After a couple of very wet stays at caravan parks and getting stuck on soft surfaces we have decided to trade in the diesel Territory (2wd) and get a 4x4. I have narrowed my choice down to either a Pajero or an Isuzu MUX. Being a bit of a skinflint can anyone let me know what sort of economy I would expect to get from these two. ( I have had varying reports of the Pajero's fuel usage ranging from nearly 19 l/100km to as low as 14l/100km ) We currently tow a 21 ft van with an ATM of 2345 kg.
I have an Isuzu Dmax and love it - good price, 2 years old and 67K later - no warranty faults.
So I also cant tell you about fuel use, but there have been reports on this site that the MUX is very soft in the rear suspension and not great for heavy towing. I suggest that before you buy either tow vehicle, you get them hooked up to your van and see if they sag or don't tow well
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Can't help with fuel use but my brother checked the mux out yesterday and say that the mitsy takes HP rating from the fly wheel and the mux is taken at the rear wheels hardly a fair comparison
Woody
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Ian, a lot will depend on the van you are purchasing. In reality, the Pajero is only god for a van of 2500 kg ATM maximum if you are getting an Australian designed van. Oz vans should have a ball weight of around 10% of their loaded weight. Mitsubishi reduces the maximum ball weight to 180 kg for van loaded weights over 2500 kg. This effectively limits you to a 2500 kg ATM maximum.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Either susp can be modified to suit with simple spring/shocker change.
Which most do anyway.
Been in both but never owned either (D Max here 2 ton van)
I'd say Mitzi more comfort orientated. MUX more industrial. but better 4wd.
Although saying that, The Mitzi's go some real places too
I have a 2012 Diesel paj towing a jayco sterling outback (19' 6" full size tandem) I get any between 9L/100km and 12L/100km NOT towing and anywhere between 14L/100 km and 18L/100km towing the caravan.
The pajero has rear air bags fitted ($500) to give a little more firmness to the rear.
if buying a new tow vehicle, be aware if you have the suspension modified in any way (other than by the Dealer) your warranty is voided for anything that can be associated with the modification
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
I spoke to the guy that did the service on my auto, and in his opinion for towing the four speed auto is the best as it can hold top gear , the five speed auto not bad , but in his opinion these new 8 speed autos are good cars, but not much chop for towing as the top gears are useless.
this is only his opinion but it makes sense to me....
I have a NX Pajero, tow a 2.8 t caravan, fuel range approx 530 kms on a full tank (88L) without the caravan on a long run approx 1000 kms, tow in 4th 4H , no problems, hope this helps
Ron-D, the auto guy you refer to obviously needs to get with it, the modern 8 speed auto's are fantastic I have One in my Jeep and is great, it usually spends 80 % of the time in 8th gear and I am towing a 22 ft tandem caravan.
I spoke to the guy that did the service on my auto, and in his opinion for towing the four speed auto is the best as it can hold top gear , the five speed auto not bad , but in his opinion these new 8 speed autos are good cars, but not much chop for towing as the top gears are useless.
this is only his opinion but it makes sense to me....
Gday...
I would suggest you find another "guy" to service your auto from now on. Here are 'typical' ratios for 5, 6 and 8 speed boxes ............
So? .... which "top gears" are "useless" in these boxes ?? I think he needs to get some re-training personally.
If we apply the "use direct gear for towing" theory ... then 4th in the 5-speed box ... 4th in the 6-speed box ... and SIXTH in the 8-speed box.
Those "top gears" certainly useless in an 8-speed box
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
Yeah interesting figures but common sense would tell you that without the van onto your car for argument sake ,fuel consumption would be much more economical in top gear. But if for you were silly enough to let's say. Lock your new 8 Speed auto into 6th gear instead of driving in top gear it would chew up a lot more fuel obviously.
you can't pull a two ton caravan in auto and hold top gear with these new 8 speed gearboxes most have to have them locked in 6th gear from what I have read and if you think that's economical well I guess we will have to respectfully disagree...
Be aware of higher gears on auto box's . If It doesn't kick down when under load it should be manually changed or sport mode . You getter economy in lower gears . Or around 2000 rpm cruising speed light throttle . Run into two or three late model Nissan & Toyota's with issues ..
Ron-D, the auto guy you refer to obviously needs to get with it, the modern 8 speed auto's are fantastic I have One in my Jeep and is great, it usually spends 80 % of the time in 8th gear and I am towing a 22 ft tandem caravan.
I agree in a Jeep or a cruiser big powerful diesels no problems, but with 2.5 ltr engines that are in the medium sized vehicles Your going to be in a lower gears than the biger engined vehicles.
So? .... which "top gears" are "useless" in these boxes ?? I think he needs to get some re-training personally.
