Japanese Van Import As Dinghy Tow

Kei's can be flat towed depending on the drive/transmission system installed on a specific vehicle. Some systems will allow for flat towing as is or with minor modifications. Others will pretty much need a major rework. You just need someone who know the actual drive system of the unit your thinking of buying and what is required as a single make/model can have several engines and several transmissions in various configurations.

With that said, Kei's are not really that good for flat toeing behind an RV. Many of the enthusiast will tell you how theirs literally started dropping parts along an interstate or simply burnt up along the way. Although their top speed can be 80 kph, they really were not designed for long travel over 80 kph. That's probably why you'll see many on trailers behind an RV.

rk911 wrote:

colevineyard wrote:

rk911 wrote:
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Thanks, but those are all american not imports.

there were imports on that list...whatever.

Maybe by "imports" the OP meant Japanese-market vehicles? There are imported vehicles on that list, but they are US-market vehicles.

colevineyard wrote:

rk911 wrote:
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Thanks, but those are all american not imports.

there were imports on that list...whatever.

RetiredRealtorRick wrote:

wildtoad wrote:
The pdf I looked at showed both American and imports. The vehicle you are interested in wasn’t on the list though.

OP is in Canada. I know the vehicles he's talking about are considered grey market in the US, and would require extensive modifications to meet US standards, and that's why we probably don't see them here (and why they're not on the list).

They are available here in the US, but only vehicles that are 25 years old or older can be legally imported. These Kei-type trucks and vans are not common in my area, but not especially rare either. For the OP, I would recommend doing some careful research before committing to using one of these vehicles. From what I have read, the Daihatsu van is not a true Kei class vehicle (under 660cc), but still is a very small, low powered vehicle by US or Canadian standards. When you drive one at 50 mph, it feels like you're going 90. Not something you'll want to put 6 people in and drive at highway speeds. When it comes to 4-down compatibility, you're likely in uncharted territory. I really doubt the manual (if you can find one in English) will address recreational towing in any way. Installation of a baseplate will probably be a custom job.

If it has a neutral position in the transfer case (4x4 system) then it might possibly be towable.

Best to have flat towing approved by the mfg which involves the drive train, stability and marketing considerations. Plus base plate and aux brake availability.

wildtoad wrote:
The pdf I looked at showed both American and imports. The vehicle you are interested in wasn’t on the list though.

OP is in Canada. I know the vehicles he's talking about are considered grey market in the US, and would require extensive modifications to meet US standards, and that's why we probably don't see them here (and why they're not on the list).

The pdf I looked at showed both American and imports. The vehicle you are interested in wasn’t on the list though.

rk911 wrote:
***Link Removed***

Thanks, but those are all american not imports.