My wife and I are taking delivery of a off-road caravan with a fully loaded weight allowance of 2800 kegs. So I guess we will generally be towing bet 2500 and 2800. We were looking at buying a Ford Ranger Wildtrak which gives us reasonable payload on the car to allow for Bullbar, winch and extras. Does anyone have a Ranger towing around 2800kgs? If so, would be interested to hear views on suitability.
cheers
Robert
yobarr said
08:38 AM Mar 14, 2021
Uberd wrote:
My wife and I are taking delivery of a off-road caravan with a fully loaded weight allowance of 2800 kegs. So I guess we will generally be towing bet 2500 and 2800. We were looking at buying a Ford Ranger Wildtrak which gives us reasonable payload on the car to allow for Bullbar, winch and extras. Does anyone have a Ranger towing around 2800kgs? If so, would be interested to hear views on suitability. cheers
Robert
Hi Robert...the Ranger is a good vehicle for safely towing up to about 3100kg ATM.Long wheelbase means it is a lot more stable than some of the more popular SUV (hate that terminology!) type vehicles.The Wildtrak comes with a choice of two engines,I believe,but being an old fella,I wouldn't even consider the smaller one...no reliable substitute for cubic inches!Just remember to watch your rear axle weight which is only 1850kg.Other cars that you may like to consider include the Colorado and the DMax.Good luck with your search! Cheers
Uberd said
08:58 AM Mar 14, 2021
Greatly appreciate the advice. Old fellas just means experienced.
Radar said
09:30 AM Mar 14, 2021
Having a Nissan Navara 2014 crew cab would not be sucker into going down that path again, the ute tub area is a very unusable area for weight wise.
When we hook upto the caravan with 270 to 280 of towball weight the drive axle reachers it's weight limit very quickly, a couple of camp chairs, engel frig, basic tool box and some 4WD needs specially that 80 kilograms of canopy adding to the problem.
There is hundred's out there which influence my decision to buy.
I for one am not in favour of crew cab utes for towing 2.8 tonnes of caravan.
yobarr said
10:35 AM Mar 14, 2021
Radar wrote:
Having a Nissan Navara 2014 crew cab would not be sucker into going down that path again, the ute tub area is a very unusable area for weight wise.
When we hook upto the caravan with 270 to 280 of towball weight the drive axle reachers it's weight limit very quickly, a couple of camp chairs, engel frig, basic tool box and some 4WD needs specially that 80 kilograms of canopy adding to the problem.
There is hundred's out there which influence my decision to buy.
I for one am not in favour of crew cab utes for towing 2.8 tonnes of caravan.
Hi Ralph...your comments certainly are helpful,but a Navara and a Ranger are chalk and cheese.As well as having a wheelbase that is 270mm longer than that of the Navara,a Ranger also has a 340kg greater GVM.Don't have rear axle figure for Navara handy,but shorter wheelbase means maximum weight would be more easily reached.Although not my kettle of fish,the Ranger is a good car if you wish to safely tow up to about 3100kg ATM.The 2014 Navara MAX towing capacity is 2800kg.And you no doubt understand that,assuming your vehicle has the same limitations as later models, if you have a 280kg towball weight on your Navara,your car's GVM is reduced by over 300kg.(Don't have that exact figure at hand either).For Robert's advice, assuming the generally accepted 10% towball weight,280kg towball weight will put just over 400kg onto the Ranger's rear axle.Cheers
LATER:- Please don't take this as Gospel,but it seems that the rear axle capacity on a 2014 Navara is only 1720kg! Happy to be corrected...
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 14th of March 2021 03:14:44 PM
Mike Harding said
12:58 PM Mar 14, 2021
I write from a background of many years 4WDing (caravanless) in the Vic High Country:
Unless you intend to use the winch for solo trips in the 4WD don't waste the money or weight; if you have any sense you will never take the caravan into places you may need to winch the rig out from and I seriously doubt a standard winch would be up to the job anyway - and if ever do do that you'll only do it once! I sold my winch a while back - caravans and 4WDing are not good bed-fellows.
The Ranger should be OK, many tow with it. I have a Holden Trailblazer which tows my 2.8T or so Snowy River SR-19 very well in both highway and off-road conditions and produces good fuel economy - 14.5L/100kph with van, <9L/100kph without.
Greg 1 said
03:20 PM Mar 14, 2021
I have been towing a van weighing just under 3 tonne now for about the last 70,000ks with a Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Vehicle has done about 102,000 to date.
Excellent tow vehicle, arguably the best I have owned, and I have had a few.
