I am new to this site (so be gentle) having only had my 4x4 for a short while and am researching the new best caravan to consider buying within the constraints of the 2016 Prado Kakadu V6 that I own.
I have looked at the Leader and the Supreme range sold here in WA and they look like very good units.
Obviously I am aware that I have to consider GVM of both vehicles and tow ball weights etc so am aware that the van I purchase has to be no more than 2500 total loaded weight and 250kg tow ball weight.
From researching, it seems that 21-22 feet is the longest van I could possibly consider in this weight range (subject to GVM) so was wondering if anyone has some vehicles they would personally recommend based on their towing experiences with this type of vehicle.
We want the largest van possible within this weight range with ensuite, shower and toilet included and don't worry about prices at this point in time as I just wish to get some ideas on what others recommend for new van purchases.
Any recommendations based on personal experiences that I can research would be greatly appreciated and we are looking at both on and off road designs. Should have bought a V8 Landcruiser I know but such is life!
(Maybe next time).
Thanks.
David
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Nissan Patrol TIL and highly modified Retreat Fraser full offroad version
I had a Prado 120 series. Purchased a new 20 ft internal van with all the necessary fruit, added 180l water and two full gas bottles and the vehicle was on its limit. Had to purchased a Cruiser 200 series. No more weight headaches.
Most vans around 21-22ft will be too heavy when loaded up. Look atound the 18ft mark or upgrade your tow vehicle. I am sorry to say but you should of aked for advice before you bought the Prado.
Yeah good advice in hindsight but I bought the Prado well before I decided to buy a caravan. Great unit for 4 wheeling and at the time I didn't want a massive Landcruiser so thought the baby one would be just right. I have since backed into my garage door (following a 50mm lift kit) and now replaced the door with a higher profile one (courtesy of accident insurance) so I have more room for the bigger cruiser. Perhaps this was divine intervention! And of course the V6 Prado has atrocious fuel consumption. I think once I get sick of this baby one the big daddy cruiser will be lurking because we like the 25' vans. Thanks for the advice which of course confirmed what I already expected.
Cheers.
David.
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Nissan Patrol TIL and highly modified Retreat Fraser full offroad version
a 25ft van is a big slice of ground to be towing around.
I'd check around some vans first.
they monstrous to control
and nothing sold. registered in Aust will tow that size.
Comfortably/safely.
Apart fron either small truck or US Chevvy type ute tows.
6.5 mtrs is a practical OUTSIDE body size van to tow full time.
Gee thanks Guru. That is interesting. I think I have a misconception of how big some of these vans are based on a quick preview of some yards and caravan shows. You know what it's like. You like what you see in the beginning rather than what is practical and sensible. I will concentrate on looking at vans around 20'. I guess that's why a past mate of mine had a Chevy Suburban to to his very large van! He used to tell me he could tow it at 120ks. But then it did have a 350V8 and sounded like a drag car with a 3" exhaust!
Can anyone actually recommend a van that would suit my predicament so I can go and have a look at one. I can hear the sound of the V8 Landcruiser already, but it will have to wait until this lease is over.
Regards
David
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Nissan Patrol TIL and highly modified Retreat Fraser full offroad version
What size van is that in your picture Guru please and I think that looks like a Landcruiser you are towing it with but hard to tell from a distance? Love some clarification.
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Nissan Patrol TIL and highly modified Retreat Fraser full offroad version
a 25ft van is a big slice of ground to be towing around. I'd check around some vans first.
they monstrous to control and nothing sold. registered in Aust will tow that size. Comfortably/safely. Apart fron either small truck or US Chevvy type ute tows.
6.5 mtrs is a practical OUTSIDE body size van to tow full time.
Geez Macka. I comfortably tow a 24' with Pajero 3.2 diesel. Monstrous to control, NO!!
We have a 150 Prado, but diesel. It tows well but we found that we had to be very careful when loading our van as its weight was then close to the maximum. Do NOT take any notice of what the caravan retailers tell you that you can tow. Work it out for yourself. Have a good look at your GVM and GCM as that will tell you just what weight you are allowed. Our van is single axle and offroad. We have just bought a 200 Series and will tow with that as we felt we were too close to the legal GCM with the Prado. Even then the basic towing capacity of the 200 Series is about 2.8 tonne if the vehicle is loaded to its capacity. We have upgraded the GVM of the 200 Series, but that cannot be done with a Prado. We had thought that might help our original cause. We are considering a GCM upgrade on the 200 Series which Lovells will be putting on the market at about the end of October.
We've found that there is a lot of misleading information portrayed re weights.
The Prado is a great off road vehicle. We had a suspension upgrade and have taken it all over. Still have the Prado in fact.
My first heavy Haulage trip was a Mighty ANTAR in '58.
twin Diesel. electric driven wheels
(you climbed UP, and into the engine bay to check oils and belts.)
People need a little education/Training here too.
Even with these little things.
