{"id":12990,"date":"2020-10-27T10:51:22","date_gmt":"2020-10-27T00:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/?p=12990"},"modified":"2020-10-27T10:56:58","modified_gmt":"2020-10-27T00:56:58","slug":"vehicles-for-towing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/buy-new-car\/vehicles-for-towing\/","title":{"rendered":"Vehicles for Towing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Getting the right Tow Vehicle<\/p><\/div>\n

For a number of people, towing the boat or caravan to the holiday spot for some much needed R&R is what makes life exciting for them.\u00a0 And, on a more work-related note, towing is essential if you\u2019re a builder, labourer, farmer or gardener.\u00a0 So what does make a good tow vehicle?\u00a0 A good tow vehicle must be structurally strong, and it must offer plenty of torque -\u00ad the lower down the revs the better.<\/p>\n

Before all else, always check the manufacturer\u2019s tow capacity guidelines for any vehicle that you are interested in purchasing, particularly if towing is going to be one of the tasks on the vehicle\u2019s to-do-list.\u00a0 A vehicle’s towing capacity is determined by its manufacturer and it is based on factors such as: the engineering and structural design of the vehicle, the vehicle’s rear axle load limits, the capacity of its tyres, the effect the laden trailer will have on the vehicle’s handling and stability, and the durability of the car\u2019s underpinnings, and overall road safety.<\/p>\n

So, after checking the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines, then you need to look at what power and, more particularly, what torque is on offer.\u00a0 Generally, vehicles with diesel engines make better towing vehicles than equivalent petrol-powered models because\u00a0they produce much higher torque in low-to-medium engine revolution.\u00a0 They are also more fuel efficient when under load.\u00a0 Peak torque figures under 200 Nm will struggle to keep up with modern-day motorway and open-road demands, and throw in a hill or two and you\u2019ll quickly have a build-up of traffic following behind you.<\/p>\n

RWD vehicles are better than FWD vehicles for towing because any weight that pushes down on the tow ball will generally lighten the front wheels at the same time, which lessens the traction available to the front wheels.\u00a0 The more wheel chatter (where the front wheels lose and gain traction instantly) that the front wheels endure, the more the wear and tear will be found on the FWD componentry.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re only pulling a small trailer load of rubbish to the dump, then it\u2019s surprising what most vehicles will tow.\u00a0 However, I\u2019m focusing on those of us who require trailer loads that are going to be more than 700 kg laden.\u00a0 Here are some useful towing vehicles you might like to consider:<\/p>\n

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a seven-seater\u00a0SUV that has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg braked. \u00a0Its 2.2-litre Turbo-Diesel engine boasts 110 kW of power and a very useful 360 Nm of torque.\u00a0 The Outlander Turbo-Diesel motor offers 360 Nm from 1500 rpm to 2750 rpm, making towing a breeze.\u00a0 It\u2019s also a fuel efficient and roomy SUV even when you\u2019re not towing.\u00a0 A combined fuel consumption is a claimed 6.2 litres\/100 km: quite impressive.<\/p>\n

Hyundai\u2019s Tucson has a maximum towing capacity\u00a0of 1600 kg braked.\u00a0 This mid-size SUV has a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 136 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque.\u00a0 That 400 Nm is definitely a strong asset when it comes to towing.\u00a0 The Tucson is also frugal without the trailer.<\/p>\n

Another option for light towing duties would be the Suzuki Grand Vitara Sport.\u00a0 With a maximum towing capacity of 1700 kg braked and 750 kg un-braked it\u2019s a handy workhorse to have around. \u00a0Being RWD that will employ the FWD when required makes for decent traction.\u00a0 A larger 2000 kg braked capacity is offered with the V6 Sport model.\u00a0 The Grand Vitara uses a 2.4-litre petrol and a four-speed auto delivering a 122 kW\/225 Nm combo through the dual-range transmission.\u00a0 The torque comes on strongly from lower down in the revs.<\/p>\n

A Hyundai Sante Fe with the 2.2-litre turbo diesel can tow a 2000 kg braked trailer.\u00a0 On offer is a remarkably grunty 440 Nm of torque that sets off low down in the revs for easy power delivery for towing.<\/p>\n

