Question: Preparing a Vehicle for Towing
Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 19:24
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Stephen U
We hava a 22 foot Supreme caravan and plan to soon become the proverbial "
grey nomads" for some considerable time.
Doing a lot of research to find the best tow vehicle to replace our '04 Pajero turbo deisel. We need a vehicle capable of towing 3 tonnes. To us the obvious answer is the 200 series landcruiser but cost is a consideration not to be ignored. The 100 series 4.2 turbo is good but 2nd hand is a bit of a worry. The other option is the new Pajero with a Pedders upgraded
suspension. Does anyone have experience with Pajeros pulling up to 3 tonnes with regard to power capability and stability?
Reply By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 19:41
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 19:41
The cruiser 100 series or 200 series are you best choices, the new Pajero is rated to 3 tonnes also and would be capable. If you are going to become the
grey nomads for a considerable time then get the best vehicle possible, all of the above will do what you want and upgraded
suspension would be ideal.
AnswerID:
467367
Follow Up By: Stephen U - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 19:51
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 19:51
Hi TerraFirma. Yeah, definitely leaning towards to 'cruiser. I feel the full chassis would make me feel more secure than the Pajero. I do wonder about rear tyre wear with the Pajero's IRS too. The upgrade
suspension upgrade should help but to what extent?
FollowupID:
741490
Reply By: Wandy - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:25
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:25
Hi, we tow a 22ft. Crusader with the 3 door ZR Prado.. It is a fantastic
Tow vehicle with lots of power. We put a ful OME lift kit in and this has been great.
When you are in the outback nothing beats a Toyota for parts and reliability.
Happy travelling.
AnswerID:
467391
Reply By: Member - Tony H (touring oz) - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:37
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:37
Hi Stephen,
If looking at a new Pajero when your at the Mitsu dealership, quiz the salesperson re the towing specs.... yes they can tow 3 tonnes now BUT the ball weight has been REDUCED.
Obviously I don't know your ball weight but DO take this into consideration & leave a safety margin
AnswerID:
467394
Follow Up By: Stephen U - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:56
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:56
Thanks for the follow up guys. Yes, you certainly have to bear in mind the spare parts availability and I certainly didn't know about the reduced ball weight on the Pajero.
FollowupID:
741520
Reply By: paulnsw - Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 at 17:51
Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 at 17:51
"the proverbial "
grey nomads" for some considerable time" if that is the case the LC200 series wins. Pajero is a great vehicle, but good towing to 2,500kg same as Prado.
AnswerID:
467457
Reply By: Chawbie - Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 at 22:12
Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 at 22:12
The latest Jeep Cherokee Laredo 3L turbo diesel is rated at "up to" 3.5 tonnes with "up to" 350 kg on the tongue and you can have it for a lot less than the LC or Pajero, around $56000 drive away.
The Limited and Overland are pricier but can be had with various tow-pack options including "trailer sway control".
Might be worth a look. They are getting good reviews.
Kevin
AnswerID:
467479
Reply By: ozjohn0 - Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at 11:22
Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at 11:22
With a correctly loaded 3 tonne van the ball weight will be too heavy for a Pajero.
Over 2500Kg the ball weight is reduced from 250Kg to a piddling 180Kg.
What are they thinking? Even their smaller Challenger model has better towing figures.
You'll also need an approriate WDH.
Cheers, Ozjohn.
AnswerID:
467509
Follow Up By: Stephen U - Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at 16:34
Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at 16:34
Yeah, what were they thinking ! That certainly narrows the field now that Pajero has been eliminated. Thanks for all your replies guys. This is my first time as a member so it has been great to get different opinions.
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