OK - looking for suggestions here....

I've been having problems towing anything with any weight in the past few months and this weekend 2 tonnes ( or tons) of Boxer (excavator) gave the KJ a really hard trip. Its a 40 k run and I had a trans temp light on the first hill. I did it all buy the book, let it cool down etc but I've now lost kick down and the trans has stopped shifting down again on hills under load, even with a manual shift. Really not good when everything just stops then you start going backwards on pea gravel towards a straght drop

Its a fairly new transmission, Albion jeep told me that there were noe burnt oils etc at the last service but this is getting to be a real PITA I'm, having to nurse the KJ on each trip and each time I get back to Bris its a relief that something hasn't gone bang.

plus the KJ is just geting too small.......


So - I think I need a new jeep - not sure of the right emotion

From experience an early model, would handle the work/abuse/etc better - but no comfort and $$ in keeping at the point where they can handle it

TJ's good but to small, XJ's nope - eos

Grands -yeah, no

JK- I just don't fit

KK - $$ and its a whole new learning curve

Full size - like a CJ its the $$ to keep it running.

I tow a trailer each weekend and most days in the week - tools and materials. We need space for two kids and the dawg. Plus it would be great not to have to drag the trailer about on the small jobs - just be able to chuck some tools in the back and go without needing to worry about trashing the seats.

I can't find a jeep that fits

A dual cab CRD Grand C would work if thet existed

I know its not a Jeep but Landrover is now selling the entire Defender range in Australia; dual cab pickups, short pickups, long wagon, in 110 and 130. Has a 2.4L turbo diesel and good tow capability.

For towing you can't go past a diesel. I tow a camper trailer weighing around 1.5 tonne behind my 2.8 CRD and I hardly know it's there. I have a manual transmission which can make hill starts interesting at times but there is no problem once on the move.

Pity a KJ is too small for you as otherwise the CRD would seem to be the go.

_________________
November 2006 2.8 CRD manual, CRDSTU front springs, King HD rears, Polyairs, LT245/70R16 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs, DP chip, Airflow snorkel
TJM alloy front bar, Ox 9500lb winch, Hella Compact 4000 spots, Complete set Mopar skid plates, Mopar cargo barrier
GME TX3440 UHF, Codan NGT HF