Looking to tow a 2.5t tare caravan, 3t ATM with a new MUX lst. Just the 2 of us. We would appreciate hearing your experiences - good & bad.
yobarr said
08:33 PM Aug 15, 2022
Wanttogo wrote:
Looking to tow a 2.5t tare caravan, 3t ATM with a new MUX lst. Just the 2 of us. We would appreciate hearing your experiences - good & bad.
Hi Jeff.Welcome to the forum where you'll find a wealth of knowledge is available from members, many who have much experience in caravans. As for your question, I have no direct experience with an MUX but a good friend last year did an extended trip over several states towing a 3000kg ATM van. He tells that the car generally performed OK, but he feels that 3000kg ATM is the absolute maximum for the car, so you MIGHT be OK. However, at 3000kg you'll be right on the limit if safety is of any importance to you, as the car has a very light rear axle limit of 1650kg. Assuming that you adhere to the generally accepted towball weight of 10% of ATM (300kg) your 3000kg van will put approximately 420kg onto the car's rear axle. (Think 'levers') . Because this car has 1080kg on the rear axle at tare, you are immediately up around 1500kg when you connect the van, so you have little room left for fuel, passengers or luggage. This is cutting things a bit fine, but weights are a complete mystery to many, so I will not complicate things further! However, please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Good car, but towing 3000kg is absolute maximum as a PIG trailer. (Caravan) Good luck with your plans. Cheers
P.S There is much more that I could explain, but it probably is best that you first understand what I've written so far.
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of August 2022 08:48:39 PM
gold dandelion said
09:41 PM Aug 15, 2022
Is this a here we go again or is it a set up?
yobarr said
09:45 PM Aug 15, 2022
gold dandelion wrote:
Is this a here we go again or is it a set up?
Hi Robert. Because Jeff is a new member I believe that it is a genuine question as he would not be familiar with previous "discussions". Cheers
P.S Screen shot of part of a previous thread discussing MUX. Weights have slightly increased but not enough to change outcome.
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of August 2022 10:21:33 PM
Looking to tow a 2.5t tare caravan, 3t ATM with a new MUX lst. Just the 2 of us. We would appreciate hearing your experiences - good & bad.
Welcome.
2.5 tonne tare caravan is good for your new MUX but don't, I repeat don't fill the water tanks, leave the gas bottles behind and don't put any thing else in the caravan.
Sorry a 2.5 tonne tare caravan is just to heavy to start with, your need a caravan taring about 2100 or 2200kgs with a gross vehicle mass of 2700kgs, 2600 would be even better.
The car's drive axle is the main problem towing a pig style trailer placing a towball weight of say 260 kgs or more will overload your car.
There goes your warranties, insurances.
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:35 PM Aug 16, 2022
Hi yobarr,
Without hood winking the discussion, what determines the axle loading of a vehicle?
The size of the axle, bearings, strength of the diff & axle housing? When I asked a local bearing supplier (SKF), why my then Nissan bearings were quite a bit dearer than Toyota's, I was told that they were quite a bit larger than the equivalent Toyota. Is this the reason why you suggested recently that the Y62 Patrol was the better tow vehicle?
Back to you wanttogo,
I have the previous model D-Max which has the same "tow rating" as the new Mux. My caravan has an ATM just under 2T (perhaps due to some skull-duggery by Jayco) but unless I'm going into remote areas or expecting to free camp, I travel without full water tanks. They are both 95L - that is 190kg out of the allowable load of 375kg.
While we live in the tropics, our family live in the colder southern areas - I'd sooner be warm than carrying excessive amounts of water. And yes, the car does a good job towing the van, I know it is not the same car in regards to the rear suspension.
I'd recommend that you fit a catch can to save the engine from expensive repairs later on & a transmission cooler, particularly if you want to travel in warmer areas. I put my catch can on just over 50,000kms & have prevented 1.75L of oil going into the EGR system.
Have a good look in the forum by scanning through yourself, doing searches - including Advanced search - you'll find lots of good info. I hope you enjoy your time here.
Wanttogo said
09:28 PM Aug 16, 2022
Hi Yobar Thanks for your genuine response. I'm not looking to waste anyones time with my question. There are plenty of people posting on fb sites with towing setups similar to what I am planning so I thought I'd explore a bit more on this forum.
I'm looking for opinions from people who are towing at the same weights, not instructions from someone with 5000 posts or someone towing 2t.
-- Edited by Wanttogo on Tuesday 16th of August 2022 09:33:27 PM
Ivan 01 said
02:08 PM Aug 17, 2022
The idea that you may take as sound advice any information from any forum expert is at the best a dangerous practice.
Because their neighbours uncles, once removed son in law, has an MUX towing a van does not make it legal or safe.
If you have the van then load it and weigh it accurately including tow ball weight and axle group weight.
This will immediately provide you with what may be legally achievable.
You provide no indication as to wether you have the MUX or the van.
Based on this then Radars comments should be noted.
You may not like what he said but his comments may be close to being very truthful for your situation.
