When I was looking around back in 2014 for a new tow vehicle I looked at specs and owner's manuals for max tow weight of vehicle. Then looked for an aluminum tent at least 500kg less than that. It was easy to find a suitable one. I then made sure the tow bar I fitted suited the aluminum tent weight. I ended up with the Colorado listed below as it was capable of 3.5t but worked on less than 3t. I tow 2.7t so well under. I'm a happy camper.
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)
I believe the most important factor is to have the tow vehicle heavier than what it tows. The Ranger has GVM of 3200kg (maximum it can weigh on the wheels), and GCM of 6000kg (the maximum combined total weight). If the Ranger is laden to 3000kg, that is too heavy for a 3000kg van because a desirable ball weight of 10% would take it to 3300kg, exceeding the GVM. If it is laden to 2900, then 300kg ball weight added, it just scrapes in within GVM of 3200kg. But the van is then slightly heavier than the tow vehcile. So, something less than 3000kg.
Someone experienced with several thousand kilometres towing experience can maybe push the boundaries a bit. New to towing, make it somewhat less.
It also depends on what you carry in the back of the Ranger and how it is distributed. With say 300kg on the towball it is very easy to overlad the rear axle if you want canopy, fridge, etc in the back. It makes a difficult compromise as maximum weights are approached.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Saturday 10th of May 2025 05:58:40 PM
I have a Land Rover Freelander. LR was owned by Ford at the time. My car is basically a Ford with the remaining parts Volvo. Brilliant car. 350kg tow ball weight, but mathematically useless technically. No issues with the 2.0L petrol engine with the car loaded to the extreme, & beyond!
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50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
