Making the Ultimate Tow Vehicle
Towing with a 4×4 is a rite of passage for many, whether it’s hauling a caravan across the Outback, towing a boat down to the coast, or carrying a heavy trailer for work. While most 4×4 vehicles are designed with towing in mind, they might not excel at it. However, there are a number of opportunities to enhance their capability, safety, and comfort. With the right upgrades and mods, you can turn a good towing vehicle into a great one.
The starting point for any towing setup is the towbar. While most vehicles come with the option of a factory-fitted towbar, aftermarket options are often worth considering. Brands like Hayman Reese are particularly popular for their robust construction and compatibility with a wide range of vehicles. Certain vehicles, such as the myriad utes on the market, and nearly all 4x4 wagons such as the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan patrol, have well-known aftermarket solutions that provide better clearance and durability than the factory versions. Whatever you choose, it’s essential that the towbar is rated to match your vehicle’s maximum braked towing capacity. This ensures that your setup remains safe and legal, no matter the load. Also consider if your hitich will be a normal ball or a something different such as the DO-35 and DO-45 that are common on larger caravans.
For trailers over 2000kg, independent braking systems are mandatory under Australian law. This means your vehicle will require an electric brake controller. Proportional brake controllers, such as the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite or the Tekonsha Prodigy P3, are highly recommended. There is also the new Elecbrakes system, which communicates wirelessly but has a continual connection to the caravan for braking. These devices dynamically adjust the braking force based on the trailer’s movement, providing a smoother and more controlled braking experience. This is particularly important when descending steep hills or navigating stop-start traffic with a heavy load in tow.
One of the first things you’ll notice when towing is the impact of weight on your vehicle’s suspension. Many 4×4 owners find that the added weight of a caravan or heavy trailer causes the rear of their vehicle to sag, compromising both ride quality and handling. Upgrading to heavy-duty suspension can resolve this issue. Brands like Old Man Emu and Tough Dog offer suspension systems specifically designed to handle the additional weight of towing. For even greater versatility, airbag suspension systems are an excellent choice, allowing you to adjust the ride height to suit the load. This is especially useful for those who alternate between towing and non-towing use.
Fuel consumption is another critical consideration when towing, as the added load places extra strain on the engine. For those planning long journeys through remote areas, upgrading to a long-range fuel tank is a wise investment. Aftermarket tanks, such as ARB’s Frontier range or Long Ranger Tanks, can significantly extend your vehicle’s range, reducing the need for frequent stops and providing peace of mind when fuel stations are few and far between. With capacities often exceeding 140 litres, these tanks are particularly popular among travellers heading into the Outback or across the Nullarbor.
Visibility is another area where upgrades can make a huge difference. When towing a large trailer or caravan, standard side mirrors often fail to provide the coverage you need. While clip-on towing mirrors are an affordable solution, they can be prone to vibration and instability at high speeds. Replacement towing mirrors, such as those from Clearview, offer a superior alternative. These mirrors are specifically designed for towing, providing a stable, extended field of vision that makes highway driving and reversing much safer and easier.
Lighting upgrades are equally important, especially for those who frequently tow at night or in poor weather conditions. Standard headlights often struggle to provide adequate illumination in rural areas, where hazards like wildlife and sharp bends can appear with little warning. Installing LED driving lights or light bars from brands like Lightforce or ARB Intensity can dramatically improve visibility, making night driving safer and less stressful.
Older vehicles, particularly those with automatic transmissions, may require additional cooling systems when towing heavy loads. Transmission coolers help prevent overheating, which can lead to costly repairs or even complete transmission failure. While modern automatic transmissions are generally more robust, it’s still worth consulting your vehicle’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine whether an upgrade is necessary for your specific make and model.
Tyres are another critical component to consider. Towing places extra strain on your tyres, so it’s essential to ensure they’re up to the task. Heavy-duty all-terrain tyres, such as BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Cooper Discoverer AT3, are popular choices among 4×4 enthusiasts. These tyres offer superior load ratings, durability, and grip, making them ideal for towing on a variety of surfaces, from sealed highways to rugged dirt tracks.
For those venturing into remote areas, auxiliary power systems can be a game-changer. Installing a dual-battery system allows you to power appliances in your caravan or trailer without draining your vehicle’s main battery. Pairing this with solar panels from brands like Projecta or REDARC can provide a reliable, sustainable power source, perfect for extended stays off the grid.
Upgrades to your vehicle’s braking system can also enhance safety and performance. High-performance brake pads, such as those from Bendix or DBA, offer improved stopping power and heat resistance, which is particularly important when towing heavy loads on steep descents. Some owners also choose to upgrade their brake rotors or add braided brake lines for even greater performance.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a UHF radio. Whether you’re coordinating with other travellers, communicating with roadhouses, or receiving updates on road conditions, a UHF radio is an invaluable tool. Popular models like the GME XRS Connect or the Uniden UH5060 offer excellent range and reliability, with handheld units providing added flexibility during tricky manoeuvres.
