the increasing incorporation of 'electronics' these days, the local/remote mechanic has little chance of sorting out many problems.

And sorry Desert Dweller, but recent and current model Land Rover and Jeep no longer have retained the "unreliability" stigma. Early models of those marques certainly attracted justified labels but it is no longer the case.

Having said that, EVERY model and make of vehicle on the Australian market, has examples that experience problems - there is NO make or model that is flawless in ALL instances - and yes, Desert Dweller, a review in a glossy magazine has often not evaluated a vehicle from EVERY owners perspective or usage requirement.

Cheers - and I agree with the potential espoused by Phantom regarding reviews - John

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Hi Rocky. I don't think any of us were knocking you for posting the vehicle review and you made it clear you didn't support the report = just posting it.

But you have to wonder if The Phantom is right about backhanders and just how much towing and in what conditions all these sorts of reports are done in. Most don't tell you.

The Caravan & Camping Magazine usually does, but it compromises its integrity by showing its editors and writer towing vehicles which judging by the photos demonstrates the tow vehicles and RVs are either supplied free for a period of time - in return for which their makers badges are clearly shown - or they get to buy these vehicles at a heavily discounted price. The same goes with the camping gear. I guess for speciality mags to survive profitability in Aust they have no choice but to accept these inducements, but readers need to take their reports with a grain of salt.

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

confuse Bruce, it never entered my head that you (or anyone else) was "knocking" me for posting the article. What makes you think I was reacting that way? confuse

Even if posters were denigrating me for sharing what I clearly posted as CaravanWorld's Top 10 tow vehicles I wouldn't care less - that is their prerogative.

I suggest you re-read my comments. I actually stated in those comments that I agreed with Phantom in his comments about reviews. confuse

I also agreed with Desert Dweller's comments about "glossy magazines". We all know that reviews on EVERYTHING will be coloured in some way by 'outside influences'. Even Choice Magazine has it's "agenda" - they WANT to prove failure/fault and actively seek it out in a product and I think they are disappointed if they don't uncover it.

I fail to understand what you are on about confuse

Cheers - and happy travelling - John

Possum3 · Guru

Hard to imagine that a Nissan Patrol (in any of it's variants but especially 4.2 TD) doesn't seem to exist.

Plendo · Guru

On the surface there are a few things that appear odd on the list. Like why would you choose a petrol over the equivalent diesel, especially when the diesel has so much more torque (SCV6 as oppose to SDV6), especially when there is only $1 difference in price.

Including both the Discovery and the Range Rover sport is a bit odd, they are basically the same vehicle.

Having driven an Amarok I can understand its inclusion above the other dual cabs, it is certainly impressive for a 2 litre.

You are right, the author must have been paid, why else would he rate an updated 1953 Jeep 1st.

Bryan · Guru

My apologies. I mentioned Jeep at number 5 knowing full well I'll be starting a bunfight. It works every time and I just couldn't help myself.

biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

I'm not really apologising. I'm still laughing.

Bryan · Guru

Plendo wrote:

You are right, the author must have been paid, why else would he rate an updated 1953 Jeep 1st.

biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

I'm ducking for cover.

-- Edited by Bryan on Friday 8th of January 2016 05:11:19 PM

Young Simmo · Guru

I'll still back my 92 Troopy, our German Shepherd loved all that space in the back, and 4 open windows to bark at the kangaroos.
Simmo.

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

While I do take these types of reviews with a grain of salt, I am supprised to see both the Ranger and the BT-50 so far down the list as these two are very popular tugs, and well respected by those that use them.

As far as our MU-X is concerned it was purchased with the multi purpose in mind of it being a comfortable vehicle to drive for everyday use, a capable tow vehicle when required for that duty, and a vehicle suited to taking us to remote locations and through rough terrain in comfort.

So I really don't care where it is on that list as I'm happy it's fulfilling all those specific requirements for us.

Baz421 · Guru

greyhoundtom wrote:
While I do take these types of reviews with a grain of salt, I am supprised to see both the Ranger and the BT-50 so far down the list as these two are very popular tugs, and well respected by those that use them.

As far as our MU-X is concerned it was purchased with the multi purpose in mind of it being a comfortable vehicle to drive for everyday use, a capable tow vehicle when required for that duty, and a vehicle suited to taking us to remote locations and through rough terrain in comfort.

So I really don't care where it is on that list as I'm happy it's fulfilling all those specific requirements for us.

I agree with the grain of salt bit and that we all choose our tug to suit our needs.

The Ranger/BT50 is popular but I would have thought that popularity was not a factor but rather being fit for purpose ie tow 3.5/3.0 tonnes day in day out up hill and down dale would be one of the prime criteria.

EDIT BUT these articles are made to boost circulation - I'm a skeptic it seems.

