I had a 2009 Kluger and towed pretty good but only limited at the time to 2.0T. I also had a fold up drawer bar that took the ball load to 270Kl.

Traded it for a Ford Territory. Towed 2.7T. Didn't have the van or car for long, traded for a Pajero. 6 vans in 10 yrs, now have the Ford Wildtrak.

The Kluger was a good car overall, but watch your van weight. Not sure what the new one capacity is.

Dick.

I don't tow, but have a Landrover Freelander which has the Ford 2.0L Ecoboost petrol engine. It does 2 tonnes. But like all cars you need to which your car's payload. It is frighteningly quickly how payload vanishes.

Hayden wrote:

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Hi all My wife and I are new to the caravanning scene and are just after a bit of advice on tow vehicles . Having 2 kids , were after a 7 seat vehicle that we can use for towing a triple bunk caravan . We havent purchased a van yet , however most vans weve looked at are around 1300-1600kg Tare weight and about 17-19 ft, so nothing too big and not the off-road style . And yes , we need a car first as we only have 1 at the moment and the caravan most likely wont be purchased for another 4 months or so . Preferably my wife would prefer a Petrol car as she doesnt like diesels , plus the car would be used for a lot of short school runs rather than long, across Australia journeys. Hence the thought of looking at Kluger AWD as an option......seen a few from 2013 and a couple from 2014 in AWD that are the same price as a 2006 Prado thats done 200,000 + km . Has anyone on here ever used or are currently using a Kluger to tow a van and what are your thoughts?? Any input or advice would be very much appreciated as we are new to the scene and arent quite sure where to look or where to start . Many thanks Hayden

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Hi Hayden it pains me to say so,but the Pajero is a much more capable tow vehicle than is the Kluger.On paper,the Kluger has carrying capacity of 750kg before you reach GVM,or maximum allowed weight on wheels of car,of 2720kg.With your maximum allowed towball weight,which is indeed 200kg,you will instantly add around 300kg to your car's rear axle,having removed 100kg from the front axle.This means you have maximum carrying capacity of  450kg left for ALL your gear,family,tools etc. Unfortunately,I do not recall the carrying capacity of the car's rear axle,but that is something to be very wary of.When I get home,I will look in my records to see if I can find that for you.Maximum allowed total weight of car and van (GCM) is 4720kg,but you will never be able to get near that because towball weight becomes part of the car's weight when the van is attached.The best you're ever likely to achieve is around 4500kg,with absolutely perfect loading of the car.The Pajero,on the other hand,has payload of around 780kg but a much higher GCM of 5530kg,so towing a 2000kg van could be done  easily,with its 5520kg GCM (maximum total weight on wheels of car and van).Pajero tow capacity is 2500kg,so you might be able to get weight out of the car,and into the van? Whilst I am absolutely NO fan of Pajeros,they have proven to be good,reliable vehicles for many thousands of families,over many years. The Kluger too is  a grear car,but I think that it would struggle to do what you want.Weights are a minefield for "newbies",and are misunderstood by many of the more experienced vanners,so please feel free to ask questions.Remember,the only silly question is the one that wasn't asked! Cheers

Hayden wrote:

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we have two kids under 5 , so theres a bit of stuff to pack, plus I imagine well have the usual Weber q, bikes, Portable fridge/freezer and camping chairs etc.

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 We don't have kids!

Example of payload in our car:

Be very careful of what you add. It adds up extremely quickly and you have no capacity for critical items!

We don't have a tow bar which weigh a far bit themselves, bull bar, draw system, tool box, aerials, driving lights, winch, under body protection, roof platform (did have one, got rid of it to save weight), boat, outboard, or kayak, life vests, fishing equipment, UHF radio (looking at getting one), BBQ & cleaning equipment (boil only & buy fried food when in town). We only have a tiny fridge and small battery. Our wheels are small at 255/60 R18 30kg each.

Items added to our car:

145.000 People (one has to reduce a bit!) x2 

12.000 Roof rack rails & 1 pair cross bars x1
_3.600 Second pair cross bars x1 
_4.000 Solar panel & tyre bracket x1 
30.000 Wheel second spare x1 
_4.600 Fuel rack aluminium x1 
36.000 Fuel tanks 10 litres x4 
_3.000 Fuel rack aluminium small x1 
_9.000 Fuel tanks 5 litres x2 
_0.080 Fuel tank nozzle x2 
15.200 Solar panels x1 
12.000 Sand tracks x4 
12.000 Awning x1 

20.972 Water container 10 litre 0.486 x2 
42.656 Water container 5 litre 0.332 x8 
_3.414 Water container 1 litre 0.138 x3 
_1.000 Thermos flask x1 

_3.700 Fire extinguishers 1kg x2 
_0.300 Hi vis vests x2 
16.000 Compressor 4.5kg x3 
_1.350 Air tank 4 litres x1 
_0.636 Air dryer x1 
_0.388 Pressure gauge x1 
_0.084 Pressure gauge electronic x2 
_0.132 Fitting x1 
_0.556 Air hose 6 metre ARB orange x1 
_0.426 Air hose 2 metre blue x1 
_0.362 Air hose 1.5 metre blue x1 
_0.264 Air hose 0.8 metre blue x1 
_0.106 Air duster cleaner x1 

