I looked at a range of vehicles. My criteria was: Price, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) the weight of the vehicle plus its payload, Payload the amount it can carry including fuel and people, CVM (Combined Vehicle Mass) the weight of the vehicle its payload plus the weight of the trailer, Towing Power, Reliability.
The obvious choice was a Toyota Landcruiser then Toyota Prado followed by a Toyota Hilux. The price of the Landcruiser put it out of my reach. The specs on the Prado and the Hilux were surprisingly lower than the Ford Ranger XLT. They all towed 3.5 ton but the GVM, Payload and CVM varied a lot.
The Landcruiser payload is 1250kg. The Ranger 950kg. The Landcruiser CVM 3300kg. The Ranger 3280kg. The Landcruiser is about $120,000 the Ranger XLT 70,000 standard.
So I went for the Ford Ranger XLT 3ltr V6 Diesel. I have had the suspension upgraded increasing the payload to 1250kg (I estimate the actual payload to be 920kg). Fitted a long range fuel tank (140 lts). Added a Snorkel and Bull Bar and had the diff breather pipes extended up under the bonnet.
The calculations that a lot of people forget to do are: Tare weight (the vehicle empty, no accessories added, empty fuel tank and no people in it). GVM ( Gross Vehicle Mass, the maximum the vehicle can weigh including the weight of the trailer on the tow ball), CVM (Combined Vehicle Mass, the weight of the vehicle its payload plus the weight of the trailer).
GVM 3580kg – Tare weight 2350kg = Max payload 1230kg
Tare weight 2350kg + Payload 1230kg (if fully loaded) = Actual GVM 3580kg
GCM 6400kg – GVM 3580kg = Can only tow 2820kg (not the full 3500kg car dealers will tell you)
Our Payload is approximately 920kg which gives a GVM of 3270kg
6400kg – 3270kg = 3130kg we can legally tow.
THE CANOPY
The next step was to Install a canopy onto the back. That also took research, as with the price variation so was the roof strength. Some only hold 65kg on the roof. The one I went for is aluminum (65kg weight) but can hold 300kg static (while parked) and 150kg dynamic (while driving).
I have since strengthened the roof and roof rack as well as increasing the bolts mounting the canopy to the back of the Ranger, which will increase the load capabilities.
ON THE ROOF
I chose the Bushwakka equipment (click here) to go on the roof (120kg weight). A clamshell rooftop tent, that the pillows and bedding can be stored inside when closed. A large 270 degree awning for shade from the sun and shelter in the rain. A shower tent that will mainly be used for getting dressed and where the portable toilet will be.
More additions to come: Fridge, Batteries, Draws. I will update as we install them.