With it's long wheelbase, reasonably short rear overhang and inbuilt trailer stability control it is very good provided always you stay within it's limitations, which on the van you are suggesting, should be fine.
The 3.2litre 5 cylinder diesel is very good at lugging van's up and down hills.
Our Ranger has tackled many of the stiff climbs over the Great Dividing Range and done it easily with our van in tow.
It has lugged the van across the continent and back 4 times now, one a complete lap plus several trips inside WA. It has proven to be a very reliable vehicle with the only issue being that I have had to replace two batteries in 6 years. I have now had the smart charge turned off by Ford which seems to have fixed that issue. Time will tell.
It is a capable 4wd as well. We have had it in some fairly heavy going off road and it has performed very well. Have not had to resort to the rear diff lock once yet, although what I have done with it would not be labelled as extreme off road.
There is very little I do not like about the vehicle to be frank other than dealing with Fords service divisions who are totally incompetent in my opinion.
Radar said
05:57 PM Mar 14, 2021
yobarr wrote:
Radar wrote:
Having a Nissan Navara 2014 crew cab would not be sucker into going down that path again, the ute tub area is a very unusable area for weight wise.
When we hook upto the caravan with 270 to 280 of towball weight the drive axle reachers it's weight limit very quickly, a couple of camp chairs, engel frig, basic tool box and some 4WD needs specially that 80 kilograms of canopy adding to the problem.
There is hundred's out there which influence my decision to buy.
I for one am not in favour of crew cab utes for towing 2.8 tonnes of caravan.
Hi Ralph...your comments certainly are helpful,but a Navara and a Ranger are chalk and cheese.As well as having a wheelbase that is 270mm longer than that of the Navara,a Ranger also has a 340kg greater GVM.Don't have rear axle figure for Navara handy,but shorter wheelbase means maximum weight would be more easily reached.Although not my kettle of fish,the Ranger is a good car if you wish to safely tow up to about 3100kg ATM.The 2014 Navara MAX towing capacity is 2800kg.And you no doubt understand that,assuming your vehicle has the same limitations as later models, if you have a 280kg towball weight on your Navara,your car's GVM is reduced by over 300kg.(Don't have that exact figure at hand either).For Robert's advice, assuming the generally accepted 10% towball weight,280kg towball weight will put just over 400kg onto the Ranger's rear axle.Cheers
LATER:- Please don't take this as Gospel,but it seems that the rear axle capacity on a 2014 Navara is only 1720kg! Happy to be corrected...
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 14th of March 2021 03:14:44 PM
My post is not really about the Nissan specs but about the small amount of usability of the crew cab tub area.
After buying our 800kg heavier caravan we found the ute was very limiting in its use while towing.
GVM 3020 kg GCM 6020 kg on our V6 turbo model.
Ps. Lucky the Navara is cheese and the Ranger must be chalk.
-- Edited by Radar on Sunday 14th of March 2021 05:59:23 PM
yobarr said
06:08 PM Mar 14, 2021
Radar wrote:
yobarr wrote:
Radar wrote:
Having a Nissan Navara 2014 crew cab would not be sucker into going down that path again, the ute tub area is a very unusable area for weight wise.
When we hook upto the caravan with 270 to 280 of towball weight the drive axle reachers it's weight limit very quickly, a couple of camp chairs, engel frig, basic tool box and some 4WD needs specially that 80 kilograms of canopy adding to the problem.
There is hundred's out there which influence my decision to buy.
I for one am not in favour of crew cab utes for towing 2.8 tonnes of caravan.
Hi Ralph...your comments certainly are helpful,but a Navara and a Ranger are chalk and cheese.As well as having a wheelbase that is 270mm longer than that of the Navara,a Ranger also has a 340kg greater GVM.Don't have rear axle figure for Navara handy,but shorter wheelbase means maximum weight would be more easily reached.Although not my kettle of fish,the Ranger is a good car if you wish to safely tow up to about 3100kg ATM.The 2014 Navara MAX towing capacity is 2800kg.And you no doubt understand that,assuming your vehicle has the same limitations as later models, if you have a 280kg towball weight on your Navara,your car's GVM is reduced by over 300kg.(Don't have that exact figure at hand either).For Robert's advice, assuming the generally accepted 10% towball weight,280kg towball weight will put just over 400kg onto the Ranger's rear axle.Cheers
LATER:- Please don't take this as Gospel,but it seems that the rear axle capacity on a 2014 Navara is only 1720kg! Happy to be corrected...
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 14th of March 2021 03:14:44 PM
My post is not really about the Nissan specs but about the small amount of usability of the crew cab tub area.
