Tow Car Tales - hauling the Zed on some sort of budget

[260DET]

Simple question, what non truck reliable passenger vehicle to get to tow a car trailer that can be used as a daily too and does not require it's own personal fuel depot. Say 2000kg all up, trailer and Zed. Here are my conclusions and opinions after considering and driving some of the maybe's.

 

Petrol fuelled. Falcon, Falcon, Falcon, for a low cost solution. Their resale is rubbish because they are unloved and not because they are a bad car, ZF six speed auto is a beauty if your budget goes that far. About as good as you will get for the dollar, Territory should tow better but will use more fuel.

 

Diesel fuelled. Used diesels are holding their resale very well and a lot of them rack up the kays in a short time, I only considered turbo common rail diesels. Two types, basically a FWD or a RWD layout. Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento turbo diesels are FWD based, both seem to be holding together well, the Kia is a bit bigger and has the better towing capacity. From my research a good one of either would tow fine and should be reliable although at 2000kg the Hyundai is at the limit.

 

In the rear wheel drivers there is not much around under $20,000 used although I did seriously consider the unloved KJ Jeep Cherokee. The KJ really appealed to me but parts and service are a real problem, with interstate towing in mind I thought they were just too risky a proposition. So I finally have bought a new Mitsubishi Challenger 2WD, five speed sequential auto, 3000kg towing capacity. Bang for buck the Challenger is hard to beat, much more dollar of course than my original budget but close enough in pricing to used diesels to make a new one a proposition for me.

 

So what do others tow with or think about tow cars? Fuel consumption?

 

 

[Ledge]

HI

I  have a 2004 Holden dual cab rodeo, 3Lt turbo diesel.

Probably the best tow car Ive had. Biggest trip Ive done was to Warwick QLD

to pick up my early Z and coming back with the car, spare engine, box, suspension

bits etc etc it used $20 dollars more diesel then going there. Sits on 110kmh no probs

until you come to a hill of coarse, that's only ever a problem when your in a rush but i don't

tend to be rushing with car in tow.

Unloaded its great on fuel plenty of room inside and the ute back is usefull to say the least.

think you would get one for less that 15 no probs.

 

before that i had an XR8 ute and although hills didn't slow it down it used so much more fuel

day to day.

 

Hope that helps

Paul

[dat2kman]

Well done 260DET, good choice, a bit compact in the rear, but with seats folded it'll fit all you need.

Next task is a trailer!

Have a look at the simple flat floor types some of the drift boys are using, quite minimal bits and pieces compared to the ones from Chris at Jimboomba, who does a lot of the Qld race and rally guys.

 

My tow units,have been anything, including HQ Holden sedan, XF Falcon sedan, a Nissan E20 LWB urvan with a six cylinder fitted,  then a Toyota Hiace, all petrol, all thirsty.

Then to deisel only, the silver Landcruiser is the best all rounder, but large, the Transit vans in short wheelbase/low roof, are huge and perform very well, but the Hino 10 tonner was a ripper, no speed limiter and a 3.9 diff, cruised nice at 100k's, press the pedal and she'd scoot past  BDoubles up the Pilliga, at 145 kmh! , drama was licensing, and high annual rego.

 

I'll stick to Transits for now, but if anyone is interested in a Landcruiser 100 series enhanced Tubo Diesel, loaded with fruit, yhen chime in here for more info!

 

[Bloozed]

Hi,

I bought a trailer recently for my 240Z, it was a tandem tilt trailer weighing in at 550KG and I planned to change my work vehicle from a Subaru Outback (diesel) to a dual cab as the Outback was getting close to its towing limitof1700kg with the Zed. I borrowed an Amorok VW in the meantime and it went well.

Next time I couldn't get the Amorok and just had to use the Subaru and I was pleasantly surprised. It pulled the car and trailer with ease and gave fuel consumption just under 10l/100km. That was from Dubbo to Goulburn, a fair trip.

I am lucky I have access to a work car but the new outback is a great all round vehicle.

[PB260Z]

Working for a car company I am lucky to have a huge range to choose from, and at the perfect cost 

For me the Landcruiser 200 V8 TD is by far the best tow vehicle I have ever used but they cost plenty, I will always choose a diesel over a petrol they are just more suited to towing work.

 

Just about any modern TD 4X4 will be awesome. it all comes down to budget.

[bluerat]

Hey DET, Buy a Cruiser, fuel economy is totally irrelevant mate. Safety and performance should be your priorities with a tow car. Our's is hooked up to a float or a car trailer almost full time nowdays. I've been in two accident's in Family type cars over the years towing race cars, bloody scary, but never had a wiggle or a moment out of the big girl. Mr's Bluerat does 1000's km a year towing the horse float and the Cruiser is a real peace of mind, plus get's you out of wet paddock's and great to take fishing.

