RV MAIL
LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
TOW VEHICLE QUANDARY
I am thinking about purchasing a new vehicle for towing our van. Currently we have a D-MAX and tow a van that tips the scales at 3500kgs. For obvious reasons, managing our weights is an ongoing issue. I have considered a GCM upgrade but due to warranty issues associated with an upgrade, I have opted not to do this.
Costs to purchase one of the popular vehicles such as Isuzu, Ford, etc., have added to our dilemma. We could downsize to a lighter van, but with the guts dropping out of the used-van market, we would have to take a big hit in selling our van.
With the increased popularity of the Asian-made vehicles, such as the new KIA Tasman, which offer a higher weight capacity, attractive warranties and at a substantial cost difference, they have become serious contenders in the towing market.
Over the years we have continually heard the‘ negatives’ of buying such vehicles, but I have never seen articles testing and evaluating these vehicles.
If you have an opinion or thought about the RV lifestyle, or about this digital
magazine, we’ d like to hear it! Email your feedback to info @ gorv. com. au
In view of the recently introduced Tasman maybe it would be a great opportunity for GoRV to be the first to do so, especially using as an example a 3000-3500kg van.
Steve Abraham
Thanks Steve, I’ ll give it some thought and see if I can get my hands on one. From a towing perspective, I have heard good things about the KIAs. – Ed
BUDGET VANS, PLEASE
I have just been reading about how easy it is to steal push-to-start vehicles now( GoRV # 100), which prompted me to tell you a solution.
There are now a few electronic pedal booster units that require a person’ s phone to open the‘ locked’ mode. While it is not automatic, it does stop a vehicle being driven at speeds over 15-20km / h – a great deterrent
Also, please start evaluating more budget-type vans. I get sick of reading about vans equipped with all the bells and whistles, with prices to match. Also, how about some of the brands not in he spotlight? Sure, there are ranges of costs, from budget to hundreds of thousands of dollars, but many people do not have the budget to own many of your test vans, nor the desire.
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David Hobbs