Top 10 tow vehicles from Caravan World

[DiscoKym]

Top 10 tow vehicles and I notice there are three Land Rovers in the Top 10. :D
How does the Toyota beat the Range Rover when they say "A big thirst for diesel"????? I guess a big fuel tank fixes crap fuel economy??

1. TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 200 TDV8
Max capacity: 350kg/3500kg

The big Cruiser has been with us for eight years but nothing on the mainstream vehicle market has been able to shove it off the mantle as best tow tug. A big thirst for diesel, yes, but a big fuel tank, plenty of room, power and towing stability more than make up for it.

2. RANGE ROVER SDV6 3.0
Max capacity: 350kg/3500kg

The twin-turbo diesel is a cracker, giving the sort of performance that you may forget you're actually towing. With air suspension taking out the rough edges, a very spacious, well designed interior and reasonable fuel capacity, the Range does it all in style.

3. LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 3.0
Max capacity:350kg/3500kg

No doubt that the Range Rover is a premium vehicle at a premium price, but the Disco 4 is much more affordable than the RR while still an excellent tow hauler. Yes, you miss out on the bells and whistles, but you still get one of the most practical, well thought-out SUV interiors in the business plus a solid, stable towing platform.

4. JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 3.0 TD
Max capacity: 350kg/3500kg

This vehicle not only trounces most other five-seat SUVs for value, it also provides great towing performance and economy. It's generally a pretty stable towing tug, too.

5. LEXUS LX570
Max capacity: 350kg/3500kg

The big cousin of 'Cruiser (they share much of their platforms) has a punchy petrol V8 to drag along any van as if it wasn't there, plus has a rock-solid chassis for towing the heaviest of loads. Sure it has a substantial petrol thirst, but if you want to arrive at camp in style and without breaking a sweat, this is the vehicle to do it in.

6. VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK TDI400
Max capacity: 300kg/3000kg

Who would've thought a little 2.0-litre could belt out so much power and torque, plus deliver such good fuel economy, provide such good ride quality and stability? All this while towing a caravan, too.

7. FORD RANGER/MAZDA BT-50
Max capacity: 350kg/3500kg

The almost pigeon pair might have gruff diesel engines, but they punch out very healthy torque numbers and tow almost anything without breaking a sweat. Quite stable tow tows, too.

8. ISUZU MU-X
Max capacity: 300kg/3500kg

A little expensive for a relatively small player, and a little soft in the suspension, the MU-X moe than makes up for these shortfalls with superlative towing performance. A smooth performer, and a rock-solid towing platform to boot.

9. LAND ROVER 90
Max capacity: 350kg/3500kg

Probably the least likely vehicle to reach a Top 10 Tow Vehicles list, the Defender 90 is a real surprise packet. This latest version of the Puma turbo-diesel is very smooth and responsive and pulls a van along with ease. Even more surprising is the ability of this short-wheelbase vehicle to shoulder the weight of a caravan and be completely rock-solid while doing so.

10. VF HOLDEN SV6 SPORTWAGON
Max capacity: 210kg/2100kg

While it lacks the towing numbers of the others here, the Sportwagon is a very capacble tow vehicle. Decent towing performance from its 3.6-litre petrol V6 tied to a planted chassis makes for a relaxing towing proposition.

[synthium]

I don't understand why the 90 is there but no mention of the 110 or the 130!

[Mick_Marsh]

Good to see the Commodore got in there.
You know, the Commodore is a very under rated car.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

and they dont even know theres a SDV8 model,,,

[Redback]

I don't understand why the 90 is there but no mention of the 110 or the 130!

Probably because the 110 and 130 are 1/2 a tonne heavier than the 90;)

As a side note, I've been in the 200 Cruiser and a 2.7l D4 when it was towing 3500kg, and I can say with out any doubt the D4 is much more stable, doesn't have the power of the LC200, but is definately a more stable tow vehicle.

Baz.