The Mazda CX-5 2.2-litre diesel is also capable of towing a braked trailer up to 1800 kg.\u00a0 With 393 Nm of torque, this is a smooth cruiser.\u00a0 Mazda\u2019s CX-9 can tow a 2000 kg braked trailer or up to 750 kg unbraked.\u00a0 Mazda’s CX-9 petrol engines perform very well and are very fuel efficient.\u00a0 This is a big seven-seater wagon with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine boasting 170 kW at 5000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm.\u00a0 This CX-9 is\u00a0a great family all-rounder with plenty of space on offer.<\/p>\n

The small Audi Q3 2.0-litre diesel SUV, which can tow a braked trailer up to 2000 kg offers a decent European towing option.\u00a0 A responsive 380 Nm of torque from 1750 rpm works well, and it\u2019s also Quattro (AWD).<\/p>\n

SKODA\u2019s Kodiaq SUV can tow up to 2000 kg braked. It\u2019s also roomy and very practical.\u00a0 With the option of 4WD and some very powerful diesel engines, this is a really good tow vehicle to have parked up the driveway.\u00a0 It also has a 620 litre boot space with five seats up or 270 litres in seven-seat guise.<\/p>\n

What about the Volkswagen Tiguan?\u00a0 This is a stable and spacious drive, offering a 2500 kg braked towing capacity.\u00a0 Having the option of AWD, the Tiguan goes some serious places and is therefore great for getting onto gravel-type roads.\u00a0 A towing assistance package and plenty of space makes this a likable tow vehicle.<\/p>\n

Something a bit different would be BMW\u2019s 520d Touring wagon, which is RWD or AWD and is a decent towing vehicle (2000 kg braked).\u00a0 Excellent handling, even when towing, makes it a joy to drive.\u00a0 The 4\u00d74 automatic transmission and strong engine makes this a really easy car to manage for drivers towing a load.\u00a0 There\u2019s heaps of room in the boot to pack in everything you need for family weekends away.<\/p>\n

Another station wagon that happily tows a trailer or caravan is the Audi A6 Allroad.\u00a0 This is an Estate with AWD, and it is also very comfortable and well-equipped.\u00a0 The toque-filled TDI engine makes for a quick drive and a heap of grunt.\u00a0 You also get 565 litres of boot space, which goes up to 1680 litres with the rear seats down.<\/p>\n

On the station wagon theme, the last of the recent Falcon and Commodore Wagons are RWD and have always been great towing vehicles.\u00a0 They offered RWD utes as well.\u00a0 Sadly these icons won\u2019t be with us anymore.<\/p>\n

Some more serious towing machines:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mitsubishi Pajero 3.0 diesel 4X4 SUV is capable of towing a 3300 kg braked trailer.<\/p>\n

Toyota’s Prado 3.0 diesel 4X$ SUV will tow up to a 2500 kg as a braked trailer.<\/p>\n

The Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover vehicles are a very good towing machine.\u00a0 It\u2019s also luxurious and practical, and will happily head of into the toughest off-road terrain.\u00a0 The Discovery can pull up to 3000 kg braked. \u00a0Inside there\u2019s room for seven adults as well as an impressively-sized boot to bring along the luggage for all those people.<\/p>\n

An LDV T60 ute is a solid, capable performer. With a 2.8-litre 110kW\/360Nm turbo diesel four-cylinder, this is more than enough grunt to tow up to 2200 kg.\u00a0 Boasting a remarkable fuel economy figure of 10 litres\/100 km towing and offering a low buying price makes this a very tempting tow package.<\/p>\n

Though Nissan runs both a single- and twin-turbo four-cylinder in the Navara, they\u2019re both rated to 3500 kg for towing. \u00a0The best engine is the twin-turbo 2.3-litre that pumps out 140kW\/450Nm.\u00a0 Very fuel efficient (around 7.2 litres\/100 km unladen) and it\u2019s also equipped with a recent rear spring upgrade..<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to check out the Isuzu D-Max ute with 430 Nm of torque on offer. \u00a0It\u2019s a rugged ute with 4×4 ability.\u00a0 There is also the Isuzu MU-X\u00a0SUV 4WD rated to tow 3000 kg (braked).\u00a0 LS-T models are very well equipped vehicles that are extremely comfortable.<\/p>\n

