Feedback on Wagons v Dual Cabs

[EnviroKat]

Will be looking at getting a new 4wd later this year, (currently have a Pathfinder) and am undecided whether to go for another wagon (i.e. another 7 seater) or a dual cab.

We are a family of 4 so don't need the extra seats for day to day use, but they have proven handy, especially when it comes to transporting extra kids. But I am kind of thinking it might be nice to have the vehicle able to be set up with a fridge, draws etc, for times when you just take the vehicle and not the camper, which you can do with 7 seaters, but then you lose the use of the seats, unless the set up is easily removable I guess. 

Any feedback or experience greatly appreciated.

[xcvator]

Get the wagon, take the rear seats out but keep them. Back seats in dual cabs are usually smaller and uncomfortable, and from what I've seen recently are prone to bending in the middle if you tow a camper or caravan (no 1st hand experience)Much more storage space in a wagon when you're on your own too, just fold the rear seats forward and at a pinch you can sleep in the back.
But what would I know, last dual/twin cab I owned 14 years ago ( I really am going to wash my mouth out after this ) was a Hi, Hi,Hi,Hi, sh1t, Hi-lux , good in the bush but crap anywhere else.
Get the wagon             

[Bill]

I own a dual cab Navara and used to own a Pathfinder.
My next one will be another wagon.
Just a bit easier to load and unload as far as Im concerned.
Even though I have a drawer system in Nav I still have to climb into the back to get stuff up front, which I find is a pain.
Bill

[Spada]

Both have their pro's and con's, and it will be very much a decision based on what you think will best suit your needs.

Personally, I had a duel cab for about 4 years. I got it because i didn't nike the idea of having gas bottles / gerrycans / camping crap inside the car with me and the family. Turns out that all that crap lives in or on the camper. #1 daughter is a bit bigger now, and it was getting a bit cramped in the back seat.

For the last 12 months I've had a wagon, and havn't looked back.

[knoath]

When I was looking for a dual cab one of the main criteria was rear seat leg room (12yo boys grow big these days!) and the DMax came up trumps.
I've sat in the back on a trip to see what it was like and was really happy (I'm 178cm and 105kg)... comfortable and plenty of room, another bonus is the rear door windows are huge!
It's nice to have stuff in the back that isn't in the cab! I get 9.0l/100ks with all the extra weight, A/Ts and raised 2in.

[D4D]

I like the versatility of a dual cab but couldn't have one due to the extra length. It is hard enough getting the Prado into city car parks without an extra 20cm.

[EnviroKat]

Thanks to all for your replies so far, plenty of things to consider, appreciated.

I previously had a dual cab (a Triton) which definitely had issues in regard space in the back seat, but I think the newer model looks a bit roomier (although yet to climb into one for a close look). But the kids are getting longer by the day and given me 11yo is nearly as tall as me and I'm not short I do think space is a consideration (thanks for reminding me!).

Are any draw systems something that can be taken in and out or are they all fixed such that it is a big job to take them in and out (i.e. if you wanted to use the rear seats)?

 

[paceman]

check out a bt50, IMHO they have the most room in the back of a lot (if not all) of the dual cabs... (except for an f250 or dodge ram... )

i'm 185cm and 100kg and have done multiple 4-6 hours trips in the back seat of one of these and they are quite comfortable...

i have one and am in the process of pricing/saving for an aluminium canopy to replace the tub...

[tk421]

Thanks to all for your replies so far, plenty of things to consider, appreciated.

I previously had a dual cab (a Triton) which definitely had issues in regard space in the back seat, but I think the newer model looks a bit roomier (although yet to climb into one for a close look). But the kids are getting longer by the day and given me 11yo is nearly as tall as me and I'm not short I do think space is a consideration (thanks for reminding me!).

Are any draw systems something that can be taken in and out or are they all fixed such that it is a big job to take them in and out (i.e. if you wanted to use the rear seats)?

