Hi guys, I've been enjoying caravaning around the country with our family of four and we also like quick day trips so I am considering getting a van to replace the four-wheel drive if there was something on the market.
Sorry if this question has been posted before.
If anyone has any suggestions for a van that can tow a 19-ft caravan perhaps with a two and a half ton towing capacity and 200 on the ball, this would be appreciated.
Happy travels living the dream.
Marty and Anna Point Clare.
It is not the length of caravan that determines tug, rather it is it's GTM (Weight all up). As you state you are a Family of mountain bike riders, is it your intention to carry bikes in van or on caravan?
Advise brand/type of caravan and where are your intended destinations.................
__________________
Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Hi Marty,
Again, welcome to the forum.
It's my guess that you're planning to carry your bikes, accessories in the van. I don't know for sure but I don't think there would be too many vans that could tow your caravan well & safely - except some of the expensive American units. I wonder whether you have exhausted your investigations & have come here to broaden the range.
Perhaps some of the motorhome manufacturers might have something more suitable.
__________________
Warren
----------------
If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
One "van" I thought of yesterday would be a second hand ambulance - when they are sold off BUT to tow a 19', 2.5t caravan - I think you'd be pushing the friendship somewhat!
__________________
Warren
----------------
If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
When Ambulance (Aust Post & Police, etc) started using Mercedes Vans several years ago they used the medium length base model with 2.5 ton rear axle and 110kW engine. These won't handle a 2.5t caravan.
However a few years ago Mercedes stopped supplying this model in Australia and new Ambulances then got upgraded to medium length 319MWB with 3.5t rear axle and 140kW with CGM 5.5t which is ALMOST there. But the body and chassis is only rated for 2t towing.
Most second hand Ambulances will be the 2, 3 (or 4) series, all limited to 2t towing so not suitable. Some specialist vehicles used by the police are the 5 series with 5t rear axle, 140kW, 450Nm torque with 3.5t towing, but these are years off arriving on the second hand market.
If a second hand 519MWB does show up it'll still be expensive.
bye.
__________________
Bruce & Judy pulling a 3T 23.5' Traveller Prodigy behind a Diesel Range Rover
When Ambulance (Aust Post & Police, etc) started using Mercedes Vans several years ago they used the medium length base model with 2.5 ton rear axle and 110kW engine. These won't handle a 2.5t caravan.
However a few years ago Mercedes stopped supplying this model in Australia and new Ambulances then got upgraded to medium length 319MWB with 3.5t rear axle and 140kW with CGM 5.5t which is ALMOST there. But the body and chassis is only rated for 2t towing.
Most second hand Ambulances will be the 2, 3 (or 4) series, all limited to 2t towing so not suitable. Some specialist vehicles used by the police are the 5 series with 5t rear axle, 140kW, 450Nm torque with 3.5t towing, but these are years off arriving on the second hand market.
If a second hand 519MWB does show up it'll still be expensive.
Hey,. Look at a "150/1500 sized Yank Ute with Canopy. They 1 ish ton carrying Cap, and usually 4 ish ton tow. Avail second hand nowadays. They about the ONLY thing with enough grip on the road with 2.5ton behind the axles unless loaded. Then the tow capaity of the vans has gone below legal. WHen we checked the figures between a Patrol and Toyota. The Toyota actually lost out by around 48/50kg Total. That 2.5/3ton STATED capacity on 99% of them is fairyland. Once the driver and a drink is in the cab. You're at MAX limits. VANS are very light on the back end and ANY decent load WILL control you sideways or further forward than you want when things go sideways. Take it from a retired ec Multi/Semi, and heavy Haulage driver. We used to watch them performing their antics on the roads and laugh at them over the radio;s. We doing the 103kmph. And they HAVE to get past us, All 100plus feet and 103 ton of us. Completely dead between the ears. YOU have to control the trailer, Or you will just be another statistic laying on it's side at the roadside. Oh. I've towed vans since 1963 too.
-- Edited by Macka1706 on Friday 19th of May 2023 12:45:58 PM
I am towing a 3500kg Crusader caravan. 30 ft end to end, and I spent months looking for a van to tow it with.
I settled on an IVECO 50C with a 12 cm body.
I upgraded from the standard 170 HP engine, to the 210 HP engine which comes with an electronic variable stage turbo.
I am carrying a motorbike, a kayak, a pushbike, a 4 man tent, a full caravan annex, a full set of handyman tools, and my workshop tools, plus various tables and chairs, petrol generator etc etc.
It has plenty of spare tare weight for anything else I want to fit in there.
I had Diff locks fitted to drive the the twin rear wheels, so it is actually a four wheel drive, but not an all wheel drive.
The service intervals are 50000 km, but I change the engine oil at 10000 km.
It is only 6 months, and is returning around 10 lt per 100 km solo, and low 16s when towing.
When it is not towing the caravan, it is set up to use as a stand alone r.v, and I did 7 weeks travelling Tasmania over March and April in it, using the motorbike for day trips.
Each to their own, but this fits my needs perfectly.
On the road cost was around $87k inc everything.
-- Edited by gdayjr on Friday 26th of May 2023 11:56:50 AM
Hi Marty, Again, welcome to the forum. It's my guess that you're planning to carry your bikes, accessories in the van. I don't know for sure but I don't think there would be too many vans that could tow your caravan well & safely - except some of the expensive American units. I wonder whether you have exhausted your investigations & have come here to broaden the range.
Perhaps some of the motorhome manufacturers might have something more suitable.
Think outside the square.
Have a look at the Mercedes Sprinter, and my own choice the Iveco C50.
Both pull 3500kg, and have a better suite of electronic aids than most suv or 4wd tanks.
