Delica as a Tow Vehicle???

[tassietiger]

Just wondering if anyone has any views, experience, knowledge re using a Mitsubishi Delica as a tow vehilce

I have decided not to leap into buying another tow vehicle in the short term as I am not going to be in position to go any where over the next few months. However, I will use the time to do some research on alternatives to hiluxes or rodeos which were my original target vehicle.

I suppose what I would really like is a 4wd 3ltr minimum van so I can put my tools etc in it and hitch up the caravan and head to the big island. Hence my question re the Delica so your views would be welcome and also your suggestions on other alterantive vehicles.

Cheers
TT

[olfarts]

Keep away from them,stick with a Hi Lux.

Dave

[tassietiger]

Mmmmm........why do you say that Dave?


Cheers
TT

[millard1399]

G'day t/t,

Back in 2005, somebody posed a question about them on the Explore Oz forum: link

Dunno whether that helps you or not.

cheers,
Al.

[tassietiger]

Thanks for that link Al. It all helps mate

Cheers
TT

[tassietiger]

Well, after two months of research and a very steep learning curve, I purchased, at auction in Japan, this vehicle:



It is a 2002 V6 4 speed automatic Mitsubishi Delica Chamonix 4WD with full high and low range. The engine is the same as the Pajero and Triton so no issues with servicing and parts.

Now all I have to do is find another van to put behind her

[millard1399]

Wow!! Looks like it would break the sound barrier!

You'll be looking for a pretty slick van to go behind this one!

cheers,
Al.

[tassietiger]

Mmmm Al.......not sure about the sound barrier but it will give me a bit more power for towing.

As to vans, well still looking but not a lot out there at the moment. Something that would allow me to remain on the forum would be good so if you hear of anything let me know.

Cheers
Wayne

[kiwijim]

"Wow Wee Wayne"

That's a real ripper looking tow wagon you have scored there,

You say that you bought it at auction in Japan,
Now I'm wondering how you will go for Aust road compliance for it ? and importing and all the other drama's that are associated with importing a vehicle ?

I reckon an American Airstream Van would be just the ticket behind your new wagon, ;D ;D ;D and I think there is a small one for sale on E Bay at the moment.........

www.ebay.com.au/itm/AIRSTREAM-CARAVAN-5TH-WHEEL-SHIPPING-USA-/330575236957?pt=AU_Caravans_RVs&hash=item4cf7d1cf5d

cheers kiwijim

[atouchofglass]

Dunno Jim I reckon a Murrumba Star painted silver would look the ticket behind the spacey looking Delica.
Now that would turn some heads on the highway. ;D ;D

Had a look at your link about the airstream.
They show photos of several vans and seem to be selling either the importing of or polishing of these vans.
Or
Maybe both?
Bit of a confusing ad.

Cheers
Atog

[tassietiger]

Hey Jim,

Mmmm......had a look at the web link. Ah um not really into that sort of thing

No dramas re importing. It is all being handled by a very helpful and effective import broker. By the time I get it on the road down here in Tassie which will be about mid August I will have save around 3 to 4 grand on buying one from a dealer her in Oz.

Keep those ideas on vans coming. Market very flat and getting expensive at the moment.

Cheers
Wayne

[olfarts]

Ive found over the years that getting out and about,doing the miles,looking in paddocks,over fences,asking,talking and searching for older vans has paid huge dividends in finding vans.

Tassy hey,i haven't been there since 1980s but even i know of a few tucked away down there from tips people have put me onto here on the main land.


Dave

[tassietiger]

Hey Dave,

planning to do just that when I get the Delica here. Would you like to pass on those tips?

Cheers
Wayne

[olfarts]

The ones i know about are old woodys,not alloys or glass in the "Classic era."


Cheers.

Dave

[tassietiger]

Now had the Delica for 6 weeks and she is running like a dream. First fuel economy test resulted in 11.37ltrs/100ks driving at around 80ks per hour(2000rpm) which I think is not too bad for a V6 weighing around 2 tonnes. Still considering what if anything I will hook up to the back of her.

Here she is at the camping ground at Salthingyer River just out of Port Arthur. Did a day trip to see how she handles Tassies rounds. Result: bloomin marvellous!!!

[millard1399]

G'day t/t,

Good to see you are still alive and kickin'! ;D

Been having lots of fun in the Delica too, by the looks.

But what's this: "Still considering what if anything I will hook up to the back of her." Don't tell me you've worked out how to fit a bed in the Delica, and now you realise you don't need a van after all!? Nah, ya gotta have a van, mate. Go get another Franklin!

cheers,
Al.

[tassietiger]

Hey Al yep still alive and well. Yep very happy with the Deli. You pegged me on the bed in the back thoughts in fact did some measuring up today. Still thinking through all the options.

Goog quality 70 or 80s van are getting rarer and rarer and any that do come up are just a little bit pricy for my beer budget. Still if something comes along at the right price then a van may come back into consideration.

Cheers

[Deleted]

G'day TT,
go the Deli,
I noticed you haven't got a towbar yet.
When your ready I can suggest some good suppliers for your Deli.
I am a member of The Delica club and we can get or find just about anything.
It is great source of info.We also have members in Tassie to.
I know of a number of members who reguarly tow and are very happy with theirs..
I have the 2.8ltr t/d and it has been a great vehicle.
regards David

[tassietiger]

Hello David,

yep very happy with the Delica. Since those posts were made I have had a tow bar custom made to fit her and she now has a towing capcity of around 1.5 tons. I joined the Delica club back in June last year I think it was just before I imported her and have found the information and the members there very helpful.

I no longer have a classic caravan so I have not been active on this forum but it is good to get the occassional message. I am assuming you have a classic van?

I am currently in the process of converting an ex builders trailer into a camper type trailer. I will have my tools on one side and a camp kitchen on the other and will be fitting out the back of the Delica to sleep in.

Cheers
Wayne

[Deleted]

Looks like an l300 and a early model Pajero offspring

[Deleted]

Hi TT.
I had a '96  Diesel  Deli Exceed Glass roof a few years ago,
Most versatile Vehicle I have ever owned. Loved it.

Also found the Guys in the Delica Club forum to be of great help before and after I bought her from a Great Sydney importer.

Ironically the reason I had to sell her was back then I could only get her tow rated the same as a star Wagon as no one had a dedicated Delica Tow Bar.
I was about to get an semi Off Road caravan at the time. so weight was an issue.

Good luck with the Deli and your travels.

[atefooterz]

Oct 2, 2011 14:13:57 GMT 10 tassietiger said:

Hey Al yep still alive and well. Yep very happy with the Deli. You pegged me on the bed in the back thoughts in fact did some measuring up today. Still thinking through all the options.

Goog quality 70 or 80s van are getting rarer and rarer and any that do come up are just a little bit pricy for my beer budget. Still if something comes along at the right price then a van may come back into consideration.

Cheers

I really should look at getting something for my 1985 L300, i have had since 1997.Me thinks it has to be new custom & light enough for the 1600cc four cylinder,maybe a baby version of a 80s jayco box??? lolz

[bobt]

Hey TT

How is the Delica going??

[Deleted]

What are you towing with the vehicle?

[leeron]

A neighbour of mine had the 2.8 td delica and he couldn't get a tow bar.
had a look and realised the chassis was the same as my old 2.8 pajero.
pajero towbar bolted straight on.
Pajero chassis with a van.body plonked on top.
Mitsubishi Should have sold them here in oz.