 

Check out Drifta's Draw systems.  I have them in my Prado 120. Literally <5 minute job to remove. Undo two turn buckles and they slide out (I remove the drawers first to help reduce weight)  http://www.drifta.com.au/4wd-drawers
Depending on vehicle model you might have to use bolts eg Patrol or 200 series cruiser but its not a lot to do

Another think I like about the drifta drawers is that they use Teflon runners not slide systems so they are much lighter . Mine are less than 40kg. Similar from other manufacturers are nearer 100kg. No bearings and runners means they don't get clogged with dirt and gunk too. A simple sweep with a dustpan and brush is all that is required

[db]

Re drawers in the back of a wagon, I have a home made set in the pajero that I can remove on my own in about 15 minutes, (includes removing fridge slide and barrier) but as they are ply they're a lot lighter than many of the commercial sets. I was all ready to get a d-max, the rear seat room was as good as the paj, but went back to another paj only because Kath preferred driving it to the isuzu.

[Mace]

But the kids are getting longer by the day and given me 11yo is nearly as tall as me and I'm not short I do think space is a consideration (thanks for reminding me!).

I think this is your main issue.  Whilst DC's have improved markedly in rear seat comfort, IMO I still dont think they rival comfort levels available in wagons, primarily because of seat rake and cushion length. If  tall junior/s is going to be spending a long time in the rear then a wagon is the go.

But, check them out, see what he thinks.

[ATC]

check out a bt50, IMHO they have the most room in the back of a lot (if not all) of the dual cabs... (except for an f250 or dodge ram... )

i'm 185cm and 100kg and have done multiple 4-6 hours trips in the back seat of one of these and they are quite comfortable...

i have one and am in the process of pricing/saving for an aluminium canopy to replace the tub...

Very happy with my BT-50 Dual Cab.

Make no mistake - the new generation of Dual Cab's are BIG - long - wide - tall.

If it's also your daily drive then you have to take that into consideration, parking, covered car parks etc....

Drove mine to work today - had to park 750m+ away from the office (North Sydney) to get an unmetered spot
Squeezed it in to a spot, but I think the hipsters who need 1.5 metres front & back to get their car out will have trouble.

That said, my turncoat daughter said that her Grandparents MU-X was nicer to drive than my BT-50, what would she know - only 16 1/2 and still on her Learners permit...

Good Luck with the hunt for a new vehicle...

[Barry G]

If I had my druthers it would be a Diesel LWB Defender.

However, in the real world, I'm more than happy with my 2002 Petrol Jackaroo Equipe.
I have removed both 3rd row seats and fitted an equipment cage. However, could easily just remove one seat, for a fridge slide, and keep it as a 6 seater.

The landrover Discovery also has excellent 3rd row leg room.

[RebsWA]

I own a dual cab Navara and used to own a Pathfinder.
My next one will be another wagon.
Just a bit easier to load and unload as far as Im concerned.
Even though I have a drawer system in Nav I still have to climb into the back to get stuff up front, which I find is a pain.
Bill

Couldn't agree more with Bill.
I had 2 hilux dual cabs and also found the loading and unloading was the disadvantage. Every time I wanted something it was up the front and I had to clamber over fridges and stuff to get it and it was harder to put back. Lift up side windows are not the answer either.

[chester ver2.0]

Had a 120 prado and now have a 2013 Dmax LST as others have said there a pros and cons for each i love being able to shovel everything in the dmax but it cant match the fit and finish of the prado but i did expect this.

One big plus i am enjoying is that the roof line on the duel cabs seems to be lower than the wagons so this is opening up a lot more car parks in the city that were no go with the prado

[chillipepperz]

I have had both over the years and now have an Extra Cab ute. When moving from a GQ wagon to a D/C ute many years back, I recall how quiet a ute can be off road when fully loaded- the usual camping stuff can sometimes rattle around a bit and be heard in a wagon, but in a ute it's "way back there" so you can't hear it. not a big consideration, but one that sticks in my memory.

Cheers!
Andrew

[time]

Had a dual cab Hilux ute, now have a Patrol wagon.  The ute carried more but filled with dust in the tray. Impossible to seal the rear canopy area.  The Wagon is a lot quieter and much more comfortable. 

There is just me and the Mrs, so on the longer trips I replace the centre row of seats with a shelf attached to the cargo barrier, heavy stuff under the shelf and light stuff that you would survive hitting you in the head on top of the shelf!.  The rear (behind the cargo barrier) has two drawers (ORS) and two fridges on slides, all dust free and easily accessed via the back doors.

