Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 at 00:16
Hi Mizuko,
I reckon your choice of a Windsor Rapid is a good move, I used to have a 13"6' offroad rapid and often regret selling it, but must admit my Camprite probably suits me better for what I do. But if i was to do a 12 month lap of Aus, the Windsor would be my first choice.
Be aware that the tare mass of the Windsor is likely to be understated. My van was several 100 kgs heavier than the plated figure, and when loaded the ATM was most likely exceeded. I did have several factory fitted options, but even so this did not account for the difference in plated and actual weights.
Thus if you only have 20kg to spare with your tow vehicle, there is every chance you will exceed the ATM, especially on a 12 month trip when you are likely to gather "souvenir's" as you go. And I suspect your vehicle will be quite loaded with all the gear you will undoubtedly need.
The Kluger will be at the limits of its capacity and you will not have anything in reserve, especially stability and braking wise. While you could do this in the Kluger, you need to think of your familys safety when spending that much time on the road with that type of load.
While I had the offroad pack, the main feature of this is the much larger chassis rails, independent
suspension and higher ground clearance. The main advantage of the offroad pack is the ability of the chassis to handle corrugated gravel roads and I suspect you would like to travel on plenty of these on a 12 month Aus trip.
Adding ground clearance only will not help strengthen the chassis and will affect van stability. While you could do this, the standard ground clearance should be suffcicent for the average tracks where the Kluger coukld actually tow this weight off bitumen. It will certainly work the Kluger engine and make it drink, but I don't think you will actually "stuff" it.
While i used a Cruiser and a Patrol with my van, both struggled to tow the weight in sand and i doubt the Kluger could cope (I had diff locks in the cruiser and 33" tyres and still stuggled - the weight is the killer).
Formed tracks that a 2WD can go on will be the best the Kluger could tow a van on - not being degrogatory here but just stating facts from experience. You will run out of traction long before you run out of ground clearance in sand towing in a Kluger.
As for a fridge, you cannot get enough fridge space :) I had a 90L compressor fridge (don't get a 3 way IMHO) and used a 40L engle as a freezer in the vehicle. if you can fit a 150L compressor fridge in, go for it and you certainly won't reget it. And i would still take an engels as it will come in handy as a freezer and also for day trips when you are camped up and need cold food/drinks when out sightseeing.
Anyway, hope some of the above helps.
Cheers
Captain
AnswerID:
281871
Follow Up By: Cruiserman1961 (QLD) - Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:01
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:01
Good morning Captain,
your reply reflects what this
forum is all about, an unbiased comprehensive opinion based on experience and knowledge.
Well done mate!
I like to offer a similar opinion to the above Mizuko. You will without a doubt exceed the gross vehicle mass and even the towball weight. Towing a caravan in a heavily loaded car is risky at the best of times and can be extremely dangerous. Choose wisely, a new caravan is an expensive investment and you will be likely to regret buying too big for your 4WD.
I wish you and your family a happy and safe year of traveling. Enjoy this wonderful country of ours!
Cheers, Udo
FollowupID:
546262
Follow Up By: Mizuko - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 22:36
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 22:36
Hi Captain
Thank you so much for giving us the benefit of your experience. We are now thinking that we will have to change our vehicle as we don't want to compromise safety or our ability to go where we want.
Also, great idea about taking an Engel fridge. Wouldn't have thought of that.
This is all a bit different from when we toured in a Kombi as students on a wing and a prayer. We have a lot to learn! No doubt we will be posting more as we get closer to our departure in July.
Again, thank you, I think you may have prevented us making a costly mistake.
Mizuko
FollowupID:
546680
Follow Up By: Member - Captain (WA) - Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 23:44
Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 at 23:44
Hi Mizuko,
Happy to offer advise and glad you found it useful.
I am also glad you are rethinking your tow vehicle. While there is nothing wrong with the Kluger itself, you really want something that can comfortably tow that kind of weight as I am sure you want to make sure your family is as safe as possible.
Would be a good idea to make sure you have a few shakedown runs prior to leaving for the big trip - you will be suprised what you do and don't need.
Very envious of what you are about to undertake, wish i could do the same.
Cheers
Captain
FollowupID:
546692