Can anyone assist me with this one please?  As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.

Thankyou in advance for any help given.

Regards

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

I have a mate who drives an F350 4x4 7.3 litre diesel who uses the maxim."It's better to drive a big engine at low revs than a small engine at high revs' He tows a 36' 5th wheeler and gets good consumption figures because it's a diesel and a low revving engine with loads of low end torque.

Less wear and better economy on the whole.

I am not saying go that big but towing a largish van it would be better to have a decent capacity diesel.Landcruiser and Patrol both hit the mark in that respect.

Just my two bobs worth.

Safe Travels

BohemianGypsy wrote:

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Can anyone assist me with this one please? feet  As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.

Thankyou in advance for any help given.

Regards

Michelle

---

 This is a topic which causes a fair bit of friendly debate.  I'll give you the short version so I apologise to all those who may wish to point out some areas of dissent.   However, I'm speaking from a legal standpoint here in Victoria. (Similar rules apply throughout most of Aus, check with your local authority)   Firstly, you will need to know what the weight of your caravan is going to be when it's loaded.   This means the tare weight of the van plus your luggage, bedlinen. extra batteries, water and so on.   (Often these weights are not included when the manufacturer or dealer add 'extras' over and above the 'base' unit) etc for use when you're travelling.   Then you need to find a vehicle that can legally tow that weight.    You must then know the tare weight of your tow vehicle plus it's compliment of passengers and wahtever else you are carrying.   The two vehicles (tug and tow) must not exceed your Gross Combined Vehicle Mass.   (Also known by other names such as Combined Vehicle Weight etc.  Obviously the larger tugs can legally (and practically) pull greater weights than the smaller tugs.   As some on this forum point out, it is better to have the extra horses up your sleeve than having an engine that is on it's weight limit.    Some years ago, VicRoads ran an operation on the Hume Highway in Vic where they pulled up everyone towing a van, trailer etc and put them off the road for exceeding the G.C.V.M.   This included falcon wagons pulling double horse floats and mid sized 4WD with large vans etc.   It caused a huge uproar but VicRoads were technically and legally in the right.   Work out your van weight and add the extras you'll want to carry.  (Load your car with the stuff you'll be taking and take it to a weighbridge).  Make a short list  of the tugs that can pull that weight (vehicle specs) and give yourself a bit to spare.   Then pick the tug that you like over the others.   I am not a Toyota, or a Nissan or anything else 'man'.   I drove most of the 4WDs in various live away courses I've done and for my Department over a period of years.   I found they all had their pros and cons.   For a van of approx 24 feet, you're going to be hard pressed legally and practically with a mid sized tug.   This leaves you with the big B.M.W. (big bucks), Range Rover (big bucks) Porche Cayenne  and V.W. Toureg (still big bucks), or the Totoya L.C. or Nissan Patrol.  This means that unless you have big bucks then Toyota or Nissan are the more practicle options.   If you are off roading, scratches etc will happen.   The cost of repair for Toyota and Nissan, whilst not cheap, will be less than the B.M.W. Range Rover etc.   Long vans should also be treated with respect due to 'pendulum effect' caused by weighty objects at the extreme front or rear (extra gas bottles etc).   A heavier tug will help with the 'pendulum effect' (but not negate it) moreso than a lighter unit.   For what it's worth.

gst wrote:

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Well put Keith19837

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Thanks Gst.   I know there's a whole heap more but I figure I've already committed an 'information overload' problem and did want to keep 'waffling.  I'm waffling here, aren't I?  Still waffling about 'waffling'.

Beth54 wrote:

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Hi Michelle. I missed the welcome party on your other thread, so welcome from me too.

As for the your tow vehicle, in my humble opinion, for a van that size, you can't go past a Land Cruiser.

I'm sure the blokes will have more to say.

Cheers!

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 Hi Beth thankyou lol for the welcome and for your advice on vehicle choice.  To buy a secondhand Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol is costly unless I want one with huge miles on it that is lol.  Will have to look into this further I feel.

Regards, Michelle

Gerty Dancer wrote:

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The Mazda BT50 would do it too... and gives the option of using the ute back for carrying/storing things you mightnt like in the back of a station-wagon type vehicle. eg. gas bottle or even jerry can of fuel.

-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Wednesday 6th of June 2012 06:33:37 PM

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 Oh Gerty will have to look into this one as I have not seen this vehicle at all yet.  Many thanks for your advice.

Regards, Michelle

Dougwe wrote:

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"Ken Thomas" DUNWURKUN, has just got himself a new Ford Ranger with canopy fitted and is a real nice unit indeed, he tows a large CV. You could find him on here and maybe introduce yourself via a PM, he is very helpfull and full of great advice. You will find him on here as "Ken Thomas".

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 Thanks Doug I might look him up then.  Will also check out the prices of the Ford Ranger too. Thanks for the advice.

