Beginning our adventure

IMHO, The current best for Australia is a Landcrusier 200 series. If you do not want the bling, there is a povity pack soon to be released by Toyota. Another option is a Landcrusier VDJ76r. What makes these vehicles for heavy towing is the V8 diesel which gives plenty of power and good economy.
Just make sure you avoid the Nissan 3l Patrols ....

Depends on finances available - A good used 4.2 diesel Patrol is value for money

Check the loaded weight of your van (See the ATM figure in the compliance plate) and the ball weight and make sure that any vehicle you consider has a generous safety margin over that for its specifications. There is nothing worse than a car that struggles up hills and burns more fuel than it should because it is grunting along loaded to capacity. Check all figures carefully and ask lots of questions on this and other caravanning forums. Do not rely on salesmen - they will tell you anything! Another thought is that you may later want to change vans for something that is heavier so if you buy the best you can now you will not have the extra expense of also changing the vehicle. So get the best you can afford - a secondhand good one will probably do better than a new lightweight. Your vehicle will work hard towing for a long trip. Don't forget to factor in the availability of service and parts in the bush. After a Landrover Discovery (cost us a mint to keep running) and a Pathfinder (not really up to long term towing the weights the salesman and specs quoted) we are now very happy with a diesel 100 Series Landcruiser - we found a good model secondhand. It took some finding but is a great tow vehicle. Lynne

Gooday,
You could also look at Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee Diesel second hand with lower Km, very good value for your $ and very competent & comfortable vehicle, also the latest Grand Cherokee Diesel is very well priced.

I know you will get people say they do not have the dealer network in the country areas like the two more popular brands, but if you join your RACV or whatever is in your state you will be as well covered as you would be with the other brands.
We have a 2006 Commander Diesel, did a front drive shaft on the Tanami in Sept last year, made it to Alice Springs and had a new one supplied and fitted there with out any problems.
Cheers,
Boroma 604.

Hi Patti,
What tow vehicle??.... you have opened a can of worms here.
Yes I would also suggest a 200 series as I have one & it pulls our 3.5t Kedron as if it wasn't there..... but I don't know your budget, likes & dislikes.
Can I suggest a trip to the 'local' caravan park around 4 or 5 in the arvo.... look for similar vans to yours & have a look at the 'tow tug' that should/will be parked beside the van. As it will be happy hour it will not be to difficult to start a conversation with the people in the park & you can quiz them about their 'choices' a really great way to find out the ins & outs of caravaning.

Can I suggest you join this site (become a member) their are many advantages to being a member than just being a visitor.... another good site ishttp://www.caravanersforum.com/
Regular visits to this & the other site will bring you up to speed in no time.
Enjoy........

Hi Patti

I imagine an 18' Jayco would not be heavy nor have a payload allowance that would bring it into needing a V8. You probably don't even need 4wd, although with a 4wd and a tent you will be able to get to see a lot more on the way around. If well within the weight allowances for a more recent 3 litre Patrol, do not discount it because of the nay sayers. If you have the money, Landcruiser is probably the pick of the bunch, even a good second hand 80 or 100 series. Spares and servicing easier with the most common vehicle such as the Landcruiser. Checking the overall weights (Gross Mass as well as trailer weights) is the most important consideration for the vehicle, and staying with the weights specified for your caravan the next thing to consider.

Decide your preferences; 2wd, 4wd; diesel, petrol, gas; auto or manual.

Motherhen

How long is a piece of string Patti? The Landcruisers are top notch but may be overkill for you. I have an older jeep cherokee with very low km. i love it but would not recommend it. The early jeep cherokees have cooling problems to the point that the topic is regularly discussed on jeep forums.Mine runs into the red when working in low range even on a 25 degree day.

Like others have said, have a look at your total weight, decide if you want off road capabilities, and go from there. I noticed a couple touring with a light jayco and an older ford fairmont the other day and they were getting about fine.... not everyone needs 4WD. I would always look at 4wd unless I had no intention of going off bitumen (not easy in WA.... lots of gravel... and 4WD is a lot safer on gravel. I like the 80 series landcruiser.

Thank you to everyone who got back to me regarding the type of vehicle we should be looking at - it has helped us a lot - we do want a 4WW not that we are planning to go off road that much - I will start to google all the cars you guys have mentioned and see what is around, - and yep l will get the caravan towing capabilities and make sure that they are the #1 consideration.. I gotta have comfort cause my hubby has bad back and whines all the time!!!