Suggestions for a new vehicle under $75K for towing a 2 tonne camper?

omghi2u on 05/01/2024 - 15:41

Hey guys we're thinking of doing a lot of traveling around oz over the next few years and want to buy something to tow the camper we just bought. Its TARE is 1.75T so fully loaded I guess it will weigh quite a bit more (?).

New to all this so have no clue what vehicle to choose. A friend mentioned Prado but we're completely open to any and all suggestions.

What's the best bang-for-your-buck these days? Re-saleability would also be a consideration, as we will likely sell the vehicle in few years when we're done with the traveling.

And what kind of delivery wait time should we be expecting?

Automotive

Comments

  • klonky on 05/01/2024 - 16:05
    +4

    Why buy new? Get a second hand Isuzu Dmax or MUX that can tow 3.5t. If you buy new you also need to pay to get it wired up for towing. Im assuming your camper has a brake controller so you will need a REDARC wired in.

    • Master Bates on 05/01/2024 - 16:08
      +1

      I was just about to say D-Max or MUX.

    • Cobber870 on 05/01/2024 - 17:14
      +1

      Suggest looking at getting it tuned as well. Helps a lot with towing. Had our Hilux done before 7K kms with 1.5T and it made a big difference - both fuel and driveability.

      • spackbace on 05/01/2024 - 18:02
        +1

        Depends if you want warranty on the engine and electrics or not

        • JIMB0 on 05/01/2024 - 19:56

          I thought you just get it changed back to stock before towing to the dealer for warranty.

  • spackbace on 05/01/2024 - 17:03
    +1

    Depends, do you want to go off-road?

    Many SUV's will tow 2T, depends how much your camper weighs when laden. Many will drive nicer than a commercial 4x4, but won't go to the places the 4x4 will.

    Don't get me started on how rough a dual-cab drives when compared to any SUV, let alone a more passenger oriented SUV

    6,199 options, 1,985 used/demo/near new

    • omghi2u on 05/01/2024 - 18:47

      Yes I think we will want to be able to go off-road some times.

  • Mainline Photo on 05/01/2024 - 18:05
    +1

    Join Grey Nomads travelling OZ FB group. They will sort you out :)

  • barge-in hunter on 05/01/2024 - 18:28
    +1

    Firstly, dyor but..

    The best bang for buck towing vehicle at the moment is a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport IMO - a decent driving suv with recent safety tech and a 3.1t towing capacity. A couple of friends have them as a family run about & towing and can’t recommend them enough. The mid range 7 seater is well under your budget too.

    Just remember that the vehicles’ payload capacity is just as important as the towing capacity, hence suggesting an suv built on a Ute chassis.

    Many new passenger cars have an official figure of 2t or more, but by the time you add the weight of:
    - non std accessories (like a tow bar)
    - full tank of petrol
    - a basic tool kit
    - a driver
    - 200-250kg trailer down weight on the towbar

    …there is no spare payload capacity for passengers, luggage, emergency water/fuel/anything else.

    • omghi2u on 05/01/2024 - 18:47

      Thanks for this. Having a look at the Pajero now. We're a family of four so I hadn't considered a 7 seater, but I see it's just a few thousand more…and could come in handy at times. Do you think a 7 seater makes the car more re-saleable down the track?

      • barge-in hunter on 05/01/2024 - 20:33
        +1

        The GLS (second level trim) only comes in a 7 seat variant - I wouldn't buy it just for the extra seats, but check out the other features.

    • Euphemistic on 05/01/2024 - 21:29
      +1

      Mate had a Pajero sport and now an MUX. Said the Pajero was quite good, but the MUX handles and tows better.

  • Euphemistic on 05/01/2024 - 21:34
    +1

    We now have a current model MUX and Dmax. Both used to tow on occasion. Both tow close to 3t well, most recent trip chose to take the Dmax because it’s a bit more rugged and likely to do some decent off road driving. The MUX is a bit flashy for bush bashing with its 20” rims.

    For general driving the MUX wind as it’s a more comfortable ride. The ute is a bit harsh when unloaded.

    • omghi2u on 06/01/2024 - 10:37

      thanks!

  • omghi2u on 06/01/2024 - 10:37

    Suppose we want to look at used. What's the recommendation these days for buying and selling towing-capable vehicles (e.g. Gumtree/ Carsales.com.au/ Facebook/some other site)?

    • Euphemistic on 06/01/2024 - 13:15

      Depends on budget. Check everything, but carsales tends to be for higher budget, faceache and scamtree for cheaper vehicles.

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