Towing Vehicle: Navara vs Hilux

[reindeer]

Hi all
We have recently decided to replace our tow vehicle as the 2007 Ford Ranger 3.0L we had has given us nothing but hassles and I don't ever want to own a Ford again!
Our current choices are between a Hilux and a Navara. We like to Toyota because it is a proven, trustworthy vehicle and has been around for ages. The Navara however looks very tempting with its torque stats and various 'non-essential' add ons for virtually the same price. However, we hit a snag when we start looking at the towing capacities. A fully-laden 2-berth horsebox is approx 2350 kg (GVM), which actually far exceeds the towing capacity of the Hilux, which is 1500 kg (the Isuzu is 1100 kg!). When you think about it, the majority of horsebox towing vehicles could very well be illegal! The Navara, on the other hand has a capacity of 3000 kg!
What has prompted to look further into this is the fact that we are considering buying a 4-berth horsebox as my wife and I compete 4 horse between us and taking two vehicles and two horseboxes (1 always borrowed) is a huge hassle and waste of money. The GVM of a 4 berth horsebox is 3500 kg.
Does anyone have any experience with towing a Navara? Or any experience in towing a 4-berth (or equivalent load)? We can, unfortunately, only look at the Navara/Hilux class of vehicle.
Many thanks!

[Coober]

We recently did the test at the local weighbridge.

Took the new Navarra (2.5) with loaded (2-berth) horse-box, a few bales of lucerne and weighed the vehicle.

Result: Still had 400kg to spare.

So, impressed, bought one immediately!

For a four-berth box, you will need something bigger. Sorry, no suggestions.

[Henris]

My choice here would be a Patrol. LC legal towing weight is also 1500kg.

[Apocalypse]

Defender or Wrangler has a 3500kg towing allowance...

bear in mind though - it's not actually a legal limit as you may not tow more than your Tare under law...

so, in fact, as no code 8 vehicle can have a Tare of 3500kg as it's GVM would then be higher and you'd need a code 10 to drive it - you are not LEGALLY allowed to pull a 3500kg trailer... unless you have a code 10 licence and code 10 vehicle...


which is just daft if you ask me.

[Christo Davids]

Alex the horseboxes have vacuum brakes (some of them anyway) - so fit vacuum brakes to the tow vehicle then you're sorted... Good idea to do this anyway...

I will not to a 4 berth horsebox on a towball though - no way...
I've seen others do it, but I refuse...

[kfxnando]

towing capacity of a vehicle is determined by various things including the tow-bar manufacturer!!

then for the type of weight being dealt with here, the simplest way would be a Ford F-250 or a Dodge Ram or similar vehicle!!
if memory serves me right both the above vehicle have a tow capacity in SA of 3500km!!
although a code 10 drivers licence would be required!!

then some of the Jeeps and sure others as well have a manufacturer tow limit of 3500km, although in SA that would make that illegal!!

UNLESS!!!!!!
a breaking system that is coupled to the tow vehicles braking system!! = Auxiliary breaks!!
the most common being Air or electric breaks!!

or you could switch to ponies!!
good luck!!