INFORMATION

Maria,
*How many people will be going away in it (just a couple, or mum, dad & kids)
*Long trips or weekends
*Where do you want to go, off road trips or not
*What is your tow vehicle
*How much room do you have for storage

If you can answer some of these it would be a good start

If you have never been away in a caravan before perhaps hire one for a short trip first, or at least purchase a cheaper 2nd hand unit as your first van just in case you decide caravanning is not for you or the van you select does not suit you and you want to change it.

Cheers,
Stu

Don't think you could get any better advice Maria, it is best learn the important things as you go, the cheapest you can go that way. Hire one and find out the shortcomings. Look at other vans or trailers as you go as there is no one solution, and then ask more specific information. It will really overcome the confusion gained at the shows. Lets face it, you will be probably better informed than some of the sales folks then too.

Go for it.

Maria I have been researching for years the prado will tow but only a smaller van if you want a large van I am beginning to think F250's are the go mind you the large 4wds will do it. Horses for courses.

pop-tops tend to be heavier than full vans, Marie. Less cupboard space but less wind resistant and easier storage (height). I have a family of 4 and we have a smallish 15 ft van but an enormous annexe. We take bikes, kayaks and the wife's wardrobe but no probs for a Cruiser. Still, I think a Prado should be big enuff for a van for two. Then again, I've seen couples with no kids towing palaces on wheels. Consider fuel prices towing a big van, no trifling matter these days. No simple answer. Keep digging.

Hi Maria. Seems to be the common consent that pops are heavier. Ask at the caravan sales yards. I've only ever had a pop-top, but am open-minded. It fits nicely in my carport whereas a full van wouldn't, but that's not necessarily an issue for others. Regarding your question whether the Prado would pull a 17ft van, I'm sure it would. Keep your eyes open and you'll see Falcons pulling them. Similar engine? The question is how hard (how slow) would it have to work up hills or for overtaking? And how tolerant would you be of a less than effortless performance. My feeling is it would be acceptable but it's no good asking a salesman. They'll tell you what suits them. If you're around a caravan park, have a walk around, I'm sure you'll see a Prado or three. Give the owner an ear-bashing. People are usually happy to talk about their rigs. Like most issues, keep asking questions until you get the answer, then you need to ask more questions and eventually get there. As someody before suggested, it's not a bad idea to buy an older one for your first, establish what you need and then buy what you need. Vans hold their price well. Alternatively, go straight in for the van of your dreams but make sure it's right. Shower, toilet? Personally, I don't see the need for a huge van as we really only sleep in it. We eat outdoors. Yep, it sometimes rains but we eat in the annexe anyway. More room in a good size one. Also handy to keep bikes etc in when you go out. Lots to take in and think about.

Yes Maria it will do it. Weight and safety are the issues. Check the all up weights for the prado and the van. You are at the limits of capacity so keep weight down and get the prado serviced often. Pop top versus full van is moot the qustion there is storage.