-- Edited by Baz421 on Friday 8th of January 2016 08:10:24 PM

PeterD · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Bruce and Bev wrote:
~~~SNIP but I wonder if you will find any mechanics in the country that can find their way around one, let alone how long it will take to get a part (which makes like Totoya, Holden/Isuzu, Mazda don't suffer from) ~~~SNIP
Gday...
Whilst I understand why this myth continues to be believed, it is really no longer the case for any (if any) of those makes nominated.
If you own a modern vehicle, particularly a 4x4, and are away from any MAJOR city and the vehicle needs a part that is not a "usual item/part" consumed during 'normal' servicing, you are very likely to wait a minimum 24 hours and in some cases upto two weeks to have it freighted in.

Agreed, way back when Holden were flogging the Rodeo there was a bloke complaining about Holden service in Alice Springs. He was on the air about several problems and stated that he had been stuck in the Alice for four weeks. The agent came back at him the following morning and said one of the problems was getting a set of valves. They were able to source a few in Melbourne and a few in Perth. They were still awaiting the rest from over seas.

With the days of the Australian manufacturers disappearing there will be no Oz companies with spare parts stocks here. The only spare parts that are stocked in reasonable numbers are the consumable parts. All vehicles are now high tech so you can only get the more extensive repairs done in state capitol cities. Twenty years ago difficult auto gear box problems resulted in gear boxes being shipped to Melbourne from Canberra (population 300,000.)

The days of fixing your vehicle with a bigger hammer are long gone. You will mostly only get basic servicing done away from very large cities.

Young Simmo · Guru

Yes PeterD, I can remember back in the 1950s-60s, sitting out on the back lawn and pulling the Carby apart to clean it, these days I can't even find the Carby.

Simmo.

Alan Deem · Newbie

Having read all this as a newbie I am still confused. What are your opinions and your experience of the Ranger, the Izuzu DMAX and the DB-50 in 3500 terms and the Izuzu MUX in 3000 terms. After doing all my research these are the ones that stand out as the most reliable bullet proof vehicles notwithstanding medium age and mileage.
Please advise.

yobarr · Guru

Alan Deem wrote:
Having read all this as a newbie I am still confused. What are your opinions and your experience of the Ranger, the Izuzu DMAX and the DB-50 in 3500 terms and the Izuzu MUX in 3000 terms. After doing all my research these are the ones that stand out as the most reliable bullet proof vehicles notwithstanding medium age and mileage.
Please advise.

Hi Alan....The Ranger,BT50 and DMax all are good cars,but PLEASE be aware that none of them will safely tow more than a 3100kg van. The MUX also is a good car,but with only a 1600kg rear axle,it is even more limited in what it can tow.Weights are a complex issue,understood by few,but I am happy to help if I can.Do you already have a van? Cheers

Jaahn · Guru

Alan Deem wrote:
Having read all this as a newbie I am still confused. What are your opinions and your experience of the Ranger, the Izuzu DMAX and the DB-50 in 3500 terms and the Izuzu MUX in 3000 terms. After doing all my research these are the ones that stand out as the most reliable bullet proof vehicles notwithstanding medium age and mileage.
Please advise.

Hi Alan smile

In my opinion there are no "bullet proof vehicles" and you will have to settle for one as "most reliable" usually. Vehicles these days are built to a price and mass produced in overseas factories which means that there will likely be glitches and imperfection. And they are all overhyped in the advertising. You need to be aware of that ! And if you have problems out of the city then that may be difficult to get fixed instantly. hmm

The days of the "good ol' bullet proof" 6 cyl diesel 4WDs with a simpler proven engine design are now gone. If you want that you will have to buy an old one ! Some might argue that could be a good idea. biggrin

Jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 16th of March 2020 08:21:18 AM

Geeco · Senior Member

Most Motoring magazines survive from income derived from two places; subscriptions and advertising revenue. Could I be cynical and suggest that a reviewer/journo would seriously consider the consequences of a "dud" review on an advertisers product.
I have long ago stopped taking any notice of reviewers comments in motoring & RV mags both hard copy & online. Ask the guy who owns one to generally get the truth.
One commentator that does seem to usually be close to the mark and is certainly not restrained with his comments is John Cadogan - autoexpert.com.au Only problem is you have to wade through his commentary that does go on somewhat!!

-- Edited by Geeco on Monday 16th of March 2020 03:34:14 PM

-- Edited by Geeco on Monday 16th of March 2020 03:34:37 PM

yobarr · Guru

Geeco wrote:
Most Motoring magazines survive from income derived from two places; subscriptions and advertising revenue. Could I be cynical and suggest that a reviewer/journo would seriously consider the consequences of a "dud" review on an advertisers product.
I have long ago stopped taking any notice of reviewers comments in motoring & RV mags both hard copy & online. Ask the guy who owns one to generally get the truth.

Well said Gary.....this would be one of the most "common sense",and logical ,posts we've seen in a long time.Cheers

Alan Deem · Newbie

Thanks Jaahn and Yobarr for the information gentlemen. The capacities I mentioned are the tow rates on the vehicle specs. Most of the vans I am looking at is around the 2250 to 2850 ATM. The Bmax or the Ranger will handle this very well I believe. I will be buying a used vehicle with low Ks on the clock. I hope to meet you guys on the road at start of 2021. I will be leaving winter in the south and heading for a warmer climate.

yobarr · Guru

Alan Deem wrote:
Thanks Jaahn and Yobarr for the information gentlemen. The capacities I mentioned are the tow rates on the vehicle specs. Most of the vans I am looking at is around the 2250 to 2850 ATM. The Bmax or the Ranger will handle this very well I believe. I will be buying a used vehicle with low Ks on the clock. I hope to meet you guys on the road at start of 2021. I will be leaving winter in the south and heading for a warmer climate.

Hi Alan...as you say,the Ranger and DMax (and indeed the BT50) will handle that sized van quite comfortably and safely. The MUX is out of its depth. You may also consider a Colorado,which will comfortably handle a van up to around 3000-3100kg.Good luck with your selection,and please feel free to ask us if you would like further assistance.Cheers.