If you only want to hear the *shell be right mate* comment, then happy motoring.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 02:08:41 PM
Wanttogo said
05:39 PM Aug 17, 2022
Hi Ivan
Thanks for your reponse. I did say "looking" as I have not bought the car or caravan yet.
I'm hoping that someone with the same or similar setup will give an experienced opinion for this setup.
Heaps of people will say its not safe or suitable but there are many opinions and atm I am listening to them all before committing to this setup.
Cheers Jeff
peter67 said
06:04 PM Aug 17, 2022
I find your 'attitude' annoying, the answer to your question has already been answered.
Wanttogo said
07:50 PM Aug 17, 2022
Hi Peter
Your response is also not answering my question
yobarr said
08:11 PM Aug 17, 2022
Wanttogo wrote:
Hi Ivan
Thanks for your reponse. I did say "looking" as I have not bought the car or caravan yet.
I'm hoping that someone with the same or similar setup will give an experienced opinion for this setup.
Heaps of people will say its not safe or suitable but there are many opinions and atm I am listening to them all before committing to this setup.
Cheers Jeff
Aaah. The highlighted text above releases me from the restraints of needing to be, shall we say, diplomatic with my response as I didn't want to discourage a new member. Long story short, forget the MUX if you plan to tow more than a 2800-2900kg ATM van. The reasons for this are clearly outlined in my post made at 9.45pm on 15/8. Putting it bluntly, an MUX is well out of its depth above those figures. There is little doubt that Isuzu makes good cars, so you may like to consider a DMax, which can safely tow up to about 3000kg, maybe 3100kg at a pinch. If you want an SUV have you considered Ford Everest which seem to be good little cars with GVM of 3100kg and tow capacity of 3100kg ATM. GCM is 5900kg so you can safely tow up to about 3000kg. Once again, as is the case with all smaller vehicles, the rear axle capacity is the limiting factor but at 1750kg the Everest enjoys a 100kg gain over the MUX. If you specifically want an SUV-type (Hate that term ) vehicle have you considered an LC200? Not my kettle of fish,but Big, powerful, comfortable and can safely tow just over 3000kg? Not much else to choose from if you want an SUV as Prado won't do it, neither will Pajero Sport. Y62 Nissan is a very good car too. Just a word of caution. Asking present owners of any vehicle if theirs is a good vehicle is fraught with danger as very few owners will admit that they've bought a dud, and many are ignorant of weights anyway. "Done a million miles mate. No worries mate. Just gotta drive to the conditions Mate" Yeah, right. Please keep us in the picture as you continue your search as you will NEVER get impartial advice from anyone with a vested interest in your purchase, such as car dealers and some RV dealers. It could be helpful if you could tell us where abouts in Australia you live, as members may have reputable contacts in your area. And beware of advice from no doubt good-intentioned persons who only think they know weights as it is a minefield, understood by few. Good luck with your search. Cheers
KJB said
09:07 AM Aug 18, 2022
Radar wrote:
Wanttogo wrote:
Looking to tow a 2.5t tare caravan, 3t ATM with a new MUX lst. Just the 2 of us. We would appreciate hearing your experiences - good & bad.
Welcome.
2.5 tonne tare caravan is good for your new MUX but don't, I repeat don't fill the water tanks, leave the gas bottles behind and don't put any thing else in the caravan.
Sorry a 2.5 tonne tare caravan is just to heavy to start with, your need a caravan taring about 2100 or 2200kgs with a gross vehicle mass of 2700kgs, 2600 would be even better.
The car's drive axle is the main problem towing a pig style trailer placing a towball weight of say 260 kgs or more will overload your car.
There goes your warranties, insurances.
That's it in a "nutshell".......... be legal,be happy......KB
Looking to tow a 2.5t tare caravan, 3t ATM with a new MUX lst. Just the 2 of us. We would appreciate hearing your experiences - good & bad.
Hi Jeff.Welcome to the forum where you'll find a wealth of knowledge is available from members, many who have much experience in caravans. As for your question, I have no direct experience with an MUX but a good friend last year did an extended trip over several states towing a 3000kg ATM van. He tells that the car generally performed OK, but he feels that 3000kg ATM is the absolute maximum for the car, so you MIGHT be OK. However, at 3000kg you'll be right on the limit if safety is of any importance to you, as the car has a very light rear axle limit of 1650kg. Assuming that you adhere to the generally accepted towball weight of 10% of ATM (300kg) your 3000kg van will put approximately 420kg onto the car's rear axle. (Think 'levers') . Because this car has 1080kg on the rear axle at tare, you are immediately up around 1500kg when you connect the van, so you have little room left for fuel, passengers or luggage. This is cutting things a bit fine, but weights are a complete mystery to many, so I will not complicate things further! However, please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Good car, but towing 3000kg is absolute maximum as a PIG trailer. (Caravan) Good luck with your plans. Cheers
P.S There is much more that I could explain, but it probably is best that you first understand what I've written so far.
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of August 2022 08:48:39 PM
Hi Robert. Because Jeff is a new member I believe that it is a genuine question as he would not be familiar with previous "discussions". Cheers
P.S Screen shot of part of a previous thread discussing MUX. Weights have slightly increased but not enough to change outcome.
