I need to purchase a tow vehicle for my Goldstream RV 16'. ATM 2160 not sure of GVM. I am looking at a 1999 Nissan Patrol 4.2 Turbo ute with canopy. It has recently had a suspension upgrade and am a little confused when I did a search on here that the utes can't tow as heavy as the wagons. I am still getting up to speed on all this. We had a 2013 BT50 3.2 dual cab ute and it towed the van really well. I know the person selling it and it has been kept in excellent condition and only has 2400000 on the clock. Would it be suitable?
Cheers
Kim
PS I got over the insurance issue. Thanks I need telling sometimes as I am like a dog with a bone.
First, I drive a 2014 Colorado Ute with a canopy and a Aluminium TeePee that has a max 2.7t ATM and do so very well. I always keep both Collie and Aluminium TeePee under their max weights and drive to all conditions.
That said, I see no reason why the Nissan would not do what you want PROVIDING you keep both under their max weights and also drive to all conditions. Also and as well even, load as much heavy stuff you have OVER the axle of the Nissan and van and all should be fine.
One thing you could look at is have an extra leaf put each side of rear springs. It will add extra strength to the rear end.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
G'day Kim, just on the patrol ute it has a maximum tow capacity of 2500 kg braked and a GVM of 3150 and a GCM of 5650 kg, so looks good for towing the Goldstream as long as it's in good nic, I think you may have put one to many 0's on the kms though? Your BT50 would have had an advantage in age and maybe auto ?
With the ute v wagon it was probably more comparing the Toyota Landcruiser and the Landrover Discovery to the utes and these two would be much better tow vehicles than the utes.
G'day Kim, just on the patrol ute it has a maximum tow capacity of 2500 kg braked and a GVM of 3150 and a GCM of 5650 kg, so looks good for towing the Goldstream as long as it's in good nic, I think you may have put one to many 0's on the kms though? Your BT50 would have had an advantage in age and maybe auto ?
With the ute v wagon it was probably more comparing the Toyota Landcruiser and the Landrover Discovery to the utes and these two would be much better tow vehicles than the utes.
With the age and kms of the Patrol unless it has been well maintained things like hoses,cables and bearings are going to be near replacement, so maintenance costs will mean extra $.
Kim, if what Denis said is true and I have no reason he is wrong, I would think twice then. I was unaware of the coil springs in the Nissan Ute. Hard to add a leaf if there is none there to start with I'm sure the new ones are different now though.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
It is a good point about the coils springs in the rear of those Nissan utes.
If I remember correctly there used to be an advert on TV giving the virtues of the softer ride.
Having said that I believe the coils or leaf springs were an option in some models so it would pay the OP to check the suspension on the actual vehicle she is buying.
If it does have coils she may want to have air bags installed....not such a good idea with leaf springs.
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Comparing a patrol ute to a mazda or collie is like comparing a mack to a bedford 240 000 is nothing for that motor i have had 2 4.2 one did 750 000 the other did 4oo ooo with no problems i now tow with a ranger the ranger has heaps more power and is more comfy but i know it will never do the work my patrol did you would need to check on the id plate to get your pay load as the h260 rear end gave them a pay ;load of 1.3 or 1.4 ton also depends on wether its coil or leaf rear but have no fear it will do the job. A cruiser will certainly be a good tug for your van but with a pay load of only 700 kgs you cant load much into them and stay legal.
The big six 4.2 Patrol will have more power than you'll need for towing, But if you get the ute with Canopy you will need a rear suspension upgrade - Had mine done by Pedders, 30mm lift and air bags. Nationwide guarantee.
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Also Check for bent / cracked rear spring towers if fitted with coil springs. Utes that carry heavy loads can sometimes bend them upwards and they then crack. Fairly easy to check ....and not to bad to repair or strengthen. Superior engineering has some good stuff to help out with this problem too.
HTH.
Cheers Keith
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Nuthin is ever the same once I have owned it ......
Patrol ST coil cab ute , best ride of all the utes - we added airbags & strengthened the rear towers ...
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Thank you so much all. Sounds good. I know I loved the auto in the BT but beggars can't be choosers so a manual it shall have to be. As mentioned in my start post. It has had an all round suspension upgrade recently and a lift. I know the person well and has been maintained from new. He is only selling as he not only lost his wife and travelling companion but is having major health problems. So hopefully it will be within my budget. Keep your fingers crossed for me so I can see you all on the road.
I'm sure the new ones are different now though.
