Hey thanks for the opportunity to pick your brains, I am looking to buy a 4WD dual cab to tow a camper or small caravan (16ft.) probably because of pricing it will be Navara, Triton, Colorado, maybe Ranger, I am looking for the pros and cons. What you know and maybe what you have heard from reliable sources. Thanks Heaps Keith
I am currently in Darwin over halfway around the big lap. This is the 4th trip across the continent and back with my Ranger Wildtrak towing a van just under 3 tonne.
I have been up and down many of the big climbs in the great dividing range during my travels, been off road, is very capable, and the Ranger has handled it all with ease.
Would highly recommend it to anyone considering this vehicle.
Mine is a 2015 PX 3.2 litre 5 cylinder diesel. Has been utterly reliable .
Hi Keith, We are towing with a BT50 extra cab. And I wondered if you have considered this type of cab. The ideal cab is a single cab, then the load on the ute can be moved way forward, load being shared by all wheels. The extra cab has a slightly longer cab, so both the driver and passenger can lean the seats back, plus there is room for two (squashed) passengers, if the need arises. The point is the load is also moved forward, although the load sharing between wheels is not as good as the single cab, it is a good comprimise if there is only two of you.
I personally hate seeing 4 door utes loaded up at the back with the load hanging rear of the wheels.
We are towing pretty much max weight, so far so good.
Another point is, we have a tray top with an aluminum tradesman canopy on the back, and it has no rear door, just sides. We have travels some very dusty roads, and still no dust in the back.
Thanks for the input. Yes I have considered the extra cab. It does give more tray space as well. The most important thing for as far as cabin is the ability to recline the passenger seat right back. As my wife and I tag team. We do a lot of hi way mile One is driving and the other is often sleeping. I find it impossible to sleep in a slightly reclined or upright position. I will check it out Thanks Keith
Welcome to the gang Keith, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I have a Colorado that is listed below and have no complaints. I'll go as far as saying it is the best car I have had. Well, apart from my 1972 Ford XY Panel Van but that was in a different life. The only thing I would say is get an extra leaf fitted to both rear springs and get a Aluminium Canopy fitted not a genuine Holden one. Reason? I have to climb up into the back to get things from far end and it is getting difficult now so hate to think what it will be like in years to come. I have looked into changing it over but out of my price range sadly.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Yeh, sort off. I deliberately went with a tug that said it could tow 3.5t with tow ball weight of 350kg. That said I also chose a aluminium teepee with 2.7t and 250kg tow ball weight so the Collie doesn't have to overwork all the time.
I don't really believe any of the 3.5t or similar utes can tow that weight full time without overworking the motor or risking suspension damage. Maybe they are OK for someone that just tows on annual holidays etc but I am full time on the road.
If I had the $$$ I would have gone with a RAM or F250 maybe. To get away from the utes maybe even a IVECO Daily or similar but for what I need and do the Collie fitted the bill. I am not interested in going serious off road but wanted 4X4 if ever needed to get out of trouble or visit minor off road places.
I get 10lt per 100km without towing but back is loaded all the time and when towing around 13-14lt per 100km so I am happy with that. I just have the stock fuel tank and carry 2x10lt containers of Diesel as a back up. The only other aftermarket thing I had fitted apart from srings was a 'Fuel Manager' Pre filter to help with any dirty fuel that might come my way.
Feel free to PM me if you want.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
I love my manual extra cab 2016 d-max. I do my fuel stats manually and have the from new. Without van and only the car loaded l average from new 8 6L per 100km. With my 2850kg den in tow l'm averaging 12.5L per 100km.
Thanks Doug, Colorado was on the list, but have had a few negative response to the later model after Holden broke with Isuzu, so I am tending to steeer away. For me it is all about economical purchase rather than Brand then reliability, then economy. I have been looking at the ex gov fibreglass 3 lid style canopies they give a roof over your head in bad weather and easy access all round. ThankS for the input Keith
I take it you have the 6 speed manual, just wondering how take off is in first loaded/towing as in my 5 speed man I find first a bit tall at times needing the clutch to do a bit of work.
Also do you travel in 4th or 5th gear towing, I know 6th would be a bit of a ask.
My fuel figure pretty much mirror yours towing similar at 90 to 105 kmph.
What etc is your Ranger, is it Manual or Auto What sor economy do you get towing and how big/weight is your van I have heard some bad reports on the Ranger Auto transmission. Do you have any input. Thanks Keith
Sorry Keith, I have not been on the forum for a few days so have not answered your question.
My Ranger is automatic. I have had no problems with the 6 speed. Tow in drive except in very hilly country, where I use the manual side of the box.
With my van, out on the flatter country, I sit on 100kph and the Ranger comfortably pulls in 6th gear. I let the box sort out what it wants to tow in. The computer is smarter than me.
