In my opinion, towing anything heavier than the tow vehicle is just asking for trouble.

A 2.4 tonne vehicle towing a 3 tonne caravan...and now in many situation, an overloaded van -vehicle combinations because people want to take everything bar the kitchen sink with them when they hit the road..is complete and utter madness!

All the diesel twin cab utes are the same it’s not just the navara , 💩

I’ve got a my18 bt50 and it tows my 3t van well, no mods just with a wdh. Liked the look of the np300 but so glad I didn’t get one. Thanks for the review.

Couldn’t agree more mate. Chalk and cheese to the Patrol! This is worth sharing on the Jayco/Van forums. Could genuinely save a life

Very informative. Thanks for posting it

Many thanks for this video. Very informative

When the 2012 dmax came out my father in law bought one "great ute" and 2016 or so they changed the tow rating from 3.2 to 3.5 he asked me what they did to the vehicle... I told him they changed the stamp on the tow bar.... And that's all they've done with all these utes.. doesn't mean the the engine, trans and diff can handle it

Like mine I noticed power comes after 2k rpm. I realized the engine was suffocated until I replaced the stock air filter with aftermarket air filter. Now it drives like it should.

Great video mate.

Am I missing something? Grew up in South Africa and did many caravaning holidays, but back then the heaviest common caravan was under 2.8T. My parents van was a 4 bed, single axle full height caravan and was just over 2T. Maybe we just need to figure out why we need 1000kg of extra stuff.

Exactly how I felt towing with my D40. I tow with a Y62 now.

Don’t take a knife to a gunfight

Very helpful video

As a man who drives road trains for a quid. And also lives and travels in a caravan (3ton) full time. The answer is NO. The tow vehicle should never be lighter than the trailer ( caravan ). It is extremely dangerous. As u pointed out. The caravan is driving the car. Don't forget your car is not 2.4 tons. But now 2.7 tons ( tow ball weight ). Then when u ad you, your wife and kid, plus luggage in the back of your ute, you will be over GVM and possibly GCM. Fuel economy. I own a Y61 patrol that was a ZD30 3litre. It would struggle in exactly the same manner you are describing, and delivering the same economy. I have since swapped the motor out for a Turbo 6.5 chev diesel, along with a GVM upgrade to 3.9 tons. The V8 uses the same fuel economy (20-22 L/100) and tows the caravan with ease. My opinion. You should of stuck with the Y62 for towing purposes. Much safer.

This ISN'T a Navara issue , it's a small engined dual cab issue . I've had a few dual cabs over the years and none were what I would consider to be a decent tow vehicle of anything over 2 tonne . Great honest review 👍

I was always told that the tow vehicle need to weigh or be heavier than what ur towing.. makes sense

Our y62 was still the best tow rig we have ever had and wished we never sold it. Our current Touareg with 190kw and 650nm does alright though.

Great review . As said if towing is the plan i dont think any dual cab should be the go to vehicle, yes they can do it and i have and will but if you compare it to a 3t+ 200 or patrol it is no contest. These are for smaller vans ie 2t-2.5t imo.

I think a dual cab ute is too light for 3.5 ton and is why we see pictures of utes with vans pushed off the road while going down hill when the setup begins to pitch and the rear of the ute loses traction and then jack knifes. Do they still bend the chassis ?

Had my boost solenoids go at love day on the long weekend, 20kmh up the hill before Truro. They got changed and relocated highly recommended

My 2c worth is that if the tail outweighs the dog (when it comes to cars not trucks) then you are looking at potential trouble.

You are correct about a tune take a look at the torque curve in standard at the wheels it is a constant drop from 1900rpm and with bigger wheels well you just accentuated the issue at the ultimate diesel web page they have a typical dyno chart and if even remotely accurate you will be happier. Also air bags? I hope you included weight distribution to stop you having steering issues.

My n trek warrior tows my 3 tonne van beautifully. It’s not a race to get to speed and she comfortably sits on 90kms. No sag with up graded suspension

Anyone that tows 3 tons with these 4 cylinder dual cab is a fool, first it’s dangerous and the motor is wound like a stretched rubber ban. Also Utes have no weight in the back. I have a boat that’s unloaded at 3.2 tons. I started with 100 series the Gu with 4.8 lt 6 cylinder and now y62. Even then when you exceed 3 tons and over don’t kid yourself it’s heavy and it’s best to stick to just under 100km an hour. You need the big motors which are in the appropriate vehicle. I believe it is irresponsible by these companies to advertise 3.5 ton towing capacity. As you also mentioned how many times have you been caught behind one of the vehicles crawling up a hill. This is only my opinion but I also drove and owned tow trucks, even over or close to 3.5 tons you should be using a Ram or F250 or Silverado

I Have a GU 3L Patrol and a LX 470 towing close to 2T camper, LX 470 wins hands down over 10000kms averaging 17.5 L per 100, not bad for a Petrol donk.

