we are new to this forum and are nearly grey nomads setting up for a lifestyle
change.we have a 2012 extrail 2.5cvt and are interested in hearing your expeiriences on towing with this vehicle.and what is suitable.
our needs are caravan, poptop or full, but an ensuite is essential, what is out there, that suits given the 2000kg towing capacity and 150kg download?is recommended,we would like to free camp where possible, but are getting confused with what fits in the 2000kg range and what is a comfortable tow.
Welcome from me too gillytel, enjoy here and out there, just be careful of wombat holes when moving around this site and take care around dazren too, he can be a bit naughty.
Avan have a nice range of caravans with on board en suite, might be worth a look see.
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I too believe you will have great difficulty in finding a van with full en-suite but the lightest of the vans out there are Geist brand dont know much about them but have seen a number of them being towed behind Ford's and Holden's so should be ok behind an Xtrail but be extremely careful you dont exceed your cars legal tow limit or you could end up with no insurance cover in the event of an accident.
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Any European caravan will meet these requirements with ease.
Adria, Geist or Bailey are the most common brands.
We have a Geist, purchased in 2006 new, the only problems we have encountered in 35,000km is a faulty water pressure regulator and a need to replace the lpg regulator.
Of course there a re a number of pop tops that would also meet your requirements, but do not overlook the European vans.
Firstly you'll need to look at vans that have a reletively low ball weight as both Nissan and Hayman Reece say thst a WDH must not be used on an Xtrail as the rear chassis rails can't handle the forces applied.
As you want a van with the Bells and Whistles I suggest you have a look at the 'Jurgens' range of euro style vans. They have been extensively tested in both Australian & South African outback conditions and engineered to cope.
Cheers, Ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
We have an XTrail but only pull an older Viscount with ball weight of 77kg. Met up with another XTrail driver who was pulling a newer Milllard poptop which he said weighed 1260kg loaded. It didn't have an ensuite. I think you will be struggling to find a light ensuite van other than those suggested above.
thanks to you all we will start the hunt now with the advice posted your help is much appreciated,we will let you know what we and up with, as it sounds like we may need to compromise regards and safe travels
I tried posting thisw before but wouldn't you know the battery on the laptop ran out just before I posted.
My Sis and B-in-Law have just bought a Jayco Discovery (I think it's 17.54.4 or suchlike). It is a poptop with I think an ATM of about 17-1800kg.It has a toilet and shower etc. and tandem axle. They have a near new Jeep with a 3.7 petrol motor rated to I think 2200kg tow.B-in-L who has towed a lot of vans (they also owned a caravan park for 10 years) is quite impressed with the way it tows, they only took delivery this week. He is not one to get carried away with something just because he bought it, but he is very impressed with it's road manners.
They got it with the factory underslung axle and a few other things like WDH etc for about $38000. But don't tell them I told you - Ha like anything's a secret. Good luck with your search,