After buying our 800kg heavier caravan we found the ute was very limiting in its use while towing.
GVM 3020 kg GCM 6020 kg on our V6 model.
Hi Ralph...I understand your concerns about the "usability of the crew cab tub",but my post was made to point out that the Navara has severe limitations when compared with a Ranger.Because of its higher GVM,extra wheelbase,and no GVM reduction dependent on towball weight,the Ranger is a superior vehicle,in my opinion.It is pleasing to note that you are happy with your car,but the Ranger has the ability to carry hundreds of kilograms more in its tray (tub) than does the Navara.Safe and happy travels! Cheers
Radar said
10:58 PM Mar 14, 2021
yobarr wrote:
Radar wrote:
yobarr wrote:
Radar wrote:
Having a Nissan Navara 2014 crew cab would not be sucker into going down that path again, the ute tub area is a very unusable area for weight wise.
When we hook upto the caravan with 270 to 280 of towball weight the drive axle reachers it's weight limit very quickly, a couple of camp chairs, engel frig, basic tool box and some 4WD needs specially that 80 kilograms of canopy adding to the problem.
There is hundred's out there which influence my decision to buy.
I for one am not in favour of crew cab utes for towing 2.8 tonnes of caravan.
Hi Ralph...your comments certainly are helpful,but a Navara and a Ranger are chalk and cheese.As well as having a wheelbase that is 270mm longer than that of the Navara,a Ranger also has a 340kg greater GVM.Don't have rear axle figure for Navara handy,but shorter wheelbase means maximum weight would be more easily reached.Although not my kettle of fish,the Ranger is a good car if you wish to safely tow up to about 3100kg ATM.The 2014 Navara MAX towing capacity is 2800kg.And you no doubt understand that,assuming your vehicle has the same limitations as later models, if you have a 280kg towball weight on your Navara,your car's GVM is reduced by over 300kg.(Don't have that exact figure at hand either).For Robert's advice, assuming the generally accepted 10% towball weight,280kg towball weight will put just over 400kg onto the Ranger's rear axle.Cheers
LATER:- Please don't take this as Gospel,but it seems that the rear axle capacity on a 2014 Navara is only 1720kg! Happy to be corrected...
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 14th of March 2021 03:14:44 PM
My post is not really about the Nissan specs but about the small amount of usability of the crew cab tub area.
After buying our 800kg heavier caravan we found the ute was very limiting in its use while towing.
GVM 3020 kg GCM 6020 kg on our V6 model.
Hi Ralph...I understand your concerns about the "usability of the crew cab tub",but my post was made to point out that the Navara has severe limitations when compared with a Ranger.Because of its higher GVM,extra wheelbase,and no GVM reduction dependent on towball weight,the Ranger is a superior vehicle,in my opinion.It is pleasing to note that you are happy with your car,but the Ranger has the ability to carry hundreds of kilograms more in its tray (tub) than does the Navara.Safe and happy travels! Cheers
Hi Yobarr.
Your sarcasm has been noted and as pointed out before this is not about brands of crew cab utes.
So off you go, into your sand pit to play with your bucket, shovel and your scales.
bomurra said
11:40 PM Mar 14, 2021
Hello Robert,
I would also suggest you look at the new Isuzu D Max ute, the towing and load numbers for which, more than favourably compare with the Ranger.
It is a little down on power by comparison with the stats but those driving them (towing larger vans), say they do it easily.
However if you decide that a ute is not the way to go, drive a new Y62 Patrol, the initial spend is not a great deal more than a Ranger Wildtrak.
Cheers
Bob.
Greg 1 said
12:45 AM Mar 15, 2021
Radar, I think you are being somewhat unfair to yobarr as he is just pointing out that there is a discrepancy between the Ranger and the Navara in the Rangers favour. This is not a criticism of the Navara which is quite a good vehicle, but the facts speak for themselves.
The Ranger is a slightly more capable tow vehicle whichever way you wish to look at it.
I don't believe he was being sarcastic at all and yours was a personal attack on someone just pointing out the facts.
bilbo said
09:24 AM Mar 15, 2021
X 2
cheers Bilbo
yobarr said
10:39 AM Mar 15, 2021
bilbo wrote:
X 2
cheers Bilbo
Hi Doug...I'd like to take this opportunity to thank both you and Doug for your support here.As has been pointed out by Greg,I was not being sarcastic at all,but simply pointing out to Ralph some facts that are indesputable.Sometimes,if it doesn't support an agenda,the truth will hurt, with the hurt perhaps being felt most by people who think that they know weights,but don't. Thanks again.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of March 2021 02:01:36 PM
Depends how serious, aggressive you are ? A light truck such as Fuso , they dont ride as hard as the old trucks . But go forever and can have canopy on back .. if too pricy ? They are great second hand . Newer SUV type vehicles are monocoque now ( No frame rail) arguably stronger in this case ? Most bent chassis rails are from being stupid! The nut behind the wheel !
