Getting closer to choosing a suitable vehicle to tow our 19' New Age Big Red van we have ordered. We've narrowed it down a Mazda BT50, and we would be aiming at mainly free camping, and the question is..... Do we need a 4WD or would a 2WD be sufficient, the towing ability is the same, but there is about 10k difference in the purchase price.
Once again any thoughts shared are appreciated.
-- Edited by No Fixed Address on Monday 29th of February 2016 02:29:15 PM
It really depends completely on where you intend to drive it ..... or more likely, where you MAY end up driving it.
Unless you are going to be going somewhere where ground clearance is imperative ... or the terrain determines that you need low range to crawl over or through something, then a 2X4 will go almost anywhere a 4X4 will go.
If you intend to spend considerable time in the "outback" where you will be traversing unsealed roads that will likely have varying surfaces that are likely to change their character due to the weather, then I think a 4X4 would be a bit of insurance.
Having said that I have been driving 4X4s exclusively for the past 30 odd years - but that is because I used to spend most weekends camping and driving "up the bush" particularly in the Victorian High Country - definite low range country.
I still have a bad habit of wandering off into the bush, when I have left the van behind, into country where 4X4 is a definite advantage - even if that is only for maybe 20Km of a 200Km drive.
I guess, what I am trying to say is that -
a) the decision is yours;
b) it is upto your comfort requirements;
c) it is upto your idea of budget;
d) it is upto your idea of 'value for money';
e) how you KNOW you will use it;
f) how you THINK you will use it.
Cheers - and sorry I haven't really been that helpful in the final decision - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 29th of February 2016 04:19:41 PM
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
Apart from the 10K price difference, the 4WD generally will use more fuel, is heavier, requires more maintenance, costlier to insure and possibly will not be as comfortable to drive.
When working at Mt Isa we thought we'd see how our Nissan Patrol went on rugged 4WD country - after scraping and bashing over an old track and feeling happy with ourselves we arrived at our destination only to find a HQ Holden driven by aboriginals had taken the same track with no problems!
What rockylizard says is absolutely correct, and that the decision is yours, each person will decide things in their own way
hako also gives some good advice
My first lap of our playground was in an old disposable car and caravan.
I must have sent other travellers bonkers asking questions about their rigs, as I was unsure on what my future main drive should be
The consensus was that the:-
Pop top caravan owners, had less wind resistance and better fuel consumption compared to fixed top caravans
All caravan owners, had a combination they could unhook, and easily park their tugs in the built up areas, compared to motorhomes
Small motorhome owners, had a rig they could park under low branches, compared to large motorhomes
Large motorhome owners, had more luxuries inside their vehicles, compared to small motorhomes
Single wheel drive owners, did not require a 4 x 4, and had better fuel consumption, compared to 4 x 4 vehicles
Four wheel drive owners, could go anywhere, and were not restricted by poor bush roads, compared to single wheel drive vehicles
After taking all this valuable information into consideration, my wife who was not on that trip with me, decided on a walk through motorhome, so that the cat would not feel lonely.
I choose (with her approval), a second hand Jayco Conquest motorhome on a Fiat chassis, based on price, as it had a low mileage of 30,000 kilometres
Hopefully like myself you will eventually adapt to whatever you choose.
I have had to use 4L on several occasions. Pulling my van over the curb in front of my house. 2H ploughs up the nature strip. Turning around in sand when a road suddenly stopped (has happened with and without van). Driving off a beach. Got on OK as it was slightly down hill but needed 4L to get back (no van but on a van trip). Getting in and out of a free camp (three times). If I'd only had a 2WD, would not have attempted these moves but it's good knowing I can do that little bit extra without worrying.
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GRANDPARENTS & GRANDCHILDREN GET ON SO WELL TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY HAVE A COMMON ENEMY
I have just bought a two wheel drive Isuzu MU-X LST, I have had preivious 2 Toyota Prado,s and never in eight years had either of them in 4wd,the height of the Isuzu is ok for a bit of light bush driving,I am not into 4W driving so the Isuzu will fill all of my needs, plus it was $7000 cheaper, than the 4WD
I have a BT50 4x4, so far I have found 4L handy when backing the van, being automatic, the low ratio giving better control low speed wise and traction.
Thanks for every ones input, looks like it will be the BT50 4x4. We originally ruled out the LC as we felt they lacked storage and we would have had to sell at least one of the children to afford it. $120k new or $104K 2nd hand 2 years old with 60,000km on the clock. I know they can get cheaper but they're not cheap.
Check the Toyota forums !! the number of owners that updated from the 100 series, to the 200 that state that they should of kept the 100 series as it was much more fit for purpose !!
Don't get caught with 4WD vs AWD. Ford Territory is one of the few AWDs that I've seen towing anything of any size. The BT50 4x4 and Ranger 4x4 are great and the fuel economy is good too.
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GRANDPARENTS & GRANDCHILDREN GET ON SO WELL TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY HAVE A COMMON ENEMY
- John
Yep, that answers the OP's question 
