We are new to the forum and I've started to post questions on different parts of the forum. We are intending to purchase a new Jayco Stirling (front kitchen with 2 slide-outs). Thinking of buying a new Navarra V6 diesel to drag it (or Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel). Might also have a look at the 5 cylinder diesel Ford Ranger. We hope to do the big lap starting March 2014. Has anyone got experience of these vans and cars for long trips?
21' being the 21.65-4 with twin slides as optional, or the 23.72-1 with twin slides as standard.
We've got the 23' and it's a heavy van, @2500kg tare. The Jayco specs will show a 21' @2100kg however you need to add approx 300kg for slides making it @2400kg tare van. In addition to tare weight add 450Kg to achieve full ATM weight so you will be up between 2850 and 3000kg for a tug requirement depending on which van length is chosen. Ours is 2948kg ATM on the compliance plate.
We chose the Jeep with the 3500Kg tow capacity to 'have a bit up our sleeve' for the 23' van. The 3000kg capacity vehicle would have a small bit up it's sleeve for the 21' van. both vehicles have about the same Kw/nM output in v6 format. With the ute you could also be tempted to throw more in the tray and reach GCM easily.
My view is settle the van size and weight, then go looking for a tug, or just buy a 3500Kg or higher tug and buy any van under that weight. If you want to be dollar conscious put the cart before the horse and select the van first.
As far as on road long trip experience, not as yet. However from all reports the Jeep seems to stack up well for the purpose we have chosen.
And by the way we, like you, started our research a long time before we purchased.
Cheers
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Welcome to the Forum Woodylad by doing heaps of research prior to buying you will pick a winner as nomad 246 said its probably wise to select the van side first then select the Tug but allow for a good weight safety margin its amazing what you can accumulate on an extended trip. Our van is a 21' Jayco no slide outs and it is towed by a 3.8 litre Pajero which does it easy and has a 3 ton tow capacity. Good luck hope you find exactly what you want
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