 

Hodgo

[260DET]

Outback diesels are only manual I think, 1700kg tow rating too which is why I did not consider one. But if 1700kg is not a problem and you like manuals then go for it. Friend has an Amorak for his business, loves it and says that it's a good tower but I'm not convinced that VW's are a long term proposition. Cruiser? Not for me, just too big for a daily but to each their own

[Agno]

Mum's DSG Polo clunks and rattles like nobody's business, and that's only 2 years old!

 

VW is still living off the reliability of their air cooled cars from a long gone era, modern VWs should be approached with care. Especially DSG models.

[Gordo]

+1 with Hodgo, the Cruiser, best tow car I have ever had, never had a moment,  mind you three blowouts on the trailer over the years have not turned into something nasty because of the stability of the Cruiser.

[PZG302]

Richard,

 

Falcon Ute, BF XR6's with 6 speed auto can be had for <$15K if you look around, throw a hayman Reece 2300kg tow hitch on it and you won't go wrong. Mechanically, they are pretty bullet proof, just swap out front liquid filled bushes for solid, and fit a transmission cooler and it will go forever, plus I found mine very comfortable for long trips, Brisbane - Sydney towing the race car an easy 11 hours down the coast road and only needing to stop for fuel at the Taree service centre, return trip oonnly stopping for fuel at macksville.

 

My XR8 would get 10l/100km on the freeway with two up and a couple of hundred kg in the tray, towing the race zed with a hire trailer plus all my spares and tools from Sydney to brisbane with cruise set on the speed limit I got just better than 17l/100km. The six should do better and will beat the 8 for round town economy. And the ute will hold value if you are worried about reslale. If you  can stretch to new, FGII XR6 turbos can be had for 35k on road with leather, 18"s, sat nav dual zone climate and all the rest of the fruit.

 

My old ute is currently in a dealers for $22k, long story and I'm still not happy about it, but would be a good buy as a comfortable tow car. The best thing about the Falcons is the towing capacity and the size of the tray, I coulld fit two set of extra wheels/tyres, front spoiler, tools, jack, stands, and parts including bonnet pretty easily.

 

So in summary, just get a cheap Falcon XR or XLS ute in the BF's or stretch to a R6or XR in the FG's

[neRok]

When I bought my first zed, I hired a car trailer and housemate towed it home for me. He has a new turbo diesel Landrover Defender, and its chipped up with exhaust etc - has some epic amount of torque. Anyway, it pulled the trailer+car so effortlessly, you wouldnt have known it was there. Very impressive.

[260DET]

Agree that for a bang for buck petrol a Falcon is hard to beat. But the thing I could not stand is how awkward it is to get in and out of due to the curved down roof line around the A pillar, otherwise I probably would have one. It is that dual purpose thing which is tricky bit, sure the big fourby's will tow great but I for one don't want a big truck hogging my limited garage space for a start. All the indications are that the Challenger will tow good and be easy on fuel and it's quite decent to drive in traffic size wise. Plus it is not a garage space hog and has all the latest safety stuff.

[Jk_zeder]

I ended up getting getting an 2009 FG XR8 6p auto, picked it up for 25k with 35k on the clock.

 

Already had the tow gear plus every option ford had to offer.

 

I'm 6ft 3 and 130kg and its like being in a sedan, couldn't be happier.

 

It gets 9.1lts/100 on the highway and I average 13 around town with my seriously heavy foot.

 

It managed 19ltrs/100 to QR and back on the weekend and that was fully loaded with a full tank of fuel, 240z, hire trailer (800kg) 120lts of spare fuel, tools jack etc and I was sitting on 120-130k's all the way there.

 

To be honest, after a day of racing the last thing you want to do is get in some pig of a car to then drive home.

[zed74]

Hi Guys,

After 8 years hauling my Tarmac Zed all over the place - I am a 4WD man through & through

 

Mass = safety, as a fully loaded zed car and trailer travelling at 100kph+ will soon dictate!

 

I have used both Petrol & Diesel with a slight preference to Petrol for overall performance.

 

Cars used as follows:

 

Toyota Prado 120 series 4WD 4.0 V6 Petrol 2004 - 2009 average fuel usage towing 17-18 l/100 (though if you sit on steady 140kph across the Hay Plains in NSW on way to Adelaide it's 22 l/100!)

 

Toyota Hilux SR5 Dual Cab 4WD 3.0 TD CR Diesel 2010-early 2012 average fuel usage towing 12 - 15 l/100

 

Toyota Prado 150 series 4WD 4.0 V6 Petrol average fuel usuage towing 15 -17 l/100

 

In summary - I just prefer the added "punch" the Petrol motor delivers for overtaking etc - though I do appreciate the low down torque a diesel delivers.

If budget was not a barrier the Landcruiser V8 twin turbo diesel is simply unbeatable for all round performance/comfort - shame we all have a budget :'(

[chris240]

1x vote for a colorado 3.6 lt v6...very rare as only 5 % where the v6. Its a commodore  engine and the fuel consumption is excellent around town and traffic.

