Tow vehicle dilemma

Hi. 2750 kg seems light for a 27ft van. Do you mean overall length with the drawbar or the body length. If the latter it should be way above that weight and I would get it weighed over a weighbridge before making any tow vehicle decisions. Regards,Bob.

I believe that none of the new 4X4 utes are suited to towing their rated tow capacity. Three tonne needs at least 160KWs and 500NMs to be comfortable, so what's out there under $40k no utes unless you buy one of Bruce Garlands Dakar D-Max's hahahahaha. I would probably have a look at a Jeep Grand Cherokee 3 Lt CRD 165 Kw and 510 NM second hand $35k upwards or a Mack prime mover lol

Hi Ant and Nat

You'll need more than 3 tonne towing capacity by the time you fill the water tanks, gas bottles, and put a few provisions in the caravan. Also check what the total capacity is for any vehicle you consider and what total weight will be (ie caravan fully laden, plus loaded vehicle including yourselves).

What size is the caravan itself? They are usually quoted on the length of the cabin.

Mh

Take your blinkers off.

The Patrol 4.8 on LPG is your only option under 40 grand.

Jim.

I drive an ML Triton and think that the 3tonne on the new MN might be pushing the stability side of things a little. The new MN retains the same chassis as the ML but the overhang at the rear has been significantly increased - if you are looking at the dual cab. I would also recommend something with a bit more mass up the front for when push comes to shove.

100 series factory T/D all the way. They are expensive for a reason, but you should get one in the 40's. You will get good resale on it also.

There was a time in NSW when the loaded weight of a caravan was not allowed to exceed the unloaded weight of the towing vehicle.

I believe this is still a very good rule if you want to be safe.

Manufacturers nowdays can simply write any max towing weight they like on their specifications.

On that basis if your vans total laden weight is 2750kg then you need a vehicle weighing 2750kg.

If everybody though stuck to this rule many car / van combinations would be off the road. Many combinations are dangerous if an emergency should arise but on the other hand lots of folk are lucky and get away with it.

It comes down to, do you want to trust in luck or do you want to minimse the risk.

Best regards.

Thanks for the feedback. The van has an atm 2750, gtm 2690 and a tare 2350. It seems Patrol vs Landcruiser is the case.

Yes I do as per the pic in my sig.

I would take the thing to a weighbridge because it doesnt sound correct.

60kg is Farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr too light for a ball weight and the only way to find what it actually is, is by weighing it when its loaded up as if you were leaving on a trip.

Just pull it on far enough the drop the jockey wheel on the bridge and that will give you a definite weight.

Put all of it on the bridge disconnected from the car, jockey wheel as well Then pull it forward till the jockey is off the bridge
Deduct the second weight from the first and that should confirm the ball weight.

The accepted ball weight on most vans is 10%-15% of ATM
Mine is around the 300kg mark which rules out all the utes and some Patrols.

You could do it empty but the ball weight will change with loadings.

The 100ser TD can legally tow 3500kg and have a GCVM of 6680kg.

You should be able to buy a V8 petrol for your budget price.

Last year a friend got offered $28,000 for his low k 2006 as a trade in.

My 2005 TD is probably outside your range but a look on Carpoint may help.

One of these would be far better to travel in with a family than a crewcab.

More room rides better, able to go offroad without the van ETC.