[87County]

Good to see the Commodore got in there.
You know, the Commodore is a very under rated car.

... hold onto that thought Mick :D

[Fatso]

IMHO , towing a weight that is heavier than the tow tug is not a good idea , 3500kg being towed by 2700kg is the tail wagging the dog .

[solmanic]

Wot, no G-Wagen? :wasntme:

[Redback]

IMHO , towing a weight that is heavier than the tow tug is not a good idea , 3500kg being towed by 2700kg is the tail wagging the dog .

You might want to watch this.

Land Rover Discovery 4 Trailer Stability Assist Video - YouTube

Baz.

[sheerluck]

Wot, no G-Wagen? :wasntme:

:banban: :angel:

[Mick_Marsh]

You might want to watch this.

Land Rover Discovery 4 Trailer Stability Assist Video - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aDTvql4OYk)

Baz.
Whenever I hear something about a D3 or a D4, It astounds me what a feat of engineering they are.

[PAT303]

Funny thing is I read caravan world at the doctors and they had a head to head between the 200 and D4 and gave the nod to the D4.Maybe they should do a 20K trip and try again,the suspension on all the Asian built vehicles would have given up by then and totally changed the outcome.I've towed around 2T with the 200 and not pushing it got 21ltres/100,what fuel use does the RR and D4 get at that wieght?,my TDCi used 14ltres/100 at 90km/hr towing 2.5T,a mates 100 4.7 petrol gets 25ltre/100 towing 1.8T. Pat

[solmanic]

:banban: :angel:
I know I'm sailing close to the wind but...

Ford Fiesta ST v. Mercedes G63 AMG, Sort Of. - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube

[Bigbjorn]

Best non-commercial vehicle tug I ever had to do with was a Chev. Suburban with the optional 500 c.i. engine and Allison auto. Seats eight in armchairs, individual HVAC controls, and pulls an enclosed trailer containing an Indy roadster or Scarab sports-racer with tools, fuel drums, spare wheels, starter and battery cart, etc. up the interstates at a comfortable 80 mph.

[Redback]

Funny thing is I read caravan world at the doctors and they had a head to head between the 200 and D4 and gave the nod to the D4.Maybe they should do a 20K trip and try again,the suspension on all the Asian built vehicles would have given up by then and totally changed the outcome.I've towed around 2T with the 200 and not pushing it got 21ltres/100,what fuel use does the RR and D4 get at that wieght?,my TDCi used 14ltres/100 at 90km/hr towing 2.5T,a mates 100 4.7 petrol gets 25ltre/100 towing 1.8T. Pat

Did a 260k round trip, Benalla to Mirtleford, Mirtleford to Sheperton and back to Benalla, towing car trailer and VW Amarok from Mirtleford to Sheperton, car trailer was 930kg and with the Amarok on 3400kg, cruise control at 100kph, averged 15.3l/100.

Interesting that the Amarok made the list, we had our Amarok tow our camper(1400kg) home last weekend, Newnes Plateau to Helensburgh, via Therlmere 250ks approx, averaged 10.4l/100ks:clap2:

Baz.

[Dougal]

IMHO , towing a weight that is heavier than the tow tug is not a good idea , 3500kg being towed by 2700kg is the tail wagging the dog .

Good thing you're not in charge of heavy trucks then.

Brian, do you know how many gallons per mile that thing was drinking? The torque on those big old V8's is surpassed by a lot of turbo diesels these days. Even the 600Nm of the SDV6 compares well to the almost 700Nm from a modern big block replacement: http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/nal-88890534/overview/make/chevrolet

[Fatso]

Good thing you're not in charge of heavy trucks then.

Brian, do you know how many gallons per mile that thing was drinking? The torque on those big old V8's is surpassed by a lot of turbo diesels these days. Even the 600Nm of the SDV6 compares well to the almost 700Nm from a modern big block replacement: http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/nal-88890534/overview/make/chevrolet


I used to drive 35000 tonne iron ore trains with out much trouble , but I am sure you know exactly what I am aluding too !