If your going to tow a 3 ton plus anything, you really need a 200 series cruiser with solid rear axle (to take the weight better) and the big v8 diesel motor.. utes are great tow vehicles for the majority of us, who only tow up to 2 - 2.5 ton.

Hey mate Thankyou for the video, been researching this and couldnt find any real answers. My Nav towed a 2 Tonne Loaded Furniture trailer just fine. Always wondered if i bought a big van if it was wise to push it. Keen to see results from Performance upgrades. Would an IDrive unit make much difference as a cheap starting point?

After having 2 D40’s and 1 D23 this is the exact reason I ended up in a Y62....wanted more power and even though I don’t tow I’m loaded up around 4T touring weight. Value for money the Y62 won all round, my options were limited to a V6 Amarock or Mercedes V6, ultimately my Y62 at 64.5k won all round.....and ultimately it’s a beast on and off the road.

I have owned my Nav for 3 yrs now. Tow a 2.2T off road camper loaded. Handles it with ease. Full bar work, winch, suspension, bigger tyres, chipped. Been to the NT 3 times and sit on the speed limit using 14-15l/100 at the bowser in normal conditions. Even in the NT sitting on 130 I was only using 17-18/100. But that was a 1 off and had no choice. Headwinds will see the consumption jump up by 2L/100. If I take my tinnie off the camper and don't carry Jerry cans, outboard and associated extras, about a 300kg total reduction in combined weight) I use about 13.5L/100. So I have seen how the figures start to jump up when you load up. Don't believe the gauge. Definitely needs a bigger tank. I've never got more than 68L into the 80L tank. BUT! I agree you should not attempt anything more with a 4 cylinder dual cab. I'm bang on the legal limit when you do your sums correctly. There is minimal chance you can tow a 3-3.5 tonne loaded van with a family of 4 sitting in your dual cab loaded with all the gear you want. Dangerous and Illegal ! Just buy a big wagon to tow 3tonne plus. Chances are you'll still need a GVM upgrade to take the gear you want to be legal.

Given you have added front bar and rear bar plus a few other goodies is there enough payload to legally tow 3500 kg?? I have the y62 and definitely the best tow rig I have owned

Down hill would increasing the breaks to the van help it from pushing you.....?

Thanks 😎👍

I have personally towed 5 ton (850kg in the trailer 4.2 ton forklift on the trailer) on the back of a unmodified np300 had no issues.

Thanks for the heads up on the Nav. Nissan haven't built a decent Navara for 20 years. SO many problems, and always underpowered. I'm kinda surprised you actually bought one (To Tow with). ...4 SALE ;-)

What about a stock navara, 2500kg? 2000kg?

Nothing worse than finishing a holiday and feeling exhausted after constantly thinking about hills and traffic. A 2t caravan makes so much difference compared to a 3t with a light duty diesel.

had a brand new nav at my last job, worst thing ive ever driven and couldnt carry anything without nearly picking the front wheels off the ground

I also agree about the fuel gauge . I filled mine up today here in Mansfield Victoria...the alert came on to tell me I had about 120 k's left to run....it took 55 litres....so there would have been at least 25 litres left which should STILL get me a few more k's. Have mentioned it to the dealer a few times and they just shrug their shoulders...took photo's of the fuel warning and then the bowser and they just told me they could not do much about it...I find it annoying !!

I own a Defender and without towing she’s a slow girl on her best day.... when I got my camper I was really worried how it will tow as it’s 2.6t loaded. I can tell you I will never win a drag race but wow she tows so well and incredibly stable. I am at 3t for the Defender and 2.6t and every man and his dog overtakes 🤣 I am so use to it, it really doesn’t bother me, and just enjoy the journey. My fuel is 17-18L on average and 10L without towing. We have done a lot of touring and off-roading with the camper... it’s outstanding. Back to your point, if it feels horrible; just stop and change the car. It’s not worth the risk to lose control and potentially kill others. If it’s just slow, just enjoy the journey 🤙🏽

Should you be doing 100kmh towing 3t ?

