Help! New family to caravanning :)

Our van has a Tare of about 2 tonnes and ATM of 3 tonnes so we would have similar loads to you. We found that our Pathfinder (four years old) struggled with this van. Although it was rated to 3 tonnes it was not up to it for long hauls and hills. Newer models may be better but I would not bet on them. Also the tow bar assembly nearly broke towing our previous van and had to be replaced by a Hayman Reece towbar (at our dealers expense). There seems to be only a little improvement in the newer version of this tow bar and I believe they still cannot take a weight distribution hitch which I feel is essential for a large van. So, from our experience, I would not recommend a Pathfinder as a tow vehicle for your van.

The Patrol automatic is not rated for 3 tonnes, unless something has changed.

You really need to know the actual weight of your loaded van, including water. It is amazing how everything adds up, especially with 5 of you. Check ball weights and all specifications for any proposed tow vehicles carefully. Do not rely on salesmen!

Also 5 in the tow vehicle will mean that you probably won't be able to carry much extra in that while towing.

It is no fun towing on long trips with a vehicle close to its limit so you are always worrying about weights and hills and mechanical problems. You will soon run up expensive maintenance and fuel bills!

We bought a secondhand Landruiser 100 Series and are very happy with it as a tug for our current van. Have you checked out seconhand prices? Lynne

We find that with our 22' caravan that our turbo diesel landcruiser does OK most of the time, but if there's a decent headwing or a steep hill it starts to struggle a little. We sit on maximum of 80 km/hour and find that we use between 20 - 25 L/100km.

Would it be worth going to a second hand Landcruiser?

I don't know what the fuel economy is like on the landcruiser or the ones you mentioned, but it would be worthwhile taking into account how well they can do the job. We find that the fuel and food are the two main costs travelling with kids.

Not what you asked, but as an additional thing: Nothing more dangerous than screaming kids. While you've still got decent internet access to download audiobooks, i would strongly suggest stocking up on hundreds of them. They are much better entertainment in the car than DVDs, and keep us and our kids occupied while in the car. They generally do OK if they have a good audiobook.

I answered your query on another forum and suggested that you look at a 100 series Diesel Turbo Land-cruiser and still think so.
To be sure you are safe and before you purchase your tug load the van as if you were on the trip.
IE. Full water tanks and gas, toilet upper tank as well plus clothing etc and make an allowance for food. Plus any tools etc that you take in the van and your Genny if you have one.
Then take it to a public weigh bridge and weigh it and I think you will be surprised. There must be someone you know that has an appropriate tow vehicle to do this.
This is the only real way that you can do it or use the said vehicle for a shake down cruise and see how you go with weights etc.

You might like to look at the new Ford Ranger as I believe that it has a 3.35tonne towing capacity.

Although our 76 series V8 wagon doesn't have the comfort of the 100 series we love it. Has no carpet (we have 3 kids) easier to clean. More room in the back for the fridge even with the draws in. Our 80 has bugger all room once the draws went in. Upgraded the suspension new Mickey Thompson tyres tows up to 3500kg 350kg tow ball weight and the grunt is fantastic. We towed our heavy camper over the dune at Haddons crn in 2wd. Blew us away. Anyhow we are off tomorrow to purchase a off road van and have the car ready.
Good luck with your trip.

Oldgirl

Sir, there are really a lot of choice. 25ft is a long van ( I have a 25ft retreat) and you have to almost pick the worst case you will come accross. So on a 2 land road in outback Queensland. At 95 km /h getting passed by a Bdouble that is doing 110. The wind suck of the truck will pull and psuh teh caravan around the all you have to hold it is the tow vehicle.

You have to ask can a Dmax, Pathfinder etc do this and I would be certain that it cannot. They are not built for this kind of work.

People have mentioned 76 landcrusier (best answer so far) and 100 series with a chip would do it as well (but price is an issue). You might look at a dual cab F250 (look for a cheaper one).

One other option is a med roof short wheel base either Iveco 50C18, or a Merc 417D. Both are delivery van but have the 3500 kg tow capacity. Put some seats in the back adn there is room for the kids to have space and carry stuff. You will not have off road capacity with this option.

Small dual cab truck is another option.

Just another thought! Judging from our son in law's recent experience in purchasing a vehicle that he hoped would be multipurpose for his family, many of the twin cab utes and midsized 4WDs will not carry 3 children's car safety seats! Some older vehicles do not have appropriate anchor points and adding these may not always be simple. And, of course, as the kids get older, the seats get bigger (and heavier!). Again, do your own investigation and don't rely on salesmen. Good luck! Lynne

When comparing tow vehicles and looking at their tow capcity, also look at the weight of the tow vehicle itself. The heavier the tow vehicle, the less likley the "tail will wag the dog". How some of those utes can tow big loads safely, I just don't understand.

While many utes may be rated for 3+T towing, there is a world of difference in the stability between a ~2T ute towing a 3T load and a 3+T wagon (a la Cruiser, Patrol) towing a 3T load.

Cheers

Captain

Hi We are currently traveling with a 21'6 Nova (around 2700kg ) using a 100 series (1998) straight 6 petrol GXL. still has under 200k on the clock and while not the most fuel efficient it pulls like a tractor and has a few comforts as well. Note the oil changes and servicing is a lot less cheaper than turbo diesels but only getting 3.5 to 4 km/ltr.