Will a petrol 90 Series have enough guts to pull a Tvan

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Hi all.

I have been looking into purchasing a Tvan for traveling. I am not looking to argue what is the best camper but just asking a simple question: Do you think the Petrol 90 series has enough power to be able to pull a trailer out bush?

I know that it will be fine on road as I have pulled car trailers and the like but I don't have any experience in towing with the Prado of road.

Any advice or personal experiences would be great.

Cheers

Nema.

[raydes Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydes]

if you mean the 3.4 v6 petrol yes no problem you will hardly know the trailer is there

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Yeah Raydes I have a 3.4 v6 petrol. Thanks for the quick reply. I do a lot of High country trips normally with a swag but now trying to upgrade to a bit of luxury.

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

I haven't tried it, but wouldn't have expected it to be an issue offroad.. you always have low range...

I think highway inclines would suck though.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

I'd be concerned with the engine braking for steep descents in places like the Vic high country with a trailer on the back.

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

^^ yeah... actually... and that's an issue already, even with 4.88 ratios.

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Thanks for all the comments guys I had forgotten about the down hill stuff. I do find mine runs a way a bit already with my 265/75/16's on. We are planning on heading to Central Aust next July and I think the camper might be OK for out there but I the steep stuff in my backyard maybe an issue. I might have a look at those 4.88 ratios Glen. Do you have a link on where you got them from?

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Hey mate,

Keep in mind I have taller tyres so you might want to consider 4.56 ratios instead. With 4.88's and 265's your maximum speed may be reduced too much (rev too much at speed). I rarely exceed 105km/h and I'm fine with that. On a positive note - overtaking cars at any speed with a full load is so easy!

7.5" reverse cut clamshell diff (front)
http://www.justdifferentials.com/ind...Path=22_37_128

8.0" standard v6 (rear)
http://www.justdifferentials.com/ind...=22_37_124_183

I just noticed the 90 series Prado is no longer mentioned on the 8" details, so please confirm with them.


BTW - Installing ratios is a very costly upgrade! So when I had my ratios installed, I went all out, including full rebuild kits replacing all bearings/seals, and had solid pinion spacers installed.

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Hi Glen, Thanks for all the info there is a lot of food for thought there. At least no one is saying its a ridiculous thing to pull a camper with a petrol 90 series. It might just come down to us picking our locations. Maybe I stick with the swag in the Vic high country and use the camper on the touring trips.

I wish I had changed my diff ratios when I did the lockers would have probably saved me some money now. All good in hindsight.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

I towed this CT with the 90 series petrol auto since the 2010 GTG till selling the 90 in June this year.
I'm sure it's as heavy as the Tvan if not heavier.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Down hill decents will be no problem, the van should have brakes, and the added weight over the Prados rear will bring the rear brakes on more too.

[Brett1979 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Brett1979]

I towed a 2wd Triton ute up steepish steep hills in 2nd gear low range on nearby tracks at Peach Trees camping area in Jimna no probs. He was a friend and wanted to drive his ute down a series of descents with us, but definitely needed help to come back up. I hooked up the strap and told him to leave his car in neutral to let the Prado do all the work. Piece of cake and I barely noticed I was pulling anything. Just my 2 cents if it's of any help.

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Thanks guys. All your comments have been fantastic. It has helped me make up my decision to make the purchase.

Much appreciated. Its going to be a lot more comfortable in the camper for our 2 months trip next year.

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Well I made the decision to purchase the camper and have now been away twice with it and yes the weight its noticeable behind the Prado but tows well. Fuel economy sucks but that's to be expected at around 18.5L /100.

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

Congratz on the purchase.
18.5l/100 ha ha... that's what I used to get on average with my 90 so I'd be stoked with that towing. I was accessorized to the hilt though