Appropriate Tow Vehicle

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 20:15

ThreadID: 30613 Views:2427 Replies:8 FollowUps:6

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sandyngraham

We have just completed a 9-month trip around this fantastic country of ours, loved it so much we plan to go again at the end of the year for a much longer period. Previously we towed a Trackabout Safari CT with a 2000 Pathfinder, this time we intend to do the trip with a caravan, herein lies our dilemna... what tow vehicle?
Kerb weight of the van (unloaded) is expected to be 2100kg. We have been tossing up between 4.2l TD LC or V8 Petrol LC (both Series 80).

Would appreciate any thoughts on which would be the most suitable taking into cosideration towing capacity, fuel economy (the Pathfinder drank more that I did!) and whether we choose manual or auto (did the auto gearbox on P/finder at Archers River NQ).

Feel free to add any other comments which you may consider relevant or steer us in the right direction for more info.

Cheers and thanks in advance.
Graham and Sandy

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Reply By: dieselup - Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 20:19

Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 20:19

Go the diesel, the V8 petrol will send you broke towing a van that heavy

AnswerID: 154139

Reply By: Dazmit - Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 21:27

Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 21:27

Hi Graham and Sandy

Go the Turbo diesel auto - more economical but better is the increased range.
We have the 5 speed auto 100 series with 2.8 tonne van - tow in 4th as per Toyota's recomendation - not much differant to manuals - weak overdrive apparently. Out of curiosity on a flat road at 95 km/hr I had it in 4th gear - kept accelerator at same point and slipped auto into 5th - Cruiser slowed down and would have required more throttle to maintain same speed - hence would end up using more fuel anyway.

Cheers

Darryl
Kedron XC & TD Cruiser

AnswerID: 154159

Reply By: Outbacktourer - Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 22:34

Thursday, Feb 09, 2006 at 22:34

No doubt the Landcruiser would be a fine choice but you should also "consider" the Patrol 3.0Di Auto. I currently tow my race car trailer (2200Kg with aero like a fridge) interstate and my big boat short distances (3200Kg (yes I know it's over the 2500Kg "recommendation")) and it does an admirable Job. I have a tranny temp, EGT and Boost gauge to check what is going on and all is within tolerance. You need to be very carefull when you select O/D or the box gets hot but that is par for the course with these kind of weights. FWIW I don't believe you can get a V8 in an 80.

AnswerID: 154189

Reply By: Member - Paul P (Bris) - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 00:00

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 00:00

Greetings

In your travels I am sure you would have noticed the large number of Nissan Patrols doing stirling service as tow vehicles for caravans of all shapes and sizes. A diesel patrol (auto or manual) will tow your van fine. A petrol one will tow it very well indeed, but at great fuel expense.

Regards

Paul

AnswerID: 154216

Reply By: Member - Davoe (Widgiemooltha) - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 02:36

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 02:36

I think you will struggle to find a v8 80 series. They did bring them out from memory in top of the range but Ive never seen one

AnswerID: 154228

Reply By: Turbo Diesel - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 09:19

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 09:19

Never been a V8 80 series made buy Toyota for Australia, only in the 100 series. You can't go wrong wither patrol or cruiser, personally for towing i would go the auto in either make. However i would not buy a 3.0lt motor in a patrol for towing, keep to the big brother 4.2. The cruiser has more power and comfort and better driving position, also has more torque at lower revs, plus high speed cruising ratio seems to be better according to some. However the NISSAN has the mother of all gearboxs and is tough as you know what. But unless you plan on rock hoping around Australia i would go the cruiser.

AnswerID: 154253

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 11:16

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 11:16

If you would go the auto, I think that counts out the 4.2 Patrol as I have not heard of one of these being produced. Maybe I'm wrong ??
Having owned a cruiser and now the Patrol, I would agree with the Toyota sentiments. As you said unless you plan to go rock hopping go the Toyota (difinately must be turboed with the weight they want to tow).

Cheers Trevor.

FollowupID: 408210

Follow Up By: Turbo Diesel - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 11:26

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 11:26

Good Point Trevor, I don't think there is an Auto Patrol, have to wait till next year for the new one. cheers

FollowupID: 408213

Follow Up By: Member - Alan (WA) - Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 11:42

Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 11:42

Yep no auto in 4.2 - just 3.0. I heard a rumour (so its got to be true - right? :) ) a while back that the new Patrol - next yearish - will not have a 4.2? Has anyone heard this?

FollowupID: 408413

Follow Up By: sav - Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 12:41

Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 12:41

Alan,
As per the following (old) Federal Gov statement there are some new ADR's this year for emission standards...

"ADR 79/01 Emission Control for Light Vehicles

This new ADR implements the "Euro 3" and "Euro 4" exhaust and evaporative emissions standards for light vehicles in order to reduce air pollution. It will apply to all passenger and goods carrying vehicles with a gross vehicle mass less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes. For vehicles operating on diesel fuel, the rule will apply the "Euro 4" limits to new models from 1 January 2006 and all models from 2007. For vehicles operating on petrol, liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas, the rule will apply the "Euro 3" limits to new models from 2005 and all vehicles from 2006."

I'm led to beleive that the 4.2 in the Patrol doesn't meet ADR 79/01 - hence in it's current form it cannot be sold after 1st Jan 2007.

Sav.

FollowupID: 408419

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 13:51

Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 13:51

Alan,

sav's understanding of emmissions laws and the innability of the 4.2 to meet these laws is my understanding as well. So unless drastic changes occur to the current 4.2 , it will not be sold here in OZ in 07.

Regards Trevor.

FollowupID: 408423

Follow Up By: Gu_Patrol - Sunday, Feb 12, 2006 at 00:07

Sunday, Feb 12, 2006 at 00:07

The last in the 4.2 diesel was made in the old GQ, but I'm sure your looking for a newer 4by, The new 4litre Prado should do the job

FollowupID: 408463

Reply By: Member - Stephen M (NSW) - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 10:28

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 10:28

Wouldnt go the V8 you'l be drinking fuel at the average of about 30L per 100klms possibly more. Go the turbo diesel, uncle has one auto turbo diesel landcruiser reckons it's the best thing since sliced bread and when not towing his van is getting 12L per 100 klms, not bad for pushing a 2T + vehicle around town. What ever you choose good luck and have a great trip when you go next time. Regards Steve M

AnswerID: 154265