I know you collect data on tow vehicles, so thought I would give you some feedback on my former Camry. It was a 4 cylinder 1999 model Automatic, and I used it on our Around Oz trip. It towed beautifully and had ample power (2 litre motor), however, when we got to Queensland we found the rear suspension had sunk. Took it to Townsville Toyota, and the Service Manager told me that the suspension on both the 4 and 6 are too soft and in his opinion were only suitable for carrying three people. Both he and his Workshop Manager had replaced their Camry springs for the same size but thicker gauge coil springs fitted by a local branch of a major spring fitting company, whose name escapes me at the moment.

Although I was covered by warranty, he said that as I was towing, if they fitted the same Toyota springs, the same thing would happen again, so they fitted the heavier gauge coil springs (rear only) for me, costing me only $75, being the difference between the Toyota springs, including fitting (as they were covered by warranty). No trouble from then on, and other than no sinking, could not tell any comfort difference in the ride, even without the A'Van on.

Personally, for anyone looking at the Camry for the standard A'Liner (without front boot), I would recommend the six cylinder, but with the replacement springs fitted (the Toyota Manager said my warranty wouldn't be affected). The reason is for the 4 cylinder, I had to have a transmission cooler (recommended for automatic towing) fitted prior to my trip, whereas the 6 cylinder has one as standard, and of course you have the extra power if you need it, although I didn't find that a problem with the 4. By the way, I've just remembered, the replacement springs were Pedders Springs (known throughout Australia).

For info, my current Triton ute 2WD Automatic (2000 model) has a transmission cooler fitted as standard, no doubt as utes are designed to carry heavy loads. Mine is a 4 cylinder 2.4, with a fibreglass canopy on the back, but is very suitable for towing my A'Van and the back gives you heaps of storage for travelling, which is one of the reasons for buying it. The other reason is I found with the Camry (as with a lot of sedans) the seating was too low and the angle gave me leg pains during my longs hauls, the Triton seats are higher in a more upright position and my legs don't suffer the leg pains on long distances. For your feedback info,

Kind regards