This is a while off yet, but we just got back from a camping trip out west, through the rockies. While the little diesel did fine pulling our newish (2001) tent trailer (~1800lbs), we are starting to get the itch to get a hard wall "ultra-light" 17 footer. These start at about 2700 lbs, and there's no way the little 4D56 with short wheelbase is gonna be happy pulling that up some of those nasty, altitude-gaining passes.

I got to thinking out loud as to what was available with better towing capacity/manners. *Supposedly* the L200 with more powerful diesel is slated to arrive in Canada in 2009. While this would be an awesome rig with the quad cab, its a question mark, since I dunno if it really will come, and if it does, how much it will be?

SO, to the crux of my question - if you've had a genII and a genIII, how do they compare? I love the active trac, love the seating position, controls, etc. If my little genII diesel had more jam (and praps was a 4 door) we wouldn't be having this conversation... but how about the genIII? We got them here in 03, which means 3.8V6, gobs of torque (on paper), 6000lb towing capacity, etc etc. How bad are they on gas? How good are they with a modest trailer (around 3000 lbs) attached? How good (or bad)is the 3.8V6? I've never even driven one of these bad boys, but it is a mitsu. How bad can it be?

I guess what I'm asking is "is a genIII worthy of being christened Betsy V?"

(No, I don't want a fullsize. Still gotta drive the long commute, somewhat mitigated fuel-wise by the bike several months of the year, but still 160kms daily)

Dibs on the shorty!!

I own one of them both, as well as a genI. Both vehicles say "Montero" on the side and that is pretty much the extent of their sameness. The gen III is a very smooth car- like truck that has plenty of power even with the 3.5 engine to pull any proper load. Mine is geared nicely for highway cruising and is my wife's favorite vehicle in the world. The gen II that I have is very much a truck in every sense and cruises more comfortably under the maximum speed limit on most interstates. Mine is a LS '95. It seems setup more for ruggedness and has a more capable standard four wheel drive setup.( gearbox type, gearing, just everything )Also the dashboard setup is alot more function for the '95 vs style for the newer vehicle. Our nicknames for these trucks says it all; the 2001 is called "Girly car" by my wife and the '95 is "Gray Bell". A lot of the charm, to me, is missing from the gen III from the two early versions. Just my opinion.

Could go overkill and just get a Duramax. But that would be wrong seeing how its not a mitsu <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I like the gen 3's alot I really want the 3.8 powered model then add the 4.90 gears to it(4.30 stock)But here is another idea for you what about getting a SWB with the 2.8 turbo diesel chain driven motor more reliable than the 2.5 also has more power to pull that bigger trailer oh and also has the bigger rear axle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Patrick, you read my mind: that is the other idea I'm mulling around. I just need to check on parts availability. Got the 4D56 parts chain figured out, but the 2.8 would be a little tougher... Once it turns 2009, I could theoretically import a 94. Anyone drive the 2.5 and 2.8 that can offer comparisons? May have to poke my head into POCUK...

Thanks Yankee, that about confirms my suspicions - guess I'm gonna have to drive one?

LR, you were first anyway buddy! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

The L200 sells here from $18k to ~$30k, depending on trim, cab size, etc. Engine options are 4M40, 4D56 DiD, 4M41DiD.

As for the 4M40, I've never driven a SWB, but in the LWB you can feel the difference, as it pulls a lot better.

The 4D56 DID has more torque than the 4M40 (314Nm vs 294Nm), and it should be more fuel efficient.

A couple thoughts:
If you're happy with your swb, look for ways to make it a more capable tow rig. swapping in a 2.8 sounds like a good start - can you increase the boost for more power? Adding a less restrictive exhaust system seems to be a very effective modification on most turbo diesels.

Towing a heavier trailer might mean stiffer springs or air bags to help with the extra load on the rear supension.

Balance the cost of making your existing Montero into what you need vs. buying another vehicle & I'm betting it'll cost less to improve yours.

The biggest disadvantage that I see in keeping yours is the short wheelbase. My experiences in towing have convinced me that longer wheelbase vehicles are much more stable when towing, although the heaviness of the Montero will help offset the shortness.

if you choose to go with the 2.8 toasty works around them all day long so I don't think he would mind comparing part numbers with the pajero numbers.