So, what would I buy next time around .................... a two door ute with one of these on the back! http://www.travelander.com.au/products/trayback-camper/103-trayback-premium

[Nomad]

We have a Prado, DC Hilux and Dmax for work, with the Dmax being a 2014 model. Hilux is about a 2012, so current shape.

The Hilux is the more solid of the two utes with lower cabin noise . The Dmax doesn't have as good a build quality IMO. Both are way more agricultural to drive than the Prado.

Cheers Nomad

[EnviroKat]

Thanks for all the feedback. Yes i think comfort for the kids in the back will be important (not only because they will be getting bigger but also it will help reduce whinging somewhat!).

I do quite a few kms annually just for work/kids sports etc (easily plus 30k) without adding camping roadtrips so less whinging could save my sanity!

I have often looked at the drifta products keen to get some good to know the install/uninstall is so quick & easy.

Again your feedback has been greatly appreciated & gives me plenty to think about!

[cyberess]

This is one for a change to a dual cab ute.

I used to have a R51 7 seater Pathfinder it was great vehicle, liked the way the 3rd row rear seats folded and integrated flat into the floor when not in use, well great till my kids got older, the rear seat area was small I could feel their knees in my back and I was also struggling with room, with 4 people gear , fridge etc--  and I found range was small -- I was only getting about 550k to a tank, I was generally carrying a 20L jerry, and extra gear on the roof, and a second spare wheel.

O.K. swapped to a dual cab ute 2 1/2 years ago and I couldn't be happier -- I guess it wouldn't had worked so well, if I didn't consider my setup as a "whole", that was with cabin size, what I was doing with the canopy, spare wheel carriers, suspension modifications, long range tanks range, and how well the vehicle was going to 4wd, - My opinion if your going down the dual cab ute way budget for the complete project, and with what I ended up with was great long range off roader that has comfortable front and rear seats area for adults, that can easily securely carry all our gear, my dual cab ute has already been on quite a few 4wd adventures, and many to come.

 

[NewieCamper]

I prefer the wagon design. Our pathfinder regularly has extra kids in the 3rd row. Now that you can't just squeeze and extra kid in the rear seats it is very handy for carting kids mates around.

I find wagons a bit more versatile for carting stuff that is too long for a dual cab tray, my forester wagon often has the rear seats thrown down for a bike. If I had a dual cab I wouldn't want a canopy on it for hauling other stuff instead of using a trailer, but that would leave bikes much less secure than in the back of the wagon.

Dual cabs are also less comfortable on the road when empty having driven a few different models while empty for work. And honestly most of the time I'm going to be travelling without a load.

Wagon for me.

[cheif carlos]

But what would I know, last dual/twin cab I owned 14 years ago ( I really am going to wash my mouth out after this ) was a Hi, Hi,Hi,Hi, sh1t, Hi-lux , good in the bush but crap anywhere else.
Get the wagon           

I thought a Jackaroo was swearing

Seriously though if height isn't a problem and you carry too much crap (says me looking in the mirror) an Iveco daily 4x4, 4500kg max weight can be increased to 5200kg with GCM of 8000kg.

I am just waiting for new model to come out as current one doesn't have air bags

[EnviroKat]

Right after a bit of research I am thinking of maybe getting a Isuzu MU-X, as it seems to tick most of the boxes for what I am after at the right price and I like the 5yr/130,000km warranty.

Does anyone have recommendations for what the best options for bull bar, tow bar and roof racks are for this vehicle (i.e. just get the ones from Isuzu or go for an after market product)?

[jswaggerking]

I thought a Jackaroo was swearing

Seriously though if height isn't a problem and you carry too much crap (says me looking in the mirror) an Iveco daily 4x4, 4500kg max weight can be increased to 5200kg with GCM of 8000kg.

I am just waiting for new model to come out as current one doesn't have air bags

How much are the dailies?
They're heaps I suppose?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KingBilly]

Right after a bit of research I am thinking of maybe getting a Isuzu MU-X, as it seems to tick most of the boxes for what I am after at the right price and I like the 5yr/130,000km warranty.

Does anyone have recommendations for what the best options for bull bar, tow bar and roof racks are for this vehicle (i.e. just get the ones from Isuzu or go for an after market product)?

The Isuzu bullbar is not winch compatible.

Have a look at these forums

http://www.newd-max.net
http://www.ozisuzu.com.au

KB