Toyota has revealed a new-look LandCruiser ahead of its local debut in October.

[csv8]

I have had a BF Mk 2 Ghia, for 8 years only had the tail shaft dampner replaced at 77.170kms, one indicator bulb, one licence plate bulb, apart from routine servicing , tyres etc ,Its been been very reliable, one of the reasons I have kept it..has nearly 150k/kms on it..still runs like new..

[b0son]

Originally Posted by DK30RB

What else do you suggest I tow my 3 tonne van with that would go across Australia?

Vitara. That way its only a one-way trip and the caravan can't be brought back

[DK30RB]

Originally Posted by b0son

Vitara. That way its only a one-way trip and the caravan can't be brought back

Sure, but you'll probably get stuck behind me

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Had one in my workshop a few weeks ago:

Those trucks in the workshop are fricken awesome Big Damo. The big three (and Toyota's Tundra) could sell these in Oz, huge latent interest in them. Would swap a few Landcruiser sales for sure.

[esppwr]

Originally Posted by DK30RB

That's a very narrow minded opinion..

Why drop 200k? Because some people can!!

We've taken holidays to Europe, Skiing and a cruise with my young Kids (5 & 7), in addition to road trips in our Cruiser and 3 tonne box on wheels.

Guess which holiday the kids have most fun on? Hands down... a road trip staying in caravan parks wins each and every time. Kids play with all the other kids, you have beaches, pools, jumping pillows, activities. Can't think of a better holiday for the kids.

Driving appropriately I only use 16litres per 100km which is acceptable considering the combined weight of the van and cruiser.

Site fees for a caravan park are around 60 - 70 per night. Great value when you consider that it includes use of a pool, jumping pillow, play gym, camp BBQ, and in some cases, kayaks, a big screen movie etc etc. Also includes power and water. Run the aircon in the van 24x7 without additional cost.

I'm not a tradie nor a farmer so by your definition I don't need a Landcruiser. What else do you suggest I tow my 3 tonne van with that would go across Australia? Pretty much anything else will be as big as the cruiser and defeats your point.

I don't think I have ever met anyone who makes their vehicle purchasing decision based on practicality.. Ummm.. lets see I need to tow a 3.2tonne van, I need a landcruiser, but its not practical around town, so i'll buy a falcon. I think a persons NEEDS dictate what vehicle they buy!

Yes I occasionally take the cruiser off road in the bush, to the beach, to the snow and do actually 4wd. I'm not about to take a 25 year old car with no safety features and tow my caravan around in it!! This way I have the best of everything. I can safely and comfortably go off road, tow my van, and park it in the coles car park!! Gee I wonder if other landcruiser owners had the same thought?

Before you judge others for their choice of vehicle, maybe consider what they actually use it for rather than forming a narrow minded opinion based on YOUR needs. Everyone has different needs.

Didn't say there is anything wrong with caravan parks, or towing for that matter. Towing a 3 tonne van is putting yourself & other others at risk for no reason.
A smaller van can do the job, or if you want more creature comforts stay in a hotel. Just because you can legally do something doesn't mean you should.

[ozpacman]

Originally Posted by esppwr

Didn't say there is anything wrong with caravan parks, or towing for that matter. Towing a 3 tonne van is putting yourself & other others at risk for no reason.
A smaller van can do the job, or if you want more creature comforts stay in a hotel. Just because you can legally do something doesn't mean you should.

And I guess if we all wrapped ourselves in cotton wool and didn't venture past the front gate, then everyone would be much safer . . .

Dear me esppwr, get out there and grab life by the horns man - we're a long time dead!

Russ

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Those trucks in the workshop are fricken awesome Big Damo. The big three (and Toyota's Tundra) could sell these in Oz, huge latent interest in them. Would swap a few Landcruiser sales for sure.

If pricing was sharper they could move them, the conversion on the RAM was good too, it was done in the Philipines.

A few of my customers have the 2001-2006 F250s as well.

They're not bad to drive, the later stuff is a lot nicer than the F250s we got though.

But those 7.3s move alright.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

If pricing was sharper they could move them, the conversion on the RAM was good too, it was done in the Philipines.

