GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #29 | Page 17

RV FEATURE How much weight would your van impose on the towbar of your proposed tow vehicle? To return to my first point: this was a hard-nosed decision. On an emotional level, I wanted the expensive 79 Series, budget be damned. It’s a true workhorse and I’ve towed many vans many kilometres with one before. But… money. On the ‘pros’ side, it’s an excellent tow vehicle within its limitations. Its 3L turbodiesel engine is great, the gearbox is smooth, and the car itself isn’t without its comforts. As a compromise vehicle, it more than does the job. CABIN FEVER If I have one regret with the MU-X, it’s the small cargo space. But that’s the nature of seven- seaters. When shopping for that new tow vehicle, pay serious attention to how much gear you’ll pack in the car itself, as opposed to in the caravan. Remember, too, weight limitations apply to both the van (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and the vehicle (Gross Vehicle Mass). Where you pack your gear has a bearing on both of these limitations. Further to that, the combined loaded weight of both van and vehicle is limited by the tow vehicle’s dreaded Gross Combined Mass. The 200 Series is a great tow tug but its price tag puts it out of range for budget-conscious vanners. / 17