KJB said
11:16 AM Mar 15, 2021
Good advice Yobarr........
Mutley said
12:30 PM Mar 15, 2021
Everything is a compromise!
The Ute will likely have a tub & canopy & that set up isn't conducive to a fun time on your knees packing & unpacking. Different story if it's a tray & alloy canopy of course.
Station wagons have a much more user friendly storage area IMO. They also usually have a shorter wheel base, so a better turning circle. Most Utes suspension & ride is firmer than most wagons too.
Another thing to think about is the near $300 a year more rego cost for a Ute (in SA anyway)
Genuine question; have Ford fixed the oil change pump priming issue & the very low to the ground air intake with the Ranger?
bomurra said
12:39 PM Mar 15, 2021
Hello Robert,
This article in the Go RV online Caravan Magazine may help your selection process.
Link is here - https://www.emag.gorv.com.au/mag/0889984001614226934
Cheers
Bob.
Greg 1 said
01:54 PM Mar 15, 2021
If you follow the instructions contained in the owners manual, there is no problem with the Ranger oil pump. Don't follow instructions then there can be.
The Ranger has an 800mm wading depth so no great problem with the air intake either but if you want to drown the thing fit a snorkel.
yobarr said
01:55 PM Mar 15, 2021
Mutley wrote:
Everything is a compromise!
The Ute will likely have a tub & canopy & that set up isn't conducive to a fun time on your knees packing & unpacking. Different story if it's a tray & alloy canopy of course.
Station wagons have a much more user friendly storage area IMO. They also usually have a shorter wheel base, so a better turning circle. Most Utes suspension & ride is firmer than most wagons too.
Another thing to think about is the near $300 a year more rego cost for a Ute (in SA anyway)
Genuine question; have Ford fixed the oil change pump priming issue & the very low to the ground air intake with the Ranger?
Mutley...Do you have a name? In the text above I have highlighted the very reason that utes are safer as tow vehicles.Longer wheelbase generally means that the vehicle is naturally more stable,reducing the risk of the "Tail wagging the Dog",and it also means that the car's rear axle is less impacted by transferred towball weight. My car has a wheel base of 3180mm,poor lock,and it needs a football field to turn around in,but I do not care! As you suggest,an (aluminium) tray and an alloy canopy is a far better option than a tub.You could have the best of both worlds by keeping the factory tub,and putting it back on if you sell the ute,keeping the canopy for your next car? Cheers
Whenarewethere said
02:33 PM Mar 15, 2021
Have you looked at a new Defender 110. A lot of capacity & you can raise & low the car to connect & disconnect the caravan, also the same for tyre repairs!
yobarr said
03:40 PM Mar 15, 2021
Whenarewethere wrote:
Have you looked at a new Defender 110. A lot of capacity & you can raise & low the car to connect & disconnect the caravan, also the same for tyre repairs!
Interesting,Jonathan.Although I wouldn't go near one in a fit,I decided to do a bit of research into the 110.Apart from the ridiculous price,about twice its worth,in my opinion,one of the first things I found was this.IF...and I emphasise IF...this is true,towing limit is about 1500kg as a PIG trailer. These sorts of cars are of little interest to me,and their scarcity would indicate that my thoughts may be shared by others? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of March 2021 03:57:25 PM
My Freelander towball load is 150kg for the rest of the world but up to 350kg in Australia. It is an impractical figure as the payload is 500kg but you can increase the GVM by 100kg upto 100kph.
yobarr said
06:13 PM Mar 15, 2021
Whenarewethere wrote:
My Freelander towball load is 150kg for the rest of the world but up to 350kg in Australia. It is an impractical figure as the payload is 500kg but you can increase the GVM by 100kg upto 100kph.
Hmmm...both of these figures are from Australian publications,with the lower one being from a car dealer in Sydney trying to flog this vehicle for well over $120,000.($143,000 fom memory?) You would have to be kidding,surely? For obvious reasons,I have erased the dealer's details.Cheers
Whenarewethere said
06:33 PM Mar 15, 2021
There are "white goods" SUVs which are in the same price range. I know which car I would rather be in!
Mutley said
09:59 PM Mar 15, 2021
yobarr wrote:
Mutley wrote:
Everything is a compromise!
