Best Brand New 4WD to Buy for Towing Caravan 2.5 Tonne Plus?

LKnowledgeisPower on 12/02/2022 - 12:13
Last edited 12/02/2022 - 18:20 by 1 other user

I have been told ISUZU SUV MU-X is the best bang for buck for heavy towing SUV and strong reliable

I need Minimum 6 Seating capacity

I want to know if anyone suggest anything better than this for around $70K with heavy towing capability.

I don’t want to spend crazy on Euro builds and worry about off-road scratches and accidents and getting it dirty etc.

But my wife want the top of the line with all the luxuries

Really appreciate any recommendation for the same prices a as MU-X around $70k.

Thanks

Automotive Car Isuzu SUV

Comments

  • pharkurnell on 12/02/2022 - 12:20

    How soon do you need it … with shortages that may make up your mind for you

    • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 18:44

      MU-X wait time is around 9 months for now.

      • Mechz on 12/02/2022 - 19:06
        +2

        That's a long time to wait for a car with an interior from 2009.

        • SBOB on 12/02/2022 - 19:09

          Isn't the best m-ux much improved over the previous model?

          • Mechz on 12/02/2022 - 19:59

            @SBOB: Ah yes it does look much better, was looking at these at the end of last year and there weren't any of the new model available so all I saw was the previous gen which is severely dated now.

            I think to save 20k I'd buy a Pajero Sport though.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2022 - 08:36
          -2

          🤣🤣

    • HeWhoKnows on 13/02/2022 - 13:59
      -2

      Depends where you are going
      If going along hilly bendy roads then the one with the biggest engine.
      You are looking at a V8.
      If you are sticking to modern dual carriageway highways then any torquey 6 will do.

  • SBOB on 12/02/2022 - 12:49
    +2

    SsangYong Rexton

    Despite the brand I've seen it get good wraps from owners on caravan forums.
    (And higher towing capacity)

    • El cheepo on 12/02/2022 - 12:59

      But the resale…
      Talk about depreciation

      • Yorkshire-Man on 14/02/2022 - 12:58

        Also, they made the ugliest car ever made (IMO). Google the "Ssanyong Stavic", I neighbour has one, its sooooo ugly.

      • rodb on 14/02/2022 - 14:45
        +1

        it depends on how long you want to hold it though whether that's a relevant argument, and the landscape for a lot of manufacturers in 5-7 years is going to be quite different anyway and buying a petrol/diesel now will likely take a hit by then.

        I've got a 2015 ssangyong korando that was very underrated at the price point and no real issues- not directly relevant, but they generally have a good quality range at very competitive prices and the rexton in particular looks like the pick of it's class.

        They were very ugly brand as the person below has said - mine was at the start of getting better and the last couple of years i think look great.

    • YRT on 12/02/2022 - 13:15

      Ssangyong is in financial trouble according to the internet. For me, buying a SsangYong feels like getting a run out Holden in 2020. You know they may not be there when you need them.

      • munecito on 13/02/2022 - 09:36

        SsangYong isn't in financial troubles. They have just been acquired by the Edison company. The issue before was Mahindra not injecting money to put pressure on the Korean government to buy the company back.

        SsangYong is the third biggest car manufacturer in Korea and has big plans with electric.

        I keep hearing all of these things about SsangYong but I'm into my third year ownership of a Musso. About 90 thousand kilometres and it is still the best vehicle I have owned.

        • GordonD on 14/02/2022 - 13:55
          +3

          Ssanyong was declared bankrupt. Its sales fell progressively from 141,995 in 2018 to 84,000 in 2021. At which point it was worth so little it got sold to an even smaller Korean electric commercial vehicle manufacturer. The question is whether that company can raise the funds required to invest in the product development required to keep anything more than the name Ssanyong alive.

          Your loyalty and optimism is commendable. Good luck.

          • munecito on 14/02/2022 - 14:22

            @GordonD: They were not declared bankrupt. Mahindra basically stopped injecting money to try to get the government to bail them out.

            The government said no but didn't let them go under and now they are part of another electric buses company.

            We need to stop listening to John Cadogan.

  • 2jzzzz on 12/02/2022 - 13:13

    2nd hand cruiser for $70k?

    • rektrading on 12/02/2022 - 13:34
      +5

      What is a hand cruiser?

      • Baysew on 12/02/2022 - 14:28
        +33

        Comparable to a Nissan Palmfinder

        • UFO on 14/02/2022 - 13:05

          gold star for both of you :).

