Monday, Sep 26, 2005 at 22:41
Hi Bob,
Sorry, no first hand experience with an Eco-tourer but we've done a bit of van towing in the last five years or so, so maybe we can help.
As far as I know, the main claim to fame of the Eco-tourer is that it's tow height is about equal to that of a normal
sedan - say, a Falcon, Commodore, Magna or Camry (amongst others). Towing one behind a tall 4wd wagon would seem to be a bit pointless.
I don't know the ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) of the Eco-t but I suspect it's about 1500 kg, which means any of the above mentioned sedans should be able to handle it without difficulty. In fact, although I don't know it's actual towing specs, I suspect a 4 cyl Camry would do the job quite
well too, and probably use less fuel as
well, as long as you kept your towing speeds below 90 km/h.
Also, while the Eco-tourer seems to be a high quality product (I have no connection to them but I've seen several on our travels), any of the mainstream sedans will tow, say, a 16' (4.9m) pop-top van with ease and many will tow an 18' (5.5m) tandem without a problem.
We've towed a '
well loaded' 16' single-axle pop-top for several years without hassles (
well, apart from that time I neglected to fully tighten the wheel nuts on one wheel after checking the brakes and bearings...) but I have to say that our current tandem-axle 19' pop-top tows better.
But, no matter what you buy, [u]do not[/u] skimp on your towing equipment. Any van/camper trailer with an ATM over 1200kg should have a ball weight of 120kg+ (ball weight should always be at least 10% of total loaded weight). Therefore, any trailer with an ATM of 1200kg or above should, IMHO, should have a weight distribution hitch (Hayman-Reese, Trailboss, etc, etc.) with a capacity of
well above 120kg (generally this will be a 250kg hitch). These generally cost about $500 - small beer indeed compared to a $20,000+ caravan (or a life?) - and can make a very big difference to your towing experience (especially for first time van towers).
No doubt, if you become part of the wonderful world of caravanning, you will meet plenty of the "I've been towing for 20/30/40 years" types who don't use appropriate tow hitches (you'll recognise them - they'll have the bl**dy great 4WD wagons with tinnies on top, outboards on the drawbar, the wagon dragging it's arze on the ground, front wheels just about off the ground -and the van scrapping along behind.) Don't listen to the perpetually ignorant - buy a proper tow hitch and have it properly adjusted - so that your tow vehicle's front wheels arches are the same distance from the ground before and after you hitch the van.
If you'd like any more info about towing, please PM me.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Bob&G - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 20:27
Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 20:27
Hi Ian,
Really good to read your reply. We intend to follow your advice re the weight distribution hitch as we will be first-timers.
I'll
check out the details of the ATM and ball weight . (The tare weight of the eco-tourer is 1300kg and the ball wt is 140 kg approx. according to the brochure.)
Today, I saw the new Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.7L(6 cyl.) that was released a few weeks ago. Its breaked tow capacity is 1850kg and I've been told (but not seen in printed spec.) that its ball weight is 180kg.
The gross vehicle weight is 2070kg and the kerb wt is 1695kg.
It has Max.output of 135/6000kW/rpm and Max. torque 250/4500 Nm/rpm.
Ground clearance is 200 mm with approach angle 29deg., ramp breakoverangle 19deg. and departure angle of 27deg.
I'mnot sure what this means in practice...is this good or bad? Although we do not plan real off road, we do want to be able to visit national parks.
It is an exciting time checking out ideas and plans for retirement!!
Many thanks for your reply.
Bob and Gay
I'mtrying to find out how it would tow the eco-t.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 21:02
Tuesday, Sep 27, 2005 at 21:02
Hi Bob & Gay,
Thanks for the kind words. As long as you see in writing that the Vitara has tow ratings of 1850kg AND 180kg ball weight, it should eat towing the Eco-tourer. And being a small-ish wagon, it's height should match the Eco-t rather
well, making for a fairly aerodynamic and economical combination.
Don't get too hung up on the approach/departure angles, etc. The Vitara is a quite capable small 4wd wagon and I'm sure it'll take you to just about any of the National Parks and out-of-the-way
places you will want to visit while touring around (as long as you drop the van off at a nearby caravan
park first!). I haven't looked at a new Suzuki for years but I'm pretty sure they are still a 'real' 4WD, with a low-range transfer case? (Unlike many of the similar sized wagons such as X-
trails, CRV, RAVs, etc.) If so, it's rough road credentials will be quite OK.
If you are brand new to 4WDs (and it sounds like you may be), could I suggest you spent a few $ and do a weekend 4WD driving course. I am absolutely sure you will be amazed and very satisfied with both your's and your vehicle's abilities at the end of it. Someone on here will be able to recommend good 4WD trainer in your area, I'm sure.
Last thing about the weight distribution hitch: Do buy a fully adjustable 250kg hitch such as a Hayman-Reese or Trailboss. Don't be tempted to settle for one of those four-round-bar stabiliser sets. They are good for a maximum of 120 kg of ball weight and nowhere near as strong nor as adjustable as the 'real thing'.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005 at 09:15
Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005 at 09:15
Hello again Bob & Gay,
Could I suggest you get the latest (October) edition of Caravan World magazine. They have an excellent monthly column called Caravan Clinic by Tom Oltoff, a respected caravan industry consultant.
The October edition's Caravan Clinic has a reprint of many questions and answers from new/first time caravanners from the last few years. I'm sure you will find it interesting and informative. Also, when we lived in
Brisbane, the council public libraries had back issues of CW. We borrowed plenty of these when we were first planning to get into caravanning in the late '90s.
[PS: We have no relationship with CW but we reckon it is by far the best of the caravan/motorhome mags.]
Ian
FollowupID:
386410
Follow Up By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005 at 09:21
Wednesday, Sep 28, 2005 at 09:21
Sorry, forgot to mention, please feel free to send me a direct email (click on my logo below and it'll take you to an email address link) if you'd like to discuss any caravanning, touring, etc. topics.
As you're thinking of buying a petrol vehilce, I can guarantee there'll be no 'hard sell' of my diesel instruments...
Ian
FollowupID:
386411