The Ute will likely have a tub & canopy & that set up isn't conducive to a fun time on your knees packing & unpacking. Different story if it's a tray & alloy canopy of course.
Station wagons have a much more user friendly storage area IMO. They also usually have a shorter wheel base, so a better turning circle. Most Utes suspension & ride is firmer than most wagons too.
Another thing to think about is the near $300 a year more rego cost for a Ute (in SA anyway)
Genuine question; have Ford fixed the oil change pump priming issue & the very low to the ground air intake with the Ranger?
Mutley...Do you have a name? In the text above I have highlighted the very reason that utes are safer as tow vehicles.Longer wheelbase generally means that the vehicle is naturally more stable,reducing the risk of the "Tail wagging the Dog",and it also means that the car's rear axle is less impacted by transferred towball weight. My car has a wheel base of 3180mm,poor lock,and it needs a football field to turn around in,but I do not care! As you suggest,an (aluminium) tray and an alloy canopy is a far better option than a tub.You could have the best of both worlds by keeping the factory tub,and putting it back on if you sell the ute,keeping the canopy for your next car? Cheers
Yes, like you I have a user name ;)
My reply was to the OP. It certainly wasn't aimed at you, nor anyone else. But thanks for your reply champ.
You seem to think that I don't have a dual cab Ute? You couldn't be more wrong! But like I said, everything is a compromise! :)
Radar said
09:06 AM Mar 16, 2021
bomurra wrote:
Hello Robert,
This article in the Go RV online Caravan Magazine may help your selection process.
Link is here - https://www.emag.gorv.com.au/mag/0889984001614226934
Cheers
Bob.
My opinion only, the journalist did a reasonable job on page 20 write up.
I did notice the Ford Ranger tared heavier and had a bit higher gvm, end result is still only a few kilograms in it between the common crew cabs utes.
Shame he did not add wheel bases to his graph as between most there is only a tennis ball difference on the common crew cabs.
Thank you for putting that link up, interesting.
yobarr said
10:19 AM Mar 16, 2021
Radar wrote:
bomurra wrote:
Hello Robert,
This article in the Go RV online Caravan Magazine may help your selection process.
Link is here - https://www.emag.gorv.com.au/mag/0889984001614226934
Cheers
Bob.
My opinion only, the journalist did a reasonable job on page 20 write up.
I did notice the Ford Ranger tared heavier and had a bit higher gvm, end result is still only a few kilograms in it between the common crew cabs utes.
Shame he did not add wheel bases to his graph as between most there is only a tennis ball difference on the common crew cabs.
Thank you for putting that link up, interesting.
"...there is only a tennis ball difference..." Don't know where you play tennis,Ralph,but a 200mm (8") tennis ball would certainly take some hitting,I'd say? Your comment about higher GVM,and then announcing "...still only a few kilograms in it..." indicates that perhaps you don't yet understand that,all things being equal,the heavier is the car,compared with the van,the more stable,and safer,is the whole combination,with less tendency for the "Tail wagging the Dog". Simple physics! Cheers
yobarr said
10:41 AM Mar 16, 2021
bomurra wrote:
Hello Robert,
This article in the Go RV online Caravan Magazine may help your selection process.
Link is here - https://www.emag.gorv.com.au/mag/0889984001614226934
Cheers
Bob.
Hi Bob...this chart was previously submitted by another member,and has been put together by someone with absolutely NO apparent understanding of weights.I spoke then of the inaccuracies that can easily confuse and deceive "newbies" and others,so I will not elaborate.Suffice to say that the author has covered his rear with the disclaimers at bottom of page. Anybody with any more than a basic understanding of weights will realise that there is only one vehicle on that list that has any chance of safely towing 3500kg..Cheers.
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 10:46:11 AM
So now yet another enquiry has been dragged to promote the 79 series ute, it is probably fitting to post what another caravanner posted some time ago with the downfalls of that vehicle.
From another source:
....................
With all the comments of late on the subject how suitable different brands, models and makes of vehicles are when it comes to towing and general use I thought it fitting to have a look at the recommendation by some which conveniently overlooks a major inherent problem with the mighty 70 series Toyotas. Here is an explanation of the problem and legal issues with spacers and offset rims as well as serious concerns for vehicle stability both with and without a trailer in tow. The video will take 16 minutes of your time but if anyone is considering one of these vehicles then it is probably compulsory viewing. It may also be of interest to other interested forum members.
Here is a link to an Aussie company that has a fix for the problem. I have no affiliation with this or any other company in any link in this post.
www.superiorengineering.com.au/ ... ved--31091 Please note the advice in red on the lower section of the page in the link where the diff housing has to be upgraded as well.
