Towing

Does my 2013 Toyota Prado altitude diesel auto have a transmission cooler as standard, if not should I fit one? I am towing 2500kg all up. I have just returned from extensive touring with 2000kg van and had no transmission problems.

I am looking to buy a secondhand Toyota wagon, around 2002-2004. The ones I'm considering are the 1.8-litre Corolla and 2.2-litre Camry. I prefer the Corolla for fuel economy and because it's hard to find manual versions of the Camry, but I want to tow a camping trailer that weighs around 750 kg. I won't be towing long distances and would only be doing it twice a year. The Corolla spec says it can tow 950 kg braked, while the Camry says 1100 kg. There's not much difference, but a little voice in my head tells me the Corolla will struggle. Should I listen to the voices?

It is interesting to note the obsession with dual cab utilities for towing as it has been my experience that if you are going to tow a caravan over a long period, the current crop of dual cab utes, although fast and powerful, has suspect durability. I think it is a mistake to tow with an engine of less than 4.0L capacity.

We have just returned from a 2600km, three-month trip into Queensland for a winter break, towing our 20-foot caravan with our 2.0-litre Ford Mondeo turbo diesel. For the reader who wanted a car that can tow for three weeks a year and for the rest of the year carry out ordinary motoring, the Mondeo is just the car. Ours will tow our van at the speed limit with comfort using cruise control. I'm not trying to convince people to buy Ford but it does the job.

I’m thinking of towing a small caravan with my 2013 Mazda CX-5. Provided I remain within the stated weight limits for this vehicle, are there additional expenses I should anticipate, e.g. would I need to fit a transmission cooler? Should I expect to increase tyre wear on the Mazda due to towing?