Can the Landcruiser 300 Series Tow Your Dream Caravan
The Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series is a remarkable vehicle that upholds the legacy of its predecessors while embracing modern advancements. It combines unrivalled off-road capabilities with a luxurious and comfortable interior, making it a versatile companion for any adventure.
The weight specifications of the Landcruiser 300 Series can vary depending on the specific model, trim level, and optional equipment. However, let’s take a look at the 2023 Toyota Landcruiser GXL Auto 4×4:
Tare Mass: 2495 Kg
Kerb Weight: 2580 Kg
Gross Vehicle Mass: 3280 Kg
Gross Combined Mass: 6750 Kg
Payload: 700 Kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 3500 Kg
So what does this all mean? The biggest question we get asked is, “What size van can I tow?”. Let’s look at some assumptions to help explain and see what the towing options are.
Example:
Vehicle:
2023 Toyota 300 Series Landcruiser (GXL)
Caravan:
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM): 3500 Kg
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM): 3200 Kg
| Name | Kgs | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| GCM | 6750 | Max Combination Weight of Car and Van legally allowed |
| GVM | 3280 | Max Legal Weight of Car fully loaded (Passengers, Accessories, Fuel etc) |
| Kerb Weight | 2580 | Empty Car with a full tank of fuel. No accessories. (As defined by Toyota) |
| Payload Available | 700 | = GVM – Kerb Weight. Payload is the amount of stuff you can load into the car |
| Add Tow Ball Weight | 315 | Assumes 9% of fully loaded Caravan with an ATM of 3500 kg (8%-15% is average) |
| Payload Remaining | 385 | = Payload – Tow Ball Mass. Remaining for Passengers, Accessories or luggage. |
| Margin to GVM | 70 | Assuming you have two adults (190 Kg), a bull bar (75 Kg) and some luggage/fridge (50 Kg), you would only have 70 Kg remaining before exceeding the GVM of 3280 Kg. |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3500 | When the car is fully loaded as per above, the Vehicle weighs 3,210 Kg. These numbers are very healthy as you can still legally tow a 3500Kg (ATM) Trailer or Caravan. This is calculated based on the GCM of 6750 Kg. The max combined weight of the vehicle and caravan (when hitched to the vehicle), can not exceed this weight. It is usually calculated using the following formula. GVM + GTM = GCM. In this example, the caravan is rated to a GTM of 3200 Kg, so it would be: 3210 (GVM) + 3200 (GTM) = 6410 (GCM) |
So is the 300 series Landcruiser a good tow vehicle?
Yes, the 300 Series Land Cruiser is considered an excellent tow vehicle due to its robust powertrain, strong chassis, and advanced towing features. It is capable of towing heavy loads with ease, making it a popular choice among those who require a vehicle for towing purposes.
Pros
Towing Capacity: The Land Cruiser 300 Series has a true 3500 kg towing capacity, allowing it to tow heavy trailers, caravans, boats, or other recreational vehicles.
Power and Torque: The Land Cruiser 300 Series is equipped with a 3.3L V6 twin-turbo diesel engine, that delivers 227 Kw of power and a huge 700 Nm of torque. This ensures that the vehicle has sufficient pulling power to tow heavy loads, even on steep inclines or challenging terrain.
CONS
Cost: The Land Cruiser 300 Series is a premium vehicle, and its price reflects that. The initial cost of purchasing the vehicle may be higher compared to other towing options. Additionally, maintenance and repair costs may be higher due to the vehicle’s advanced technology and components.
Axle Ratings: The axle ratings of 1630 Kg on the front axle and 1930 kg on the rear axle, can be limiting. The rear axle is often overweight when hitched to a caravan.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to consider these pros and cons in relation to your specific towing needs, preferences, and circumstances. Ultimately, the Land Cruiser 300 Series remains a popular choice for towing due to its powerful performance, towing features, and overall reliability.
*Image courtesy of Toyota Australia https://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-300
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