Off set rims are a band aid fix but there are many reports of the extra width placing excessive load on the wheel bearings and axles. The use of spacers are illegal.
There are other ways to make the 70 series VDJ Toyotas suitable and safe for towing both on and off road by replacing the complete rear diff assembly.
DANA and WIDZ are two brands that anyone interested may look into. The modifications to make these vehicles stable when towing and improve the off road characteristics is quite expensive when the cost is added to the purchase price of these vehicles.
Anyway enough about the narrower track on the rear causing poor handling and instability, there are other important considerations to be taken into account as well.
The next biggest concern from many buyers considering this model is the lack of availability of an Auto Transmission.
The lack of driver and passenger room particularly in the single cab versions means that anyone over 56 will be asking to get out and stretch their legs before they get to the farm gate. I allways wondered how John Laws fitted into those earlier Toyota utes. It is worse for the driver as there is nowhere to put your feet to be comfortable.
It has been mentioned elsewhere about the buck board like ride from these utes and the ride is even harsher when the suspension has had a GVM upgrade.
There other other probably less important things inherent in these vehicles, the radio has been a bone of contention in other comments as well as the industrial seating.
All vehicles have their own problems but if anyone considers the price you pay for a 70 Series VDJ variant and then have to spend a fair amount of money to even bring it to the comfort level of any of our smaller Aussie utes let alone fixing the rear track problem that Toyota has neglected to correct since fitting the V8 to their utes, or having to fit an Auto Transmission which I believe currently is around $20.000
The current cost of correcting the track on the rear....without labour Is over $7000.00.
The post goes on to suggest other, larger, suitable vehicles available in Aus but as the original enquiry was related to a Ford Ranger, I have not included those comments.
Regards
Rob
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 12:34:15 PM
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 12:37:05 PM
My wife and I are taking delivery of a off-road caravan with a fully loaded weight allowance of 2800 kegs. So I guess we will generally be towing bet 2500 and 2800.
We were looking at buying a Ford Ranger Wildtrak which gives us reasonable payload on the car to allow for Bullbar, winch and extras.
Does anyone have a Ranger towing around 2800kgs? If so, would be interested to hear views on suitability.
cheers
Robert
Hi Robert...the Ranger is a good vehicle for safely towing up to about 3100kg ATM.Long wheelbase means it is a lot more stable than some of the more popular SUV (hate that terminology!) type vehicles.The Wildtrak comes with a choice of two engines,I believe,but being an old fella,I wouldn't even consider the smaller one...no reliable substitute for cubic inches!Just remember to watch your rear axle weight which is only 1850kg.Other cars that you may like to consider include the Colorado and the DMax.Good luck with your search! Cheers
Having a Nissan Navara 2014 crew cab would not be sucker into going down that path again, the ute tub area is a very unusable area for weight wise.
When we hook upto the caravan with 270 to 280 of towball weight the drive axle reachers it's weight limit very quickly, a couple of camp chairs, engel frig, basic tool box and some 4WD needs specially that 80 kilograms of canopy adding to the problem.
There is hundred's out there which influence my decision to buy.
I for one am not in favour of crew cab utes for towing 2.8 tonnes of caravan.
Hi Ralph...your comments certainly are helpful,but a Navara and a Ranger are chalk and cheese.As well as having a wheelbase that is 270mm longer than that of the Navara,a Ranger also has a 340kg greater GVM.Don't have rear axle figure for Navara handy,but shorter wheelbase means maximum weight would be more easily reached.Although not my kettle of fish,the Ranger is a good car if you wish to safely tow up to about 3100kg ATM.The 2014 Navara MAX towing capacity is 2800kg.And you no doubt understand that,assuming your vehicle has the same limitations as later models, if you have a 280kg towball weight on your Navara,your car's GVM is reduced by over 300kg.(Don't have that exact figure at hand either).For Robert's advice, assuming the generally accepted 10% towball weight,280kg towball weight will put just over 400kg onto the Ranger's rear axle.Cheers
LATER:- Please don't take this as Gospel,but it seems that the rear axle capacity on a 2014 Navara is only 1720kg! Happy to be corrected...
-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 14th of March 2021 03:14:44 PM
I write from a background of many years 4WDing (caravanless) in the Vic High Country:
Unless you intend to use the winch for solo trips in the 4WD don't waste the money or weight; if you have any sense you will never take the caravan into places you may need to winch the rig out from and I seriously doubt a standard winch would be up to the job anyway - and if ever do do that you'll only do it once! I sold my winch a while back - caravans and 4WDing are not good bed-fellows.
