Hi Milo, I have been thinking about and looking at similar vehicles. I have thought off, Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 (same vehicle just different badges) yet the BT50 has a larger towing capacity. Now I am starting to think, Isuzu Dmax, Toyota Hilux or go away from the twin cab ute type and think maybe Toyota Prado. The reason for the Prado is I have decided I think I would prefer to have that back section closed in, I know a canopy on the ute sorts that out and whichever way I go would have to be second hand unless I was lucky last night but I havn't got a phone call yet so it looks like my luck has not changed, no luck. I will be interested in other's comments as to a tow vehicle, tug etc etc. DOUG

I forgot to mention Landrovers as well, blaze. Only problem there is, I have been told by a few people locally to be careful with the LD as they have a few mechanical problems and are expensive to work on also they don't have a good towing capacity yet I see you say 3500kg blaze. I will keep a watchful eye on all the comments here. Good luck with your research milo, there is a large choice out there. Decisions, Decisions????

-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 15th of January 2012 07:44:19 PM

Dougwe wrote:

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I forgot to mention Landrovers as well, blaze. Only problem there is, I have been told by a few people locally to be careful with the LD as they have a few mechanical problems and are expensive to work on also they don't have a good towing capacity yet I see you say 3500kg blaze. I will keep a watchful eye on all the comments here. Good luck with your research milo, there is a large choice out there. Decisions, Decisions????

-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 15th of January 2012 07:44:19 PM

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 Hi Doug

My old rangie had a tow capacity of 4000kg. The parts are no dearer than any other modern vehicle. Good maintance on any vehicle will minimise expensive repairs.

cheers

blaze

Hi Milo and fellow towers

Like all yr other answers, theres lots to pick from we have the first model Toyota Prado it had 50k on it when we brought it now has 360k.

It has dual fuel tanks standard, is constant 4wd, is auto and we have owned and towed both a 15 foot and 17 foot van with no effort. Without towing we still get 1100ks out of the 2 tanks, towing it averages between 850 and 920.

We have never lost a van and depending on road conditions cruise between 80 and 110.

On current prices to fill both tanks with unleaded averages around $150/160. Cant remeber the exact tanks sizes I think the main is 93L and secondary is 69L. Did 13,000Klms in a half loop last yr pulling a avan type van and with all excess running around and side trips we spent $2000 on fuel the hole trip food parks, site seeing etc cost us $5000 all up. We did do a fair bit of free camping in that as we are set up so we can go up to 4 days without needing a park.

We have had a Jackaroo & 2 patrols and found them all good but the Prado does it for us ticking all our boxes

Turtle   

Milo........asking a question like that.will make it difficult for you....

Firstly......you have to concider the weight of the van..and ball weight

Second.......we can all suggest a vehicle......most will say....this brand works for us...........it might not for you
Example: Nissan patrols....LC.......Land Rovers.....all duel cab utes.......I cant fit in any.(I'm too tall..cant get legs under steering wheel).till I found a Pajero....I'm not saying they are any better than the others...........I'm saying get what suites you

Dreaming costs you nothing Milo

Hi Milo I found I got used to towing very quickly in the sense of I am always aware the caravan is there so I am always alert and cautious and also aware of the wind and speed and braking time etc. Doing a weekend towing course was really helpful and if I think I need to will do a quick half day refresher with the RAC before hitting the road full time. Although most people would say you need a bathroom and toilet, I elected not to have one so that I could get a smaller van (15 foot) and maximise the living space. I have a shower tent and portapot. I bought the largest van that I could tow with my hilux which is only 4 cylinder so it had to be light - tare is 760. I'm not experienced in any sense but am alert and calm and feel very comfortable with what I ended up with.

Hi Choco

Its really about you, practice till u learn the turning circle, length of your train, and the lockup point when van and tug hit when turning in reverse.

The size of the A frame effects the turn, longer is easier than shorter.

But at trips end u will be able to do it all, if you cant ask your co driver if they would like to learn!!

its all fun dont stress

Turtle 

Hi Milo, I'm starting to think more Toyota Prado 2000 on, models. I had a look at the Land Rover yesterday arvo and too much wrong, one thing I did notice thanks to this forum was the undercarriage had all been freshly painted, the sales man got a bit annoyed when I got on the ground and started crawling under to check it, I think he might have known something??? So much for a local looking after a local. I also had a lengthy talk to my mechanic and friend who is a diesel mechanic and they both suggested the Prado as it seems to meet all my needs but make sure I get a diesel. I do agree with a comment somewhere up further here about it's a personal choice, it really is just that. Good luck with it all Milo.

Well, I had a look at a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado "Grande" today, 2000 model, auto with duel fuel, gas/petrol. Good km's, good nick and brand new BFG tyers all round. I said I wasn't happy with price so he is working on a hopefully better offer. The price he will come up with will include a couple of extras. I have worked out what I would be happy with so all going well I could have a new tow vehicle (well second hand anyway). As you could imagine, being a 2000 model it's lost a bit of it's show room looks but nothing a spit and polish wouldn't fix.