I know! I know! And I apologise in advance - which tow car should I buy?

Mike Harding · Guru

I know! I know! And I apologise in advance - which tow car should I buy?

skins · Senior Member

Pajero - best bang for your buck I recon. (and yes I own one) pre 2015 model - no DPF. I tow a 2.7t van & get about 17L per hundred on average.

Whenarewethere · Guru

The Discovery has 350kg towball weight.

yobarr · Guru

Quite a choice for you,but Id look no further than a DMax,Ranger or Colorado.The MU-X is not up to the task as wheelbase is too short and the rear axle is too light.......you'll easily overload the car's rear axle.As suggested,another option is a Pajero......if you like living on the edge..........but it cannot safely tow a van with ATM of more than 2500kg because,once the van ATM exceeds 2500kg,your towball weight is limited to only 180kg.If you are silly enough to consider towing your 3000kg van with only 6% towball weight,feel free.Your budget will easily buy any of my three suggestions,and each has good dealership coverage.Having driven them all,my pick would be the Ranger.Good luck with your search.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 1st of January 2020 06:34:14 PM

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Hi Mike,
I had three Nissan Patrols in 35 years, (MQ, GQ, & GU) the latter two towed camper trailers, the GU - our 2t laptop. They like several others, including Pajeros start reducing ball weight once the van gets over 2t. There was a discussion on that a year or so ago with our former friend (rockylizard) producing a spread sheet.
Both my latter two Patrols were 4.2L diesels - very reliable & no flash electronics. They have robust transmissions, virtually bullet proof unless you need to replace the clutch. I was told if by a Townsville mechanic I needed another clutch replaced, to take it elsewhere as the gearbox assembly was too heavy!
We've just moved out of SE Gippsland - this area must be "macho" Nissan Patrol area - lots of GUs, GUs with all sorts of bar work, huge tyres, etc.

The Mux, yes can tow 3t but that's it's limit. The D-max can go 3.5t. I have the latter now - the DPF is not an issue (yet). Ground clearance is a bit less than my Patrols.

Possum3 · Guru

I will be howled down here but: If I were buying a new vehicle I would certainly be taking LDV www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/ldv-t60-trailrider-74637 and Ssang Yong Musso ssangyong.com.au/musso for test drives
LDV can only tow 3 tonne whereas Musso can tow 3.5 tonne
The VW Taureg is most probably better "bang for the buck" but much more expensive and doesn't have a ute configuration.
At the moment I will stick to my Patrol, but if I was forced into a change LDV would be my choice.

yobarr · Guru

Possum3 wrote:
I will be howled down here but: If I were buying a new vehicle I would certainly be taking LDV www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/ldv-t60-trailrider-74637 and Ssang Yong Musso ssangyong.com.au/musso for test drives
LDV can only tow 3 tonne whereas Musso can tow 3.5 tonne
The VW Taureg is most probably better "bang for the buck" but much more expensive and doesn't have a ute configuration.
At the moment I will stick to my Patrol, but if I was forced into a change LDV would be my choice.

Whilst I wouldn't be seen dead in either of these vehicles,they seem to stack up OK.The LDV can tow a real 3000kg because it has a heavy enough rear axle,while the Ssang Yong is limited to a speed of only 80km/hr when towing,I believe.Cheers

Eaglemax · Guru

I'll be howled down also Possum- my choice is the Jeep Cherokee.

Good friend recently traded their motorhome on a caravan and purchased a 2014 Cherokee for $21000. Spare cash for the odd full service, minor servie managed by yourself Mike.

Ok,ok, no need for some to attack the idea, I hear the heavy breathing of the archerers lol. I do think some earlier models of Jeep didnt do the Cherokee justice, but it will tow your van with ease and in luxury with some spare cash.

Tony

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Just fit a 12 valve Cummins, Alison trans . Good for a million miles !!

HandyWalter · Senior Member

Owning a Discovery 4 as I do, you need to be aware of the cost of ownership. Whilst the car is very comfortable, quiet and economical when towing when compared to any other 4WD on the market (I get 14/100 towing 2.5T), they MUST be serviced and that must be done properly. Not many bush/backyard mechanics know how to do this, hence you need to find good independents or use the dearer option of a Dealer, or learn how to do it yourself. Oils used are not cheap. They say only need servicing every 26,000 kms. I do an oil/filter change on my own at 13K interval. Buying 2nd hand comes down to who has done the previous services, have they been done according to the service schedule? Have known "consumable" parts been replaced? By that I mean the timing belts (body off job and is +$3000 job but you do other "preventative maintenance" at the same time), lower control arm bushes do wear out, transmission oil change(LR says its sealed for life but thats BS), plastic water hose connection replaced. All these can be/are expensive items and if not done, then can leave you stranded. I would not worry about lack of dealers/spare parts in the outback, all cars now suffer the same problem unless you own a very old Landcruiser. I have done over 80K of towing with mine and it has never let me down. Just remember buying a Discovery you are buying luxury that others can only dream about, but it does come at a dollar cost! Also the "newer" the better, BUT with a service history. No service history then walk away, despite what it looks like.

SouthernComfort · Guru

Eaglemax wrote:
I'll be howled down also Possum- my choice is the Jeep Cherokee.
Good friend recently traded their motorhome on a caravan and purchased a 2014 Cherokee for $21000. Spare cash for the odd full service, minor servie managed by yourself Mike.
Ok,ok, no need for some to attack the idea, I hear the heavy breathing of the archerers lol. I do think some earlier models of Jeep didnt do the Cherokee justice, but it will tow your van with ease and in luxury with some spare cash.
Tony

Can't imagine why you'd expect to be howled down Tony, that would never happen in here, now would it?

