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

[DSP]

Wow...Sorry I have been offline for a few days. Thank you to everyone for their great comments.

Well done JaycoQ on the new purchase, what are you towing it with?

We are playing chicken or the egg, order van or tug 1st. I think it will be the tug 1st and then we know where we stand.

All comments seem to have merit, we currently have a Toyota Kluger which in no means would be able to tow the beast. Also not sure on the Territory, it may have the spec. but I am not sure that I would be comfortable.... I must admit I had not even entered into thinking about a Jeep, but since reading this I have been keeping my eye out on the road and there are a few of them around.

I have had a look at the BT-50/Ranger option but with two teenagers the won't be impressed in the back.

Generally the CEO will be driving this Tug during the week, so of course it has to fit into her liking. I fully understand all of the comments about the L/Cruiser maybe I have to sharpen the pencil! Further investigation into the Jeep is going to be required.

This may be a stupid question (but isn't in my eyes) but how much does the ball weight vary from new van to new van? Obviously it depends on extra's that you have installed but can anyone give me an idea?

Cheers
DSP

 

[JaycoQ]

Hi DSP

Thanks, we're pretty happy with the van

I have a 2010 78series L/Cruiser wagon, I also tow a large (just under 3T) boat) so was happy with the tradeoff between creature comforts and reliable workhorse. This will pull the boat on idle in 2nd gear!!

The wife had a 2007 Jeep with 48km (29km when we bought it) on the clock which we disposed of, this thing was fine for 15months towing the 17.56 and the boat, then the problems started. On starting the dash was like a xmas tree and wouldn't start until the computer was reset, by the RACV. It was in with the "experts" dealers and they couldn't find the problem. They said it was electrical, one of the modules. If the dealers couldn't fix it, I figured it was time to cut my losses and part exchanged it for a Patrol. We've had two in the past with no issues.

The new ones I believe have a fiat engine rather than the merc, but again I come down to the dealer support. maybe I was just unlucky but I'd never by another.

Al least it only ever died on starting, I try not to think of it dying while I was towing .

On the ball weight, yes there are huge variations. Check out the Jayco website for specs.

The on road 20.63 is 171kg while the 20.63ob is quoted as 155kg but mine came out at 146kg. I figured this was due to the extended drawbar.

Cheers
JaycoQ

 

[Brad]

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?

Wouldn't have thought so. We do it with a Pathie pulling the 18.57.5 OB model.

 

[cruza driver]

Yesterday I saw an 18 getting towed along the Western Ring Rd by a Camry, I'm still wondering how they got and drive to the front wheels little loan steering the thing. I was glad I was going in the other direction.

 

[Xpandafan]

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?

My Pathfinder tows the 18.57-7 nicely. As for 7 seats the third row ones are pretty squeezy.

 

[CJ1177]

My suggestion for a tug would be the Ti 550 Pathfinder
you can get them new for under $70k
Tow capacity of 3.5T
Ball weight 350kg
7 seats
6cyl turbo diesel = massive torque & kW
But don't instal the factory WDH get a HR tow bar so that you an use a WDH

 

[DRW]

I went through the same thing, LC200 too expensive too big for a shopping trolley for my wallet, ended up with a Jeep 55K inc tow bar on the road. The 2014 model is on the water with an 8 speed box, constant 4WD heaps of torque and quiet. We towed our 17.56.2 down from Townsville average fuel 15L pre 100K sitting on cruise at 105K no WDH. Just fitted air bags from the dtates $146 delivered and it sits dead level now.

 

[collinandkerry]

too throw a spanner in the works and the risk of being shot down. we tow out 17.56.2 witha 2012 mitsu challenger, we have put air bags in the rear and chiped the car now running 560nm and have No issues holding 100km, we alsio have installed a torque converter lockup and now return approc 14 lt per 100, fully loads for 2 week and 2 adult and 2 kidds.. pretty happy for $32k

 

[Brad]

I went through the same thing, LC200 too expensive too big for a shopping trolley for my wallet, ended up with a Jeep 55K inc tow bar on the road. The 2014 model is on the water with an 8 speed box, constant 4WD heaps of torque and quiet. We towed our 17.56.2 down from Townsville average fuel 15L pre 100K sitting on cruise at 105K no WDH. Just fitted air bags from the dtates $146 delivered and it sits dead level now.

A jeep with an 8 speed box?? Will be looking forward to sniffing around those cars when they come out.

 

[Matty4]

A jeep with an 8 speed box?? Will be looking forward to sniffing around those cars when they come out.

Me too...

 

[SilverFox]

Me three...

I read that not only does the new Jeep Grand Cherokee have an 8 speed, but also the diesel engine power has increased to 180kw and 590nm of torque.

 

[Soaring]

Look tough!

 

[Brad]

It looks nice

 

[SilverFox]

You can find more information on the Jeep Grand Cherokee here......

http://www.wk2jeeps.com/wk2menu.htm

 

[brotys]

hi we have a AWD DIESEL TERRITORY we take delivery of our new 20.63-1 expanda in 3 weeks and these cars tow like a dream we had a van it was 2000kg and did not budge a eye lid

 

[DRW]

Hi brotys
I looked at them as well. it came down to the Jeep and the Terry, two reasons I went for the Jeep was I owned a BA XR6 for 8 years and the dash looked the same and after 200,000K's I just wanted something different to look at, and, the Jeep had slightly more features and power for the dollars. (I am a closet Ford fan also)
Dave

 

[straydingo]

As always, the most correct answer has not been given.
DSP, don't listen to everyone else, it is a Discovery 4 TDv6 you want.
$68900. (Less if you take an ex demo with a thousand K on the clock)

:lalala:

 

[Soaring]

As always, the most correct answer has not been given.
DSP, don't listen to everyone else, it is a Discovery 4 TDv6 you want.
$68900. (Less if you take an ex demo with a thousand K on the clock)

:lalala:

No, No SD. The OP said he wanted to TOW with the car, not buy one that needs towing

 

[DSP]

Thanks for all the comments. We are currently arranging the purchase of a Jeep Limited.

 

[achjimmy]

Interesting to hear the "landcrusier too big" comment come up again. The jeep has a longer wheel base and is only 27mm narrower!