If you could make do with a van around the 20ft mark this would open up your choice of tugs, eg Pajero, Prado, twin cab ute etc.

I'm afraid I have to concur with your husband's view on a low mileage later model. (jeeze I'm a brave man!.... or perhaps a coward, you don't know where I live so you can't come after me with a baseball bat! )

jimricho wrote:

---

If you could make do with a van around the 20ft mark this would open up your choice of tugs, eg Pajero, Prado, twin cab ute etc.

I'm afraid I have to concur with your husband's view on a low mileage later model. (jeeze I'm a brave man!.... or perhaps a coward, you don't know where I live so you can't come after me with a baseball bat! )

---

 *gasp* Jim I would never do such a thing lol.  We are currently looking at the Ford Ranger and it seems we can get a later model with low mileage within our price range so fingers crossed and maybe eyes and legs too just for good measure hehehe.

Michelle

Keith19837 wrote:

---

How long did it take most of you to make your decisions on what vehicle and what van if I may ask?

Michelle

---

 Hi Michelle, shorter answer this time.  I spent about 12 months looking into Motor Homes before deciding on what general type.  I then spent another few months watching prices on various car sites etc to get an idea on prices, availability of spares/second hand parts.   I made a short list and checked out same.   I sorted the wheat from the chaff and got my diesel mechanic brother to assist with final selection.  All up about 18 months.   With my (then brand new) dual cab ute I spent less time but a similar process.  One thing I did not consider fully is the amount of room in the back seats of a dual cab ute.   Whilst it was fine for kids, I found out a couple of years later that it was not so good for teenagers/adults.  To my mind, that as this is perhaps the second most expensive item you will buy,   it's really worth taking your time.   I think you said you're recuperating from some surgery, use the time to have a good look at what's out there to suit your tow requirements, comfort levels, passenger consideration, budget and longevity of your purchase.  4WD or large 2WD on FWD chassis etc.   For what it's worth.

-- Edited by Keith19837 on Thursday 7th of June 2012 07:09:52 PM

---

 Hi again Keith,  I will be getting my daughter's partner to come with us when we purchase as he is a mechanic too and he said that he could fix anything that needed fixing if we could find the right car for the right price and not to stress to much about that so that took a load off our mind but as I said in another post we are currently looking at the Ford Ranger as it meets all our criteria at the moment will continue to look around in the meantime though.  We don't have children at home anymore  but the back of a duel cab will still hold a carseat for our grandaughter for sure and our thin daughter if we want to take them with us on smaller trips.

Oh Keith I wish I was recovering from surgery but alas no I am on a 3 year waiting list for the double knee replacements so we want to get out there travelling now while we are 3 years younger lol.

Thanks for your input Keith

Michelle

jetj wrote:

---

The NRMA tested some of the 4 wheel drive utes, the BT-50, Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and the the VW ute, so some information probably online on their site. I read it in their Magazine. Might be helpful.

---

 Thanks Janette I might look at their website and check out the info.  Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

Michelle

gst wrote:

---

My first van cost $500.00 which i Towed with a old FJ55 rust bucket I pulled the van apart on the inside then rebuilt it to see if we liked vanning then slowly up dated

---

 Those were the days gst hey?  Love the FJ's.  If I had the patience and the health I would buy a vintage van and gut it and redo the interior maintaining the era etc but make it look so hot!!

Michelle