Just hooked up the 1.1t Evernew van to the new Navara (td 6sp manual), for the first time, and took it from Mooroolbark (Melb) to
Mansfield (NE Vic).
This was the first time we had towed the van and was particularly interested in looking at the fuel economy rate.
The car, new in Oct 06, has only done 3800ks and has so far worked out at 8.5l/100km. Very happy with that, as 90% of this distance was done with cruise control and absolutely full of
camping gear and sitting on the posted speed limit.
The van is an on road type pop top that we intend to use as our base and from there go out with our
camping gear etc.
The route from home to
Mansfield covers both reasonably flat areas and some long winding hills as
well. Nothing that you would hardly notice with the car alone but certainly noticeable with the van. The 153ks to
Mansfield worked out at 12.4l/100km. That included the vehicle, van, full
water tank (80L) food and a large chunk of our
camping gear. We are very happy with that also.
We intended to travel along at say 85-95kph but found that sweet area at exactly 100kmh and 2000rpm in top. As a
hill approached slightly increase approach and as soon as engine drops below 2000rpm drop back to 5th and again sit on the 2000rpm mark. In 5th, this worked out at exactly 80kmh. Only once on the trip did we have to go back to 4th (60kmh at 2000rpm). It's funny how the gearing worked out perfectly for the majority of signed posted speed limits. Sit on 2000rpm or more and your right on the money for maximum efficiency, smoothness etc. We were very wary not to labour the engine especially with that long legged 6th gear.
Previously, we had towed the van with our GU Patrol and the new one has exceeded our high expectations. Would suggest it to anyone thinking of towing a van around this weight. Mind you I wouldn't like to tow with it's maximum limit of 3tonne, that might stretch the friendship.
One thing though that I am still coming to grips with is the external door mirrors.
The left is the usual "closer than they appear" type, but the right is as
well and I think slightly concave. You can see lots around you but the vehicle is quite long and the mirrors "show" you about to hit just about everything when attempting to
park.
To this scenario, add the add on mirrors for towing and boy what a dog's breakfast
of visions. It does take some getting used too. I would much prefer to have a normal right hand mirror and place on it a small round concave mirror. That's my only gripe with the entire package. Perhaps Nissan might have this as an option.
Cheers, Wayne.