Towing an outback dove with VX commodore
Submitted: Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 at 17:35
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sparkythespacechimp
Hi All, I am a newbie to the world of caravaning. We have always been a tent family, but my wife is getting jack of it and quite frankly, so am I!!! Although the kids are getting a bit older they can start to bang some pegs in.
We have planned to travel from SA to
Perth over December/January for 7 weeks and see a bit of lower WA. We will be sticking pretty much to bitumen roads.
So now we are in the market for a camper (either a Dove or Eagle ).
Was looking at some outback models because we may end up getting a 4wd again (one day).
My question is... are there any problems/issues with towing an 'outback' version dove or eagle with our current vehicle, a standard VX commodore wagon?
Reply By: Jimbo Vic - Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 at 19:24
Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 at 19:24
1. The Commondore will rip it down the road like it's hardly there. These things are a true gem to tow. You will probably need to stiffen up your rear springs.
2. Go the Eagle, it is a bit bigger than the Dove, you'll appreciate the extra space with the kids. Swan may be an even better option.
3. Consider whether you really need to spend the extra on the Outback.. We owned an Outback Eagle and never needed the extra ground clearance, however it was handy to store stuff under the van.
4. The Outback will possibly require a higher than usual tow hitch on the Commie.
They're a great unit, you'll love it after using tents.
Cheers,
Jim.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Dunco (NSW) - Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 at 22:35
Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 at 22:35
I totally agree with previous answer.
I towed an Outback Eagle with a Subaru Outback 3 litre and it did it easy.
If you don't need the outback, don't get it as it is extra weight.
AnswerID:
271155
Reply By: Newbiesb - Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 at 06:53
Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 at 06:53
HI, I posted a similar thread earlier and ended up looking into it further. We have a VT and are looking at an off road van for the same reason as you. We contacted Haymen Reece about our hitch, and it can be adjusted to accommodate the extra height of the off road van. Contact your hitch manufacturer and see if your hitch set-up can adjust to accommodate the Outback version. Saves having to upgrade the van when you upgrade the car.
AnswerID:
271177
Reply By: sparkythespacechimp - Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 at 07:15
Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 at 07:15
Thanks guys.
The height difference was my biggest concern, but that sounds like it's easy enough to get around. The commodore is our first vehicle that hasn't been a 4x4 (we went for something lower when the kids came along). But I do like to 'future proof' myself so we haven't ruled out an outback model.
AnswerID:
271178
Reply By: Member - Josef S (NSW) - Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 at 07:56
Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 at 07:56
Hi there
last year I set off with my neighbours Patrol and a off road camper trailer for a 4 week holiday in the outback. BUT on the 2nd day; outside
Nyngan the Patrol's engine went up in smoke...
Everything on the tow truck back to
Sydney...what to do; I still had 4 weeks off?? Hooked the Off road trailer up to my 94 falcon
sedan and set off again with my kids, minus wife and we did 8000km in just under 4 weeks,...including the
Oodnadatta track and some off road tracks around the Alice. Just before we rgot back to
Sydney the car's clock just ticked over the 200,000km mark.
..check out my photos...
These big Aussie 6cyl are excellent for that kind of towing.
Just do it!!!
AnswerID:
271182