Newbie... Looking for a Tow Vehicle for a 20.63-1

[DSP]

Firstly I like to say Hi !

I have been watching this forum for some time, finally I am a member and off we go.

We are looking at buying a 20.63-1 in the near future. Some questions about that in another forum. But for this one I need some help with a Rig to tow this. We are generally new car buyers.

I have been looking at a Diesel Pajero. I am keen to hear what people think and any comments would be welcomed.

I also would like some advice on a hitch. Should we be going for a Weight Distribution Hitch?
After research I found that people recommend getting an electronic brake system fitted after market. Any comments on this one?

Thanks for your help, comments, discouragement and encouragement in advance.

DSP

 

[Bushman]

First of all :welcome: to the forum. As for tug! Well as much as we love our Pajero as a general all rounder and tow truck for our van I probably wouldn't recommend it for a van that big , not that it couldn't handle it power wise, though it's rated to 3 ton you start to have ball weight issues once you exceed the 2.5 ton.
The 20.63-1 rocks in at 2047kg empty for the standard model before you add factory accessories, the Outback rocks in at 2267kg empty before factory accessories, then there's your load weight, which will be well up over 2,5 ton.

Personally I'd be looking for a vehicle that has rate of 3 ton+ and as a minimun 250kg to 350kg Ball weight rating.
And yes a WDH is a must for a van that big. Especially on Pajero.

 

[achjimmy]

DSP welcome. You really need to stipulate a budget for your tow rig. There is a few 3+ tonne towing options available but it depends on what you want to spend and drive

 

[Pace]

DSP, repeat after me - Toyota LandCruiser 200 series twin turbo diesel V8.

 

[17triton]

DSP, repeat after me - Toyota LandCruiser 200 series twin turbo diesel V8.

*Try posting a bit more so your post isn't boring*

 

[DSP]

Hi achjimmy,

I would prefer to get the right vehicle for the job. I was thinking of somewhere around $60 - $70k.
This was why i came up with the Pajero. But I really want the right tool for the job.!.

Cheers

DSP

 

[achjimmy]

At $70k it's worth considering a 200? The GX model starts at about $70k. It's a basic model but a good blank canvas. 5 seater only, but all the same running gear.

 

[Matty4]

Hi achjimmy,

I would prefer to get the right vehicle for the job. I was thinking of somewhere around $60 - $70k.
This was why i came up with the Pajero. But I really want the right tool for the job.!.

Cheers

DSP

Welcome DSP..
For that kind of money you really couldn't go past a Jeep.
That money will get you into a new Limited diesel and possibly even a few options, like Quadralift.
A demo Overland with all the fruit could possibly be had for that money too.
They have a 3500kg tow limit and 350kg ball weight to go with it.

Plenty of room to spare with the weights and uses probably 14-15l/100 towing that size van.

 

[SilverFox]

Hi DSP,

I have to agree with Matty4.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee should be on your shopping list.

 

[achjimmy]

Yep seen Matt's very capable vechile With everything that opens and shuts.

 

[Matty4]

Depending on your needs in the car, ie. 4WD or not, maybe a new Territory diesel AWD would fit the bill.
It has a 2700kg tow limit and 270kg max ball weight. It is lower on the power and torque than both the LC and Jeep but as you were already considering a Pajero they have almost identical power and torque figures.
Food for thought.

 

[Soaring]

Of coarse the other option is to go down the Ranger/BT50 or Navara path. Well inside your budget, 5 seaters with plently of pulling power and higher payload than the wagons.

 

[Expandaman]

Toyota 200 Series twin turbo diesel is the correct answer to your query. I currently own a 18.57-9 full van Expanda (Our third Expanda). I have owned 2007 diesel Pajero, 2010 Holden Colorado 3.0ltr turbo diesel, 2011 GU Nissan Patrol 3.0ltr turbo diesel, and now I've hit the jackpot with a 2012 200 series GXL Landcruiser twin turbo diesel. I get the similar fuel economy that I got with the Pajero pulling our old 16.49-4 Expanda. I get the stability and size of the Patrol without the horrendous fuel economy and burnt passenger feet from heatsoak through the floor from the turbo working overtime. The Holden Colorado is a complete write off for towing ( I still own the 4sp Auto dual cab that I use for work. They are gutless for towing over 2 tonne ). Short of a cruiser, there is nothing else on the market (Maybe a dodge ram / F truck) that can comfortably tow 2.5 + tonne all day every day. 4cyl diesels have to work so bloody hard to achieve a mediocre result. I would have to add, buy what you can afford, and most importantly what can do the job safely within the legal limits. 3 tonne tow rating does not mean you can tow 3 tonne SAFELY (Keep that in mind). If you have loved ones in the vehicle, their safety comes before the almighty dollar. And so does everybody else on the road. Food for thought.

If you buy a Territory to tow that van, then you have rocks in your head. The bloody van will be way heavier than the vehical and I just have a pet hate for people who buy SUV style AWD tow vehicles to tow anything more than a camper trailer. Those things are for dropping the kids to school. And now that FORD Australia is going under, I wouldn't touch a Ford.

