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  • What caravan are you towing?

    Hi guys

    looking at doing the big lap in two years with the wife and two kids (3,5).

    We will be selling our little 9ft camper trailer and looking to upgrade to a caravan.

    Just wondering what caravans people use. Keeping in mind the 2500kg tow limit.

    Thanks.

  • #2
    I have a 1.5t pop-top that I have towed with both the 120 and 150. I have three tin-lids and we have a 5 berth van in a 17 foot length.

    Try to stay as far below the 2.5t limit as you can. Nearing the limit is hard work for the prado and your wallet.

    Suggest you look into a transmission cooler and fluid flush if one is not already fitted pre-trip.
    Cheers
    Micheal.

    2008 GXL D4D Auto. GOING... GOING... GONE
    2015 GXL 1GD Auto. And it begins again...

    Comment


    • #3
      Tvan. Aerodynamic and light...well, sort of.
      Rob.
      '08 GXL V6 Manual with: O/L Bar, Cibie Oscars, Safari Snorkel, Revalved Ironman 45710 Struts & 45682 Shocks, Dobinsons & King springs, MickeyT STZs, Eaton E-locker on rear, ScanGaugeII, InaWise TPMS, and a Tvan controlled via TowPro.

      Comment


      • #4
        IME I would keep it under 2T unless you are happy at 80kmh for the lap, which is what my BIL and sister were restricted to towing a 2.25T full height van with KZJ95.
        Mine is a 2T 16ft poptop and my cruise is 90-93kmh, both for economy and keeping the EGTs in the safe zone. I am frequently passed by like engined Prados towing a block of units whose owners, I must assume, have no idea that their temps and EGTs are more than likely dangerously high (and probably towing in overdrive as well). My recommendation is that if you are at 2T or over fit at least EGT and coolant temp if you plan on exceeding 85-90ish Kmh
        cheers
        Steve

        Comment


        • #5
          Thanks for all the info so far, the best thing about these forums is all the free info. I've had a look at caravans and agree on keeping it as low as possible. I am going to look for caravans around the 16ft/17ft/18ft length with Tare weights around 1700-1900kg. Will try and stay away from anything over the tare of 2000kgs .
          Our 2008 D4D has just done 166km's so will look at the transmission cooler upgrade and add it to the list.

          t303 and 120D4D, what model of pop top do you have?
          Last edited by Nige81; 20-04-2018, 04:12 PM.

          Comment


          • #6
            Mine's an old viscount but similiar to the Coromals.
            p.s poptops aren't necessarily lighter than full height vans as they need more bracing in the roof structure as its 'floating'
            Cheers
            Micheal.

            2008 GXL D4D Auto. GOING... GOING... GONE
            2015 GXL 1GD Auto. And it begins again...

            Comment


            • #7
              '98 Supreme Getaway 16' full offroad. Built like a tank (hence the weight) but this thing will last forever and hold reasonable value. It has absolutely no leaks, guaranteed, because as it is a fully welded steel tub you would soon be ankle deep in water if it did. You may have to go larger/lighter to fit in the kids though.
              Looked at most of them, build quality being the main criteria (I wanted something built as well as my old Pioneer Argyle camper) and I narrowed it down to Goldstream and Supreme. Goldys don't come up often nor cheap, so I ended up with Supreme. Nothing else under about $30-40K came close in build, not even the Coromal (which I was keen on until I looked one over).
              cheers
              Steve

              Comment


              • #8
                Jayco Expand 17.56.2 Outback. Tow brilliantly, just in 2T. Plenty of room for 2-3 adults and 2 kids. Older models pre fancy suspension weigh less than the new ones. You know it's there but it only ever becomes an effort on long steep hills but then again so does most vans. Easily sits on the speed limit as we do and get about 15-16lt / 100 most of the time.