A few of my customers have the 2001-2006 F250s as well.

They're not bad to drive, the later stuff is a lot nicer than the F250s we got though.

But those 7.3s move alright.

Landcruiser 200 series petrol with 5.7 V8 that is here sold in LX570 is 75k $US.
Dodge Laramie with 6.7 l TD and nearly all options ticked is 50k $US.
Same Dodge (converted) is 145k AUD and Cruiser is say around 100k AUD for a decent spec. So pricing is definitely an issue.

[esppwr]

Originally Posted by ozpacman

And I guess if we all wrapped ourselves in cotton wool and didn't venture past the front gate, then everyone would be much safer . . .

Dear me esppwr, get out there and grab life by the horns man - we're a long time dead!

Russ

Russ, I ride a motorbike not tow a caravan, if towing a caravan is grabbing life by the horns then I'd be bored ****less. I've gone fishing with friends that have a big boat several times and towing the boat is definitely the most boring part of the trip.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Landcruiser 200 series petrol with 5.7 V8 that is here sold in LX570 is 75k $US.
Dodge Laramie with 6.7 l TD and nearly all options ticked is 50k $US.
Same Dodge (converted) is 145k AUD and Cruiser is say around 100k AUD for a decent spec. So pricing is definitely an issue.

The Fiat/Chrysler CEO of Australia has put forward a business case to the parent company in the USA for the RAM 1500 I believe, its undergoing a redesign so its the time to put a case forward for a factory RHD variant.

The 1500 is just the light duty one but its better than nothing.

Even if its $80K, you could move them.

[DK30RB]

Originally Posted by esppwr

Didn't say there is anything wrong with caravan parks, or towing for that matter. Towing a 3 tonne van is putting yourself & other others at risk for no reason.
A smaller van can do the job, or if you want more creature comforts stay in a hotel. Just because you can legally do something doesn't mean you should.

I can't see where towing a 3 Tonne van is more risky than towing a smaller van. In fact I have seen people towing smaller vans, flapping all over the road.

Its not like we are in the 70's where you connected your 25 foot viscount to your kingswood or falcon.

Now we have vehicles with 3.5 tonne capacity, ESC, ABS, Sway control. The caravans have ESC, Sway control, electronic brakes on all 4 wheels and I also use a Hayman Reece Weight distribution hitch.

Setup correctly, there is no reason for the big van to be any more unstable than a smaller van.

In fact, I can't recall one instance where I had any form of sway or lack of control towing our van.

Unless you have driven a correctly setup van, I really don't think you can comment on the risk and safety aspects of towing said van.

There are far more risky things you can do on the road to endanger yourself and others...

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by DK30RB

I can't see where towing a 3 Tonne van is more risky than towing a smaller van. In fact I have seen people towing smaller vans, flapping all over the road.

Its not like we are in the 70's where you connected your 25 foot viscount to your kingswood or falcon.

Now we have vehicles with 3.5 tonne capacity, ESC, ABS, Sway control. The caravans have ESC, Sway control, electronic brakes on all 4 wheels and I also use a Hayman Reece Weight distribution hitch.

Setup correctly, there is no reason for the big van to be any more unstable than a smaller van.

In fact, I can't recall one instance where I had any form of sway or lack of control towing our van.

Unless you have driven a correctly setup van, I really don't think you can comment on the risk and safety aspects of towing said van.

There are far more risky things you can do on the road to endanger yourself and others...

Yeah but you have the correct car to tow with too!! So many idiots towing vans with the wrong vehicles setup incorrectly.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by DK30RB

Setup correctly, there is no reason for the big van to be any more unstable than a smaller van.

And in theory, they should fall off a cliff at the same rate, but the smaller van has the advantage in that it should burn completely much quicker. I imagine a wrecking ball through a bigger van would induce a bigger grin.

[ozpacman]

Originally Posted by esppwr

Russ, I ride a motorbike not tow a caravan, if towing a caravan is grabbing life by the horns then I'd be bored ****less. I've gone fishing with friends that have a big boat several times and towing the boat is definitely the most boring part of the trip.

As a 39-years-behind-the-bars motorcycling nut - mate I'm hearin' ya!

