Thread: Dual cab utes

Just out of interest, why the Hilux, particularly without 4wd? (It might help give an idea of what features you're after in other makes/models)

I was checking out Hiluxs a little while ago. I've always considered them a high clearance vehicle good for 4wd'ing (could be wrong on that though) but in my case it turned out that their max. towing weight was lower than I needed so I'm looking at Pajero/Landcruiser type things now.

Looking to use it a a possible work ute or just as my everyday car.

I'm not in to going off roading with the ute and from various news and reviews that the Hilux is the toughest ute

Given your budget it might be best to see what your choices are first and then ask our opinionsabout specific vehicles/types. Being in Tassie I imagine your choice is even more limited.

I've never actually owned a ute but driven many different work ones.
I drove either a hilux or landcruiser throughout the early to mid 80's on road contruction and mine sites for work (collecting soil samples). Both were extremely easy to drive but the cruiser was a bit like sailing on tarmac. Esp. at speed. You had to pick the place you wanted to end up, aim and adjust for drift as you go. Even in straight line. As company vehicles they would have been stock so I'm sure they could be improved.

Some had very small fuel tanks for some reason. A mid 2000's ford tray back and much older nissan spring to mind. The ford was frustratingly small.

Another ford and a triton both had rear canopies. The ford was aftermarket and had crap vision. I took it off. The 2010 triton dualcab had a factory (or dealer) one and it had a annoying effect of reflecting oncoming headlights at night in the rear window and they would appear in the rear view mirror. Not dangerous but sometimes scary.

I usually transported "fragile" electronic gear. Tray height was an issue in some because you often had to place it rather than drop and slide along the tray. Depends why you want or need a ute.

I'm after a dual cab, because I have an apprenticeship lined to put my tools in the back and carting timber, maybe do some tip runs and keeps some stuff in the back....

I don't like canopy's much though, Dabb's... what would you recommend?

Toyota Dyna Twincab the 1.5 tonne jobs. They're even better than the Toyota Stouts.

Originally Posted by Hoover

I'm after a dual cab, because I have an apprenticeship lined to put my tools in the back and carting timber, maybe do some tip runs and keeps some stuff in the back....

I don't like canopy's much though, Dabb's... what would you recommend?

I never used them to cart trade stuff. Unless I wanted something for myself that is. All the places I've worked seemed to have them as secondary workhorses. I worked with IT. Most of my tools would fit in the back seat so I'm no expert. I have carried the occassional ladder, braces etc to run concatenary wire but nothing big.

Dual cabs have tiny carrying capacity compared to single/king cab. There are a lot of dual cab out there now, but lots tow things so space is less of an issue. A mate who owned a rally car (clubman level I think) used a king cab (nissan?) as a backup vehicle. It could handle 6 wheels and tyres, some fuel, 2 large tool sets, compressor and air gear. The delicate stuff like gauges went behind the seat. You'd never get that stuff in a dual cab tray.

Bro-in-law was/is a cabinet maker. He like F100's. Reckoned he could carry enough gear to build and fit a kitchen and still have space. Thirsty though. Doubt if any under 5k would even be driveable though.

The canopies were all fitted because I was supposed to share with others so didn't et to decide on model and features. Some bright spark thought we could lock gear up inside but the locks were pitiful usually. Avoid.

If it was me ...
I'd buy a small panel van or station wagon for the 5k and spring for a better ute when I had more money to spare. Get something easy on fuel and light on rubber. If you are mechanically minded, get something you can service yourself even if it's just oil, filters and plugs (I think a diesel is out) .You can hide pretty large things inside under a towel or tarp and lock the doors and no one's the wiser. Heavy things sit low behind the passsenger seat. A cheap blue tarp would handle the tip run. From memory I've carried six 2800x90x45 pine in a corolla s/wagon. (I know I've moved a kingsize water bed.) They go forever btw.

You need to see what's around. It will never be perfect so just try to make sure it won't cost you an arm and a leg to own.

Congrats on the apprenticeship too.