_2.100 Jumper leads 175 anderson to clamp x1 
_3.900 Jumper leads 300 amp continuous x1 
29.000 Battery 26ah 8.35kg + brackets x3 
_1.000 MPPT x1 
_1.490 6awg 4m 50ah anderson x1 
_0.954 8awg 4m 50ah anderson x1 
_0.254 12awg 2.2m anderson x1 
_0.342 12awg 2m 50/35 ah anderson x1 
_0.282 12awg 35ah fridge lead 1 
_0.112 Fridge power lead x1 
_0.210 Fridge 240 volt lead x1 
15.000 Fridge 28 litres inc. extra insulation x1 
_0.100 12 volt lead 1m x3 
_0.700 White towel to cover fridge x1 

0.216 Window sun shade front x1 
0.366 Window sun shade rest of windows x1 
6.500 Mosquito enclosure x1 
1.000 Ground sheet heavy x1 
0.626 Ground sheet tent cover light x1 
1.088 Tent poles telescopic 0.544 x2 
1.900 Tent poles and pegs x2 
1.600 Tent ropes & pegs (10 & 10) 
0.684 Tent peg hammer x1 
1.050 Sand flag x1 
0.300 Window sun nets for mosquitoes x4 

3.100 Helinox chairs x2 
1.210 Stools x2 
0.054 Blue & grey seat mats x2 
1.054 Table top x1 
1.178 Table legs x1 
1.010 Metho stove & lighters etc 
1.850 Metho 1 litre x2 
0.700 Bucket with lid x1 

0.806 Sleeping mat blue Thermarest x1 
1.110 Sleeping mat brown Thermarest x1 
0.400 Sleeping mat 3/4 Thermarest x1 
0.278 Sleeping mat grey foam x1 
0.286 Sleeping mat blue foam x1 
3.000 Sleeping bags x2 

0.500 First aid x1 
0.256 Tick freeze spray x1 
0.300 Braun tooth brush 2xAA x2 
2.000 Personal items 
1.500 Toilet paper 10 rolls + 3 emergency 

0.256 Camera Canon G9X + 2 add batteries x1 
0.700 Paper maps Hema / Gregorys x10 
3.000 Atlas x2 
0.370 GPS + cable + bracket x1 
0.200 Mobile x1 
0.800 portable radio 

0.256 Torch large USB 26650 x1 
0.102 Torch medium USB 18650 x1 
0.150 Torch head USB 16340 x2 
0.032 Torch AAA x2 
0.244 AA AAA battery charger 
0.384 Clamp meter x1 
1.086 Tool box tyre repair x1 
0.366 Multi grips x1 
0.192 Long nose pliers 
0.268 Ratchet 3/8 inch x1 
0.320 Wheel leveller x1 
1.830 Jack plate x1 
0.650 Tie down ratchet heavey duty x1 
0.372 Tie down straps 2 metres x2 
0.324 Tie down straps 1 metres x2 
8.000 Tow ropes + shackles x2 
1.368 3/4 inch tee handle x1 
0.622 3/4 inch 21mm socket + extension x1 
0.260 Builders glovers 2 sets x2 
1.000 Boot carpet x1 
3.000 Front rubber mats x2 
0.238 Fuses box of 150 x150 

0.300 12 volt dual outlet + extension x1 
1.036 Spanners 6mm to 19mm (set) 
0.578 Sockets 13mm - 21mm + extension (set) 
0.434 Sockets small (set) 
0.216 Screw driver set (set) 
0.366 Air filter 
0.300 Oil filter 

15.000 Clothes for 2 people 
_3.000 Shoes & sandals 2 people 
15.000 Food - cans, dry & cold 
15.000 Beer (reduce weight of first item!) (not enough beer!) 

548kg      

-11.300 Rear seat bases & 3 head rests removed (we turn the car into 2 seats while away)

I know there are still a few thing missing and I am sure people could easily add many items to this list!

An old Boeing 747 is about 1% heavier with all the dirt in the nooks and crannies. So maybe factor in another 1% due to the environment we travel in. So lets say 30kg off you payload!

Hayden wrote:

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Thanks yobarr Yes the weight scenario has certainly been an eye opener for us and a bit of a struggle to get our heads around . So just to clarify, you think that a rare weight van of around 1300kg would be pushing it in regards to the capability of a Kluger ?? FYI we have two kids under 5 , so theres a bit of stuff to pack , plus I imagine well have the usual Weber q , bikes , Portable fridge/freezer and camping chairs etc . Again , appreciate your help

