4WD towing vehicle

Submitted: Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 07:46

ThreadID: 51661 Views:1758 Replies:2 FollowUps:3

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bobbev

I have bought a Jayco Expanda 12 - 2 person van weighing approx 1100kgs. I previously towed an Avan with my Saab9-5 which has ample power and torque but is a front wheel drive vehicle. The car handles the Jayco quite well and has a tow rating of 1800kgs and the tow bar is a genuine Saab unit rated at 180kgs. However acquaintances tell me that I should think about getting an all wheel drive vehicle. I had a look at a second hand Merc ML270 turbo diesel?? or should I stick to the popular makes.

Any advice/comment will be most welcome.
Thanks

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Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 08:21

Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 08:21

I wouldn't hurry.
If the SAAB is doing a good job, and your plans are mainly bitumen travelling, why change?
Have your friends expanded on why you should change?

AnswerID: 271965

Follow Up By: bobbev - Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 09:19

Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 09:19

Thanks John - The main issue raised has been safety and having a bit of towing capacity "up your sleeve" - these folks are generally towing larger vans up to 15 -1600 kgs and have tow ratings of 2200 - 2300kgs.

FollowupID: 535089

Follow Up By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 18:47

Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 18:47

Good to hear. Only serious problem I can think of is uphill on a gravel section of a camp site, like a friend of mine had with a FWD magna. Was loosing traction.
So I sat on the bonnet for a few metres until it levelled off and all was OK.
Otherwise the magna towed well, and we all know SAABs are better than magnas. :o)

FollowupID: 535191

Reply By: Redback - Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 09:27

Friday, Nov 16, 2007 at 09:27

Yep i agree with Oldplodder, if your current vehicle is doing the job and your happy with it, there's really no need to change.

just because it's a 4WD/AWD doesn't mean it will do a better job of towing a van than a 2WD car.

Also the majority of places that 4WD owners that tour and tow, go to places you can take a 2WD anyway.

How many of you on here have pulled up at a remote spot you though was a challenge, only to find some old bloke towing a van with an old Ford Fairlane camped nearby :-(

Baz.

AnswerID: 271974