Tow vehicle ramblings comments welcome

Submitted: Saturday, Dec 08, 2018 at 19:01
ThreadID: 137533 Views:4592 Replies:7 FollowUps:39
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In the 70’s I towed a 22 ft viscount with a short wheelbase petrol fj 40. That seems contrary to what we believe we need now.

So I wonder what is the ultimate tow vehicle today.
Since the fj 40 I have had a 60 series naturally aspirated cruiser, great vehicle but not really suited to towing at freeway speeds.
Then my 80 series petrol automatic. Wonderful vehicle. Adequate power but only rated to tow 2500 kg ( funny next year model was increased on paper to 3500 but no change mechanically)
Then I tried Triton, not bad on the highway but many times on a slight hill I would have to ride the clutch to get going. This inability to take off was really highlighted once when the van was bogged in sand. (Needed revs for the turbo to cut in)
Then a Ranger. Very popular vehicle and probably ok towing no more than 2500 kg.
With my van weighing 2500 loaded I would lose some speed up those hilly bits between Sydney and Newcastle and the scan gauge engine temp would sit on 90 deg on a flat road and increase to 95 up hill. Similarly the transmission temp would rise to about 106 when working hard.
When towing 2500 kg the Ranger felt like it didn’t have a lot left, so it’s gone.
Now a replacement!! This brings to mind petrol or diesel as well as what vehicle.
I don’t like the way diesel is going, common rail, dpf, turbos squeezing high output out of small engines. So I think a 350 cubic inch petrol V8 may just be the answer.
I look forward to all and any comments
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