Which ute is best for carrying heavy payloads?
QUESTION
Hi John,
Love your channel. I'm looking to get a new space-cab/extra-cab chassis to use for work as a builders toolbox.
Since ‘05 I have had two Rodeos in the long-wheelbase version (3200mm). I have upgraded the suspension to a 9-leaf version to give you an idea of the weight I carry currently and would continue to do so.
I don't want to go to a large size truck like F-150 as parking is painful in shopping centres and inner-city areas.
Should I be going with twin-turbo N-Trec Navara, middle-of-the-road Triton, or wait for new D-Max? Or perhaps the new BT-50? (Twin-turbo Ranger at over 63K might be a bit much).
What would you recommend? If BT-50 or D-Max, how long after release would you wait?
I don't want to miss out on Government Incentives! Think these are extended to December.
In addition, are the figures on fuel consumption from dealers reliable?
Jim
ANSWER
Hey Jim,
Thanks for your interest in the reports mate.
Have you ever weighed your ute? On a weighbridge, fully loaded, with you sitting in it and a full tank of fuel?
Do that. Then subtract the kerb weight from the manufacturer’s specs and you’ll know the kind of payload you’re dealing with. Then see if adding that payload to the new vehicle is going to push you over the GVM - because that would be illegal and dangerous. Here’s my Ultimate Towing Guide for the step-by-step >>
Without knowing the numbers you cannot choose the right vehicle, obviously. (Get Google maps up and type in ’nearest weighbridge’.)
Everything wrong with Australia’s top 10 4x4 utes >>
Twin-turbo Navara is gutless unless you rev its tits off - because the turbos are sequential. And the coil sprung rear is a disaster for carrying heavy loads. So there’s that.
Same goes with the Ranger on the turbos - the 2.0TT performs just like the 3.2 unless you rev its tits off. Which is undignified on a work ute full of tools and heavy stuff.
I’d give the new BT/D-MAX at least 3 months in service before buying - see how it actually goes. Triton is pretty good, and excellent value. Current BT-50 is also good value.
Fuel consumption is a test performed to a laboratory standard in a controlled environment, on a rolling road dyno. It’s not especially relevant to the real world and has no relationship to your ute in heavy traffic with 900 kilos of payload on board.
JC
More reports
The Ford Ranger is the most popular vehicle in this country because it has grunt, great towing ability, a capable drive system, and a host of clever design features. But there are a couple of negatives to consider before dropping your cash on one.