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 Hi Hayden Unfortunately,the tare weight on the compliance plate of a caravan means diddly squat,as it shows only what the van weighed as it left the factory. ALL stuff added later gas bottles etc is part of the GVM of the van.Long story short,the Kluger will NEVER do what you want to do, given your family,and particularly when you intend  to carry stuff like Weber,Bikes (NEVER on back bumper) Beer fridge,freezer,camping chairs etc. Of the two options you've presented,the Pajero is the better one,and the only one that will do the job.However,might I suggest you explore other offerings? However,the Pajero,because of its better towing capacity,may suit,but PLEASE post details on the van's compliance plate before purchase. Most important is ACTUAL weight of the van,as it stands at seller's place,followed closely by ATM (total allowed weight of van) and GTM (allowed weight on axle group). The axle capacity of the van also is important,as this could be lower than the GTM,allowing for ATM increases.Complicated? You better believe it,but always I am happy to help! Good luck with youtpr research Hayden.Cheers

I have a car that will tow 1850 kg. My previous 4wd towed 3000kg, so, I was quite happy to tow my current van of 1670kg. but this new car will not be used to tow this van, even though it can on the books. The van to me is just too heavy for it, plus the ball weight of the car is only 150kg, and my van is loaded 160, so it is too heavy. I knew this before I bought this car, and knew I would have to sell my van. Just be careful, with what car you get. A friend of mine has a Kluger 2012 AWD, and they only tow a 1300kg camper with it, even though it can carry more , they wont do it. You could look at a van like those Jayco slide out bed ends, sure they have canvas for the top middle section, but you could then use a Kluger to tow with, and that way you get the better car and petrol as well. I got fed up with limp modes on diesels, and will never get another.

That's ok Hayden

Territory's also come in petrol

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2009-ford-territory-ts-sy-mkii-auto-awd/OAG-AD-19756368?pageSource=details&id=OAG-AD-19756368

With the right hitch it can tow 2300-2700kg. 4 litre straight 6 cylinder.

Tony

-- Edited by Eaglemax on Wednesday 5th of May 2021 12:38:31 AM

Hayden wrote:

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Preferably my wife would prefer a Petrol car as she doesnt like diesels

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My previous petrol vehicle returned 24L/100km when towing - my current diesel vehicle returns 14L/100km when towing and about 8L/100km when solo, plus it has 80% more torque than the petrol and is a far better tow vehicle. That's a lot to forego for a dislike....

You can't go past the Patrol Y62 with its petrol 5.6 litre V8 engine.  

Derek Barnes wrote:

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You can't go past the Patrol Y62 with its petrol 5.6 litre V8 engine.  

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 Hi Derek the Y62 is possibly the undisputed King of Petrol 4wds,but I would be most surprised if you could find one for the $30,000 that Hayden has available.And you would need a big bank account to pay the fuel bill.My neighbour has one,and he and his wife towed a small camper trailer from Brisbane to Cameron Corner,and back,running up the credit card on fuel.When he returned,he said he was considering selling his house to pay the fuel bill.Big,luxurious,VERY powerful it certainly is,but fuel efficient? I don't think so.Mike Harding's post,below yours,may give Hayden something to ponder? Realistically,he should be looking at something other than his listed preference,but if his wife is adamant that the car will be petrol powered, the Pajero may suffice.The Territory suggested by Tony may suit,but they do have their own issues,particularly with the transmission oil coolers  that would fracture,resulting in the coolant mixing with the transmission fluid. Terminal,with a new transmission being required. Not cheap.Cheers

Hayden wrote:

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Again , thank you everyone for your input. The other issue with the Petrol vs Diesel debate is that the car will be mostly used for short trips (ie 10 minute local drives) with only the occasional towing trip every few months on a weekend . Weve read various reports etc that this just isnt ideal for Diesel engines and can lead to potential damage and costly repairs?? The other question mark we have about diesels is whether or not theyll eventually become banned in Australia like theyve started to do overseas ? Is anyone else apprehensive about this possibility?? We dont want to invest in something that well lose all resale on down the track cause the govt has changed the laws about diesel cars in suburbia.... Its a long bow I know , but still a consideration for a purchaser . Thanks again Hayden

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"Interesting" would be my reaction to your predictions! The chances of Diesels being banned during the lifetime of any car you bought now are zip,zero,zilch,nil,nada it won't happen.How could the Govt possibly ban diesel cars in suburbia? Would this mean that people who live "in the bush" would not be able to go to town? And as for "potential damage and costly repairs",I will not comment publicly,but that is easily sorted too. Driving the car like you hate it helps with my LC79 I change gears at 3000rpm or better.Cheers

Just to add off topic, the earlier Pajero tow capacity was 3.0T but the tow ball weight dropped to 180Kl when the van weighed over 2.5T.

Mine was just on the 180kl. For the record, pulled 2'6T van up Mt Tambourine a few yrs ago with the Pajero, got down to 2nd gear, bit scary if any steeper!!

Dick.

BAZZA44 wrote:

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Hayden a 100 series landcruiser has not been mentioned yet. You can get them in your price range but will have to look around for low mileage ones.
Barry

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 Now that's a great suggestion! With a GCM of 6760kg,and a towing capacity of 3500kg,that car would do it easily! And the wheelbase is only 60mm greater than that of a Kluger.And,as Barry has said,you can get a good one for under $30,000. But I still reckon you should buy a diesel! Cheers