Tow vehicle recommendation

[RAR110]

I know this is a potential can of worms, but am interested in TVan/Topaz/Trackmate owners experiences of various tow vehicles.

I'm looking at possibly changing to another 4WD vehicle and maybe down the track moving to a Topaz.

So owners perspectives/experiences would be appreciated in terms of topics such as:
- suitability as a tow vehicle,
- economy (not a huge issue),
- reliability,
- off road ability when towing,
- breakdown support in remote locations etc.

Thanks

[Gumb]

So we don't comment on something you already have, what tow vehicle are you driving now ?

[RAR110]

So we don't comment on something you already have, what tow vehicle are you driving now ?

Good point. I have a 2008 Range Rover Vogue 3.6 tdv8. But it has nearly 300k km and age related mechanical issues are starting to show. I love it. Fantastic on and off road driving experience. It will be difficult transitioning to something else. But I won't be buying a bear new $90k car.  Also, terrible mechanical support if a breakdown happens.

[MarkA]

It's hard to recommend a vehicle without knowing you're driving style and comfort requirements. Having driven an 80, 100, 76, and now a 200 land cruiser Toyota make a solid and reliable vehicle. That being said friends with a Nissan swear by them and I'm quite fond of the Ford Ranger,   We have a few at work and they have done a mighty job towing some large loads over some terrible roads, 
We recently traded in our 2007 76 series land cruiser, great buss and tows like a champion,  but comfort levels where a little lacking (steel dash, so so seats, little noisy). 200 is comfy as, quiet. Tows well but no where near as capable off road,,  (all subjective observations from my driving style and experience).

[William_Foster]

Obviously there will be a lot of different opinions in response to this question; but in relation to two of your questions:

Remote support - On our travels across remote Australia one thing has generally been true, if you have a Toyota someone will most likely be near who knows how they work and parts will generally be readily available.

Off-road capability - Noting that we have a fairly well prepared Hilux for remote travel with a TVan; whilst it suits us and we really like it, it wasn't till we attached the TVan that we realised how compromised the 4cyl is on hills and sand dunes.  We have never got into a situation we couldn't get out of, but if we were to move up in weight and size to a Topaz we would seriously consider getting into something like a 70 series Landcruiser rather than a mid-size dual cab ute.

[Marora]

Obviously there will be a lot of different opinions in response to this question; but in relation to two of your questions:

Remote support - On our travels across remote Australia one thing has generally been true, if you have a Toyota someone will most likely be near who knows how they work and parts will generally be readily available.

Off-road capability - Noting that we have a fairly well prepared Hilux for remote travel with a TVan; whilst it suits us and we really like it, it wasn't till we attached the TVan that we realised how compromised the 4cyl is on hills and sand dunes.  We have never got into a situation we couldn't get out of, but if we were to move up in weight and size to a Topaz we would seriously consider getting into something like a 70 series Landcruiser rather than a mid-size dual cab ute.

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[RAR110]

Great feedback, thanks.

Most of our driving is on road to get to somewhere so comfort while soaking up the miles is important. My preference is for an auto but a 5 speed manual would be ok.

Most of our offroad work is beach driving or a medium level track to get to a camp site. I would like to do some more desert trips, this time with a TVan or Topaz.

That probably means a diesel.

[monktm]

Y62 patrol excellent value and a gear tow and 4wd vehicle.
Don't believe all you hear about fuel usage the cruiser isn't far behind and costs about 30 grand more and that's a lot of fuel plus the issues that come with a cruiser . The patrol is worth a look and test drive them make a decision

[RAR110]

Yes the Y62 is one vehicle I've looked at. I agree good value esp against a used petrol LC200 of similar age & km.

[monktm]

Yes the Y62 is one vehicle I've looked at. I agree good value esp against a used petrol LC200 of similar age & km.

Some people i now are getting them for 66 grand which is excellent value .

[Chuin]

I can only comment about my set up Isuzu MUX 2014, towing a Topaz. Good points: it tows really well on the road, i barely know the van is behind me. Good pulling power up hills and overtaking.  Off road is generally the same, but there are some places I wouldn't take the van due to its weight regardless of the vehicle. Let's put it this way,: anywhere i want to go and feel capable of driving, the MUX will get me there without blinking. Value for money is good, bought it new and cheaper than Landcruiser.

Downsides: it feels like a truck engine (that's because it is) and its not a 'luxury' vehicle. I've had to spend money on adding LR fuel tank and have also upgraded suspension (this isn't related to towing as such, just 4wd'ing reasons). Remote repairs (not used to date so this is only a theory)- Isuzu engines are popular everywhere so there should be reasonable support.

If I had to get another one, i would stick to MUX. Value for money, reliable and honest work horse

[RAR110]

Thanks for MUX feedback. We recently hired a Holden Trailblazer 4WD, which is fairly similar. I really liked the motor and gearbox, but didn't tow anything. It had good load space, and would be good bang for buck.

The only thing I didn't really like was the part time 4WD.  Permanent 4WD is more complicated etc but feels more sure on the road.

[Gumb]

I've got an NX (2015) Pajero which is a great tug but for a bit more comfort, I'm looking at upgrading to the Pajero Sport. If you are pulling a Tvan, almost all of the usual mid range 4WD wagons or dual cabs will do it easily as far as GCM goes. The Tvan is only 1500 ATM so you are way below the limit. It's down to a matter of personal choice but I really like the Mitsubishi 4WD system which gives me 4 options. 2H, 4H (i.e. AWD), 4Hlc (locked transfer case high range), 4Llc (locked transfer case low range). Then there's the standard rear diff lock if needed. 

But...it's ball weight and the GVM of the tug you need to watch. My Firetail has a ball weight of almost 200kg loaded up and that has to be deducted from the GVM of the car. So with a Pajero and it's 770kg payload, I've really only got 570 kg to play with when the Tvan gets hooked up. By the time I add the fridge, a set of drawers, bull bar, all my gear, a long range fuel tank (behind the rear axle), upgraded suspension and a tow bar, things start to get tight.

Something to keep in mind.

[robstevens]

Use a sledgehammer to crack a nut: Go for the LC200...

I did: Great stuff!

[William_Foster]

Use a sledgehammer to crack a nut: Go for the LC200...