120 Petrol Towing Camper Trailer

[splarose Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close splarose]

Hi all,
I've had a 2006 VX petrol for the last couple of years and I love it. That said, I've just bought a camper trailer (1200kg ATM) and I'm not too sure on how they go towing. Obviously it will use more fuel however I'm most interested in how they go both on and off-road and whether I should consider getting a diesel (Prado or otherwise..) for the additional low-down torque and economy.

I spent a couple of years in Cape York and found the Prado to be fine on the PDR and other dirt tracks however I never towed anything up there.

I'm planning a three month trip with the wife and kids to the Kimberley this year so if anyone has any experiences/reasons that may indicate my current Prado isn't up to towing the trailer I would love to hear from you.

Cheers

Steve

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

I have the same and am off to similar parts in May also towing a similar weight camper.. I wouldn't be trading the VX petrol for a diesel. I t will happily sit on 2000 rpm up hill and down dale in 4th [NOT 5th] gear all day and get about 16-18 l/100km doing it. This compares with about 15 l/100km without the trailer and fully loaded. Don't let anyone tell you they lack torque- they have about 80% of their torque at about 1800 rpm and just putting your foot into it means at those revs it just takes off. On the Canning and the Simpson [no trailer] most dunes were done in high range first gear at 1600-1700 rpm- heaps of torque AND power from there if needed. Stick with what you have- they are a great tow vehicle and they don't need injectors at 100000 km. It may be a different story if you were towing 20-30 k pa but for one big trip, stick with the devil you know. Neil

[splarose Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close splarose]

Thanks for that. I'm inclined to keep the VX so your comments help support that. Cheers. Steve

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Engine braking downhill with a trailer behind might be a bit nicer with the diesel.
Does a 2006 VX have hill descent control?
But... I doubt you'll be doing the Vic Highcountry with the trailer (yes AJ120... I know you would/have).


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[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Yes it does have hill descent control if you can stand the noise and the banging sounds it makes. I have really only used it to see if it works.1st low may not be as low as a diesel and there is less engine braking but it is still ok.

[Terry Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Terry]

I have a GXL petrol and just got back from a 5000k trip around Victoria towing a Jayco camper.
The Prado tows it with no trouble at all. On the hole trip it averaged 18.2 lph (was expecting 22lph).
Going down hill I just pull it down to a lower gear which seems to work well.