My D23 TT model tows anything might bog if you have a head wind and alot of drag

Soo i wont be selling my 4.8 tb48 powered patrol for a navara 😢. Have to save some more for a y62. Was waiting for this review. Wonder how itd go towing a 2-2.5T camper trailer?

Dave, have a look at west yourshire engine channel mate. He is the NP guru and he has some very interesting stuff on that channel

When you talk about tuning is that something still covered by manufacturers warranty?

What size tyres are you running DASH?

Don't shoot me Dave, Thats why a have a 200 to tow and a Ranger to daily. Cheers Steve

wheres the video of you having it tuned?????

I'm thinking in doing that!! Cause I think it will save a lot of gas , does any body know if the np300 dully can tow a suburban in a trailer?? I have a frontier 4 cyl and I tow vw bus no problem at all. That's why is my question please someone help! (I'm.not talking about if it safe, I'm talking about if it will tow it or not )) Thank you!!

great information and video. Just because it says you can tow it doesnt mean you should. With no training people are allowed to tow up to 3500 kg just silly. So tired of people comparing utes based on what they can tow 3500 KG just should not be allowed behind most duel cab utes . Also i am suprised that no licence is required to do this .

completely equal friend. have myself with a np300 year 2019 and I consume 9 liters fully standard and empty when I pull a trailer I am at 13 - 14 liters at 120 km max 1 ton idd 😔 the engine may have min 2.7 liters min for a 3.0 would be top to be. engine will be much more comfortable.

Hi , just wondering is this a st x 2021 model. I'm after a tow car to tow a horse float and caravan. We're also looking at Isuzu dmax x terrain 2021 model

People forget about GVM. If you are towing the maximum 3.5t if that is the rating you will find your car will be about 2-400kg under your maximum weight. And that is stock standard. Throw in a few people, heavy toolbox, bullbar and winch etc etc and you will find you are illegally over your GVM

I would never tow 3 TN with my stock Navara but I do tow 2tn van and have covered thousands of Ks No problem at all . Accelerates to 100km quick enough and fuel averages around 14 or 15 depending on conditions. I would not buy another though as not happy with Nissan's customer service.

Towing anything with the tow vehicle weighing less then the implements that’s are being towed is a really big issue. Engine life is another issue why don’t they make a patrol dual cab with a decent motor for us petrol v8 or diesel Manual that has the weight and can tow.

How about a smaller camper loaded up 1.5T to 2T should it tow?

I don’t think any of the Thai built dual cabs should tow more than 2.5 ton, regardless of what manufacturers say.

Get a i-drive throttle controller mate changes the whole game of towing i got one in my np300 nav and boy it just wants to move even towing 3t 👌🏽 dont have any issues towing with mine

LOVE MY ISUZU 300 4X4 CREW CAB AS 5.2 LITE 155KW WILL TOW 3.5 TON

Does your vehicle have coil springs or leaf springs?

Would this be fine to tow a 1500 - 1600kg caravan?

I tow 3-3.5tonn all the time with my np300 3" exhaust and idrive and pulls well no worries great ute for towing and kitted out by arb as well nothing wrong with them towing thats what there built for

Don’t tow on a dirt road I bent the chassis on my np300 towing just under 2 ton and Nissan didn’t want to know me

Love my Nav I’ve been some silly places with it BUT 100% it’s not a tow vehicle!

I know you are a Nissan man , but you would of been better off buying a second hand Jeep Grand Cherokee. Would eat towing your van without spending more on all of the suspension mods you have done on the Navara. A good comfortable suburban school kids hauler as well.

There is No Replacement For Displacement

I have a Navara STX Series 4 and love it...but do not tow a caravan....mainly my farm trailers which at max would weigh around 2000 kg and no problem!!

Agree but then when you drill down into the legalities of GVM and total mass of the much vaunted Patrols/Cruisers then they aren't that much better. I would guarantee that most of them running around with bar work,fridges,dual battery systems etc aren't legal and will likely be in big strife in the event of an accident/insurance claim. I drive a wagon based variant of one of these utes and it is scary just how quickly you can get to GVM. I have a steel bar and a few other accessories, light weight, and with full fuel it will be close to or over GVM when loaded with people. I don't run aforementioned fridges or dual battery system either. We had a weighbridge where I used to work so I could easily check it as I did stuff. Once loaded with me, fluids and camping gear I was 150kg short of GVM. Not a whole lot really. Going on a story I saw recently about checking at a border and how many people didn't drive away from the station then I'm guessing a lot of people don't give it a lot of thought either.

There's no replacement for displacement!!! That's why I went for a 6.6 litre Duramax/Silverado with over 1200NM of torque. Hills??? What hills???

Talked me out of buying a navara !😂🤣

It's the combined weight of car and van that equals towing capacity. Not towing a 3 tonne van.

I did not understand is diesel or gasoline?

Personally in my humble opinion but I think we all know that all the power in the world pumped into that thing will not make it feel safe because of the ratio imbalance between the two units. But you have come from a v8 towing king to something that's trying really hard to be a heavy weight 😁 I do love this video and thanks for sharing 👍 it reminds me of the boxing world, there is a reason that heavyweight fighters don't go in the ring with anything other then another heavyweight 😉.... Now where is your new y62? because I'm getting impatient 😂 I know something has got to be brewing 😜

I wouldn't have the kids in the back towing that weight with that vehicle but that's just my personal opinion. Not having a go at all just my take.

David it's time to give the F250 a go. Built for purpose, built to tow. Ultra long wheelbase to keep it very stable and a vehicle weight of over 3t.

Very insightful , potential buyers of caravans and tugs should be exposed to video's like this so that they make the correct life saving decisions. Don't be fooled by brochures , do the maths and learn from experienced campaigners.

Mate it's a 2.3 Lt not a 6 Lt Cummins. You need something alot bigger and heavier.

Its not just the Nav, all of the utes of this size have over exaggerrated max towing capacities for marketing purposes. They are light duty utes, yep they kight be able to do it but for how long and how safely? If you want to tow 3+ tonne you need a bigger vehicle. Landcruiser size and above. 2-2.5 tonnes is max comfortable weight for these utes.

Good review there Dash, I here your concern. As the NP300 2.3L is a bored out 2L Qashqai motor, with single row timing chain and hollow cam shafts this motor was only ever designed have 2Tonne loading in a car configuration. Nissan are certainly pushing it to the absolute limits of this engine as a 4x4 with 3.5T towing. It was originally used in the Qashqai as an East West configuration with a fuel pump located at the back of the block, this made for relatively easy access and servicing, however in the NP300, its an engine job to access it, as it is hard up against the fire wall. Big end failure is another, including a string of other issues. As a tow platform I wouldn't particularly recommend it. I'm not anti Nissan by any means as I have had a number of Patrols which are particularly good off road and for towing. But horses for coarses.

I tow a 4 tonne van with mine. Doesn’t go past 60….. downhill.

Nav weighs a lot less than the van so the answer is no

Soft mate, I tow 3t with my patrol that only has 85kw. I drove an np300 my brothers, towing my 3t caravan. It done 110kmh with ease over a hill that my patrol only does 60kmh over. Your experience is different from mine i thought it toed nice and thought it had heaps of grunt. And I have a 450rwkw gt falcon. Blokes are so bloody soft these days girly men. Complain about anything.

No just no. I don't care what the numbers say on any of the Ute's none of them should tow this weight.

You do talk rubbish. You put bigger wheels on which is the worst thing you can do when towing. I tow a 3.2tonne caravan very happily. The only mod I have done is fit a WDH which I would be fitting regardless of the tow vehicle. I also live in Tas where flat straight roads are a novelty. Most of our roads are tight and twisty and narrow. The only suspension mod I will be making to the Ute is fitting 300kg preload springs to rear as I have a canopy and draws in the tray. To be honest the only thing I would agree with in your review is that the fuel tank is a bit small. Fortunately I can fit 3 x 20L fuel containers across the back of the tray between the tailgate and the draws. The Y62 only weighs 300kg more than NP300 which is still less than the van.

Half tank, no kids or misses, no food or water, just take matches, axe and marshmallows and go camping two blocks up the road! What’s the problem!

No, buy a patrol?

It's not safe that why it feels unsafe

3.5 ton towing on dual cab utes is a joke

Another pack of lies from the dealerships,,,,,,, these trucks are light towing only and no way will the engines live very long at all. 5Kms/litre of diesel..... worst economy ever!

The answer is that you dont tow vans of that size with the wrong vehicle. I agree with what your saying but to be blunt your asking the wrong question.....wht would anyone tow that van with the navara or any dual cab. Just stupid and dangerous and stupid!

尼桑🇯🇵😏🤒😒😆🤷🤗

No substitute for cubic inches !! And you’ve rooted the gearing with your bigger tyres. 1/2 in makes a difference let alone 2 inches.

Get a Toyota

Should your daughter be wearing a seatbelt when you’re talking into a camera? 🤦‍♂️