Towing Van with Prado
Submitted: Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 17:16
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westskip
I know that some of this has been done over a number of times and yes I have searched the archives but SWMBO and I are looking at buying a new Prado Diesel but we are a bit concerned about towing our 16' pop top.
Will probably do a longish trip each year (15-20,000km) with shorter trips, say 4, in between.
Anybody out there had any experience with their Prado. By the way we're looking at the Prado lasting for maybe another 15 years (I wish)
We've just got back from a trtip to
Onslow for a few weeks. Very windy up there again this year.
Reply By: John R (NSW) - Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 18:23
Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 18:23
Gidday westskip,
We have an 05 Prado with the older and less powerful motor. It tows a 5.4m van with ease. Our Prado is rated at 2500kg but I'm not sure what the new model can do.
Whichever way you go, the Prado or similar sized 4WD's should do the job.
AnswerID:
251361
Reply By: Mick - Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 19:54
Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 19:54
I towed a 16' pop top in the old days with a Datsun180B. A Prado will romp it in! Friends tow a 21' full height with a TD Prado. Absolutely no problems. I guess you are quite unfamiliar with the Prado and for that matter 4wds in general so I think you need to get a bit of driving before you tow with it.
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Reply By: Phillipn - Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 20:38
Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 20:38
I had a Falcon AU to tow our van, traded it on a 03 TD Prado . No worries, the van is more stable on the road.
Spend the money, you won`t regret buying one.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Peter R (QLD) - Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 21:55
Sunday, Jul 08, 2007 at 21:55
Westkip,
Just picked up my new 2007 Auto GXL D4D on Friday.
Previously had an 80 series dual fuel 4.5 and towed a 16'10" Jayco Poptop to
Broome with no problems towing though I had some backfire problem with the gas. It lacked power up hills though
Still got the van and bought the Prado because I had heard it had much more power.
Only done 250kms but the power is amazing and it has much more grunt than the 80 series.
If you buy one you won't be disappointed.
Only problem is they are in such demand that it takes a while to get one unless you are lucky.
Pedro
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Wizard1 - Monday, Jul 09, 2007 at 09:38
Monday, Jul 09, 2007 at 09:38
Why would you be concerned abourt towing a 16 ft (around 1500 kg GVM) with a Prado TD? I'd be concerned if you were going to tow a 21 FT Van!
We actually bought a Prado TD for the sole purpose of towing our 16.52-1 Freedom back in 2002. Yes it is the old tech engine but does the job just fine. Will cruise at 100 kph in 5th (please don't start a debate about towing in 5th).
The standard Tojo rear springs will give up failrly soon after you start towing, even with a WDH so be prepared to replace them with heavier aftermarket numbers.
Wish I could afford a new D4D Prado.
AnswerID:
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