Is this a sensible idea?

Something like a TD Pajero will tow it, but it will be slow , very.

I would be looking at more like a GQ Patrol. These would happily slug along towing that sort of weight all day. Might be able to pick up a TD 4.2 in that budget.

To tow a 20ft van around you really need a 6cylinder diesel/petrol that has the towing capacity and braking power. The bigger vehicles come with bigger radiators and therefor run cooler as well. Your van will most likely weigh 2 ton or more.

In the market for about $10,000 you should look at the last model 60 series Toyota Landcruiser Diesel 2H around 1988/89. They were the last of their series and a very good build. I don't think that you will pick up an 80 series Landcruiser for that price.

You may also go for a Nissan Patrol diesel but they have 10 less kilowatt output than the Toyota.

If you do go down the path of a 4 cylinder turbocharged vehicle you might experience overheating problems and excessive fuel consumption.

Hope this helps and happy hunting.

Cheers,

Hope this info is of valueWillem

Always going somewhere

I agree with the recommendation to look for a full size vehicle. Not just for the power, but also because I doubt a 4 cyl vehicle will be legally able to tow your van. Bob

You will probably find that a 20ft van is above the rated tow capacity of a 4cyl 4WD anyway. With extras you mention, you are looking at a heavy van. You need to find out the van weight and match that to the car. Towing needs to be easy, not a drag. Plenty of people are turned off caravanning because of a bad experience with poor setups. Also, if your van is heavier than rated towing weight you take a risk of a claim being denied on your insurance policy in an accident. I have towed a van with a 2.2L Turbo Diesel Courier and it is sluggish. Anything over 17ft would be a struggle. If you shop around, you can score an older model full size 4WD in good condition for under $10,000. Bottom line is; I would not tow that size van with less than a full size car. If I was limited to a mid size car, I would buy a smaller van. Good luck

Daihatsu Rocky 2.8td Intercooled, would be in the price range, towing capacity of 2t, went over a weigh bridge in mine with a furniture trailer and we were just a tad of 4 tonne, still did 90km without trying. Tare wight of 2.1T, trailer didn't even kick over bumps, Temp never ever ever went over half, even when I flogged the guts out in sand in 40degree heat.
Landrover Discovery, 3t rating for tow, 2.5l TD. Could pick one up in that price range with higher k's. 4cly deisals are under rated. Plenty of good ones out there.

My Td5 Defender tows a 1.5 Tonne plus van with no problems at all. The 300 Tdi Discovery I had previously did a good job as well. But I really think I'd like a bigger engine if going up to 3 or more tonne, although I've never towed anything that heavy.
Russel at ARB in Osbourne Park says that their Td5 Discovery pulls a their 3 tonne trailer to shows with no problems.
The decision is yours, but more weigth the bigger engine is better in my view.

howdy people

dont forget the ball weight also as every vehicle seems to have a different rating
gobimagine a 03 gu 4.2tdin the picture
as i am having trouble sizing the picture

I'd be thinking along the lines of "Do I want to be cruisin' along with my van behind or have to work hard behind the wheel to get where I'm going?"

You'll find a good GQ Patrol in that price range with a 4.2 Diesel and (arguably) the strongest drive train in the game. Big, strong and reliable, which is what I would want for a towing holiday!

Just my opinion
Cheers
Brian

Hi am helping a friend find a simular vechile in that price range
here are a few examples of what you will get for that for of money.

Cheers

Landcruiser HJ60 1988 4 litre turbo diesel 5 speed, bull-bar, towbar, driving lights, rola roof racks, air, CD player, tints, 33in BFG AT's, rego 10/2004, good condition, PZJ-846, $10000 MUSWELLBROOK 0414-77 1149

Toyota Landcruiser Diesel 11/1989, 160000kms, air, steer, excellent condition, reluctant sale, $12000, WYZ-924 BLACKSMITHS 02-4971 4971

Toyota Landcruiser Diesel 11/1989, 160000kms, air, steer, excellent condition, reluctant sale, $12000, WYZ-924 BLACKSMITHS 02-4971 4971

Landcruiser 60 Series Diesel, 5 speed, reconditioned everything, reg 4/2004, $5900 or near offer, UOU-617 ANNA BAY 02-4982 2021

Toyota Landcruiser Sahara diesel 1985, sunroof, bull/towbar, reg 4/2004, NPJ-753, excellent condition, $10500 negotiable MORISSET 02-4977 1553

Defender Wagon TDI 1992 2.5 Turbo diesel, 5 seat wagon, ready work or pleasure, great truck, SQY-442, $11850 DL-9386 Paul Skewes Land Rover BROADMEADOW 02-4927 6622

Don't let them make you think you need a 6 cylider to tow a two tonne van, plent of the larger 4 cylinder turbo diesel are more than capable of doing the job, as for weight ans braking most of the older nissan's and toyotas are not that fantastic in the brakes department to start with. the later model 2.8 hilux with a turbo, 2.8 turbo rodeo, 3.1TD jackaroo or 3.0lt TD jackaroo would perform well also. the Landrover 2.5 turbo diesel tows well and has good brakes and outstanding . with most of these wether towing or not you will on average use far less fuel than say a 4.2 nissan of 4 lt toyota diesel.
someone put up the rocky turbo diesel.... basically the same motor & gearbox as 2.8 hilux with turbo added.

Happy hunting
jack

I am of the opinion that the vehicle towing a trailer should be at least as heavy as the trailer being towed. When it comes to stopping the van in an emergency, the weight of the towed vehicle will take over control of the tow vehicle. Electric brakes should assist in stopping but if they don't work for any number of reasons, your in the bleep e. (from personal experiance) The 60series or the patrol would be more suited to the work for your budget.ne cede malis