          • resisting the urge on 14/02/2022 - 13:37

            @UFO: Perhaps both are risking being overtaken by a Jizny towing a 2.5T van, uphill over the gooey bits…

    • pharkurnell on 12/02/2022 - 16:11

      agree - or few yr old Lexus 470.. dude in club one, very nice, but not sure of towing weights.

  • Snake 4 on 12/02/2022 - 13:51
    +6

    Towing weights between manufactures is a peeing contest. Not knowing if 2.5 you quote is tare or gross weight it's hard to comment. Have you considered that with food, clothes, full water tank, gas gas bottles and a mired whatever else your wife needs/wants the weight will increase dramatically if it's 2.5 tare

    Depending on the total weight of the van plus the extra you may have a ball weight of 350kg and there is no way standard suspension could handle that the suspension as the OEM suspension is fitted for comfort. You may need a suspension upgrade. A ball weight of 350kg only leaves around 270kg for everything else, that's driver, passengers and whatever else is in the MUX. Most 4X4s come with highway tyres so that's another problem. You will also need something like this. https://mytuff4x4.com.au/shop/towing-mirrors-2/clearview-tow…

    Personally I wouldn't tow over 2.5 tonne but, each to their own.

    BTW. Caravan manufactures never lie about the tare weight, do they?

    • Screamingeagle on 12/02/2022 - 14:09
      +7

      Add to this as well.

      Remember to compare the GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass (the weight of the car)) vs the maximum towing capacity vs the GCM (Gross Combination Mass (the weight of the car and trailer)) as you usually cannot max out all of them. If the car is over a particular weight you lose weight for what are able to tow and vice versa.

      For example the ISUZU SUV MU-X has a GVM of 2800kg and a maximum towing capacity of 3500kg. But if you max those out together it adds up to 6300kg which is 400kg over the GCM of 5900kg.

      • Brian McGee on 12/02/2022 - 17:55
        +2

        And on top of this you have to add the weight of the tow at and any other accessories to the weight of the vehicle before you start loading it. There could be an extra 50kg for a tow at and wiring, 20-30kg for the all important ‘protect the car not the occupants’ bar.

    • Stevek1960 on 13/02/2022 - 10:18

      Bwahahaha, nope never

  • kma on 12/02/2022 - 15:59
    +1

    A slightly used top of the line Nissan Patrol might be in your budget. They look decent from outside, but inside is your grandpa's office.

    • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 18:46

      Also petrol V8 which can be thirsty.

      • Mechz on 12/02/2022 - 19:09

        Have some mates who have them, actually not that bad on fuel.

        • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 20:31

          That’s all relative. Compared to a land cruiser diesel they’ll be pretty thirsty, but you can get a lot of fuel for the price difference. Assuming you’re towing is well within capacity of an MUX or it’s conpetitors, you will use a lot less fuel than the patrol and save a few dollars on purchase too.

    • saltypete on 13/02/2022 - 08:38

      I have a Patrol. They are a little thirstier than the Gland Bruiser around town, but towing they are about the same.
      It is a non turbo engine and the model is years into its production cycle so while the interior is pretty dated, it is an awesome vehicle for towing, travelling and off roading.

      • thestig on 13/02/2022 - 08:42
        +1

        Username checks out

  • askme69 on 12/02/2022 - 16:45

    Amarok v6 hands down. Be quick though.

    Ride etc is chalk and cheese compared to the tractors.

    • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 18:46

      Only seats 5?

    • saltypete on 13/02/2022 - 08:39

      Little safety for back seat passengers apparently.

  • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 18:55
    +1

    Pajero sport, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, MUX are all competitors. All based on their ute platforms. Think I’ve missed one, but not sure what. Edit: Prado, but not sure of pricing. Patrol or Land Cruiser will be out of budget unless second hand, and they are well overpriced.

    I tested a Fortuner and MUX a few weeks ago. Ruled out the Pajero because ugly, Ford for ‘reasons’. Ordered an MUX. Didn’t like the Fortuner third row and the MUX just felt better. We are upgrading from an old model Pathfinder, not the soft current version, the one based on the Navara.

    As above, be aware of tour total weights, especially with 6 on board. With 2.5t (assuming ATM) you should be OK but may need a suspension uograde.

    Test drive, then decide.

