Tow Tug

daddygee · Member

Tow Tug

TheHeaths · Guru

Welcome to the forum David.

My comment would be to check the VIN plate on the van, and then get the van weighed (loaded as you normally tow it if possible), so you have a proper idea of the weights including tow ball load. That way you will ensure you get a suitable vehicle for you needs.

Good luck and enjoy your travels.

Possum3 · Guru

Welcome to GN's Daddygee, A guess anywhere around 2.5 tonne suggests to me that you definitely need to do some homework before committing any funds. As Ian suggested first take a lot of the guesswork out of it and weigh van. If you believe to Ranger and Mitsubishi utes are too big you are deluding yourself.

If I am reading between the lines correctly; you are looking for an inexpensive vehicle to tow with such as Great Wall and SsangYong.

I suggest you get a greater understanding of the actual capacity of modern tow-vehicles. Download some free technical information and checklists at www.caravancouncil.com.au/

Tony Bev · Guru

A warm welcome from me also, Daddygee

Sorry I can not help with your question, as my caravan towing was before I was aware of weights, etc

Greg 1 · Guru

Good advice above. You really need to know exactly what weight you are intending to tow. Weights are so critical in choosing the correct tug that guessing is not good enough. Many vehicles have odd limitations hidden in their specifications such as the Pajero is rated to tow 3 tonne but anything above 2.5 tonne the allowed ball weight drops to 180kgs which on a 3 tonne van is a bit light and difficultto achieve once loaded. Many vehicles are like this. Their so called Max towing capacity in real terms is a wish made in heaven and when you do the maths they can't really tow as much as is claimed in any practical sense. It is a minefield so if you can give at least the actual ATM rating on your van we can offer some advice.

daddygee · Member

All good advice. Thanks everyone.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang daddygee, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I have a 2014 Colorado and have been very happy. I tow 2.7t.

I have a running hot problem when towing since timing belt was changed and new radiator fitted at same time. I blame the dealer that did the job not the Collie. As we speak I am sitting in the waiting room of a very good workshop, not a dealer, to get Collie looked at and them take me back to my aluminium teepee.

KJB · Guru

Good comments..... do not always believe in what is advertised ......work it out for yourself ( with expert help if necessary ) if you want to be sure......

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Greg 1 wrote:
Good advice above. You really need to know exactly what weight you are intending to tow. Weights are so critical in choosing the correct tug that guessing is not good enough. Many vehicles have odd limitations hidden in their specifications such as the Pajero is rated to tow 3 tonne but anything above 2.5 tonne the allowed ball weight drops to 180kgs which on a 3 tonne van is a bit light and difficultto achieve once loaded. Many vehicles are like this. Their so called Max towing capacity in real terms is a wish made in heaven and when you do the maths they can't really tow as much as is claimed in any practical sense. It is a minefield so if you can give at least the actual ATM rating on your van we can offer some advice.

Prior to buying my aluminium teepee and tow vehicle I did heaps of homework On both then test drive all the different tugs narrowing it down to two in end. Price decided for me then. Even though both said 3.5t max towing I didn't want anything over 3t. I don't believe everything I read or am told by sales people. I ended up with a teepee being 2.7t ATM.

I am happy with both my choices. There are different tugs around now so probably go different these days. Plus, I have learnt a lot more over the years.

StewG · Senior Member

I tow (Covid permitting) a 2.8T ATM off-road caravan. It is generally closer to 2.5 tonne when travelling and I chose a 2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 HSE. But that was 4 years ago and the car is older now and there are a range of new makes and models. What I have is a very capable tug, quiet, economical and a pleasure to drive. Do your research, come up with a short list and test drive as many as you can. The advice above on weights and real world towing capabilities is vitally important to your safety. A good rule of thumb is have a tug that is heavier than the caravan.

DMaxer · Guru

Any news on the Collie Doug? I know zilch about mechanics Doug but I reckon it will be something simple. Car engines are built well so I think they will have the answer mate.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Morning BigD.

The head surgeon at the car doctor is leaning toward a problem with the fan. He is not happy with it cutting in and not for very long at a time and it looks like something has been damaged when it was pulled apart and put back together by the dealer, twice, so after speaking with me he has ordered some bits and bobs and will let me know when in and he can spare the surgery for a couple of hours. He won't waist too much time as he said he will do invoice when job finished.

He rang earlier in the day and asked if he could take for a good drive so it went for a drive bringing in a few small hills etc, probably an hour drive all up. It wasn't towing my 2.7t but temp got up a tad as it would have. He did say the Collie was running well otherwise so good to know.

Sorry daddygee for going slightly off topic, Blame BigD, it's all his fault.

yobarr · Guru

daddygee wrote:
Hello everyone, first time on the forum.
We are aspiring new grey nomads and are looking for a ute tow tug, (not SUV) and would appreciate some advice.
Our home away from home is a 19' poptop I reckon about 2.5 tonne.
We have a short list of Isuzu, Mitzy, Colorado, we feel that the Rangie/Mazda is a bit too big.
Looking for owners comments on economy, reliability, and comfort.
Thanks so much in advance.
See yez on the road.

If you're buying new,Isuzu and Mazda are the same vehicle with different panels.The Colorado,DMax and BT 50 all are good cars for towing up to about 3100kg ATM.Forget the Mitzy.Cheers