New Tow Vehicle Recommendations (Work)

[MrOizo]

Peoples!

I have been given thee task to find a suitable replacement for my work vehicle.

For the past 10 years I've had Nissan Patrols as that's the fleet i inherited and we'd kept with them. There was a Terrano in the past (Turbo Diesel) but that kept blowing up from overboosting, especially up the Bombay Hills.
They're at the point where the fuel consumption is getting higher and maintenance is not that great either - currently a 2007 Y61 Patrol, 4.8L.
Mobilising works out to be 25L/100km, mobilisng and working is up around 32-35L/100km!!



I often work 8-13 hour days where the engine is only turned off for refueling up. Travel to site is normally 1-3 hours and from then it's idling to keep power going to the trailer.

Things needed in a new(er?) vehicle is:

• Big enough to tow ~1,500kg trailer
• Enough space in engine bay for installation of additional alternator
• Enough storage in the rear for spares, tools safety gear
• 4X4 is needed for site access
• Happy with repetitive braking/accelerating, stopping every 5m/10m/20m/50m/100m/200m - the bigger the distance, the higher the speed to make/lose
• Space on front passenger seat for laptop, inverter, GPS units, (and be able to disable/enable passenger airbag)
• Large fuel capacity would be nice but not necessary

Another option is to attach a diesel generator to trailer to power gear saving the need to install alternator on vehicle meaning loan/back up vehicles wouldn't need to supply power. But don't know of any one who does a diesel generator to 12v (not to 240v). And would need to be a smooth engine as sensors would possibly pick up vibrations.

I would like to keep in the Toyota Family - what would be the better choice? Land Cruiser? Petrol/Diesel?

Any input appreciated!

Cheers,
Adrian.

[BlakeNZ]

budget?

[MrOizo]

Not 100% sure yet but if it can be justified, should be up around $50k-70k. It's going to be fitted with second alternator so won't want another one in a long time.

[Shrike]

They are called toyota Klugers in Australia and Highlanders in NZ 60k plus orc

http://www.toyota.co.nz/our-range/highl ... ander-awd/

Im looking at one as a tow car/family car with the ablity to go hunting and to the snow plus carry 7 people if needed. Have read alot of reviews they run the 2GR 218kw and 9.5L/100km so plenty of go

Anither option would be the Fortuner with a diesal engine 55k plus orc

http://www.toyota.co.nz/our-range/fortuner/fortuner/

A new landcruiser is stupid money 100k plus but both of the below are around your budget and if you got a 2015 or 2016 model youd be laughing i would at least go for a test drive :p

[wde_bdy]

For constant towing I wouldn't touch anything short of one of these -
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 573148.htm
Can get a box for the back for storage of gear etc. That sort of use really needs a solid commercial spec vehicle.

Callum

[edwagon]

Hey!
You got a new trailer?

As above, its going to be one of very few contenders -
Toyota: 70 Series Cruiser, 100/200 Series cruiser (too much $$?), new Hilux?
Other: Ford Ranger (or Everest), umm... Another Patrol?

I'm liking the 70 series, and the Ranger as a non-Toyota option.

I've got a 2013 2wd Hilux and I'm very sad to say that I don't think it'd cope - you'd have the clutch out of it in no time, and the 1-2 shift isn't the slickest under pressure - might be alright in an auto though.

Something American would do it well but not sure on reliablility, and servicing and parts costs in NZ are not going to make the accounting department happy.

Shrike -Fair call on the Highlander, but its a bit light and wouldn't last a fortnight in this application - be fine for your own private use but I think this type of work is a bit more.... "medieval" - the highlander would have its body de-spotted, roof kinked, and trans in bits in no time! And the brakes would be cremated before morning smoko!

[BlakeNZ]

I agree with edwagon.
The only ute on the market that would possibly cope is the isuzu D-max. (so technically a MU-X would be an option) But the D-max will have better resale value when you are done.
If you want to save a truck of load of depreciation, get a well maintained 100 series Land cruiser.
But a 70 series will be the best bet if you are prepared to spend the money.

[Malcolm]

We have a VW Amarok at work and it's been bloody good. It's a turbo diesel (I think a 2L?) manual 4WD and has about 100,000km on. We regularly use it for towing up to probably 2.5T and it handles it well. When we got it a few years ago as an ex demo and it had around 30k on the clock and I was pretty sure the clutch was going to be toast in a year, but that seems to have held up well too.

[MrOizo]

Thanks for the input guys!

I was having issues with the forums when i initially posted and wouldn't let me search. Managed to find this thread again so here i am!

I haven't been confirmed a budget but i think seriousness has stepped up a notch as the Patrol is playing up a bit. Recently developed a miss, flashing CEL.

Wouldn't mind going diesel engine on the trailer as that makes sense and saves having the need to modify the vehicle too much.
Who is recommended for this type of work? Found small diesel engines on TM.

Hey!
You got a new trailer?

As above, its going to be one of very few contenders -
Toyota: 70 Series Cruiser, 100/200 Series cruiser....

Ha! Long time no see! Not a new trailer - had to get a make over, because another worker thought it would be a good idea. I think it was an excuse to give his mate a whole lot of work. He's no longer working for us now! Actually, would you be keen to do some more work? Have a few things that need sorting that don't make sense from the other guy!

Some other guys at work did suggest the 70 series Landcruiser (Manual) new. That was a few years ago now so i'm assuming the budget is similar.

I have seen the 2016/7 200 Series and they physically look comparable to the Patrol.

Malcolm, i was suggested a VW by some one also - i was scared from it being European. Do you know what the servicing costs are like? Lately, i've been doing 10k every 2.5-3 months so servicing at least 4 times a year.

Shrike, I liked the look of them! I will have to see if toyota allows me to trial the vehicle with the trailer!

Lastly, Kinloud suggested a replacement engine for now. Any one know Nissan used parts dealers that are able to supply engine and gearbox?

Cheers and thanks again guys!

[Malcolm]

Not sure about the servicing to be honest, you could probably just ask a VW dealer what they charge - it's probably a flat rate. I think the service interval is more like 30k on it though! I think it's only been serviced around 2 or 3 times since we got it (has a reminder that pops up on the dash when it's due). I'm sure it won't be the cheapest option though, so it does depend on budget.