Towing vehicle

That's not a very big van, which I would have thought the Hilux would handle with ease. Having said that I harbour a nagging feeling that all these smaller capacity units are punching above their weight. At the very real risk of getting half the forumites off side, I can't help but wonder about the longevity of these engines. Having experienced a 2.5 litre TD5 in the Defender, it tended to make hard work of towing our Conqueror. It was up to the task, but struggled mightily on hills etc.

Plus they generally need revs around 2K for maximum torque, so if you stuff a gear change and loose boost you're back to lugging in 1st. At least that was my experience.

Hence, in answer to your question you probably won't be happy without more cubic inches (to apply the old yank vernacular).

I might add the difference between our new and the old when it comes to towing is nothing short of amazing. Add to that the reduction in driver stress and hard work and your physical condition at the end of the day is streets ahead.

Upgrade to a common rail braydo and chuck a chip in it. I know of a good one you might be able to buy ;)

Hi Brayden, I too would think a 3L turbo diesel Hilux would be ample car to tow that van.

You don't mention what size rims/tyres you're running on the Hilux? If you're running bigger than stock tyres or rims they will reduce the pulling power of the ute when you take off from a standing start & up steep hills.

Have you had the exhaust looked at? It may need replacing? That would have a very negative effect on performance too.

Just a thought! ;)

Kevin.

G'day Brayden

We tow a Jayco Eagle Outback (probably around 1300kg when fully loaded) with a 2000 Hilux 3.0TD.

Sits on 90kph @2400rpm and returns just under 15 litres/100km. Routinely in second gear for steep hills (like coming back up from the south coast to Canberra) but cruising on the flat or in undulating country is effortless. How does that compare with your rig? I have always thought the Hilux with the turbo should be doing better up hills, but I've learnt to put up with it and keep an eye out for those (and how many) behind.

Maybe worth having a diesel mechanic check out the Hilux before swapping for another vehicle?

Cheers
John

We have a 12 foot jayco towed by a Hilux 2.7 petrol and no problems at all. Your weights seem to be pretty high for the size of the van, but the 3.0 should tow easy. They can handle bigger vans than yours without too much drama.
Are you sure the ute is ok?
The 12.5 foot Jayco is certainly not a big van by any means but I would have a look at what you are carrying around.
Ours is 780kg Tare weight so we have only to tow about 950-980kg all up.

Hi Brayden, We had the same problem towing our 23ft Roadstar also the towing capacity of the Hilux was 2250kg braked towing and when we were loaded up for the long trips we exceeded that towing capacity. I only found out about our weight problem after one of our trips and I had the van weighed while it was still fully loaded. We had the 3ltr turbo diesel and the motor pulled the van nicely so we stuck to the 3ltr when we traded for the Nissan Pathfinder ti 550,it has a 3ltr v6 diesel motor better towing capacity [3.5 tonne] and fuel economy than the Toyota Hi lux and my mates Prado [he has the same sized van]. We don't have any towing problems at all now. I hope this is of some assistance to you.