Thread: Defender towing advise???

Knowing that a trailer towed better with a greater distance between axle and coupling used to be common knowledge. The old man used to build trailers and would never place an axle closer than a wheel diameter to the the coupling. EG. 13inch wheel, 13inchs behind center, dual axles, front always diameter behind center. Never to our knowledge did any of them misbehave during use, and he built a lot for a lot of people with varying uses.
Sadly, it seems "Engineers" know better know a days!
Cheers Scott

Have a look over at the caravaners forum,lots of really useless info on towing over there by first time caravan owners who have no idea about heavy vehicles. Pat

And thats really scary when you know they are out on the roads!! And its not just first time owners either!. It is getting to a stage where even I am thinking a HV / HC licence is needed for them.
Cheers Scott

Thanks gents. I've received some useful info from those of you with Defender towing experience via this Thread and Private Messages.

In summary, I've decided a new Defender will have enough power to tow my load, so I'll buy one (my old mate would struggle so he can have a trip off).
I will also use the standard LR tow hitch receiver.
I will try to get one with ECT (after my recent info gathering as shared on the Thread).

Yet to be decided: Do I do the next big trip WITHOUT remapping. YES, as I won't be doing mountain or big dune driving and won't be in a hurry.
The rough plan is Melb-Flinders-Old Andado-Uluru-Daly Waters Hotel-Gibb River Road-Broome-down the W.A coast for a look-wander over to Rudall River N.P-then wander through the Gibson Desert-Melb. On my return I'll rethink the remap.

Hooroo

I personally would not re chip straight out of box. I would wait for some run in and warrantee period.

Hooroo,I've travelled those same roads,spend the money on some under floor insulation,Traxide battery set-up and a set of LED headlights,if you are 6' or over some mulgo seat rails are a must,I'd buy them anyway so your better half can stretch her legs while your driving.A sill tank or rear quarter tank will increase your range between fills. Pat

Thanks for more good, practical advise. It's handy to get tips from those of you that have been-there-done-that and tried and tested add-on's. It takes some of the hassle, and more importantly some of the risk out of solo remote area travel. Much appreciated.

I've just paid a deposit on a new Landie after sending seven dealers an enquiry and receiving replies from three.

I lucked it in. The dealer at Massaro Motors in Morwell, VIC replied that they were about to take delivery of a MY15 Keswick Green w. Fuji white roof Station Wagon incl. MT tyres, front mud flaps, rubber mats and tow pack. As it's a MY15 it has dynamic stability control. Exactly what I wanted.

I was very happy with the drive away price so job done. It arrived at the dealer's 24hrs later.

I wanted to say thanks to everyone who gave me constructive advice.

This will be the last 110 I'll ever buy.

Let the fun continue...