My partner and I will become Grey nomads in the next 2 years and so some serious planning and preparation is underway.  We have decided that the way to go is with a fifth wheeler and are looking at appropriate vehicles.  We are seeking advice from anyone out there on the type of vehicle we should look at,  Any help on Petrol vs Diesel and 2WD versus 4WD would be great. We will be travelling with a dog so we are looking at an extra cab/duel cab type of vehicle.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum Anne & Geoff.  We are also looking for a  suitable vehicle for towing a van. We were looking at a Ford Territory until we did some research and found they are too thirsty! (see the thread posted on Jan 3rd "Ford Territory for towing"). Since then we've received a lot of advice from this forum as well as others in "the know" and steering away from the smaller SUVs. We are now leaning towards a Toyota Prado or Nissan Patrol 3 litre Turbo Diesel models which are not only more fuel efficient but are also more versatile as far as towing capabilities are concerned. 

I've also heard good things about Ford Rangers which are also available in 2.5L & 3.00L turbo diesel and come in single cabs with a big storage space behind the seat accessed by "Suicide doors", or Super Cabs and Crew cabs (Dual cabs for your dog). I understand they're perfect for towing 5th wheelers. They're also quite reasonably priced as far as 4wd commercials go.


As for 2wd or 4wd even if you don't intend towing your van off road, I'd go for 4wd, you never know what situation you might get into when your van might get bogged in soft sand or mud when you want to park just off the side of the road. Also once your at your prefered stopover/destination you can unhitch your van in a nice part of the country and explore parts of this beautiful country off the beaten track not safely accessible by 2wd.

One thing we've learnt from this site is even if some of the advice can sometimes be an advice overload, it at least gets you thinking "outside the square" and you tend to do a lot more research before making a final decision.

I'm sure at this very minute Dave06 (AKA Guru number 1) is busy typing away his very informed and greatly respected advice so I hope I haven't stolen any of his thunder!

Brian & Sue

G'day,

Let me also welcome you to the forum, can't help with the vehicle advice but anything I can help with I will be only too pleased to do so.

Best Regards and Safe Travelling.

John

hi and welcome to the forum,

We have been through the same thing - deciding on a vehicle!!

However our choice was made for us once we decided on the van we wanted. the van we have has a towing weight of 3500kg and so therefore we were limited to only one vehicle - The toyota Landcruiser V8 Diesel.

The only 'new' vehicle we know of that will tow this particular van.

We were given great advice and help from the people from whom we have purchased the van and they even went as far as getting us a 'fleet discount' for us - service was unreal.

Many things to think about - thats for sure.

Cheers

well they've all said it so I dont have to, but I will anyway, welcome to you, I see quite a few fifth wheelers getting out and about now, but havent really taken a lot of notice about whats pulling them, I did see one monster up at wilpena going back a while now, slideouts everywhere and kids by the dozen, and a loudmouth driver who had more money than sense he pulled his with the biggest thing short of a prime mover that I have ever seen, whopping great diesel v8 traytop ford dual cab thingy, he couldnt back it in so had to use the unpowered sites, took up two of them just for the fifth wheeler, and then proceeded to fire up a genny to power his lifestyle he was imediately told to shut it down or leave, he left!! I see a few of these nissan/toyota mid size ones with the v6 pulling them quite happily

I took this pic at Murray Bridge CP last year...sorry cant make out the vehicle....all I know it was big


Dave