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of August 2022 10:21:33 PM
Welcome.
2.5 tonne tare caravan is good for your new MUX but don't, I repeat don't fill the water tanks, leave the gas bottles behind and don't put any thing else in the caravan.
Sorry a 2.5 tonne tare caravan is just to heavy to start with, your need a caravan taring about 2100 or 2200kgs with a gross vehicle mass of 2700kgs, 2600 would be even better.
The car's drive axle is the main problem towing a pig style trailer placing a towball weight of say 260 kgs or more will overload your car.
There goes your warranties, insurances.
Without hood winking the discussion, what determines the axle loading of a vehicle?
The size of the axle, bearings, strength of the diff & axle housing? When I asked a local bearing supplier (SKF), why my then Nissan bearings were quite a bit dearer than Toyota's, I was told that they were quite a bit larger than the equivalent Toyota. Is this the reason why you suggested recently that the Y62 Patrol was the better tow vehicle?
Back to you wanttogo,
I have the previous model D-Max which has the same "tow rating" as the new Mux. My caravan has an ATM just under 2T (perhaps due to some skull-duggery by Jayco) but unless I'm going into remote areas or expecting to free camp, I travel without full water tanks. They are both 95L - that is 190kg out of the allowable load of 375kg.
While we live in the tropics, our family live in the colder southern areas - I'd sooner be warm than carrying excessive amounts of water. And yes, the car does a good job towing the van, I know it is not the same car in regards to the rear suspension.
I'd recommend that you fit a catch can to save the engine from expensive repairs later on & a transmission cooler, particularly if you want to travel in warmer areas. I put my catch can on just over 50,000kms & have prevented 1.75L of oil going into the EGR system.
Have a good look in the forum by scanning through yourself, doing searches - including Advanced search - you'll find lots of good info. I hope you enjoy your time here.
Hi Yobar Thanks for your genuine response. I'm not looking to waste anyones time with my question. There are plenty of people posting on fb sites with towing setups similar to what I am planning so I thought I'd explore a bit more on this forum.
I'm looking for opinions from people who are towing at the same weights, not instructions from someone with 5000 posts or someone towing 2t.
-- Edited by Wanttogo on Tuesday 16th of August 2022 09:33:27 PM
The idea that you may take as sound advice any information from any forum expert is at the best a dangerous practice.
Because their neighbours uncles, once removed son in law, has an MUX towing a van does not make it legal or safe.
If you have the van then load it and weigh it accurately including tow ball weight and axle group weight.
This will immediately provide you with what may be legally achievable.
You provide no indication as to wether you have the MUX or the van.
Based on this then Radars comments should be noted.
You may not like what he said but his comments may be close to being very truthful for your situation.
If you only want to hear the *shell be right mate* comment, then happy motoring.
-- Edited by Ivan 01 on Wednesday 17th of August 2022 02:08:41 PM
Hi Ivan
Thanks for your reponse. I did say "looking" as I have not bought the car or caravan yet.
I'm hoping that someone with the same or similar setup will give an experienced opinion for this setup.
Heaps of people will say its not safe or suitable but there are many opinions and atm I am listening to them all before committing to this setup.
Cheers Jeff
Hi Peter
Your response is also not answering my question
Aaah. The highlighted text above releases me from the restraints of needing to be, shall we say, diplomatic with my response as I didn't want to discourage a new member. Long story short, forget the MUX if you plan to tow more than a 2800-2900kg ATM van. The reasons for this are clearly outlined in my post made at 9.45pm on 15/8. Putting it bluntly, an MUX is well out of its depth above those figures. There is little doubt that Isuzu makes good cars, so you may like to consider a DMax, which can safely tow up to about 3000kg, maybe 3100kg at a pinch. If you want an SUV have you considered Ford Everest which seem to be good little cars with GVM of 3100kg and tow capacity of 3100kg ATM. GCM is 5900kg so you can safely tow up to about 3000kg. Once again, as is the case with all smaller vehicles, the rear axle capacity is the limiting factor but at 1750kg the Everest enjoys a 100kg gain over the MUX. If you specifically want an SUV-type (Hate that term ) vehicle have you considered an LC200? Not my kettle of fish,but Big, powerful, comfortable and can safely tow just over 3000kg? Not much else to choose from if you want an SUV as Prado won't do it, neither will Pajero Sport. Y62 Nissan is a very good car too. Just a word of caution. Asking present owners of any vehicle if theirs is a good vehicle is fraught with danger as very few owners will admit that they've bought a dud, and many are ignorant of weights anyway. "Done a million miles mate. No worries mate. Just gotta drive to the conditions Mate" Yeah, right. Please keep us in the picture as you continue your search as you will NEVER get impartial advice from anyone with a vested interest in your purchase, such as car dealers and some RV dealers. It could be helpful if you could tell us where abouts in Australia you live, as members may have reputable contacts in your area. And beware of advice from no doubt good-intentioned persons who only think they know weights as it is a minefield, understood by few. Good luck with your search. Cheers
That's it in a "nutshell".......... be legal,be happy......KB
Thanks, useful info Cheers