Most 4WDs hit their GVM ceiling before they hit their tow rating. A 3,500kg rated HiLux often cannot legally tow a 3,500kg caravan. GVM is what stops you, not the badge.
Tow rating versus GVM
Every 4WD has a tow rating stamped on the badge, usually 3,500kg. That is the number salespeople quote.
It is also not the number that limits you.
Why GVM is the real number
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) is the total weight of the tow vehicle, its passengers, fuel, accessories, and the ball weight of the van.
Most 4WDs hit their GVM ceiling long before their tow rating. A loaded HiLux with bull bar, drawers, fridge, fuel and four passengers can carry 600kg before the van is even on the ball.
What this means for mid-size 4WDs
If your tow vehicle is a HiLux, Ranger, D-MAX, Fortuner or Pajero, your sensible upper limit is a van around 3,000 to 3,300kg ATM.
That is the Gator Hybrid, Gator X, and most Dirt Roader layouts.
What this means for heavy 4WDs
If you tow with a 200 Series, 300 Series, Patrol or Ram 1500, you are looking at 4,000 to 4,500kg ATM.
That opens up the Sting range, the Gator X, and the heavier DRX configurations.
The Gator X advantage
The Gator X is the genuinely interesting model here. Full ATX Airbag BCS suspension, the same active-levelling system as the Sting Air, in a 16 to 18.5ft body a mid-size 4WD can tow.
It is the only van in the range that gives you Sting Air capability behind a HiLux.
The check that matters
Before you sign, ask your dealer for the ATM and ball weight of the specific layout. Then run a tow calculator with everything you actually carry: bull bar, drawers, second battery, fridge, jerry cans, family, full fuel.
If the total sits inside your GVM and your tow ball download rating, you are good. If it does not, you have three options. Upgrade the tow vehicle. Downsize the van. Downsize what you carry.
