Towing caravans / camper vans with a Nissan Xtrail (2008) TS T31 Automatic Diesel

Just asking what everyone else who actually camps out in the bush (Gold Detecting bush / bumpy roads) uses as the "camper"?

I'm looking looking & still looking at brands and info (including the ability to actually go offroad where there are rocks & holes to drive over!

My car info / towing is as follows:

2008 Nissan Xtrail TS T31 automatic Diesel.

Cars Tare Mas = 1,643kg
Cars GVM = 2,170kg
RATED TOWING CAPACITY = 1.350kg (Trailer with brakes)

Towball Download / Reduced Vehicle Mass:

50kg / none
100kg / reduced by 60kg (makes 2,110kg GVM)
150kg / reduced by 150kg (makes 2,020kg GVM)
200kg / reduced by 250kg (makes 1,920kg GVM)

Caravan / Campervans interested in are: Jayco "outback" brands (Hawk, Swift, Flite, Dove, Eagle), Coromal Silhouette......

Would any of them be suitable for forest / golden triangle / bumpy off road use, as well as being suitable for my actual car to be used with the towing?

Fact: I know nothing about anything to do with cars / weights / camping vans

Buy a caravan or campertrailer that does not exceed the 1350kg this icludes all that you put in it which can be a fair bit of kit when you go travlelling pete

Hi Coles
I have been towing an old viscount 22' @ 1150kg.The Xtrail is pretty good on flat roads and the back end handles it good,just make sure you have a brake controller fitted.I found the anti sway bars not really necessary.Fuel economy was excellent with the van at just over 11 Litres per 100km.
The Xtrail is not particularly good for off road,clearance too low and not built strong enough as I've already had to repair quite a few things.Lots of things rattle I,ve had better cars.
Steve

coles525 wrote:Just asking what everyone else who actually camps out in the bush (Gold Detecting bush / bumpy roads) uses as the "camper"?

I'm looking looking & still looking at brands and info (including the ability to actually go offroad where there are rocks & holes to drive over!

My car info / towing is as follows:

2008 Nissan Xtrail TS T31 automatic Diesel.

Cars Tare Mas = 1,643kgCars GVM = 2,170kgRATED TOWING CAPACITY = 1.350kg (Trailer with brakes)

Towball Download / Reduced Vehicle Mass:

50kg / none
100kg / reduced by 60kg (makes 2,110kg GVM)
150kg / reduced by 150kg (makes 2,020kg GVM)
200kg / reduced by 250kg (makes 1,920kg GVM)

Caravan / Campervans interested in are: Jayco "outback" brands (Hawk, Swift, Flite, Dove, Eagle), Coromal Silhouette......

Would any of them be suitable for forest / golden triangle / bumpy off road use, as well as being suitable for my actual car to be used with the towing?

Fact: I know nothing about anything to do with cars / weights / camping vans

Be careful with Gross vechile mass (GVM), going over it will get you in all sorts of trouble.
You will need a van tare weight of no more than 700-800Kg, remember the tare weight vis only the weight of the empty van when you add water food clothes etc etc it will creep up fairly quickly to 1T+.
Your ball weight should be on your towbar have a look as well as towing capacity, even though it may say 2T towing capacity doesnt meen you can tow this with that car!!.
I have a old Viscount nipper rated at 560Kg tare it was very basic when i brought it but has since been modified for off road this also increased the Tare to 700Kgs mind you. There is one on Flea bay at the moment have a look its in Vic, it would be good for onroad only and some very safe off road conditions, but its a low load weight (slipper springs 3 leaf ).
I personnal wouldnt touch a Jayco the coromal is a better build i feel, but you will struggle these days to find anything under 600Kg Tare, having said that might I suggest you rethink your car to something that is designed for towing not sunday beach runs.
In the long run it will be a better option and opens up a better selection on Vans you can legally tow and also access to more remote camps.
Regards
John
PS forgot to mention GVM will include items in the cars as well such as people,dogs, beer etc.

It might be worth checking out other forums...e.g.: Caravan forums,4wd forums and forums relating to your vehicle......it sounds to me like you might be pushing boundaries ( a big no-no off-road).
Happy travelling.

Hi, I have exactly the same XTrail as you,2008 diesel automatic.I tow a Jayco Freedom Poptop 15ft tare weight is 1000.I have found no problems at all and have towed the caravan all round the golden triangle.PM me if you want some more info.

I went to auctions & bought a Jayco Finch 1998 model I then flipped the axle over & this gave me 100mm lift its been to lots of places like Pebbly Beach nth of Coffs Harbour where you go through a deep creek its been up to the cape using the ol telegraph track & seems to be holding together tare weight is 800kg & it tows like a dream.

All depends onyour own needs & comforts as well as GVM with your Xtrail.

Happy searching hope you choose wisely & don't just buy what a saleman trys to sell you.
Shop around & do your homework don't race in.

Cheers Tony