I still prefer the modern v6 compared to the td's.

I like the look of the modern utes, but as mentioned, the A-pillar is a back breaker for tall people.

Also dont be afraid to check out a series 2 landrover freelander... Bulletproof 2.2litre tdi with a superb volvo made gearbox. $25k gets you a nice 4 year old one.

[260DET]

"To be honest, after a day of racing the last thing you want to do is get in some pig of a car to then drive home"

 

Thats the thing, the Zed is great on the track but on the highway, no thanks. AC and cruise are essential for a start, auto better still.

[luvemfast]

This is an interesting read for me, as I've been looking for a daily driver to tow with. I've recently boroughs an old caravan for family trips as well as towing the Z by myself to events.

I'm after a dual cab ute in automatic.

I haven't been to look at any as yet. But here are the front runners so far, by reading specs.

Nissan Navara D40 ST or ST-X

Holden Rodeo / Isuzu Dmax

Holden Colorado

Ford Ranger

Mitsubishi Triton GLXR

 

Undecided as to go diesel or dual fuel.

So I'm open to suggestions and advice.

 

[260DET]

Test drive L, before you do anything test drive the favourites. Modern turbo diesels are bloody good performance wise but the common rail fuel system can be a bit service intensive, check that out individually. Colorado and Ranger are both getting good wraps, they are the two from your list I would look hard at. 

[dat2kman]

This is an interesting read for me, as I've been looking for a daily driver to tow with. I've recently boroughs an old caravan for family trips as well as towing the Z by myself to events.

I'm after a dual cab ute in automatic.

I haven't been to look at any as yet. But here are the front runners so far, by reading specs.

Nissan Navara D40 ST or ST-X

Holden Rodeo / Isuzu Dmax

Holden Colorado

Ford Ranger

Mitsubishi Triton GLXR

 

Undecided as to go diesel or dual fuel.

So I'm open to suggestions and advice.

Simon, simon, simon,

Have I got the tow car for you!

HDJ100 Landcruiser Sahara, the good one with 5 speed auto,

Absolutely loaded with all factory gear ( Sahara!) plus full 3" free flow exhaust, Safari D tronic chip, Airbag  inserts on rear, UHF radio, tint, triple Rhino racks, full weathersheilds, 3500 kg h/d towbar

Done 114,000 kms, pulls like a schoolboy, does four wheel burnouts in the wet, gets 7 litres/100 km on trip, not towing, 11l/100km towing, and thats not at pussy grey nomad speed either

53k

Can deliver

Add another 90, and you get a 120Y as well

[bluerat]

Love your work Jase!!!! LOL.

 

Got to Luv it Mr Fast...your the first person to mention a Nissan!! so much for a Datsun site...

[chris240]

Simon, 2 years ago i ran the sums on a colorado diesel Vs a colorado V6, knowing that in 4 -5 years it would be traded in.

Basically the v6 uses more fuel to cover the same distance as compared to the diesel...but,  extra-over cost of the fuel is cancelled out IMHO in the fact that the diesel cost 10-12% more to purchase new, and cost 20-25% more to service....plus the v6 is a bullet off the line  . The commodore engine which is in the colorado is very smooth and cheap to service. Ive been very happy with it.

[zed74]

Fuel price check today in Brisbane (The Gap)

 

91 ron unleaded Petrol 1.36/litre

 

diesel 1.53/litre

 

If your towing the sums are worse when you realise the fuel companies are pricing in the economy difference between petrol/diesel :'(

[RB30X]

 

Toyota Prado 120 series 4WD 4.0 V6 Petrol 2004 - 2009 average fuel usage towing 17-18 l/100 (though if you sit on steady 140kph across the Hay Plains in NSW on way to Adelaide it's 22 l/100!)

 

We've got one of these as a family car and do heaps road trips and pull the tinny. Got around 16L/100 when we lived in Townsville but since moving to Gladstone which is much hillier, the fuel consumption has risen heaps. Awesome car to drive around in town or on the highway.

 

Once I sell the zed and the clubby I want to buy a common rail intercooled turbo diesel dual cab so Ive been looking at the hilux or the navara from 2005 to 2008 ish. Apparently the 2.5L navara can get into the 10's depending how you drive it?

[tir33d]

Wifes v6 pathfinder TI (petrol auto) wont get under 19l/100, VE ss ute with cam, can do 18 but normally 20-21 as you dont slow down - just feed more. New triton dual cab diesel, 12l/100 towing and down to 7s not.

I think this triton is hard to pass if buying new on a budget, I bought this car for one of my employees on the condition that I use it whenever I want to tow, he also luvs it and is now looking for a caravan.

[RB30X]

The triton and rodeo weren't really on my list of potentials but I might have a look now??