Tow vehicles suited for 2.5 tonne offroad <span class="highlight">caravan</span>.

Thanks for the reply Notso.
What are the major points of your BT50 you are not happy with?
Cheers
Ken

It's a bit hard to describe really, just don't like the way it handles and feels on the road. It's got heaps of power and the auto is fine. I have priors for falling in love with my vehicles, but not this one! Mind you I know a lot who do love them.

This is one caravanner who doesn't overstate (or understate) his fuel economy. The worst I've ever got is 22 litres/100ks into a raging headwind, the best I've ever got is 11.2 with a not so raging tail wind.

That's why I suggested the 100 series!

Thanks Gronk,
Yes I am well aware that they all flog a similar message about 3.5t towing capacity but I want to comfortably tow about 2.5t without being dragged down to 60-70 km per hour on trips like from inland to Brisbane across through Toowoomba.

Many so called motoring experts flog the latest 2.8 litr CDI 6 speed auto Colorado and it's towing power because of the 500NM of torque, and the Ranger 3.2l and BT50 3.2l 6 speed autos are about 470NM, not that far behind.
Sorry but that is a long way ahead of my 2.5 litre 4 speed auto Navara D40 that you suggested isnt much different to a Colorado????

Whirlwinder,

Toyota isn't in the same class as modern diesels. Very poor fuel consumption, lack of payload capacity, high purchase price, non existent customer service.

As with all vehicles, you need to work out if it actually fits your purpose. Anyone who wants a bullbar, winch, drawers and a tinny on board can't (legally) go for a 200 series.

Most of the modern Utes will do this provided you don't attempt to to 3.5 ton at the same time.

With the Toyota, you don't have the choice to balance payload with trailer weight. You are simply stuck with an inadequate GVM.

Skull

Robert Pepper, consistent with Land Rover's advice, advocates going offroad with no more than a third of the max ATM stipulated for the vehicle.

K&R
To expand on my earlier reply
With my BT50 dual cab I find weight distribution to be an issue.Check out my thread about effect of towball weight on rear axle load. Add to that the effect of all the stuff you put in your ute behind the rear axle - that's the only place you can put it unless you utilise rear seat space. Load behind the axle will have the same effect as ball weight, but to a lesser degree.

Comfort
Cabin comfort and appointment is good for us in our XTR. Nice seats. Lumbar support good for both of us with bad backs, better than the previous Prado. Comfort is affected by suspension. We did a GVM upgrade to 3500kg which means pretty stiff rear springs (Lovells kit). Ride is ok in suburbia, but harsh on rough roads without a full load. But it was designed to tour with a heavy load, so it's all about compromise.

Power
See my previous Reply/ Follow-up. Fabuous when not towing. With 2200kg behind it is adequate. There is what many call turbo lag off the mark. It is not turbo lag, it is built-in delayed throttle response to prevent black diesel smoke on acceleration. We've installed a Torquit accelerator chip which improves it but does not eliminate the problem. The guy I bought the Torquit from had his vehicle remapped and says that fixed it.

Suspension
See comfort.

Off Road
If you mean corrugated dirt roads, not truly tested in touring configuration, ie heavy with van behind. Have taken it heavy with no van on very steep tracks and trails and found it exceeds my ability to drive it. I'm not timid but I need to get some instruction. Every trip with mates reveals new abilities in both me and the BT. Even with 2200kg behind, engine braking in low 1st is excellent. You can top that off with down hill assist, also excellent, which uses ABS and trailer brakes and is controllable through the cruise contol down to a slow walking pace.

Value for money
Excellent for me. When I bought mine Mazda were chasing sales. I saved $12k over an equivalent Ranger for basically the same vehicle. Regardless of comparison with the Ranger, at $46.5k it is still excellent value. The $12k went toward a tradie canopy, touring fitout, suspension etc (plus a fair bit of my own cash) Very happy.

Just watch the weight and weight distribution.

Cheers