Regards, Michelle

Keith19837 wrote:

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BohemianGypsy wrote:

---

Can anyone assist me with this one please? feet  As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.

Thankyou in advance for any help given.

Regards

Michelle

---

 This is a topic which causes a fair bit of friendly debate.  I'll give you the short version so I apologise to all those who may wish to point out some areas of dissent.   However, I'm speaking from a legal standpoint here in Victoria. (Similar rules apply throughout most of Aus, check with your local authority)   Firstly, you will need to know what the weight of your caravan is going to be when it's loaded.   This means the tare weight of the van plus your luggage, bedlinen. extra batteries, water and so on.   (Often these weights are not included when the manufacturer or dealer add 'extras' over and above the 'base' unit) etc for use when you're travelling.   Then you need to find a vehicle that can legally tow that weight.    You must then know the tare weight of your tow vehicle plus it's compliment of passengers and wahtever else you are carrying.   The two vehicles (tug and tow) must not exceed your Gross Combined Vehicle Mass.   (Also known by other names such as Combined Vehicle Weight etc.  Obviously the larger tugs can legally (and practically) pull greater weights than the smaller tugs.   As some on this forum point out, it is better to have the extra horses up your sleeve than having an engine that is on it's weight limit.    Some years ago, VicRoads ran an operation on the Hume Highway in Vic where they pulled up everyone towing a van, trailer etc and put them off the road for exceeding the G.C.V.M.   This included falcon wagons pulling double horse floats and mid sized 4WD with large vans etc.   It caused a huge uproar but VicRoads were technically and legally in the right.   Work out your van weight and add the extras you'll want to carry.  (Load your car with the stuff you'll be taking and take it to a weighbridge).  Make a short list  of the tugs that can pull that weight (vehicle specs) and give yourself a bit to spare.   Then pick the tug that you like over the others.   I am not a Toyota, or a Nissan or anything else 'man'.   I drove most of the 4WDs in various live away courses I've done and for my Department over a period of years.   I found they all had their pros and cons.   For a van of approx 24 feet, you're going to be hard pressed legally and practically with a mid sized tug.   This leaves you with the big B.M.W. (big bucks), Range Rover (big bucks) Porche Cayenne  and V.W. Toureg (still big bucks), or the Totoya L.C. or Nissan Patrol.  This means that unless you have big bucks then Toyota or Nissan are the more practicle options.   If you are off roading, scratches etc will happen.   The cost of repair for Toyota and Nissan, whilst not cheap, will be less than the B.M.W. Range Rover etc.   Long vans should also be treated with respect due to 'pendulum effect' caused by weighty objects at the extreme front or rear (extra gas bottles etc).   A heavier tug will help with the 'pendulum effect' (but not negate it) moreso than a lighter unit.   For what it's worth.

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 WOW Keith, this is a really big answer with lots of excellent info so I might print this one out rather than write down the points as I did for the other comments.  Thankyou so very much for your input Keith it is very very much appreciated.

Warm regards, Michelle

Cruising Granny wrote:

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The Ford F250 or Chev equivalent might do the job. The V8 diesel with lots of grunt and turbo and with 4x4 option.
Once again it will come down to dollars and sense. Yes I mean sense.
Do you have to house family are is the van for 2 of you? A 24-25 ft van is a jolly big caravan.
Good luck in your hunt for the van and tug to suit you.
Welcome from me too.

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 Hi CG,

When we do the big trip it will be just Ray and I but whilst getting used to the van and towing something larger than the trailer lol we will be taking our daughter and little grandaughter for smaller trips with us.  And yes for me it will come down to $$$.  The reason for the bigger sized van is for comfort as I am no size 8 Barbie and also require a chair or stool to sit and cook and iron etc which is probably why I am looking for a van with a front kitchen rather than galley style because I will be out of the way then and not in the main walkway.

Thankyou for the advice CG and also the welcome *grins*.  It's a nice place here.

Regards, Michelle

How long did it take most of you to make your decisions on what vehicle and what van if I may ask?

Michelle

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 Hi Michelle, shorter answer this time.  I spent about 12 months looking into Motor Homes before deciding on what general type.  I then spent another few months watching prices on various car sites etc to get an idea on prices, availability of spares/second hand parts.   I made a short list and checked out same.   I sorted the wheat from the chaff and got my diesel mechanic brother to assist with final selection.  All up about 18 months.   With my (then brand new) dual cab ute I spent less time but a similar process.  One thing I did not consider fully is the amount of room in the back seats of a dual cab ute.   Whilst it was fine for kids, I found out a couple of years later that it was not so good for teenagers/adults.  To my mind, that as this is perhaps the second most expensive item you will buy,   it's really worth taking your time.   I think you said you're recuperating from some surgery, use the time to have a good look at what's out there to suit your tow requirements, comfort levels, passenger consideration, budget and longevity of your purchase.  4WD or large 2WD on FWD chassis etc.   For what it's worth.