Wednesday, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:33
Hi T & S
For a tow vehicle around Oz, I would recommend a diesel, not only for range but availability of fuel in some
places. While some like petrol/gas combos, its not for me. I towed my Windsor with both an 80 series 1HZ (4.2 diesel - no turbo) and a GU 3.0TD Patrol. The Patrol 3.0TD wins hands down for ease of towing (HEAPS more power and better economy) as the Landcruiser was an absolute slug when towing. A non-turbo diesel cruiser would really struggle towing a van on Fraser Island whereas a 3.0TD Patrol should be fine - with suitable tyre pressure and sensible route etc.... Many on this site have no time for the Grenade (GU 3.0TD) but I still reckon any series III or later is a fine vehicle. The 4.2TD GU, while more expensive than a 3.0TD, is cheaper than a cruiser 4.2TD and is a good cost compromise.
After having a 1HZ diesel (4.2 motor in both 80 & 100 series cruisers) I would not go around Oz in any non-turbo diesel. I know others have and have done so successfully and reliably, but after now having a towed with something more competent, I would not go back – it’s a personal decision.
While a turbo diesel landcruiser would be a good choice, there is a price premium for the factory 4.2TD. While others have gone down the aftermarket turbo route on the cruiser 4.2, I personally would not for 2 main reasons;
1) the 1HZ is an indirect injection (pre-combustion chamber) diesel whereas the factory turbo is a direct injection.
2) The manual gearbox in the 100 series is the R151 (Prado) gearbox whereas the factory TD has the H151 – a stronger gearbox.
What this means is that reliability is compromised beyond what I would accept for a 12 month touring towing a van in potentially remote spots. While many would say the GU 3.0TD is a greater risk, its what I would prefer over an n/a 1HZ. The GU 4.2TD would be arguably the best compromise for price/performance/economy/reliability in most peoples eyes.
On the van front, I would still choose a Windsor Rapid for a family over most others in the market place. Most vans are designed for couples so straight away you are limited to a few makes. I had such a good run with my Rapid that I would stick with it, even though others may be just as good. What I would do is look for for a shower/
toilet model in the single axle size. They are available, a mate has one in the 14”6’ size.
For a 12 month trip with kids I am sure you would never regret doing this. Even if you used
camp ground facilities most of the time, having an inside ensuite will be most welcome at nights and for showering the kids at those inconvenient times. Over 12 moths, your kids (and you) will come down with several colds and having to bath/
toilet them in unknown conditions is not something I would want for my kids at those times.
An off-road pak is essential. While there is no way you could take a van where a trailer would go, the real advantage is the bigger chassis rails to withstand the
miles of corrugations you will encounter. The van physical size will limit where you can take it long before other factors. A treg hitch is good, but a #$%@ to hook up on soft ground. I would prefer a hyland hitch (or similar) but it would not “make or break” me.
I had a compressor fridge and would thoroughly recommend it. There are many reasons why I would not use a 3 way (been there, done that) and I like the setup of a 40L engels in the vehicle (freezer) and 80L+10L freezer compressor fridge in the van. This also requires a decent battery in the van (I had 110ampHr) and a charging system (I simply used the vehicle- worked for me and much cheaper than solar/genny).
I could go on for ages about various things (and already this is a long reply) but in the end common sense and a practical approach is all that’s really needed. 12 months is a LONG time in a small area so don’t scrimp on comfort. Lack of comfort is fine on shorter trip, but will be problematic on a long haul.
Good luck, its something I wish I was in a position to do!
Cheers
Captain
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