A Hayman Reece WDH is going to be a certain if you buy a Pajero. That thing will drag it's ass like a dog with worms. Maybe airbags as well to level the ride. A brake control in vehicle is a definite. The electric brakes need something to control them. I have a Redarc fitted because it doesn't hang down at knee level and get in the way. (I had a teconsha fitted in my old Pajero and it had to be fitted between where your legs go because there is crap legroom in a Pajero. Very uncomfortable. (and I'm quite small).

Budget is everything. Brains are something, conscience is optional.

 

[Matty4]

Problem is they are looking for a new vehicle in the 60-70K range. The most basic 200 LC comes in over $86K.
So a 200 isn't necessarily the answer at all.

Ford Australia is NOT going under FFS. They will stop manufacturing here in Australia from 2016.

 

[achjimmy]

I reckon you can get into a 200 from $70-75k but thats a proverty pack and still a tonne of money, And not for everyone. Yeah Matty is right just like Mitsbishi when they closed there manufacturing they continued to be supported. In fact the 5/10 warranty came out if it, and I heard a ford add yesterday they are offering 5 yrs on a falcons and territories.

your SUV argument has some merit but I wouldn't put the territory in that bracket. It is a much heavier vehicle and was designed with towing in mind and is the rwd falcon in disguise, most SUVs are fwd vehicles in disguise. Falcons have always been good towing vehicles and were the mainstream before the 4x4 became so popular.

Expandaman your concern for love ones and fellow road users is admirable but if so I would be ditching the red arc. They are not proportional and do not offer the same abilties as the teshonka . I would only use a RedArc on a box trailer.

 

[JaycoQ]

i pick up our 20.63ob today, rang the dealer to confirm towball weight.....146kg

 

[greynt]

Depending on ATM of van and IF the ball weight is correct then a Paj should do the job. As others have said a WDH is a must. We are very happy with our NT auto T/D Paj for towing duties. When looking for a tug I also factored in the fact that you are not towing every single day so SWHBO had to be comfortable driving it. Our 17.56-2OB has ball weight of 212kg and an ATM of of 2378kg, and the Paj tows it well. The main factors for you are if the weights of the van fall into the limits of the manufactures specs, what you feel comfortable driving and towing with, safety of vehicle. You can always upgrade the suspension and other things if required. Driving to the conditions is another factor as you would know. Also as Matty4 has suggested a Jeep Fits the bill as well. Haven't heard to many bad reports about them either and they sound like they go good as well. If i was looking for a brand new tug IMHO it would be a 2 horse race between the Paj and the Jeep. But just my personal view. Are you going to be going off road is another thing to consider.
Happy hunting.
Cheers
greynt

 

[achjimmy]

i pick up our 20.63ob today, rang the dealer to confirm towball weight.....146kg

congrats

 

[achjimmy]

Depending on ATM of van and IF the ball weight is correct then a Paj should do the job. As others have said a WDH is a must. We are very happy with our NT auto T/D Paj for towing duties. When looking for a tug I also factored in the fact that you are not towing every single day so SWHBO had to be comfortable driving it. Our 17.56-2OB has ball weight of 212kg and an ATM of of 2378kg, and the Paj tows it well. The main factors for you are if the weights of the van fall into the limits of the manufactures specs, what you feel comfortable driving and towing with, safety of vehicle. You can always upgrade the suspension and other things if required. Driving to the conditions is another factor as you would know. Also as Matty4 has suggested a Jeep Fits the bill as well. Haven't heard to many bad reports about them either and they sound like they go good as well. Happy hunting.
Cheers
greynt

our van is a good 2000 kg loaded and around 200-210kg n the ball. Our NT had kings progressive rate rear springs and later I added airbags. I never found a WDH necessary, I am not saying it wouldn't have improved the tow but I never ever felt unsafe. The other thing to remember if towing with a Paj and standard suspension, check the bump stop rubbers. They get hammered towing even the lightest loads, I only had a few thousand kms on std springs and towed a light boat trailers a few times but they had touched. Bushman had also found the bump stops hitting. As much as they says it rated for 3t I don't think the rear springs are up for it. Also I never found the airbags made much difference with the progressive rate springs, rarely changed the pressure from 5 psi in the end.

The Pajero is a great tug. Only downside is if you want to tow in 4th you have to then drive it manually as opposed to the Crusier which can be selected to be 1-4 or 1-5 for towing. The other thing with the Paj, as expensive as it is, I would change ATF every 30-50,000 kms depending on how much towing I did. The specified 90,000kms is BS IMO.

good luck.

 

[James Jackson]

First of all :welcome: to the forum. As for tug! Well as much as we love our Pajero as a general all rounder and tow truck for our van I probably wouldn't recommend it for a van that big , not that it couldn't handle it power wise, though it's rated to 3 ton you start to have ball weight issues once you exceed the 2.5 ton.
The 20.63-1 rocks in at 2047kg empty for the standard model before you add factory accessories, the Outback rocks in at 2267kg empty before factory accessories, then there's your load weight, which will be well up over 2,5 ton.

Personally I'd be looking for a vehicle that has rate of 3 ton+ and as a minimun 250kg to 350kg Ball weight rating.
And yes a WDH is a must for a van that big. Especially on Pajero.

Very interesting debate this......I was looking at a Nissan Pathfinder (need the 7 seats) to pull an 18.57-9 OB. Is the tug too little for that?