Possibly might have to upgrade

[whitey001]

I know this topic is along the lines of "what is the best............" and I think I have nearly answered my own question with the research that has been done but this is where we are at.

Currently towing an Aussie Jays 12ft camper with Drifta DPOR and storage box.  Loaded up approx 950kgs and a ball weight of about 110.  Towing with a 2009 Subaru Outback 3.6R (rated to 1800kg)

Towing capacity is not an issue but fully loaded with the fridge, ice box, power pack, wife, kids and a full tank of fuel and I think we're getting close to the GVM of the car.  I'll take it to the weighbridge this weekend to get more of an idea but since kids grow up it's not going to get any lighter.

Wife doesn't want anything too big (ideally no bigger than the Outback) and it will be a long term car.  Higher towing capacity would be nice as it opens up options to upgrade the camper further down the track.

At the moment an LS-U MU-X ticks most of the boxes in size/capacity/capabilities/price.  Obviously lose quite a few creature comforts.  We don't go off road at the moment but that may start further down the track with the boys starting to like fishing, biking and trail running.

Is there anything else that could/should be considered???

Al.

[TheWall]

Check out the new Fortuna and the Pajero Sport (formerly known as the Challenger)

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[whitey001]

Price on the Fortuner is getting up there pretty quickly.  Had a quick look at the Pajero Sport last weekend and the cargo space doesn't seem as big.  It's also only a 5 seater.  (not necessary but 7 seats could be handy)

Al.

[KingBilly]

Some excellent prices on new MUXs at the moment. Have a look over here if you want any info on them http://www.ozisuzu.com.au.

Saw my first Pajero Sport in the metal today.  Very modern look but as you said, a bit small.  And to my eye, it looked like it was meant for the black top, not getting into the country.

KB

[whitey001]

In all honesty the wife doesn't think we need the 4x4 version.  Considering most of our travel at the moment is bitumen and caravan parks we could easily get away with the 4x2.  I'm thinking the 4x4 gives us the option to go off road later on and possibly a little better on resale.  To me if it looks like it should be a 4x4, it should be a 4x4.  Would you buy a Landcruiser that was only 2wd...........

Al.

[whitey001]

Weighbridge says we're upgrading.............

Al.

[ATC]

My traitor of a daughter says she prefers driving her grandparents MU-X over my fully pimped out BT-50

As for the AWD vrs 4WD, try explaining tI use the word safety alot in the conversation.

Dont know if its true but it sounds good.

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[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Definitely True.
Have driven both rear wheel with selectable 4wd 80Ser. L/C. and the constant 4wd version.
Constant 4wd goes round corners much better, wet or dry.
Selectable 4wd. understeers a lot more. 

[KingBilly]

My traitor of a daughter says she prefers driving her grandparents MU-X over my fully pimped out BT-50

Intelligent young woman 

KB

[feisty]

Weighbridge says we're upgrading.............

Al.

A bog standard landcruiser 200 series with 7 big blokes in it and a full tank of fuel is over gvm.

Many popular vehicles don't legally have the ability to carry much extra weight

Makes it pretty hard when you also want to tow and add batteries etc.

Good on you for trying to do the right thing though.

[whitey001]

Going from an AWD Subaru Outback to an MUX will be a big change. With the MUX on the road, both versions are effectively RWD so no comparison to the Suby. 4WD vs. 2WD argument comes down to price and will we use it

Al

[ATC]

Intelligent young woman 

KB

That wasnt the point, its the betrayal.

Mind you my missus is thinking of a MU-X to replace her Elantra.

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[whitey001]

A bog standard landcruiser 200 series with 7 big blokes in it and a full tank of fuel is over gvm.

Many popular vehicles don't legally have the ability to carry much extra weight

Makes it pretty hard when you also want to tow and add batteries etc.

Good on you for trying to do the right thing though.

Biggest issue we have is the kids will grow and only get heavier. Also limits out CT options with having to keep ball weight down.  We just need to look at it as "we need a tow car, not a vehicle that CAN tow"

Al

[feisty]

Biggest issue we have is the kids will grow and only get heavier. Also limits out CT options with having to keep ball weight down.  We just need to look at it as "we need a tow car, not a vehicle that CAN tow"

Al

Well said!

[whitey001]

So are there any other vehicles we should consider that would be similar and tick the boxes?

Al.

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

OKKA, IVECO, Pinzgauer 

[duncandonuts]

If the only issue is the gvm of the car, why not move some stuff into the van while in transit?


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[whitey001]

If the only issue is the gvm of the car, why not move some stuff into the van while in transit?


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Short term this could work but would require buying a different fridge and ice box that would be low enough to fit into the camper tub.  At only 450mm deep this may be limiting.  After getting the weighbridge figures we only have an allowance of around 100kg payload (+/-5kg) once fuel, towball weight and family are put into the equation.  2 children under 10 still have quite a bit of growing to do so this figure will keep reducing.

Yes the weights are legal and can be made to work, but I would prefer not be be running at or close to the limits.

Al.

[whitey001]

Test drives organised for this weekend.......

Al.