Reader help: will a Toyota Fortuner tow a 19ft caravan?
One of our readers needs help with a towcar decision… Particularly concerning a Toyota Fortuner.
UPDATED 08/01/2016 with information from Toyota.
Practical Motoring Says:
The Toyota Fortuner can tow the rated loads [ 2800kg & 3000kg auto / manual ] without a Load Distribution Hitch, however we recommend using a Toyota Genuine Load Distribution hitch in an effort to provide the best possible driving experience when towing.
There is no specific weight at which a Load Distribution Hitch is recommended, it really depends on the individual loading configuration and importantly, resultant vehicle posture.
Can I use 5th and 6th gear when towing?
Gear selection when towing should be determined by the actual load placed on the vehicle and the driving conditions i.e. flat road, hilly or winding terrain etc. therefore appropriate gear selection is critical.
Naturally when engine braking is required, especially when traversing downhill terrain 4th gear and lower, will provide the optimal ratio’s to assist in decelerating –rather than leaving the vehicle in “D” Drive (for Automatic) or the higher gears for Manual variants.
1 Comment
I had a look at the Fortuna and Mitsi Pajero Sport last week. The Fortuna is typical Toyota price (high) and has very clumsy folding third row seats which take up a lot of space and don’t seem to be removable. The base model still has steel wheels. The Mitsi is 5 seat only, more reasonably priced, includes leather seats in mid spec model, tows more and has longer warranty. Neither, though, are convincing me to swap from my Territory diesel to tow my 2.2 tonne caravan. But if you want to go off-road, different story. I’d probably get an Isuzu MuX.