Anyway, a first class suggestion, except it would need to be the Jeep Grand Cherokee as opposed to the smaller/lighter Jeep Cherokee.

-- Edited by SouthernComfort on Thursday 2nd of January 2020 08:16:37 AM

sandsmere · Guru

Land Cruiser. . . . . EOS.

blaze · Guru

discovery 3 or 4 with a petrol engine
cheers
blaze

hodgie55 · Veteran Member

Southerncomfort can you advise on the Jeep Grand Cherokee which models you'd suggest.

HandyWalter · Senior Member

blaze wrote:
discovery 3 or 4 with a petrol engine
cheers
blaze

Discovery 3 petrol hard to find, Discovery 4 VERY hard to find in Aus as only for one year as far as I am aware, New Discovery petrol would be well over $30K. I would lean towards a late D4. Boxy shape, lots on the road, most problems all ironed out.

-- Edited by HandyWalter on Thursday 2nd of January 2020 09:08:14 AM

Snippy · Senior Member

We have 100 series v8 cruiser, bit heavy on the gas when towing but will tow your van effortlessly.

Ours is the 2006 (2007) was the end of the series. Cost $25k 3 years ago.

Also very comfortable ride.

SouthernComfort · Guru

hodgie55 wrote:
Southerncomfort can you advise on the Jeep Grand Cherokee which models you'd suggest.

Firstly, the WK2 series (2011 or later) is the one to go for. Mine is the 5 speed which is way more than adequate, then the 8 speed came in from MY14. For towing and economy the Diesel wins in all models. Tow capacity 3500kg, ball weight 350kg, 3.0L turbo V6. The model specs vary according to the equipment level you require. All models are extremely well equipped, even the Laredo (the so-called base model) is pretty much fully loaded (including the all important rear camera), then you pay more for extra features in the Limited, Trailhawk etc. I wanted a car with cloth upholstery rather than leather, I don't need a power lift tailgate, or air suspension, or sat nav (I find the portable TomTom much cheaper to maintain with map updates etc.), so I chose the Laredo which does everything I need and more. Brilliant touring and tow car. The only issue Jeep owners really have is poor service from the dealer network, expensive and questionable expertise when it comes to servicing. FCA keep promising to address it, but all states have some good independent Jeep specialists which owners can recommend to you and you are much better off with.

Snail · Senior Member

A much under rated car, Holden Trailblazer and because they are under rated they are priced well.

Greg 1 · Guru

The OP has said he is towing a 3 tonne van. There is no way that I would be selecting a vehicle with the tow weight banging right on the vehicles max allowable. Ranger, BT50, DMax, Landcruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee are all good choices for this size van with a little safety margin up your sleeve.

KJB · Guru

Apart from the "Safety margin " you get "Durability" and an overall running and ownership cost saving.

A big truck towing a light trailer lasts longer and is cheaper to own and run than a little truck towing a heavy trailer.

yobarr · Guru

KJB wrote:
Apart from the "Safety margin " you get "Durability" and an overall running and ownership cost saving.
A big truck towing a light trailer lasts longer and is cheaper to own and run than a little truck towing a heavy trailer.

Absolutely true.......you don't send a boy to do a man's job.The big gear doesn't need to be thrashed to get the job done,unlike many of the smaller offerings in the market place.If Mike is happy with Holden,he might like to consider a Colorado? I recall suggesting to Mike a couple of years ago that the Jackaroo would struggle with anything like a 3 ton van,but he was optimistic,and keen to give it a go. However,if he now chooses wisely,I'm sure that the new vehicle will highlight just how stressed was the old Jackaroo! I wish him well in his search! Cheers.

Bill B · Guru

yobarr wrote:

I recall suggesting to Mike a couple of years ago that the Jackaroo would struggle with anything like a 3 ton van

Not surprising since it's legal towing capacity is 2,500 kgs

Plain Truth · Guru

If I remember correctly,I recall Mike buying a Snowy River SR17 van,which has a ATM of 2500,or there about.

I think he is looking for a tow vehicle that can tow 3T. to have a bit of extra safety up his sleeve.

Eaglemax · Guru

SouthernComfort wrote:
Eaglemax wrote:
I'll be howled down also Possum- my choice is the Jeep Cherokee.
Good friend recently traded their motorhome on a caravan and purchased a 2014 Cherokee for $21000. Spare cash for the odd full service, minor servie managed by yourself Mike.
Ok,ok, no need for some to attack the idea, I hear the heavy breathing of the archerers lol. I do think some earlier models of Jeep didnt do the Cherokee justice, but it will tow your van with ease and in luxury with some spare cash.
Tony
Can't imagine why you'd expect to be howled down Tony, that would never happen in here, now would it?
Anyway, a first class suggestion, except it would need to be the Jeep Grand Cherokee as opposed to the smaller/lighter Jeep Cherokee.

-- Edited by SouthernComfort on Thursday 2nd of January 2020 08:16:37 AM

Now edited SC, thankyou.

Tony

rgren2 · Guru

Patrol 4.8L

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Hi Mike,
There are numerous vehicles out there to choose from (only some mentioned here). Do your looking carefully & ensure that what you buy has adequate spare parts availability in most areas of the country. Of the older non-electronic cars, the stalwarts are the diesel 100 Series Land Cruiser or the 4.2L Nissans (but they suffer the same as the Pajero with ball weight reducing - not certain about the older GQ, though). The Patrol uses "ancient" now push rods, the TLC has a timing belt that requires regular 100,000 km changes.

Some will have big distances on them - my GU had 454,000 kms on it & it was still performing well. In my ownership, I did nearly 200,000kms in 7 years. The only reason I changed was the "weight issues" but I now have an electronic whiz-bang that frightens me if it should break down.

Have someone reliable to do the pre-purchase inspection. All the best.