Is the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max or VW Amarok best for towing a 2.8 tonne caravan?
- Ford Ranger
- Isuzu D-Max
- Volkswagen Amarok
- Ford Advice
- Isuzu Advice
- Volkswagen Advice
- Ford Ranger Reviews
- Isuzu D-Max Reviews
- Volkswagen Amarok Reviews
- Ford Commercial Range
- Ford Ute Range
- Isuzu Commercial Range
- Isuzu Ute Range
- Volkswagen Commercial Range
- Volkswagen Ute Range
- Ford
- Isuzu
- Volkswagen
- Towing
- Buying tips
Asked by David
Which vehicle would be better for towing a caravan up to 2.8 tonne: Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max or VW Amarok?
Answered by CarsGuide
10 Sep 2020Every all-new MY21 Isuzu D-Max and select current versions of the Amarok and Ranger offer a 3500kg towing capacity maximum - namely all Amarok V6 autos and all Rangers EXCEPT the 4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis Low-Rider 2.2 Diesel at the bottom of the Ford range, and the 4x4 Raptor Double Cab Pick-Up 2.0L Diesel at the very top (they're both 2500kg).
Least torquey is the D-Max at 450Nm, followed by the Ranger (2.2L 4-cyl: 385Nm, 3.2L 5-cyl: 470Nm and 2.0L twin-turbo 4-cyl: 500Nm) and Amarok (550Nm to 580Nm), meaning the Amarok will probably be the least challenged towing a 2.8-tonne caravan. But all three should suffice.
Please note, however, that Gross Combined Mass (GCM) tallies means that there are other weight factors that need to be considered before safely towing a 2.8-tonne caravan, even with a 3500kg ute. These include things like the ute's payload, heavy bull bars, sports bars and side steps, canopies and even the number of people travelling inside. And of course, a fully-equipped and laden caravan can easily exceed the stated tare mass.
We hope this helps.
Other Isuzu D-Max problems
- Cracked canopy on a 2018 Isuzu D-Max ute
- Issues with 2011 Isuzu D-Max cooling system
- What tow vehicle or hybrid camper should I consider for after retirement?
- My 2019 Isuzu D-Max doesn't display the gear I'm in
- Issues with an Isuzu D-Max's SVS dash light
- 2013 Isuzu D-Max has developed a shudder at low speeds
- Is a failed transmission in a 2018 Isuzu D-Max covered by warranty?
- 2019 Isuzu D-Max would not rev to cross a small rise