Lighter towing car comments

[Dhutchy]

Hiya Raiders, longtime no post, but I am wondering if the raiders can help. I am thinking of trading my GLX Pajero for a Toyota Fortuna (which is the latest version of what was the original Hilux Surf from years ago). The motivation is to reduce associated costs.

I like the Paj, its big and heavy and reliable. Test driving the Fortuna, was okay but short of the obvious Paj muscle. I tow a Qunitrex 5m tinny with a 90hp mercury, often loaded with bits and pieces.

I was wondering if any of you Raiders might have any insights into how different towing might be with the lighter Fortuna, or should I keep the Paj.

Many thanks Raiders

Dhutchy

[TheFoosh]

The Hilux wont let you down. Plenty of other options too like Mazda BT50, Ford Ranger. Even the VW Tiguan is excellent for towing up to 2 tonnes or you can consider the Amarok for a bit more grunt.

[abecedarian]

If you're trying to reduce costs, it would have to be a zero dollar transfer from the Pajero to something else. Seeing as this isn't likely the cost of changing may well outweigh the running costs of the Pajero?

[Fab1]

A lighter car requires you to adjust your driving accordingly. I would allow extra time for acceleration,braking and reduce your speed a tad especially when caught out in windy or rainy weather which you should be doing anyway and increase your following distance with the car in front.

You'll certainly feel the weight back there more than with a heavier vehicle but the key is to use the vehicles controls smoothly without any harsh driver inputs especially steering/braking.

Use your transmissions gears properly whether its manual or auto to get the most out of the enginr and never brake going down a hill around a bend especially in the wet.(Doing this can cause you to jackknife in a split second)

Do these things and they will go a long way to becoming more confident when towing.

I thought years ago when i was young and silly that towing was simply a matter of hitching a trailer up and off you went realising very quickly how wrong I was when I met my wife and started floating her horses.

Not only was I now towing something substantial in weight but a shifting weight.

I can tell you trailering animals that move compared to a static weight such as a boat is a completely different kettle of fish and teaches you how to become better at towing and gives you more confidence.

By the way good choice of vehicle you've chosen.

Good luck.

[TheFoosh]

_{I also noticed that towing a boat on a tandem, braked trailer with hydraulic brakes was far easier than a single axle (trailer floated less behind the car) and/or non-braked (trailer brakes worked beautifully and didn't rely solely on the car brakes).}

[locodave]

Fortuner is still quite a solod car for your quintrex, no issue there at all.

[The Incredible Hull]

I've only recently driven a diesel car and I'm completely sold (yep I'm late to the party!). They have so much grunt, so much torque, petrol cars just cannot compete when it comes to towing. Go diesel!

[Dhutchy]

Thanks to all you Great Raiders out there. You guys rock. Thanks for all you feedback and suggestions. I will let you know which car wins the battle...

Regards

Dhutchy

[DrownNprawns]

Also look at the Mitsubishi Outlander Diesel I've been driving one for a while and only tow a bow trailer. But 9 out of 10 in my books. It's my first diesel and will nevr go back to petrol

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Dhutchy]

Well Raiders thanks for all of the generous comments and advice...At the moment I am sticking with the Pajero, I just couldn't find a new car that could get close it and be under my monthly payment plan. So for now I am staying with what I kinow.

Thanks for all your help though.

Dhutchy