Thread: What tow vehicle

One of my drive is 120 series prado TZ
3.4L petrol (Auto) rated 2.7 Ton.
It tow 2 tons roller or 2.5 ton digger without any trouble.

Once I towed 3.2 ton forklift on 3.5T trailer across Auckland and I found the suspension (sport mode) was abit too soft for that load.

In my experience, i found 120 Prado tows better than hilux (3.5T) and Biturbo Ranger (3.5T).

Originally Posted by Snap 4T

One of my drive is 120 series prado TZ
3.4L petrol (Auto) rated 2.7 Ton.
It tow 2 tons roller or 2.5 ton digger without any trouble.

Once I towed 3.2 ton forklift on 3.5T trailer across Auckland and I found the suspension (sport mode) was abit too soft for that load.

In my experience, i found 120 Prado tows better than hilux (3.5T) and Biturbo Ranger (3.5T).

Just remember that Aussie cops are far more conversant with the Gross Combined Mass limits of various rigs, and charge like wounded bulls if they are exceeded.

just get a land cruiser cant go wrong

You can't beat the land cruiser I had a 100 series for towing my boat was an awesome machine.
Also had an Everest another nice SUV but the 4.2L land cruiser wins when it comes to towing don't be put off by 250000km on the clock they are good for 500, 000 or more as long as a reg service.

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

You can't beat the land cruiser I had a 100 series for towing my boat was an awesome machine.
Also had an Everest another nice SUV but the 4.2L land cruiser wins when it comes to towing don't be put off by 250000km on the clock they are good for 500, 000 or more as long as a reg service.

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"Or more" is right!
Large understressed engines, eat the miles and pull like a schoolboy.

Diesel trumps petrol IMHO.

It would be hard to go past a landcruiser or patrol, with the bias in oz leaning towards toyota, you'll find parts available and mechanics who know what they're about.

Yip of long range heavy towing 1hdfte engine would be what I was targeting, comfortable ride and enough creature comforts to keep people happy. As you noticed kms will Benin the 2-300k range but they do a lot of kms. They aren't 100% bullet proof and do still Crack heads etc if cooling hasn't been maintained, check condition of hoses, radiator etc as indicator of service inclination of previous owner. All vehicles have their quirks and weak spots, a matter of finding what compromises best suit you and intended use. I'd have stuck with my 80 series but young family lifestyle wasn't best fit, decent chance will end up in a landcruiser again once they are older and lifestyle shifts agai

@Dorkus just remember that the towing laws differ from NZ. The rating on the tow bar works directly with your GTM (Gross Towable Mass), so whatever is marked on it is law in OZ (ADR63 etc), unlike NZ that does not have a direct link to capacity other than a 3500kg max for a light trailer.

A few points.
While legally with newer vehicles your towed weight can be greater than vehicle wt. it is suicide. Particularly vans, boats and bit less. Wind, wobble, having the trailer throw the car around on and our highways. Pulling up in a hurry.

Understanding that combined vehicle mass is the weight of your boat, trailer, car inc bullbar, winch, any bar work, food fuel piss and four fat mates fishing with you. your boat.

With a 2.5 t boat trailer, ideally your into Nissan patrols, bigger Toyotas if you want to do it legally and safely.

Turbo 4.2 cruisers are way overpriced now and hard to find clean or original ones.

Maybe a 3.2 l Ranger or Everest, Prado if your not doing big miles, but in WA you going to want to do this a times to get into the less flogged reefs. Remote camping sites.

Diesel is generally not more expensive that petrol, except last couple of years.


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Originally Posted by Dicko

A few points.
While legally with newer vehicles your towed weight can be greater than vehicle wt. it is suicide. Particularly vans, boats and bit less. Wind, wobble, having the trailer throw the car around on and our highways. Pulling up in a hurry.

Understanding that combined vehicle mass is the weight of your boat, trailer, car inc bullbar, winch, any bar work, food fuel piss and four fat mates fishing with you. your boat.

With a 2.5 t boat trailer, ideally your into Nissan patrols, bigger Toyotas if you want to do it legally and safely.

Turbo 4.2 cruisers are way overpriced now and hard to find clean or original ones.

Maybe a 3.2 l Ranger or Everest, Prado if your not doing big miles, but in WA you going to want to do this a times to get into the less flogged reefs. Remote camping sites.

Diesel is generally not more expensive that petrol, except last couple of years.


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Disagree with the first comment, after all road trains are rather a lot heavier than the tractor unit pulling them... It is a mindset change and requires good correct loading of the trailer and understanding of the dynamics of the braking systems to operate safely. Most people charge into it without engaging brain and thats where the issues start. Slowing down for the descent while you're still driving up the hill is one thing that seems foreign to most car drivers when they start towing heavy stuff!

No3. I don’t disagree in principle but your argument would only hold water if the same level of training was required for mum and pop as a professional semi, b double or road train driver, undertakes, before they put 3.5 tonnes behind their Isuzu etc and head off for the “big lap”.

Unfortunately no training in driving or common sense is required and as a result there is a stream of grey nomads totalling cars, vans etc. some younger ones also and not only vans.


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Originally Posted by Dicko

No3. I don’t disagree in principle but your argument would only hold water if the same level of training was required for mum and pop as a professional semi, b double or road train driver, undertakes, before they put 3.5 tonnes behind their Isuzu etc and head off for the “big lap”.

Unfortunately no training in driving or common sense is required and as a result there is a stream of grey nomads totalling cars, vans etc. some younger ones also and not only vans.


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While that is true - the amount of physical in-cab training one actually gets on the 'slow road' training plan is as much as you as the learner wants. I have trained (or assisted with training) several fresh green car drivers in HT licences, and I was waiting with one I trained the next guy got chatting, he'd borrowed a mates little furniture truck at 6.5ton max weight for his class two practical. First time he drove it was the day before, then practical test. Wait six months, and go for a Class 4 in a three-axle flat deck with a 6-speed syncro box and you're away in Class 4 trucks! (provided you don't get it cocked up with the assessor).

All of these comments have missed one vehicle - a Mitsubishi Pajero. The 3.2l turbo diesels are super reliable, they’re nice big vehicles and don’t command the same prices a Land Cruiser will.

Worth checking out IMO
You can also get these in petrols - but the diesel will have more torque.

Living in WA
I use 70 series cruiser
1 a v6 1a v8
Id buy a pajero diesel
Half the price twice the comfort
Toyo goes for 20% more than they worth
All the grey nomads knows what they got and charges accordingly
Remember that we do BIG km over there
Perth to exmouth for a quick fish is about 3400km return
Te pajero I currently use , is lighter on fuel when towing a 1.6t caravan than either of the cruisers when not towing.
Have u looked Into the farce of the nw fishing seasons over there, lots of blokes selling boats atm as there is major seasonal closures now.
Oh and BTW hope u can handle heat well
Perth had 6 days in early November over 40 deg c .TF I was here

U didn't wanna do a house / boat / car swop, I'll take yours here , u take mone there