The Ranger should be OK, many tow with it. I have a Holden Trailblazer which tows my 2.8T or so Snowy River SR-19 very well in both highway and off-road conditions and produces good fuel economy - 14.5L/100kph with van, <9L/100kph without.
My post is not really about the Nissan specs but about the small amount of usability of the crew cab tub area.
After buying our 800kg heavier caravan we found the ute was very limiting in its use while towing.
GVM 3020 kg GCM 6020 kg on our V6 turbo model.
Ps. Lucky the Navara is cheese and the Ranger must be chalk.
-- Edited by Radar on Sunday 14th of March 2021 05:59:23 PM
Hi Ralph...I understand your concerns about the "usability of the crew cab tub",but my post was made to point out that the Navara has severe limitations when compared with a Ranger.Because of its higher GVM,extra wheelbase,and no GVM reduction dependent on towball weight,the Ranger is a superior vehicle,in my opinion.It is pleasing to note that you are happy with your car,but the Ranger has the ability to carry hundreds of kilograms more in its tray (tub) than does the Navara.Safe and happy travels! Cheers
Hi Yobarr.
Your sarcasm has been noted and as pointed out before this is not about brands of crew cab utes.
So off you go, into your sand pit to play with your bucket, shovel and your scales.
Hello Robert,
I would also suggest you look at the new Isuzu D Max ute, the towing and load numbers for which, more than favourably compare with the Ranger.
It is a little down on power by comparison with the stats but those driving them (towing larger vans), say they do it easily.
However if you decide that a ute is not the way to go, drive a new Y62 Patrol, the initial spend is not a great deal more than a Ranger Wildtrak.
Cheers
Bob.
X 2
cheers Bilbo
Hi Doug...I'd like to take this opportunity to thank both you and Doug for your support here.As has been pointed out by Greg,I was not being sarcastic at all,but simply pointing out to Ralph some facts that are indesputable.Sometimes,if it doesn't support an agenda,the truth will hurt, with the hurt perhaps being felt most by people who think that they know weights,but don't. Thanks again.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of March 2021 02:01:36 PM
Good advice Yobarr........
The Ute will likely have a tub & canopy & that set up isn't conducive to a fun time on your knees packing & unpacking. Different story if it's a tray & alloy canopy of course.
Station wagons have a much more user friendly storage area IMO. They also usually have a shorter wheel base, so a better turning circle. Most Utes suspension & ride is firmer than most wagons too.
Another thing to think about is the near $300 a year more rego cost for a Ute (in SA anyway)
Genuine question; have Ford fixed the oil change pump priming issue & the very low to the ground air intake with the Ranger?
Hello Robert,
This article in the Go RV online Caravan Magazine may help your selection process.
Link is here - https://www.emag.gorv.com.au/mag/0889984001614226934
Cheers
Bob.
Mutley...Do you have a name? In the text above I have highlighted the very reason that utes are safer as tow vehicles.Longer wheelbase generally means that the vehicle is naturally more stable,reducing the risk of the "Tail wagging the Dog",and it also means that the car's rear axle is less impacted by transferred towball weight. My car has a wheel base of 3180mm,poor lock,and it needs a football field to turn around in,but I do not care! As you suggest,an (aluminium) tray and an alloy canopy is a far better option than a tub.You could have the best of both worlds by keeping the factory tub,and putting it back on if you sell the ute,keeping the canopy for your next car? Cheers
Have you looked at a new Defender 110. A lot of capacity & you can raise & low the car to connect & disconnect the caravan, also the same for tyre repairs!
Interesting,Jonathan.Although I wouldn't go near one in a fit,I decided to do a bit of research into the 110.Apart from the ridiculous price,about twice its worth,in my opinion,one of the first things I found was this.IF...and I emphasise IF...this is true,towing limit is about 1500kg as a PIG trailer. These sorts of cars are of little interest to me,and their scarcity would indicate that my thoughts may be shared by others? Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 15th of March 2021 03:57:25 PM
My Freelander towball load is 150kg for the rest of the world but up to 350kg in Australia. It is an impractical figure as the payload is 500kg but you can increase the GVM by 100kg upto 100kph.
Hmmm...both of these figures are from Australian publications,with the lower one being from a car dealer in Sydney trying to flog this vehicle for well over $120,000.($143,000 fom memory?) You would have to be kidding,surely? For obvious reasons,I have erased the dealer's details.Cheers
There are "white goods" SUVs which are in the same price range. I know which car I would rather be in!