[Bigbjorn]

Good thing you're not in charge of heavy trucks then.

Brian, do you know how many gallons per mile that thing was drinking?

It is part of a multi-millionaires stable of toys. He has a serious case of historic racing disease. He wouldn't care about fuel usage. More concerned with comfort and performance. He has a Kurtis Kraft KK500H Indy roadster, a Reventlow Scarab sports racer, a 1952 M-Benz 300SL gull wing ex- works team Mexico Road Race, a 1955 300SL gull wing set up for the Bonneville salt flats, a 1959 300SL roadster low mileage original used for Sunday drives in summer.

If you need a bit more torque go see Stewart Van Dyne and get one of his 540 c.i. aluminium twin ignition big blocks with engine driven centrifugal supercharger. I saw the prototype on his dyno. 1640 ft. lbs @ 4000 rpm, 20 psi boost. Might have trouble finding a transmission other than one from a heavy truck to hold up behind.

[BMKal]

Must admit that the ranking of the Amarok has surprised me too. Have always liked them, but didn't think that a little 2 litre would rate so well in a towing comparison.

Given the numbers of Playdo's and Pajero's you see towing vans out there, I'm a little surprised that either / both of them didn't rate in the top 10. I'd certainly expect to see either of them ahead of the Isuzu MUX or the Dunnydoor wagon.

As far as yank tow trucks go - before I got into Disco's, I had a Ford F100 Ranger (imported) that had been converted to diesel (6.5 litre Chev V8). Plenty of torque and would pull a house without problem - but as for stability, sure footedness and comfort - forget it. The yank tanks aren't even in the race in my opinion - and don't even mention fuel consumption. ;)

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Probably because the 110 and 130 are 1/2 a tonne heavier than the 90;)


Maybe in the older models, but in the Pumas the 90 kerb weight is 1815kg vs 110 5 seater at 1975kg and 110 7 seater at 2038kg

[Bigbjorn]

It is part of a multi-millionaires stable of toys. He has a serious case of historic racing disease. He wouldn't care about fuel usage. More concerned with comfort and performance. He has a Kurtis Kraft KK500H Indy roadster, a Reventlow Scarab sports racer, a 1952 M-Benz 300SL gull wing ex- works team Mexico Road Race, a 1955 300SL gull wing set up for the Bonneville salt flats, a 1959 300SL roadster low mileage original used for Sunday drives in summer.

If you need a bit more torque go see Stewart Van Dyne and get one of his 540 c.i. aluminium twin ignition big blocks with engine driven centrifugal supercharger. I saw the prototype on his dyno. 1640 ft. lbs @ 4000 rpm, 20 psi boost. Might have trouble finding a transmission other than one from a heavy truck to hold up behind.

Actually it was the prototype road engine. Stewart & Tres have been making these for some time as an aero engine hence the twin ignition and supercharger for altitude compensation. They are used in 2/3 scale P51 Mustang and Spitfire. Horsepower rating is considerably less than the road engines. Built to whatever rating the FAA approved. Tres Van Dyne was showing one off to Ferrari Bob who opined what a terrific engine for a street machine, street rod, very fast boat. So the Van Dynes got to work and tickled one up in the usual manner, bigger faster blower, cam, valves, and so on.

[BigJon]

Brian, do you know how many gallons per mile that thing was drinking?

I would have an educated guess of about 5mpg.

[adonuff]

Hi All

The Amarok surprised me too, after the D2 Disco I had some doubts, But it towed our 25ft Regent Van really well the little 2lt has heaps of grunt and is very stable on the road when towing.

I have the speed warning set to 105kph and it often goes ding even on hilly roads.

We have since down sized the van to a Goldstream crown off road camper & it gets a bit scary as I often forget that we are towing it.

