Thread: Supermarket car parks

Robert ................ dunno about the Colorado, but -

I have a mate who owns a business supplying / installing / calibrating conveyor belt weightometers / weigh bridge scales etc. A while back, he had a huge "mobile workshop" built for the business. Basically, a big American built "caravan" with everything inside it needed for site work, including stainless steel work benches, tool cabinets - even a "lounge" area with large flat screen TV where training / site inductions etc could be conducted. The rear end has a large drop-down ramp so that items to be worked on can be lifted in using crane / small forklift etc.

When his workers travel to site, they take two vehicles - a V8 diesel Landcruiser 200 Series and a Ranger (diesel auto). The mobile workshop is supposed to be towed behind the Landcruiser (larger / heavier tow vehicle, 4.5 litre twin turbo V8 diesel with supposedly plenty of grunt).

I recently came across the boys passing through Kalgoorlie, and asked them why they were towing the workshop behind the Ranger with the Cruiser following along behind. They told me in no uncertain terms that the Ranger out-performed the Toyota in every respect except for cabin comfort, and easily pulled the trailer in all conditions where the Toyota often struggled. The Ranger also used significantly less fuel than the Cruiser, particularly when towing.

Based on that, I wouldn't think that the Ranger is gutless.

My young bloke is also looking at getting rid of his (my old) D2 in the near future and replacing with a dual cab ute. I suggested to him that he should consider the Ranger as one possible option. Being a young bloke and set in his preferences though, he refuses to consider anything with a Ford badge on it - his preferences have been Isuzu D-Max (which is more or less the same as the Colorado) and the VW Amorok - and he's chosen the VW. I agree with his choice, though they're a bloody big ute (much bigger than any of the others on the market at the moment) and would not suit everyone because of the size.

The older Dmax's and Colorado's were basically the same except for the electronics. Isuzu used Japanese chips, Holden used Daewoo, so we were told.

The current models whilst they look the same have different engines with Isuzu still using the truck engine and Holden using a GM engine (not sure which options). Personally having owned the Dmax if I was looking for a dual cab in the current market I'd still go the Isuzu but each to their own.

If your considering the Colorado you should also look at the Isuzu.

AFAIK the Colorado engine is a VM engine which is now owned by Fiat and is the same motor as in the Jeep Cherokee from 2002? to 2014.

How could the Ford be gutless when powered by the trusty Puma 5 cylinder , prodigal brother of the Puma Defender 4 cylinder which is also fitted to the base Ranger.
I have never heard that one before , on the contrary I have heard Defender owners lusting after the 5 cylinder and a British company does the conversion for much money.
Regards Philip A

Thanks, interesting reply's.

I had thought of the Ranger or Colorado because I imagine there would be service centres and spannermen throughout most of the country.

I'm not sure if VW or Dmax service is spread more thinly ?

I am leaning toward the Ranger.
Not sure about the comfort level issues mentioned but the seat if that is the problem could be replaced with a Recaro or similar for long haul stuff as mine would be used.


Cheers.