Yes, like you I have a user name ;)
My reply was to the OP. It certainly wasn't aimed at you, nor anyone else. But thanks for your reply champ.
You seem to think that I don't have a dual cab Ute? You couldn't be more wrong! But like I said, everything is a compromise! :)
My opinion only, the journalist did a reasonable job on page 20 write up.
I did notice the Ford Ranger tared heavier and had a bit higher gvm, end result is still only a few kilograms in it between the common crew cabs utes.
Shame he did not add wheel bases to his graph as between most there is only a tennis ball difference on the common crew cabs.
Thank you for putting that link up, interesting.
"...there is only a tennis ball difference..." Don't know where you play tennis,Ralph,but a 200mm (8") tennis ball would certainly take some hitting,I'd say? Your comment about higher GVM,and then announcing "...still only a few kilograms in it..." indicates that perhaps you don't yet understand that,all things being equal,the heavier is the car,compared with the van,the more stable,and safer,is the whole combination,with less tendency for the "Tail wagging the Dog". Simple physics! Cheers
Hi Bob...this chart was previously submitted by another member,and has been put together by someone with absolutely NO apparent understanding of weights.I spoke then of the inaccuracies that can easily confuse and deceive "newbies" and others,so I will not elaborate.Suffice to say that the author has covered his rear with the disclaimers at bottom of page. Anybody with any more than a basic understanding of weights will realise that there is only one vehicle on that list that has any chance of safely towing 3500kg..Cheers.
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 10:46:11 AM
So now yet another enquiry has been dragged to promote the 79 series ute, it is probably fitting to post what another caravanner posted some time ago with the downfalls of that vehicle.
From another source:
....................
With all the comments of late on the subject how suitable different brands, models and makes of vehicles are when it comes to towing and general use I thought it fitting to have a look at the recommendation by some which conveniently overlooks a major inherent problem with the mighty 70 series Toyotas.
Here is an explanation of the problem and legal issues with spacers and offset rims as well as serious concerns for vehicle stability both with and without a trailer in tow.
The video will take 16 minutes of your time but if anyone is considering one of these vehicles then it is probably compulsory viewing.
It may also be of interest to other interested forum members.
youtu.be/uS6SFQmkfoE&;
Here is a link to an Aussie company that has a fix for the problem.
I have no affiliation with this or any other company in any link in this post.
www.superiorengineering.com.au/ ... ved--31091
Please note the advice in red on the lower section of the page in the link where the diff housing has to be upgraded as well.
Off set rims are a band aid fix but there are many reports of the extra width placing excessive load on the wheel bearings and axles.
The use of spacers are illegal.
There are other ways to make the 70 series VDJ Toyotas suitable and safe for towing both on and off road by replacing the complete rear diff assembly.
DANA and WIDZ are two brands that anyone interested may look into.
The modifications to make these vehicles stable when towing and improve the off road characteristics is quite expensive when the cost is added to the purchase price of these vehicles.
Anyway enough about the narrower track on the rear causing poor handling and instability, there are other important considerations to be taken into account as well.
The next biggest concern from many buyers considering this model is the lack of availability of an Auto Transmission.
The lack of driver and passenger room particularly in the single cab versions means that anyone over 56 will be asking to get out and stretch their legs before they get to the farm gate.
I allways wondered how John Laws fitted into those earlier Toyota utes.
It is worse for the driver as there is nowhere to put your feet to be comfortable.
It has been mentioned elsewhere about the buck board like ride from these utes and the ride is even harsher when the suspension has had a GVM upgrade.
There other other probably less important things inherent in these vehicles, the radio has been a bone of contention in other comments as well as the industrial seating.
All vehicles have their own problems but if anyone considers the price you pay for a 70 Series VDJ variant and then have to spend a fair amount of money to even bring it to the comfort level of any of our smaller Aussie utes let alone fixing the rear track problem that Toyota has neglected to correct since fitting the V8 to their utes, or having to fit an Auto Transmission which I believe currently is around $20.000
The current cost of correcting the track on the rear....without labour Is over $7000.00.
https://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4x4-driveline/diff-housings/superior-leaf-sprung-track-corrected-chromoly-diamond-diff-housing-suitable-for-toyota-landcruiser-79-series-non-vsc-and-vsc-models-33948/ProductFilter/Toyota/Landcruiser/79SeriesGen2-2016-current-/SingleCabUteDiesel4.5ltTDV8
............
The post goes on to suggest other, larger, suitable vehicles available in Aus but as the original enquiry was related to a Ford Ranger, I have not included those comments.
Regards
Rob
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 12:34:15 PM
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 16th of March 2021 12:37:05 PM