We are currently looking to buy either and Aliner of a Chalet A style van and wonder if anyone on this forum can give any advice for towing vans in this weight bracket (~900KG).
I have a 1300KG HR towbar and would probably fit a 2 bar towing leveller to keep the weight on the front wheels. Avans have electric brakes. Probably also fit an external trans oil cooler to run in tandem with the in-rad cooler. Not sure if you tow in D or 3rd gear in Magnas.
Any advice appreciated.

We towed a Jayco Eagle 27 000km around Australia with our TJ II wagon 2 years ago. Had a 1500kg hitch receiver towbar, weight distribution bars and a 2nd gen transmission cooler. We didn't have any problem (except for a coolant sensor that went haywire heading across the Nullarbor).

Obviously you need to fit wiring for a brake controller. We use a Tekonsha Prodigy and I fitted it to a removable bracket that slides into the ashtray. Also need to fit wiring for any battery charger / 12v fridge in the van. I used a 12 pin plug for that, or you use a 7 pin and some anderson plugs. I also fitted Bendix heavy duty brake pads before we left.

Towing mirrors can be tricky with the plastic at the bottom of the door. We used Ora Enzo magnetic towing mirrors.

Have fun!

Transmission coolers are a must, and just tow with the tranny in 'D'. And towing at 80-90 kmph will result in a large fuel saving rather than 100, just be mindful of the traffic behind you.

Thanks craney and SHOOT, that's exactly the information I was after.

We towed a Jayco Eagle 27 000km around Australia with our TJ II wagon 2 years ago. Had a 1500kg hitch receiver towbar, weight distribution bars and a 2nd gen transmission cooler. We didn't have any problem (except for a coolant sensor that went haywire heading across the Nullarbor).

Obviously you need to fit wiring for a brake controller. We use a Tekonsha Prodigy and I fitted it to a removable bracket that slides into the ashtray. Also need to fit wiring for any battery charger / 12v fridge in the van. I used a 12 pin plug for that, or you use a 7 pin and some anderson plugs. I also fitted Bendix heavy duty brake pads before we left.

Towing mirrors can be tricky with the plastic at the bottom of the door. We used Ora Enzo magnetic towing mirrors.

Have fun!

How much fuel did you use when doing this where you sitting on around 90km most of the time , I got around 13 l/100 on a short trip but that had a few steep hills I was towing a Jayco Dove

cheers

Transmission coolers are a must, and just tow with the tranny in 'D'. And towing at 80-90 kmph will result in a large fuel saving rather than 100, just be mindful of the traffic behind you.

If the torque converter locks up at that speed and towing that weight, there should be no extra strain on the gearbox. But how can you tell with a third gen if the torque converter locks? On the second gen the engine drops 200 rpm and is noticeable, but haven't seen my TJ do that. If it doesn't lock, I would be more tempted to run in 3rd gear at 90 KPH. That's 2,600 rpm in a 4 speed.

If the torque converter locks up at that speed and towing that weight, there should be no extra strain on the gearbox. But how can you tell with a third gen if the torque converter locks? On the second gen the engine drops 200 rpm and is noticeable, but haven't seen my TJ do that. If it doesn't lock, I would be more tempted to run in 3rd gear at 90 KPH. That's 2,600 rpm in a 4 speed.

Why would you run it in 3rd?...fuel consumption would increase quite a bit compared to leaving it in D I'd imagine. Locked up or not, higher revs at a given speed when cruising should use more fuel. Maybe this would depend on how much wind resistance the van you are towing has?

I've seen people running a set of led's wired to monitor the auto box change solenoids - in the case of Commodores you had 4 led's, one for each solenoid so you knew what gear you were in and when the torque converter clutch locked/unlocked. Not sure if they wired it thru the ALDL diagnostics connector or simply cut into the loom before it entered the transmission.
I've always checked if the TCC is locked by gently opening the throttle a fraction and then watch the tacho - if it moves slightly it's locked but if it goes up a few hundred then it's unlocked.

Good idea, a bank of lights to tell you what the gearbox is doing.

I wonder if there is a difference in fuel consumption, towing in third with the torque converter locked or fourth with the torque converter slipping? I know which would be less likely to stress the gearbox. Just trial and error to test this out, I suppose, to see if the box locks up in 4th while towing. Just an idea, might be worth testing.