The one thing I dislike are the side mirrors that give a distorted view when reversing. It is harder with a trailer. But most modern vehicles seem to have the same stye of mirrors.

The hill start assist works in forward & reverse & makes for smooth starts, with no need to touch the hand brake.

There are some major issues with the genuine tow hitch getting recalled & replaced with a useless one that is too close to the rear bumper and sits way to high for a normal 6X4 trailer. It has caused a bit of grief to those that tow large long trailers & resulted in a few scrapes & dents while reversing up to trailers.

If any of you are thinking about an Amarok get the Hayman Reese bar fitted.

Apart from that it has so far been the best tug We have ever had.

Andrew

[PAT303]

Must admit that the ranking of the Amarok has surprised me too. Have always liked them, but didn't think that a little 2 litre would rate so well in a towing comparison.

Given the numbers of Playdo's and Pajero's you see towing vans out there, I'm a little surprised that either / both of them didn't rate in the top 10. I'd certainly expect to see either of them ahead of the Isuzu MUX or the Dunnydoor wagon.

As far as yank tow trucks go - before I got into Disco's, I had a Ford F100 Ranger (imported) that had been converted to diesel (6.5 litre Chev V8). Plenty of torque and would pull a house without problem - but as for stability, sure footedness and comfort - forget it. The yank tanks aren't even in the race in my opinion - and don't even mention fuel consumption. ;)

The Playdo is living on reputation alone,the D4D is a gutless POS towing. Pat

[rangietragic]

New playdo can only tow 2.5 tonnes.Before they changed the tow formula my 130 could tow 4 tonnes.

[Mick_Marsh]

My 6x6 Perentie can only tow 2t, legally.

[Dougal]

My 6x6 Perentie can only tow 2t, legally.

In all conditions on all slopes.

[Mick_Marsh]

In all conditions on all slopes.
Legally, yes.
The Inter can tow more, which makes me wonder, why didn't the Iveco Daily make the list? I've been seeing a few out on the roads in recent times and they look as if they are becoming a popular choice.

[robbotd5]

Evening all.
Interesting thread. It is a no brainer that the landcrusher is in no 1 position. Media brainwashing does wonders.
No surprise however to see the RR and D4 2 & 3. Although I would have put the D4 in front of the RR because you see a lot more D4's towing vans. The D90 was more of a surprise!?.
The Amarok is a great ute but the 2 liter motor puts me off a little. Imagine it with the TDI V6 from the Touareg!.
We have a 23 ft Retreat Daydream (2381kg's GTM) and my D2a does an admirable job of lugging it around (with a few mods) suprising a few playdo and Pajeros along the way. I would love to try a D4....it must be a dream to drive and tow with.
Regards
Robbo

[sjane]

Diesel Territory over a commodore any day thanks. Yes it's a land rover v6.

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[101RRS]

Yes it's a land rover v6.



Well actually no - it is a Ford PSA engine fitted in various guises to Peugots, Citroens, Jaguars, Landrovers, and the Territory.

[sjane]

IMHO , towing a weight that is heavier than the tow tug is not a good idea , 3500kg being towed by 2700kg is the tail wagging the dog .

Why? Isn't a semi 8t pulling 30t? As long as it's balanced correctly and you have suitable brakes on the car AND on the trailer.... a lot of work goes on at the manufacturer to sign off on those figures. What I wonder is how many people actually know how much they are really towing and if the tow ball down load is set correctly.


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[Mick_Marsh]

I wonder why the Ford F trucks didn't make the list?

[Fatso]

Why? Isn't a semi 8t pulling 30t? As long as it's balanced correctly and you have suitable brakes on the car AND on the trailer.... a lot of work goes on at the manufacturer to sign off on those figures. What I wonder is how many people actually know how much they are really towing and if the tow ball down load is set correctly.


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My post was to open ended , I agree if things are set up right their is really no problem with posted weights , things like Prime Movers , 5,th Wheelers etc are a different combination to a vehicle with a tow bar stuck out the back .