Towing 1300kg with v6 prado

[RobboMC Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RobboMC]

My roof boot makes a huge difference. On the freeway at 110 km/h the very slightest upward incline pops the car back into 2nd gear ( Auto with cruise control ).
I usually end up turned the cruise control off and easing up the hills in top gear.

Fuel economy is a simple case of energy in = energy out. If you present a larger oncoming area to the wind with a higher van,
roof box, roof carrier or anything it will increase fuel consumption. Climbing hills is the same, more weight = more fuel.

I have read that people don't recommend towing loads with an Auto in overdrive.

We normally get around 16 l/100 km towing a 750 kg trailer with a roof box and loaded bike rack. So we are quite heavy ( close to 3000 kg ) when
fully loaded with family, luggage and camping gear in trailer.

But if you choose a big van then you are also choosing a big fuel bill.

PS I don't put E10 anywhere near our Prado, or any other car we own. If straight 91 is unavailable use 95.
Yes it costs more, but what is your engine worth? And the car runs much, much better on 95.

[Jaymboze Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jaymboze]

Thanks for all of the replies guys, very helpful.
Not a big fan of loaded up roofracks so only have an awning and solar panel, which only create minimum extra drag.
The biggest factor is the total weight being pulled by the car, which is why I'm not sure about a heavier camper.
Took a cub camper for a tow the other day ( thanks cub ) which weighed approx. 1250kg.
Car handled the weight very well on the freeway and local sydney streets, but did struggle up a fairly steep hill, which was to be expected.