Different strokes for different folks though, and I guess and there's lot of folks that love their vanning probably as much as we love riding.

But you're dead right mate - they wouldn't be having as much fun though!

Russ

[esppwr]

I've towed boats, big and small. In general on a standard tow ball my preference is tow something that weighs less than the vehicle.

I understand towing something heavy can be more stable in a straight line or reversing i.e. trailer with no boat v trailer with boat.

Just don't try to change direction or stop suddenly

[mik]

Originally Posted by ozpacman

As a 39-years-behind-the-bars motorcycling nut - mate I'm hearin' ya!

Different strokes for different folks though, and I guess and there's lot of folks that love their vanning probably as much as we love riding.

But you're dead right mate - they wouldn't be having as much fun though!

Russ

its a different sort of fun i think, the times i have been vanning i always find preparation fairly laborious(although worth it in the end), and im usually knackered by the time im ready to head off,
im probably a bit extreme with the prep , if i intend to go away for weeks at a time with the van in tow , i like the whole set up to be perfect .
once all the hard work is over and done nothing rocks like being able to pick and choose where you park up for a barbq or a sleep, or just take in the sites and choose to either stay or move on because you have your home with you.

waking on a cool foggy morning on the nullarbor, with not a sound or another vehicle heard even in the distance for yonks , pulling the table and chairs out having a java and some weeties without a care in the world,

meeting other like minded folk and having a chat maybe even learning something about a destination or sharing a good story, not a lot of adrenalin in it , but its sure a nice way to relax away from the rat race.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by Smoke Pursuit

Yeah but you have the correct car to tow with too!! So many idiots towing vans with the wrong vehicles setup incorrectly.

Just towed with a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins with clapped-out suspension from Idaho Falls to Coeur d'Alene and back (1,600 km). Had the death wobbles big time when I hit bumps. That had nothing to do with the laod I was pulling though. Just abused and worn-out front suspension components. I pulled a new Kia Sorento V6 AWD on a gooseneck LoadMax car trailer. About 4 tonnes. Had no problem going 80mph and above, though I kept it at 75mph most of the time (120 km/h). I kept forgetting the load was back there! I think lighter loads can be trickier, especially when there are solid walls catching the wind. Just got to have a heavy, long, and wide tow vehicle with loads of power, and a well-built trailer with good brakes. I think Australians are going to love the new Rams when they start shipping over there. If you have an undersized tow vehicle, you start to get the tail wagging the dog.

[DK30RB]

Originally Posted by b0son

And in theory, they should fall off a cliff at the same rate, but the smaller van has the advantage in that it should burn completely much quicker. I imagine a wrecking ball through a bigger van would induce a bigger grin.

Please enlighten us BOSON, what do you do for fun to get out.

Camp? 4wd? motorcycle? Doesn't sound like you do any of those...

What 2 vehicles do you and your partner own?

[b0son]

Not a lot. I have boring friends. One of them owns a caravan incidentally, and he has no sense of humour either.

[DK30RB]

well that comment made me laugh. Don't know about your friend though!!!

[cheap]

Originally Posted by chevypower

Just towed with a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins with clapped-out suspension from Idaho Falls to Coeur d'Alene and back (1,600 km). Had the death wobbles big time when I hit bumps. That had nothing to do with the laod I was pulling though. Just abused and worn-out front suspension components. I pulled a new Kia Sorento V6 AWD on a gooseneck LoadMax car trailer. About 4 tonnes. Had no problem going 80mph and above, though I kept it at 75mph most of the time (120 km/h). I kept forgetting the load was back there! I think lighter loads can be trickier, especially when there are solid walls catching the wind. Just got to have a heavy, long, and wide tow vehicle with loads of power, and a well-built trailer with good brakes. I think Australians are going to love the new Rams when they start shipping over there. If you have an undersized tow vehicle, you start to get the tail wagging the dog.

With the Aussie dollar at or below USD$0.70 and stories of it going to USD$0.60 whatever plans to bring RAMs into the country are a dream.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by cheap

With the Aussie dollar at or below USD$0.70 and stories of it going to USD$0.60 whatever plans to bring RAMs into the country are a dream.