With a high 3500 kg tow rating, thanks to its solid rear axle, the SsangYong Rexton is a highly capable tow vehicle.\u00a0 So too is the SsangYong Rhino ute.\u00a0 Both use the same 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that can easily pull up to 3500 kg (braked).<\/p>\n

The legendary Toyota Hilux\u2019s towing capabilities are superb. \u00a0The new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel motor delivers a 130kW\/450Nm blend of power.\u00a0 Depending on the model, your new Hilux ute can tow from 2500 kg braked.<\/p>\n

Mazda\u2019s latest BT-50 ute shares mechanicals with the Ford Ranger, which means that 147 kW and 470 Nm is impressively competent. \u00a0Towing over 2500 kg braked in this comfortable, practical ute with all the bells and whistles is easy, and like many utes these days it also offers 4×4 action.<\/p>\n

Ford\u2019s Ranger packs great tow grunt and capability with its 3.2-litre, five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.\u00a0 You can tow up to 3500 kg braked.\u00a0 There is also a 2.0-litre bi-turbo option for towing up to 3500 kg.<\/p>\n

A whopping 500 Nm from its 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder has the Holden Colorado ute take top spot for popular 4WD ute towing grunt; and it tows like a champion.<\/p>\n

In V6 guise, the Volkswagen Amarok packs a 550 Nm or 580 Nm torque delivery option with its 3.0-litre V6 engine.\u00a0 You can tow up to 3500 kg braked, but with the optional softer suspension pack this drops to 3000 kg braked.<\/p>\n

Very Serious Towing Machines<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Capable of towing up to 3500 kg braked, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series ute has a V8 under the hood.\u00a0 The 4.5-litre 32- valve quad-cam turbo diesel V8 with 151 kW and 430 Nm is a total beast and highly recommended for use as a tow vehicle.\u00a0 Impressive fuel economy (for a V8) should see well under 12 litres\/100 km fuel use when unladen.\u00a0 The only gearbox is a five-speed manual.\u00a0 Toyota\u2019s reputation for reliability and dependability makes this a beauty.<\/p>\n

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Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series GXL (4X4):\u00a0 This vehicle cruises comfortably and effortlessly over long distances, powering up long hills without a sweat.\u00a0 Extremely capable when the tarmac runs out, along with its smooth\u00a0six-speed automatic and 4.5-litre\u00a0twin turbo-diesel V8 you\u2019re always finding grunt at any revs.\u00a0 The combination of 200 kW at 3600 rpm and 650 Nm at 1600 rpm makes this one of the very best vehicles for 4X4 towing.<\/p>\n

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Nissan Patrol TI 4X4 (Y62):\u00a0 OK, this is petrol; but with 298 kW and 560 Nm on offer, who cares!\u00a0 This base-spec eight-seater\u00a0Patrol\u00a0is rated to tow 3500 kg (braked).\u00a0 Comfort and premium technology makes this an effortless vehicle for cruising and towing.\u00a0 And premium off-road action is guaranteed.<\/p>\n

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The RAM is the ultimate tow vehicle<\/p><\/div>\n

RAM Laramie 2500 4X4: This one has a\u00a0maximum towing capacity of 6942kg (braked) and its power comes from a 6.7-litre six cylinder Cummins\u00a0turbo-diesel engine\u00a0(276kW\/1084Nm!).\u00a0 The sweet six-speed automatic transmission makes towing a doddle.<\/p>\n

RAM 3500: is another big tow option with a maximum towing capacity (braked) of 6171kg.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For a number of people, towing the boat or caravan to the holiday spot for some much needed R&R is what makes life exciting for them.\u00a0 And, on a more work-related note, towing is essential if you\u2019re a builder, labourer, farmer or gardener.\u00a0 So what does make a good tow vehicle?\u00a0 A good tow vehicle […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5120,86,52,54,57,3071],"tags":[6688,6687,3824],"class_list":["post-12990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-automotive-design","category-blog","category-buy-new-car","category-makes-models","category-manufacturer-news","category-technical","tag-best-vehicles-for-towing","tag-tow-vehicle","tag-towing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12990"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12998,"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12990\/revisions\/12998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}