  • Mechz on 12/02/2022 - 19:48
    +2

    Have a gander at these and understand what you're doing before you do it.

    https://youtu.be/swUDFWQ5QhI

    https://youtu.be/_RANf_yUxZs

    https://youtu.be/QgO98caP9yk

    • Euphemistic on 12/02/2022 - 20:28
      +4

      John Cadogan alert!

  • saltypete on 13/02/2022 - 08:50
    +1

    Look carefully at weights. A good rule of thumb with towing is to make sure your tow vehicle weights the same or more than the loaded trailer. Has to do with the physics of a trailer.
    You can legally tow heavy with a light vehicle (provided you keep within compliance plate limits) if you go slow and maintain high levels of concentration I guess. If you lack this super power (apparently most grey nomads have this in spades) go with the option that physics works with…..

    Robert Pepper explains things well and lacks Mr Codogan’s irritation quotient.

    https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=we…

  • MissKitten1 on 13/02/2022 - 09:04

    Realistically you won't find anything for 70k that will do what you're asking.

    Most vans we've looked at are 3t and even then, those weights claimed by the manufacturer is questionable.

    Realistically, with 6 in the car and loaded, Most passenger vehicles, including a cruiser with upgrades is not going to work.

    To tow safely anything 3t, you're looking at either a yank tank or a truck like an Iveco Daily. A truck isn't going to be luxurious. A yank tank isn't going to seat 6 unless it's a RAM 2500 but this is way, way out of your budget however it seats 3 in the front row and 3 in the rear.

    Have a read of this link to get an idea. As noted in the article, thr author has a DMax with a GVM upgrade and is only just legal with a 2200kg hybrid camper trailer and 4 passengers.

    https://www.4wdingaustralia.com/4x4/is-a-4wd-really-suitable…

    • Euphemistic on 13/02/2022 - 10:18

      That article gives you an idea but ‘only just legal’ with 2200kg tow with a light ball weight and a GVM upgrade doesn’t add up - unless the vehicle has heaps of stuff in it. A quick search showed a dmax upgrade can go to 3600kg from 2950kg.

      What the GVM upgrade doesn’t do is allow the GCM to be increased so you need to decrease the towed weight accordingly, by at least 600kg from above.

      But you are right, towing 3t with a full vehicle won’t work. 2.5tonne is more realistically achievable.

    • pharkurnell on 13/02/2022 - 18:15

      Most vans we've looked at are 3t and even then, those weights claimed by the manufacturer is questionable.

      Extremely common for the actual weight to be lots more… Few years back on one forum Im on - one bloke was given a refund on an 80,000 camper when the ball and overall weights were nowhere near what he was told, and was illegal to tow with his car..

      • Euphemistic on 13/02/2022 - 18:48

        Typically that’s because the tare weight is off the factory floor, then the dealer adds all the extras like awning, battery, solar toolboxes etc.
        Then when you go and fill up te gas and water tanks, chuck a few drinks in the fridge you are already over without everything else you want to take on hols

  • OzHunterNSW on 13/02/2022 - 12:24
    -1

    I advise asking the caravan manufacturer.

  • Rayzorback on 13/02/2022 - 12:27

    stick to the MUX dude, you wont regret it

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 13/02/2022 - 18:47

    Not for 70k brand new. That’s about as good as you can go without doubling your budget (or more). That or the fortuner.

    Keep in mind towing 2.5t you will need some sort of suspension upgrade, and you’ll run short on gvm quickly.

  • redvaldez on 14/02/2022 - 11:47

    MU-X or Fortuner would be my picks.

    I have a Pajero Sport and am happy with it, but peak torque comes on pretty high for a diesel. If I was buying with the predominant purpose of regularly towing a heavy caravan, it wouldn't be my first pick.

    As others have said, you will need to do your maths regarding GVM, especially if you are wanting to kit out your car or take all six people with you while towing. A GVM upgrade might be open to you, but it's likely to impact on ride quality when you're not towing, which could be an issue if your wife is after "luxury" (which I'm assuming includes "comfort").

    If you can wait for a new 4WD (MU-X is about a 12 month delay for top of the range model), it'd be my pick. Second hand prices only seem to be increasing, and even a 5 year old 4WD will be missing a lot of kit that the new ones have (namely adaptive cruise control).

  • clintmo on 14/02/2022 - 11:58
    -1

    I got quoted $57500 for the base model Mu-x (ls-m) late last year with brake controller and tinted windows and full tank of petrol. I think the car is pretty bang for buck. Old model was pretty bulletproof to

    edit: this was the newer model too not old one.

