check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar rearview170 Topargee products Enginesaver Low Water Alarms
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> The Grey Nomads - General -> Your Thoughts on Towing
Post Info TOPIC: Your Thoughts on Towing
goingsolo


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 8
Date:
Your Thoughts on Towing
Permalink  

Hi,

I am looking at buying a camper/mh which can tow around 2000kg. Your thoughts on 4cyl as opposed to 6cyl engines would be helpful. I am looking at Mazda T3500, Coasters and Nissan civilians as preferred vehicles. I have seen all configurations towing something and wonder how efficient they are. I am not aware of a 6cyl SWB Coaster and all SWB seem to be 4 cyl but not all LWB are 6cylinders. Would I need to consider an engine upgrade to one with more grunt? and if so what? At present I am leaning towards LWB Coaster 6 cyl with a towing capacity of 2000kg.

Why tow? I am towing as I wish to setup camp when I arrive and get my elderly dogs settled and then runabout in the smaller vehicle. Don't want to use the bigger vehicle as the runabout.

Those who have been around the traps a while and seen it all might have some insights to offer?

Many thanks

__________________

Me + 3

Jack - Belgian Shep/Border Collie x 10yo

Molly - Chi/Terrier x 3 1/2yo

Happy - Chihuahua 8yo
Peter_n_Margaret


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4375
Date:
Permalink  

The towing abilityof an engine is determined by engine TORQUE.
Horsepower and number of cylinders are very much secondary issues.

Cheers,
Peter


__________________

OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
jimricho


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3917
Date:
Permalink  

I must be very good at towing because I've been told I'm all torque

__________________

Merda tauris scientia vincit
JRH


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2951
Date:
Permalink  

jimricho wrote:

I must be very good at towing because I've been told I'm all torque


Geez I'm glad I am not an orphanbiggrin.gifwink

 



__________________
If I don't get there today, I'll get there tomorrow or the day after.

John & Irona..........Rockingham Western Australia
Basil Faulty


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2333
Date:
Permalink  

It is engine torque that "tows" engine power gives you acceleration....
A diesel engine will eat a similar sized petrol engine in towing ability and towing with gas is really not worth considering....

__________________
Don't take life too seriously.... No one gets out alive

KIA Sorento CRDi EX  ( Ebony black) with 5 hex chrome plated tire air valve covers, Coramal Sunsheild, Elcheapo GPS, First Aid Kit, full KIA toolkit & Yellow lenses on the Foglights......
goingsolo


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 8
Date:
Permalink  

thankyou for that information I will go and research optimum torque for engine size for towing.

__________________

Me + 3

Jack - Belgian Shep/Border Collie x 10yo

Molly - Chi/Terrier x 3 1/2yo

Happy - Chihuahua 8yo
jimricho


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3917
Date:
Permalink  

goingsolo wrote:

thankyou for that information I will go and research optimum torque for engine size for towing.


If someone on this forum is making a book on your final selection I think the betting odds on the diesels will be fairly short.

PS: like your "signature"......I used to be conceited until I realised I was perfect. wink

 



__________________

Merda tauris scientia vincit
Delta18


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2266
Date:
Permalink  

Basil Faulty wrote:

It is engine torque that "tows" engine power gives you acceleration....


A quick lesson in vehicle dynamics....wink

Power determines how fast you will hit a concrete barrier, Torque determines how far you will push the barrier. smile

Taken further....Understeer means you hit the barrier with the front of the vehicle, Oversteer means you hit with it the rear.

 

Cheers

 



__________________

Neil & Lynne

Pinjarra 

Western Australia


MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3

' 1260w Solar: 400ah Lithium Battery: 2000w Projecta IP2000 Inverter

Diesel Heater: SOG Toilet Kit: 2.5kw Fujitsu Split System A/c

 

 
goingsolo


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 8
Date:
Permalink  

yes, of course diesel is the fuel option it is just the vehicle with which to tow and the size - who is towing what weight with what vehicle?

many thanks - witticisms appreciated

__________________

Me + 3

Jack - Belgian Shep/Border Collie x 10yo

Molly - Chi/Terrier x 3 1/2yo

Happy - Chihuahua 8yo
Smokeydk


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1371
Date:
Permalink  

Doesnt matter if it can tow it...the problem is will it stop it .....[braking]...

Dave

__________________

 
Desertrider53


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 4
Date:
Permalink  

Not enough to worry about torque and power, now you got braking, buddy brakes, wiring, etc.

__________________
DesertRider53
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> The Grey Nomads - General -> Your Thoughts on Towing
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook