Best Towing Vehicles for 2024
Road-Tested & Proven, Our personal & real-world experiences towing with these vehicles. We rate & review.
Proven Performers: Our Tested Tow Vehicles
Your trusted source for finding the best tow vehicle for your hauling needs. Based in Sydney, we understand the unique challenges of towing trailers in various terrains and environments.
At Monsta Mobile Skips we are not just reviewers; we are real-world users with hands-on experience in towing trailer skip bins throughout Sydney and its surrounding areas. We have tackled steep driveways, hauled heavy trailers, navigated through the bustling streets of Sydney, including the CBD, and on the motorways.
Our team has put these tow vehicles to the test, encountering the demanding conditions of off-road landfill sites and the everyday challenges of urban towing. We have road-tested and proven these vehicles, ensuring that our recommendations are backed by personal experiences in real-world scenarios. All vehicles have a maximum towing capacity of up to 3.5 ton.
With our expertise and practical knowledge, we rate and review the best tow vehicles to meet the specific requirements of towing trailer skip bins. We consider crucial factors such as towing capacity, stability, manoeuvrability, and overall performance.
2009 Ford Ranger: From 2012 - 2016
Between 2012 and 2016, our business relied on a Ford Ranger 2009 model, with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel and 5-speed manual transmission. It had approximately 80,000 kilometres when we purchased it and went on to tow for over 230,000 hard kilometres without any major issues. We did replace the clutch in 2015, but overall, it was an awesome first tow tug for our business.
To be completely honest, the 4×2 option just wasn’t cutting it for us. Sure, it was fine on smooth surfaces, but as soon as we hit any kind of steep wet driveway, it was like driving on a skating rink.
We even tried the old “deflate the tires” trick, but it didn’t help much. We knew we had to upgrade to a 4×4 if we wanted to confidently tackle those steep driveways and tricky conditions. And let me tell you, since making the switch, it’s been smooth towing ever since.
After retiring from its duties as a towing champion, this trusty Ford Ranger found a new purpose as a nimble and efficient tight access rubbish removal truck, continuing to serve our business.
Quick Overview:
- Purchased for $14,000 (2012)
- Awesome first gear
- Interior was very basic
- Absolute workhorse
- Affordable repairs and maintenance
- 3.0 ton towing capacity
Negatives:
- Should have purchased the 4×4 option
- Lacked torque and power when towing heavier trailers
Rating 6/10
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: From 2016 - 2017
Back in 2016, we made an exciting decision for our towing needs and purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee as our trusty tow vehicle. This beast came equipped with a tough 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, packing quite a punch in terms of power. Not to mention, it had features that made it feel like we were towing in style. Plus, how surprisingly fuel-efficient it was for a work vehicle. It seemed like we had hit the jackpot!
However, as we hit the road and began our towing and putting it to work, we soon discovered that this Grand Cherokee had a downside. Being a wagon, it posed a unique challenge when it came to reversing trailers into tight spots. The compromised rear vision became a thorn in our side and made those manoeuvres feel like navigating a maze blindfolded.
Realising that we needed a vehicle that could handle the demands of towing with ease, we made the tough decision to bid farewell to the Jeep after a relatively short period. It had its perks, no doubt, but when it came to the nitty-gritty of towing, it simply wasn’t the right tool for the job.
Quick Overview:
- Purchased for $30,000 (2016)
- Absolute beast
- Awesome interior
- Reliable, but not truly tested
- 3.5 ton towing capacity
Negatives:
- Very high first gear, not good for towing
- Bad rear vision in the corners
Rating 7/10
2015 Isuzu D-Max: From 2017 - 2020
When it comes to game-changing tow rigs, the Isuzu D-Max 2015 model stands head and shoulders above the rest. This beast of a vehicle transformed our towing operations, elevating them to new heights. Let’s dive into the unforgettable journey we had with this powerhouse.
Equipped with a reliable 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, the Isuzu D-Max was a force to be reckoned with. To give it an extra edge, we added an ECU tune and a 3-inch exhaust system, unleashing its true potential. We acquired it in late 2016, and with only 35,000 kilometres on the clock, it felt like new.
From the get-go, the Isuzu D-Max proved to be an impressive workhorse. Its power was undeniable, delivering the muscle we needed for towing heavy loads with ease. Reliability became its middle name as it tirelessly clocked over 185,000 kilometres, never skipping a beat. This bad boy had an unwavering commitment to getting the job done, day in and day out.
Not only did the Isuzu D-Max excel in performance, but it also boasted an irresistible road presence. Its robust design and commanding stance turned heads wherever we went. It wasn’t just a tow rig; it was a statement on wheels. We couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as we rolled down the streets with our trusty companion.
As the kilometres racked up, we did encounter a minor setback. In 2020, the diff needed replacement, marking the only major issue we faced throughout its tenure. But here’s the kicker—it never let us down. Not for a single day. It soldiered on, serving us faithfully and maintaining its unwavering commitment to our business.
Quick Overview:
- Purchased for $35,000 (2017)
- Awesome outputs after ECU tune
- Ultra reliable, tested to the limits
- 3.5 ton towing capacity
Negatives:
- Being a dual cab ute corner rear vision was limited
Rating 9.5/10
Why Don’t You Get A Ram 1500 or Land Cruiser?
When it comes to choosing the right vehicle for our business, we often get asked why we don’t opt for popular models like the Ram 1500, Nissan Patrol, or Land Cruiser 200 Series. While these vehicles certainly have their merits, they simply don’t align with our specific business model.
First and foremost, their size poses a significant challenge for us. The Ram 1500, Nissan Patrol, and Land Cruiser 200 Series are all quite large and wide, making maneuvering through the bustling streets of Sydney’s CBD and inner suburbs a real headache. Narrow lanes, tight spaces, and limited parking options make it impractical for us to rely on these vehicles for our deliveries.
Moreover, there’s the issue of economy and cost. These vehicles may be powerful and luxurious, but they come with a hefty price tag both in terms of the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance. As a small business, we strive to keep our operational costs in low, and investing in such high-end vehicles simply doesn’t align with our financial goals.
In contrast, our trusted Isuzu D-Max fits our business model like a glove. Its compact size and maneuverability allow us to navigate even the most challenging spaces, including basement carparks, with ease. The D-Max is specifically designed for urban environments, offering fuel efficiency that helps us keep our expenses down.
Furthermore, the Isuzu D-Max’s height of less than 1.8 meters ensures that we can access areas with height restrictions, such as underground parking facilities, without any issues. This flexibility is a game-changer for our operations and allows us to serve our customers efficiently in Sydney’s urban landscape.
2020 Isuzu D-Max: From 2020 - Current
In mid 2023 we rely on our Isuzu D-MAX day in and day out. When we set up for work every morning in our trusty D-MAX, it feels like it’s ready to face whatever challenges come our way. Under the bonnet is a powerful 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that delivers 140 kW of power and an “okay” 450 Nm of torque. It’s the kind of numbers we need for our daily tasks.
The D-MAX tows 3.5 ton (not comfortably), but it has a great really low first gear. It’s a true workhorse. As we haul loaded trailers, up steep driveways, or down long ramps into landfill sites, our D-MAX never lets us down.
Purchased in mid 2020, we have acquired both the 4×4 and the 4×2 variants, both equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. The single cab chassis configuration offers seating for two occupants.
Why we chose a single cab chassis is clear – it provides our drivers with an unobstructed rear window with a panoramic view. This wide but clear vantage point allows our drivers to maintain complete visibility of the rear of the ute, enabling them to expertly reverse trailers into extremely challenging driveways. Sometimes, they have only a mere 20mm of clearance on each side, making precision and vision absolutely essential.
Additionally, our Isuzu D-MAX has proven to be exceptionally reliable, a quality we consider essential.
Usually, we start the D-MAX at 5:30 to 6:00 am daily and typically work a full day, often extending to 12 to 14 hours on a particularly busy day. Despite the demanding hours, our D-MAX continues to perform consistently.
We have racked up roughly 90,000 kilometres on each of these vehicles, a testament to their durability and reliability in our line of work.
Our D-MAX’s are not family cars on the weekends, or shopping vehicles. They are full-time dedicated tow tugs for our mobile skip bin hire business.
They come equipped with hardened rear springs and a manual gearbox, designed for the demands of our work.
These 2-seaters are fully equipped with hydraulic pumps to power hydraulic rams, air compressors, spare tyres for trailers, electric brake controllers, heavy-duty batteries, mud terrain tyres, and beacon flashing lights, ensuring they are well-prepared for any task that comes our way.
Quick Overview:
- Isuzu Dmax Single Cab Chassis SX
- Purchased for $29,000 (4×2)
- Purchased for $39,000 (4×4)
- Very reliable, tested to the limits (3 years so far)
- 3.5 ton towing capacity
Negatives:
- None yet
Rating 9.0/10
We’ve found the power and torque of the Isuzu D-MAX to be more than enough for our business needs. With 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque (on the lower side in comparison to other utes available), these utes consistently deliver the performance required for our daily tasks. Whether it’s towing heavy loads, navigating challenging landfills and quarries, or maintaining efficiency during long workdays, the D-MAX has been a great work vehicle.