  • enzioFirenze on 14/02/2022 - 13:26

    I'd strongly advise against MU-X or anything in the same class as that. With that weight, the stability of the car is as important as its tow capacity. You would need at least a Land Cruiser or a Petrol, both will be used ones though as you can't get one brand new for $70k. As many have mentioned, you will have to get your suspension setup upgraded. If you buy brand new and directly ship it to someone like Superior Engineering, they do your suspension setup and register the vehicle with a higher GVM which is much easier than getting a GVM upgrade after registering your vehicle.

  • Esky85 on 14/02/2022 - 14:03

    True Ozbargainer's probably don't buy brand new cars. I would try get a 2 or 3 year old wagon but right now the price of used vehicles is horrendous. For the couple of times a year you actually tow, it might be better off to hire something instead? Then hopefully in a couple of years the market stabilises. When people start to holiday overseas again post covid and realise they don't need their $100k machines as much as they thought, maybe you pick a bargain up then? And if you have been hiring, isn't that like an extended test drive that you can also see what you like?

    • redvaldez on 15/02/2022 - 11:44
      +1

      I'm not anticipating new 4WDs to drop in price. My view for the medium term is that second-hand prices will drop, but they won't be as cheap as they used to be. The chip shortage/Covid delays will continue for a while. There's people out there holding off on upgrading until supply stabilises. And finally, owning a 4WD in Australia is a definite status symbol - I suspect a lot of people will hold onto them, even if they don't use them off road. The number of private buyers purchasing a dual cab ute that's unlikely to go off the blacktop is a perfect example of this…

      Caravans on the other hand - I definitely agree that there'll be a glut of them for sale once people stop using them as they head overseas again. I'm angling to buy a cheap camper trailer or small caravan in 2-3 years time.

  • brad1-8tsi on 14/02/2022 - 22:05

    With 2.5 tonne (plus whatever you have packed in the van) on the back of a Mux you won't be carrying too many passengers or their luggage. Check the GCM.

    My Pajero Sport is rated at 3.1tonne but in reality it's only good for ~2.4tonne.

    I think you'll need a Landcruiser, Patrol or Discovery.

    This video explains it well
    https://youtu.be/uYHnZFwWH-8

    • Euphemistic on 15/02/2022 - 07:41

      Depends a bit on wether 2.5tonne van is ATM, GTM or tare.

      • brad1-8tsi on 16/02/2022 - 14:02

        I assume he means TARE as he didn't seem to know too much about it.

        Neither do I but I know the dudes on the Pajero Sport forum are running out of luggage carrying capacity when they are still well short of the 3.1 tonne towing limit.

        • Euphemistic on 16/02/2022 - 15:13

          It’s pretty common. Everyone thinks 3.5t towing means fill up the car and drag 3.5tonne too, but it’s way more complex.

          Towing 2.5t loaded (GTM) should pose no major issues.

  • prism on 21/02/2022 - 13:13

    Holden Trailblazer is similar and in your price range. Possibly a quicker delivery time.

    • prism on 21/02/2022 - 13:15

      Or a Ford Everest

    • Euphemistic on 21/02/2022 - 15:36

      You’d have to find a Trailblazer second hand so I guess delivery would be pretty quick. Then you need to content with a brand that has disappeared and the potential for dramas getting parts. In addition, it’s basically a superceded MUX with an engine that isn’t as good.

      The newest on carsales is 2020. The lowest kms is 14000km for a 2019.

  • Euphemistic on 21/02/2022 - 16:01

    OP where are you? Any further along with your decision?

  • Colonel Flagg on 04/03/2022 - 09:56

    You did say no Euro but…

    2-3 year old V6 VW Touareg ?

    3,500 kg tow capacity & air suspension.

    Drives like a car rather than a truck for the rest of the time you are not towing.

    • HelpMeiCantSee on 05/03/2022 - 09:00

      The v8 Touareg is a beast, I’d be angling for that!

  • BeamMeUp on 23/03/2022 - 11:11

    Make sure you also compare the kw and torque output of the engines. You will find Isuzu on the lower end for something now rated for 3.5T, also only has 6 speed gearbox. Lots of occupancy in car and heavier van, hmmmm. There is a reason this car is at the cheaper end in the 3.5T towing category.

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