tug for 2.5t <span class="highlight">caravan</span>

Hi Terry
I was faced with a similar dilemma recently. Mind though was a late model 80 series that I had since new. (And loved that vehicle) 16l/100 when not towing and 22/100 with the van on.
I could have spent money on it but would have still had an old style vehicle with the same fuel consumption.
I couldn't afford a new cruiser nor did I want one, I would have brought a GLX wagon the one based on the cab chassis we see in rural use. But that vehicle was only available in manual.
While still keeping the 80 I brought a cheap dual cab ute (Triton)as a run around vehicle but also to see if it could tow the van. Well wasn't I surprised the dual cab had more power than my 80 series, was more comfortable and used half the amount of fuel either towing or unloaded.
After seeing that the 2.5 litre Triton could tow the van the final outcome was that I sold the 80 series and have now traded the Triton in on a Ford Ranger. I am completely sold on the dual cab Utes as being a replacement for a Landcruiser when in my case and most others that I see we don't really use our four wheel drives to there full capacity.
Long winded answer. Have fun whatever your decision

Whatever you buy forget about a non turbo diesel They are slower than a wet week anywhere.
My neighbour had one and said he got sick of pushbikes passing him uphill when towing. A Petrol 100ser isnt as thirsty as you think if driven sensibly.
When I got my TDI a friend bought a petrol one and reckoned he was ahead of me in both price and usage.He didnt tow but must be happy with it as has had it for 8 years.. A TDI can be had under $30,000 if you look around.

terryj2..

your petrol 100 series is most probably the 105 series, live front axle, 6 cylinder 4.2 petrol 4 speed auto or 5 speed manual H151.

It is a great candidate to the Toyota Landcruiser 4.2 6 cylinder 24 valve 1HDFTE, which is the factory turbo diesel engine from the 100 series and the 78/79 series Troopy and ute. It bolts straight in, need the ECU and engine management wired in, change fuel lines and ignition.

There are people/businesses out there that do that engine (and gearbox if required) change. It will revitalise your trusty 105 series like Toyota should have built it.

I would not be replacing motors. You can find V8's on Injected Gas however caution needs to be taken with engine condition on gas vehicles. Other than this you need to up the spend or switch to a diesel 4WD ute.

Terry, you say your motor is old and tired, but you don't say how many Kms it has done. Does it burn oil?
I have a 1999 HZJ105 that had done 295,000 kms when I bought a 23' caravan in 2008 that the tug didn't want to know about. I looked at V8 replacement engine and other alternatives, before deciding on having a Turbo fitted to the motor. I told them I just wanted towing grunt, not high boost, and it really transformed the vehicle. No trouble overtaking trucks at 100 kph (car only - no van), I didn't have to pick it up and carry it anymore. Then with the van on, I tow in 4th gear around 2600 rpm, and it pulls nicely. The vehicle is serviced regularly, doesn't get thrashed, I stay under 3000 rpm, and at 503,000 kms, the old girl is still going strong, doesn't burn oil, and the fuel economy is much the same as it always was. It has been EVERYWHERE with and without the van. All up cost at the time - $4200 - next to the purchase of my vehicle, the best investment I ever made.

Cheers
Laurie

The Americans have a very good rule of thumb when owning items of mechanised equipment.

It is - When your (annual) maintenance expenditure levels exceed your items (annual) depreciation value, it is time to move on to a replacement item.

A obviously high-km, 2001 model vehicle with a well-worn donk, is not worth spending a lot of money on.

You are better advised to sell the vehicle for the best price you can get, add the funds you allocated to spend on repowering/reconditioning the vehicle to the money you get for selling it - and go looking for a later vehicle in much better condition, with all the features you desire.

Later model 4WD vehicles in good condition, with moderate kms and a history of easy use are readily available in good numbers.
There are substantial numbers of used 4WD's that have rarely seen a dirt road, let alone had any serious 4WD use.

The current price of fuels means that petrol engines are a very attractive option.

There is little likelihood of fuel prices going up substantially for at least 2 or 3 years because of the massive oil glut, and the unspoken "oil war" between the U.S. and the Middle Eastern producers - and the current wide gap between diesel and petrol prices at the pump, is not going to alter any time soon.

Cheers, Ron.

I effortless tow a big boat with my Dual Cab PX 3.2 Ranger. Can recommend them and the Bt 50.
Just signed today for a new NX Pajero Exceed with heaps of add ons for 64k.
Wifes car but we will tow with it as well . Excellent value with no gimmicks and proven drive train and warranty.
Confirmed today to me a updated 2017 Pajero will land in a couple of months but no specs so we went with what we know.
GLS Pajero even better deal.

You have a already sound vehicle, I would consider a engine change over to v8 diesel from chevy or similar ideally a older 5.8 non turbo unit.

Cummins also had a 6 cylinder straight exchange unit fitted to a nissan patrol shown at dowerin field days a number of years ago,nothing sounds nicer than burble of a decent sized v8 diesel engine.

Thanks all for your input. Just to clarify the tug has done 370k and burns a litre of oil about every 1200ks.. Is also dropping oil through various seals. Bodywork is still good but paint is going off .Interior is good. Have yet to make a decision but I feel a V8 on gas or maybe a BT50 (or Ranger).
Would need to have dual battery system and tow brakes fitted and need to take these into consideration at changeover.