                Comment


                • #9
                  if it's mainly sealed roads your travelling with some formed dirt roads
                  i would buy a coromal between 2002 to 2009 17ft pop top with either the heron 3 or the heron Q aircon
                  make a temporary frame to make a bunk above your bed
                  get a Jooka shower tent and a shower unit , add the xtra tank for water and do the solar deal
                  should weigh in around 1700 to 1800kg

                  i had 2 coromals & 2 jayco's i found the coromals finish much nicer and they are lighter

                  i myself have a Roma Razor back off road , but it weighs 2350kg fully kitted out

                  the issue with the Prado is it wont take much to get it over weight, that's why i suggested the above as they have 140 to 160kg towball weight

                  if you have the car already go weigh it , front and back axle, then you can see what you have left make sure it full for fuel kids etc
                  mine with all is accessories is over by 250kg with the van on full of fuel , i can get it down to 60kg over weight by removing the duel rear wheel carrier & 2nd spare
                  2008 Dune D4D manual GXL update - with lots of fruit !! + Roma Razorback Off Road Van

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    New member following with interest re towing of small caravan. Recently purchased 2008 gxl auto diesel Prado, our first 4wd, and advised in other forums to leave in 4th gear and travel around 90 kph. Would have thought that engine would be revving higher, thus tendency to wear faster and use more fuel. Travelling in built up areas and hils I can understand, but on freeways or flat roads, thought 5th gear (overdrive) would be suitable. Seeking explanations please.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Your advice is sound TrevorW, tow in fourth as is 'top gear' for the A750F transmission. Fifth is an overdrive gear and not designed to haul.
                      The owners manual should also confirm this.

                      Dont worry about the revs being up a bit, the engine will be in its 'sweet spot' at the end of the tourque curve and the Killierwasps are coming up around that speed to. Fuel use will be better in fourth, than labouring the engine in fifth, this is a small capacity diesel remember.
                      Cheers
                      Micheal.

                      2008 GXL D4D Auto. GOING... GOING... GONE
                      2015 GXL 1GD Auto. And it begins again...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Many thanks for the explanation 120D4D. I feel better now looking after my Prado. I noticed that at 90Kph and in 4th gear that the revs were around 2300rpm. Is this normal? Thanks.
                        Last edited by TrevorW; 21-04-2018, 10:35 PM.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Sounds about right Trevor, as far as I can recall.
                          Cheers
                          Micheal.

                          2008 GXL D4D Auto. GOING... GOING... GONE
                          2015 GXL 1GD Auto. And it begins again...

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Razorback81 View Post
                            if it's mainly sealed roads your travelling with some formed dirt roads
                            i would buy a coromal between 2002 to 2009 17ft pop top with either the heron 3 or the heron Q aircon
                            make a temporary frame to make a bunk above your bed
                            get a Jooka shower tent and a shower unit , add the xtra tank for water and do the solar deal
                            should weigh in around 1700 to 1800kg

                            i had 2 coromals & 2 jayco's i found the coromals finish much nicer and they are lighter

                            i myself have a Roma Razor back off road , but it weighs 2350kg fully kitted out

                            the issue with the Prado is it wont take much to get it over weight, that's why i suggested the above as they have 140 to 160kg towball weight

                            if you have the car already go weigh it , front and back axle, then you can see what you have left make sure it full for fuel kids etc
                            mine with all is accessories is over by 250kg with the van on full of fuel , i can get it down to 60kg over weight by removing the duel rear wheel carrier & 2nd spare
                            Thanks mate, This is awesome info.
                            we aren' planning on heading away for at least 18 months so have plenty of time to get sorted.
                            I'll Google some of your advice.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Why dont you consider European? The Adria 552PK sport is only 1.4T and has 3 bunks. Fully kitted out with all you need for the trip. I towed a Jayco expanda 16.49-3 only complaint was its not very aero dynamic as it was poptop version. 4l V6 towed no probs but used anywhere from 16 to 23l/100 whereas the new 2.8l diesel is max about 16l/100km if in strong headwinds seen it as low as 11l/100km on open road. Also try to do 90km/h as its most economical.
                              2018 150 Series Crystal Pearl Prado VX 2.8l. 2 inch King springs and Bilstein shocks, Airtek TJM snorkel.

                              Comment

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