Aussie Tow Hacks.

[Mac26Mpaul]

Can any Aussies let us know what tow hacks they are using, make, model year, tow capacity, fuel consumption and any relevant comments would be helpful to me, and I'm sure to others also trying to work out a suitable tow hack within budget....
Cheers,
Paul

[Boblee]

Well I was using a hilux 3lt turbo but the towing capacity was borderline even though I thought it did the job ok.
Due to looking at a different setup when I eventually sell the mac have used a 1996 Toyota Dyna with a 4.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel motor and must say am totally impressed.
Last year we towed to the Kimberlies/Darwin with the Mac slightly overloaded and the pantec back loaded with what wasn't in the mac plus the dinghy and supplies for 3 months including 200l fuel and extra water etc, it did the job perfectly and in great comfort.
Went to Rockhamton this year and left the Mac home but towed the 4.2m poly boat and camped in the pantec.
Last year with probably a 4.5-5 ton load averaged 6k/l and this year with probably 3.5 load averaged 7.5- 8kl.

[Berber Boy]

I used to use a 2004 V8 Statesman with LPG & Petrol. But it was too light and underated at 1700 towing capacity. I now use a 99 Pajero with Dual fuel. It has a 3.6 litre
On Petrol it is fine and with Gas OK until you have hilly climbs. It has very little torque at low RPMs. I have got used to it and swap between the two fuels depending on the terrain but it does the job and is rated for 2500kgs

BB

[The Mutt]

We use a 1988 Range Rover, the motor is now an Isuzu 3.9 litre diesel, the same motor used in the Isuzu NPR truck and in the Army Land Rovers, we fitted a Garrett wastegated T-25 turbo running 19 PSI boost and a high flow intercooler, last time I checked we were using 10.4 litres per 100km on the highway while towing (much better than almost 20 l/100km we got from the V8 without towing), full time 4WD makes boat launching on any ramp including sandy bush ramps.



Glenn
VK2FUN

[Nautek]

I use a Nissan Patrol 3lts diesel
Tows the Mac like it is a 12 ft tinny on the back

Allan

[Mac26Mpaul]

Thanks for all the input so far. I'm thinking I'm going to go a mid range 4x4 eg, Challenger, Pajero or Patrol of maybe late 90s early 2000s vintage, should be able to get something fairly low ks for 10-15K and they all have a 2.5 to 3 tonne tow capacity which should do it if I keep the boat reasonably light in cruising gear (only likely to tow it 5 or 6 times a year so cant see the point in spending big bucks on a big 4x4...)

[Clemo]

I think 2500kg towing capacity.

I don't go far with the boat, it would be thirsty I think.

I particularly like the transmission control being one knob on the dash.

Comfortable to ride in, does the job and not as big as a patrol of landcruiser.

Suits me.

C ya.

[Nautek]

A Patrol is not exactly mid range
An auto Patrol has 2500 kg towing whereas a manual has 3200 kg

I have the latter and it does the job with no effort

Allan

[bartmac]

Ford Transit LWB trayback is our current tow vehicle ...chipped 2.4 turbo diesel 6sp....not bad on fuel (12-13l/100km) as long as you keep your top speed down which on anything other than the main multilane highways is a given.Only problem with being about 18 or so metres long everyone needs to overtake....no matter where or when...corners, double lines and hills.....I can understand truckies getting the sh~t when the little ones overtake and promptly pull in front of you and slow down because they lack the power to get up the next hill...ho hum the joys of towing

[4sure]

G'day, we use a 2008 Kia Grand Carnival 6cyl 2.8L fitted with 2,000kg tow bar. Towed over 2,500km over 12 months, happy to sit on 110km/h if conditions are good. Fuel is ~16l/100km (Would improve if I slowed down!!). No problems (yet) retreiving.. this was my biggest worry not being a 4x4.

[bartmac]

G'day, we use a 2008 Kia Grand Carnival 6cyl 2.8L fitted with 2,000kg tow bar.

Ever gone over a weighbridge?
We did and got shock

[Boblee]

Yep only a shock the first time after that just surprise at how close it is to specs even standard out of the factory but hard to get under unless you remove a lot (everything).
Would be looking at a vehicle rated at 2.5 tonne min if you want to carry anything in the boat.
The Hilux did it easily but struggled a little on hills especially with vehicle loaded and dinghy on top but at 1800 kg towing it was illegal the Dyna gets the same economy with double the load and wind drag and 2800 kg towing being a 5 tonne truck you don't even know the boats there and for $5000 is great and great to drive too.

[Relackson]

I've got a 2008 Holden Rodeo, auto diesel. Haven't pulled it over long distance yet to get fuel economy - but hope to soon.

Regarding trailer and boat weight, during this winter I looked into putting dual axles on the trailer. Well, did that raise a lot of questions/concerns!!! Huge dollars and big hassles to do so with Mac trailer - or buy a new trailer. Therefore, sticking to single axle.

My research had me quite concerned about trailer weight, and hence legalities and insurance issues. So, virtually took all that I could from the boat and put it over a weighbridge. Came in at 1900 kgs - the legal limit. Outcome: I take the anchors, the spare wheel, the tools, the Waeco, and anything else that has some weight and put them into the back of the Rodeo; and I travel with my fuel and water tanks empty (accept that I'll have to acquire as close to destination as possible).

Would rather travel with my mind at ease - especially not wanting the insurance mob to weasel out of a possible claim because the trailer was over-loaded. But there must be hundreds (thousands) of trailer sailors on the road illegally. A worry.

Boblee, I'd like to know more about your Kimberleys/Darwin adventure.

Stan

[The Mutt]

G'Day Stan

'Imagine' has a twin axle setup, weighed in at 1660Kgs empty for rego, I don't want to know the loaded weight, our 2nd battery bank made up of 2 - 6Volt deep cycle batteries is 56Kgs, then there is the 30 litre Engel, LCD TV/DVD, large and small fuel tanks, 2 - 20 Litre water drums and electric pump, LPG hot water unit, Magna cooker and 4.5Kg LPG bottle, 2 - 200Watt solar panels, soon to be added rear arch, add to that the inflatable dinghy or 2 kayaks, fishing gear, clothing, food, etc.

For us the extra load that the twin axle setup gives is peace of mind, as is the Range Rover fitted with a truck turbo diesel.

As you can tell, I no longer race, my interests are to get away from demanding customers and Family, put my feet up and have fun.


Fair Winds
Glenn

[bartmac]

We anticipate going over 2 ton if we don't remove a whole heap of stuff so a re-engineering is required........
The cost of duel axle/springs has me going with a single axle from US imported fifthwheel caravans...rated at 5200lbs,landcruiser 6 stud pattern c/w electric brakes...get the trailer rerated to go over 2 ton ,fit an electric breakaway system and stay legal the cheapest way.The amount of money that's gone into the whole Mac project has blown out (sometimes it would be easier to just rent a boat a couple of times a year)....hate to think how much...prefer not to know.All trailer component suppliers came up with the same advice...the bits that rust ie drums,shoes etc are common to both hydraulic and electric so the easiest way was to go electric...our trailer has already been refurbished, sandblasted and coated using POR15 system and then coated with a rust preventative...waxy greasy sh~t which seems to be going well now its 18 months old and has been in salt water .Now we'll build a sliding cradle c/w heavier springs and the above mentioned axle and hopefully bob's your uncle.The spend so far is $600 so under $1000 is looking good...that's the axle,4 gal rims,springs,breakaway unit and 4 x12"backing plates (2 for spare bits) c/w handbrake facility...all Ebay