Oh really that sucks.

[mik]

Originally Posted by chevypower

Just towed with a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins with clapped-out suspension from Idaho Falls to Coeur d'Alene and back (1,600 km). Had the death wobbles big time when I hit bumps. That had nothing to do with the laod I was pulling though. Just abused and worn-out front suspension components. I pulled a new Kia Sorento V6 AWD on a gooseneck LoadMax car trailer. About 4 tonnes. Had no problem going 80mph and above, though I kept it at 75mph most of the time (120 km/h). I kept forgetting the load was back there! I think lighter loads can be trickier, especially when there are solid walls catching the wind. Just got to have a heavy, long, and wide tow vehicle with loads of power, and a well-built trailer with good brakes. I think Australians are going to love the new Rams when they start shipping over there. If you have an undersized tow vehicle, you start to get the tail wagging the dog.

yes towing can be an interesting and exciting venture in a good way or a bad way,
a quick funny story , ............
as a very young bloke with a few mates , we went shares in an unregistered tank fairlane (complete with side pipes and 390 v8) purchased to go shooting(spot lighting in ) ....... (see movie sunday to far away ).
The car yard we purchased the tank fairlane from was next to an mt service station which was handy to load the tank onto the trailer....so we thought,
we where probably a bit optimistic the HT holden premier V8 we had with tandem trailer was to be up to the task,

we drove the tank up onto the ramps and just got the front wheels on the trailer and the next thing you know the whole gross train mass of ht holden /trailer /tank fairlane was motoring down the driveway with the rear end of the holden about 3 feet up in the air under the tyres .
suddenly there was a couple of guys chasing the car down the drive to apply the brakes on the juggernaught,
fortunatly it was stopped before it hit the road, but needless to say we took another alternative to getting the tank home .

The learning curve for towing anything at all can be very steep., starting off with a good vehicle designed for towing is certainly a safer way to go if you have that optiion.

[baxtc1]

Originally Posted by b0son

Vitara. That way its only a one-way trip and the caravan can't be brought back

[IMG][/IMG]

Road trip anyone?

[Cobra]

I'm not a fan, just like I'm not a fan of the Prado, either. They may be good off-road, but as an urban commuter they pretty useless. The 2013 Prado which I recently serviced, the interior looked very dated, the handling was just awful, the engine was very sluggish and the seating position and visibility wasn't pleasant, either. In my mind the Landcruiser's reputation precedes itself.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Had one in my workshop a few weeks ago:

image

Its a Laramie but just the 2500 dual cab single rear with 6.7L Cummins 6BT, its rated towing capacity is 7.5 tonnes.

Also an older F250, a fair few people are rocking the American utes out here now.

Owner of that Ram drove it back from Sydney yesterday after some work was done on it up there, averaged 10.7L/100km on the way back.

Not bad for something the weight and size of that beast.

[Sprintey]

Got to do the father's day thing today with the lads on the Surf Coast, and we were behind a white F150 dual cab with 'Platinum' across the tailgate, it looked fantastic.

More curious was the 'Left Hand Drive - Evalution Vehicle' sticker on the back (or something very similar)

Bring it Ford!

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Got to do the father's day thing today with the lads on the Surf Coast, and we were behind a white F150 dual cab with 'Platinum' across the tailgate, it looked fantastic.

More curious was the 'Left Hand Drive - Evalution Vehicle' sticker on the back (or something very similar)

Bring it Ford!

Nice one! Was it doing its thing on the Great Ocean Road? Jeez, some people have a hard job! Hopefully they bring it back to Oz. I thought the early 2000s F-Trucks sold quite reasonably well. They're still highly saught after as a second hand vehicle.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Got to do the father's day thing today with the lads on the Surf Coast, and we were behind a white F150 dual cab with 'Platinum' across the tailgate, it looked fantastic.

More curious was the 'Left Hand Drive - Evalution Vehicle' sticker on the back (or something very similar)

Bring it Ford!

The electric side steps that fold down when you open the door are pretty cool. It's a nice truck.

[Brazen]

I've heard of guys putting on 100,000km on their F250s and their second hand value being more than what they paid new!