hi we are selling our house to travel(and hopefully soon)we are going to purchase a van approx 18 to 21 foot and have had varying advice on which vehicle to use.if possible could we have feedback on people who have used falcons(wagon or sedan)or those who use a 4wd(eg 100 series cruiser)and finnaly dual cabs 6cyl or diesel, we do intend to have lpg fitted and are curious as to stability with a falcon compared to 4wd (interested as to stability when a road train or large trucks overtake etc, btw we are conservative drivers and have 90kph stuck in our minds as a safe travlling speed dependant on conditions ,i know this will have been probably discussed before but we would appreciate any advice cheers deb-gary
Hi Deb and Gary. We have arrived back in Melbourne today from just over 16000kms through the centre to the Barkly, then across to Cairns and down the coast. We have a BA series 3 Falcon Wagon on "dedicated gas" This was our second trip, the first with an NH Pajero nearing its end. The Falcon towed our Paramount Gold Eagle Pop top, tare 1460, with ease all the way and despite our initial misgivings about dedicated gas had no trouble finding supplies. We tow where possible at either 80-90 where safe of course and a bit quicker on freeways. Stability when being passed by trucks, especially B Double Pantech's is always compramised to some degree and we found keeping a good eye out for passing vehicles and reducing our speed slightly as they neared, allowed us to accelerate during the overtake, very slightly, which seemed to keep the rig tracking straight. The speed decrease/increase was as said very slight. Meeting on-coming vehicles seemed to pose no problem. We carried far too much and went to quick to return good fuel use we averaged about 19-21 litres per 100kms. Price from 54cpl in Melb to almost 1-30 near the top. No off road nor gravel this trip. We have had an extra leaf in the rear springs and an auto gearbox cooler fitted. Towed, stability wise, as good as the Pajero. [ours anyway]. If you are staying on the black top then we would reccoment the Falcon.
Hi to you all. I'm not sure Goodie if the road train drivers would have been thanking you for slowing down as they approached. Their cruising speed is 100KPH. As they approach you and your van doing 90 KPH you slow down, without warning, and then as they go to pass you accelerate. Not an accepted practice on the highways and byways of this big country of ours. I would recommend you hold your cruising speed until the truck is fully out alongside of you, then you slow a little until the rig has completly past you. This hastens the passing procedure, and allows you to hold your rig steady as all those wheels skim by. I would recommend installing a UHF radio so you can communicate with these road train drivers to let them know what you're doing. The heavier and powerful the tug the better the towing experience, but if you're happy to travel in a sedan, go for it. This method does restrict your access to some places, and the lack of clearance could complicate negotiating some of our rougher black top roads. Not all roads are smooth and flat, so if you think you'll have enough power with your vehicle of choice go for it. Safe and happy travels to you.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Hi We have a Ford BA Wagon and a 18 foot Milard van we have traveled may Kms without any trouble at all. It is highly recomended you put 140 w Diff oil in Diff when towing & bypass the transmission cooler in radiator with a aftermarket cooler as coolers in radiator have been a big problem in this model as well as diffs. Diff oil when towing in this model should always be changed every 40,000 Kms. We have found the wagon gives you more space. And also Rear spring also are soft and either air bags or a extra leaf is a good idea. I have done a lot of work on these cars as I worked for Ford, If you need to know more just PM me. The only disadvantage is it won't go off road like a 4X4 but we have been in some places you would not take a normal car and have not got stuck yet LOL. Regards
We have been towing our van (see vitar) with a Falcon XR6T for the past four years. Previously we had a 2005 Prado.
There is absolutely no comparison between these vehicles. The Falcon wins hands down on all aspects, and they are not as thirsty as one might expect.
This year, because of what we expected to do and the amount of junk we took with us, I purchased a Mercedes Benz ML270 CDI to go away with. The intention was to come back and sell one or the other vehicle after comparing them.
Problem now is I cannot decide which is the better vehicle?
The Falcon does the job easier. Which reduces fatigue!
The Benz offers a higher safety margin and better fuel consumption.
Only twice on our holiday this year did I think the Falcon "might" have struggled with ground clearance, was I glad we where in a 4x4. But, both times these areas could have been avoided.
We have now decided to keep both vehicles, I will use the MB as a daily commuter and decide next time we tow which vehicle to take.
Deb-Gary, You may find this guide useful, http://www.towingguide.com.au/index.html
Up until recently when we replaced it with another vehicle, I often used the wife's Falcon to tow boats and trailers. Traditionally the straight six Falcon auto sedan has been the couple's choice for light trailers. It needs a separate, good quality transmission oil cooler installed before the radiator unit and preferably a transmission fluid temperature gauge to go with that. An auto transmission shop can do that not the local garage (who could add a risk rather than treating it). They can put in a (radiator) low coolant level warning as well (we didn't have one).
The main reasons we didn't buy another Falcon were the very poor ergonomics of the front seating for taller drivers, the excessive blind spot for the driver caused by the window support and the overlarge glass front and rear that is not suitable for Australia's sun. Ford doesn't listen to dealers.
A Falcon is cheaper on fuel when unhitched, not necessarily when towing, so it used to suit those who used it for occasional towing and for those who stop in areas for lengthy times and use the car for sightseeing.
I would apply the rule that the gross laden weight of the caravan, including those heavy water tanks filled, should never exceed the unladen weight of the Falcon and that is with a quality suitably rated tow bar with weight distribution hitch. That might put the gross laden weight below two tonnes. While some experienced caravanners might tow higher loads, your highest risk starting out is that a caravan salesman or owner could talk you into stretching the envelope as far as the weight of the caravan is concerned, which is a dangerous trap for learners.
On dual cabs, just remember that they are commercial vehicles with commercial light truck suspensions and running light truck tyres. That affects handling with and without the van and you also need to think about comfort for hours on that seat.
We have been towing our van (see vitar) with a Falcon XR6T for the past four years. Previously we had a 2005 Prado.
