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Our first trip away towing the Avan
hi there - I just want to say how FANTASTIC the Xtrail performed - I towed the avan to Cairns and back - 3,693 kms all up - the average diesel consumption while towing was around 10 - 10.5 l/100 kms and around 7 l / 100 without the van - it's having it's 5,000 kms service tomorrow.
It has so much power - once in 6th gear - it just wants to GOOOOOO!!! Pity I can't test it on a runway somewhere!!! LOL
The gears held the van extremely well going down the ranges even though I have electric brakes when braking.
The air-conditioning is awesome - first car I've had where my fingers don't freeze!! I like it on 'auto' - but after a little while, the light goes OFF on the left button - I'm wondering if that's normal.???
the area under the floor in the back was a great place to put the axe, little shovel, mallet,fishing rods (come apart to 2 halves)spare pegs/etc.
I usually have pains in the legs if I have to drive long hours in other cars, but not the EXXY - drove from Mackay to Bundy on the last day and arrived still very refreshed.
The only thing that isn't great, is the driving lights at night - but seeing we don't go out too often at night, it won't be an issue, otherwise spotties would be necessary.
At most places where we stayed, interested people come over to check out the new 'diesel Xtrail' that they've heard about! I could help but show my entusiam!!!!
Esme
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Esme
Xtrail TL turbo diesel 'twilight' 4 cyl, 6 speed manual 2009
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31/May/2009, 9:54 pm
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
Thread moved to the towing section.
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31/May/2009, 10:02 pm
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
Hi Esme
Great to see the Exy perform so well. as a matter of interest what does your Avan when loaded. We have a Jayco Swan that comes in at about 1350kg when loaded. It will be interesting to see what comsumption I get on the 1st towing trip.
Only 5 days or so to we pick up our TL Manual
regards
Robert
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1/Jun/2009, 5:30 pm
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
Hi Esme,
We too have an Avan (cruiseliner) we tow with the Exy. I wanted the diesel last year but couldn't justify the over $40k they wanted for a TS. We ended up with a 4 year old T30ST for $17k. Will do for now, upgrade to diesel at a later date.
I've been surprised at how well it tows the Avan. I need 3rd on some hills but I expect that.
Robert, the Avan has an ATM of 1250kg but when I put it over the weighbridge we are closer to the 1350kg of your Jayco. The payloads they allow for vans (300kg) is absolutely ridiculous as it includes water, gas, any mods, oh and the wife's shoes.
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Brad (X-1136)
2004, white ST manual
Roof bars, cargo barrier, nudge bar, Lovell raised springs, Towbar & Avan
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2/Jun/2009, 9:08 am
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
Hi Robert and Brad - we have the Aliner which is only around 1050 kg. - but is probably around 1100 kg - 1200 kg!!!
The main reason that we justified spending the money on the new TL diesel, is because I was losing soooo much of my super money - and lost another $4,000 in April - so figured that I could have bought a new car with what I've lost over the 2 years! This one should do us for a long time anyway!
Esme
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Esme
Xtrail TL turbo diesel 'twilight' 4 cyl, 6 speed manual 2009
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7/Jun/2009, 6:02 pm
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
quote:
Esme1 wrote:
I usually have pains in the legs if I have to drive long hours in other cars, but not the EXXY - drove from Mackay to Bundy on the last day and arrived still very refreshed.
Esme
Esme, I had a Camry pulling an A' Van A'liner at the time and my legs used to kill me too, even with rest stops and walk arounds etc. I was pumping myself with panadol and aspirin it got that bad. I changed my vehicle to a 2WD Triton with more upright seats higher off the floor and never suffered the problem again. The same with the Exy, higher seating - No more leg pain no matter how long the drive. My mechanic told me his Dad had the same problem with the Camry (but I assume any low seating car would be the same).
I am a pretty tall bloke, but the angle in the Camry was murder for my legs, never again will I have a low seated vehicle.
Westy9
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2003 Auto STR X'Trail with Hyper Roof Rail
Vic (X-139) WA
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9/Sep/2009, 6:26 pm
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
Hi Westy - before the Camry, we had a Toyota twin cab and even though it was trouble - free, it was very tiring not having a cruise control - although, I guess we could have got one installed, however, the other problem with it was that it was too awkward for my hubby who has Parkinson's disease, to get in and out of - and of course, the Camry became even harder!! As for the Exy - PERFECT in every way!!!
I am getting it's 10,000 service done in a fortnight by our trusted mechanic and then we are heading off to NSW for all of October - going to go as far as Uralla, and then down to the Barrington Tops, and see all the forests from there, back to Taree, Kempsey, Grafton, and then back up the Lion's Road to the Scenic Rim. Should be wonderful. (except for the school holidays!!!!)  )) Es,e
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Esme
Xtrail TL turbo diesel 'twilight' 4 cyl, 6 speed manual 2009
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9/Sep/2009, 7:56 pm
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Re: Our first trip away towing the Avan
G'Day again Esme, I don't have cruise control but don't find that a problem and haven't suffered from not having one. Glad you sorted out the leg problems too, it is a relief having an Exy to do the long hauls in. With the Camry I would be lucky to do 30 kms without the pains starting.
Your trip sound good, hope it all goes well,
Happy travelling,
Westy9
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2003 Auto STR X'Trail with Hyper Roof Rail
Vic (X-139) WA
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10/Sep/2009, 1:02 am
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