Rodeo for Towing

[tassietiger]

Just wondering if anyone might have thoughts information on using a rodeo as a tow vehicle. The sort of thing I am looking at is shown in the pic below.



This is a 3.2 litre petrol manual TFR9 LX 2001 Rodeo. I am thinking of something set up like this so I can carry my tools of trade as I travel around towing the Franklin Hunter perhaps picking up some work as I go.

Would be interested to here of any mechanical issues with rodeos of this vintage. It has travelled 163121 ks asking price on ebay is $8999 through a dealer in NSW.

Cheers
Wayne

[kiwijim]

Hi Ya Tassietiger,

Way back in 98, I worked for a Govt Dept here in Perth,

They purchased a load of the Rodeo Utes with exactly the same rear compartment attached.

They were all sent off to Govt Auctions with-in a couple of months,

Why........ they found that when the rear was fully loaded they had brake failure, even after they were modified they were still a safety issue.

The price of $8999 for a 2001 model seem very reasonable,
I would be inclined to have it fully checked before any commitment is made.......especially the brakes.

kiwijim

[tassietiger]

G'day kiwijim,

thanks for the input. If the breaks failed when the compartments were loaded what would it be like towing a van

I read a review posted on the NRMA web site of the 1999 model which is basically the same as this one engine and mechanical wise. They gave it a good write up. Might try and talk to the local auto association and see if they have any useful input. Also saw one in the street here recently which is owned by a local sparky so might try and contact him as well.

Cheers
Wayne

[kiwijim]

Howdy Wayne,

I have no doubt that the N.R.M.A did give the Rodeo a good write-up,

I agree they do seem to be very popular , But.........

Did the N.R.M.A test drive them fully loaded to the max ? ? ?

If this problem does still exist (which I doubt) with the brakes,

there's no way I would be towing a Classic with one.

Further inquiries on the vehicle from the experts would be a very good idea.

Keep us posted Mate,

kiwijim

[tassietiger]

Morning Jim,

here is an extract from the NRMA review:

On the road
The six cylinder Rodeo delivers an outstanding level of performance for a light commercial vehicle. The V6 engine is a modern engine that is quiet, smooth running and free revving. The engine produces loads of power right across the rev range, and in the unladen condition it is easy to spin the wheels of the Rodeo when starting off quickly. The V6 Rodeo should have no problem coping with its maximum towing capacity of 1800 kg.

Considering the Rodeo is designed to carry a one tonne payload the ride when empty is still quite comfortable and further improves when some additional load is carried. Handling of the Rodeo is only average by passenger car standards which may well be a result of the increased ride height and higher centre of gravity. When cornering the Rodeo displayed a tendency to lift the inside rear wheel causing wheelspin.

The brake pedal required a light pressure to effect a stop under all conditions, although during heavy braking the rear wheels were prone to lock when the vehicle was unladen.

The full review can be read at - www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/holden_rodeo_1998_car_review.htm

The problem they indentified with the brakes was related to wheel lock when unladdened. With the problem you describe was that brake lock or the brakes failed completely under load?

Still digging for more info.

[kiwijim]

Top of the morning to you Wayne,

Any Snow on the tops as yet.

Now, thinking back to 98,

The problem with the brakes as best as I can recall was that,

with a full load, and being applied several times in quick succession while driving in city traffic,

there was noticeable brake fade to the extent that the vehicle would not pull up in a safe distance.

There was also an issue with the steering,

With the full load, there was noticeable wandering at speed,

this may have been caused by to much weight loaded to the rear of the back axle.

As I have said, that was back in 98, the Manufacturers could well have addressed the problems shortly after that.

I would be inclined to catch up with some-one who has such a vehicle and ask them how their's handles.

Reading that report from the N.R.N.A. it would appear that if the brakes are now locking when empty, there is a good indication that they have been improved.

cheers kiwijim

[tassietiger]

A wee sprinkling of icing snow on the mountain the last few days But it is still very dry here. We could do with heaps more rain

I have posted on "another forum" to try and glean more information. I must admit I have been thinking about the issues you raised and thought that if these vehicles are rated to carry a 1.8tonne load then surely they would have dealt with the brake issue by the time this particular model was made

I would also be interested to find out what sort of fuel consumption this set up generated.

Cheers
Wayne

[scotty]

G'day Tassietiger, I have a1999 jackaroo wagon, auto trans. should be much the same as a Rodeo. It has no trouble towing our caravan. Cheers Scotty.

[tassietiger]

G'day scotty and welcome to the forum ;D

thanks for that info. A mate has a jackaroo as well and that's what got me thinking about a rodeo both being built by isuzu which have/had a good reputation. At this stage after considering the budget etc I have decided to stick with the Hiace.

[Deleted]

Typical jap car makers to share production 1 min have Subaru in 1 line a hi-ace in another and eith per Yamaha or Kawasaki motorcycle being built in another line.

In configuration of a utility vehicle such as pictured above more than likely went road going specs of it road going cousin in single, dualcab or 4wd variant, sad to say it didn't meet expection rate as a utility vehicle which likely should of been given better suspension package and and diesel with turbo to cope with the excess weight of tool.
They should of installed a 24 volt system to rectify the brake light failure

With full weight my guess the vehicle would exceed 3-5 ton make sure everying is rated for that before you contemplate towing anything within this configuration I wouldn't use a petrol engine for towing anything above 650 kg nevermind the onboard weight of what you also carry..

if You do intend to buy this as a towing rig make sure it is 4x4 and add an extra set of tires and beef up the rear and drop in the biggest diesel the model can take, anything above 10 feet in length in towing making sure the caravan has working brakes and is compatible with cars electrics.

[greedy53]

i tow my 17 ft viscount with my 2007 2.4 petrol single cab i have had no worries with the rig

[bobt]

your a bit behind the times cvliving this post was started 5 years ago. I have a friend that towed his 19 footer behind one for several years, he took it up the centre a number of times and across the top down the West Coast and back to Mexico. It served him well.