Defender 130 TD5 Towing caravan

[QUOTE=Pedro130;2874251]Good evening guys,

Thinking this topic would have been covered at some point I've been searching for appropriate threads. However when I search I can only get the first page of the results,
perhaps someone could enlighten me on what to do, Thanks.

I wanted to ask, does the 130 Td5 make a good tug? When I bought this vehicle it wasn't my intention to use it to tow the van, but now I'm considering it for extended touring.
I know there have been plenty of defenders used to tow vans & trailers with, but I wonder what it's like to do so. [bighmmm]

I have an off road pop up van, about 1650 kg GTM & I'm wondering, is the TD5 up to the task?

Also I've been told that you shouldn't really tow in 5th gear, that being the case, wouldn't highway speed be somewhat limited?

What about the rest of the drive train, Transfer case, clutch etc?

Any suggestions on suitable upgrades to the gearbox or clutch. What about reliable power upgrades to the engine.

I would appreciate any thoughts & suggestions.

Cheers, Pedro130.[bigsmile1][/QUOI have a TD5 Defender 110 and tow a 2.3 ton off road van and it handles it well, I only tow in 4th gear as I have a Roverdrive unit fitted so the gearing is very similar to 5th gear on the R380 gearbox but is a safer way to avoid loading up the gearbox. I have been towing this way for many years now with no issues with the engine or gearbox.

I tow a 2.3 ton off-road van with my Defender 110 TD5 and with a Roverdrive unit fitted towing in 4th gear only it does it with ease.

I missed most of this the first time around! At least I can't remember it anyway...

A TD5 defender can make much the same power as the disco, the issue will be cooling.. Both coolant temp and EGT, probably going to be a bit more doughy through mid though.

Upgraded turbo would be first followed by intercooler

Don't tow in fifth!

As regards Anti stall.

No they don't have it, there are a couple tricks in mapping that can be done to try and simulate it, but after numerous attempts back here I never reached a satisfactory mod, as in it sort of works.. Which means I'd be embarrassed to put my name on it!

I know some have been marketing it but I didn't find it particularly useful... But YMMV

Cheers
James

Here is a link to my TD5 passing a road train in the Pilbara. it was towing a Goldstream full size camper trailer, vehicle was near GVM but it is chipped with variable turbo.

Road train passing in the Pilbara - YouTube

Well we have done a fair bit of travel with 2600kg c/van and also 1600kg camper both actually tow great behind the old girl [380000 kms],but definitely never overtaken a road train!
Rarely use 5th and often take off in low range with van.In sept spent 5weeks going perth to Alice via great central road towing the camper, very strong winds, as I recently fitted boost gauge and engine guard was very interesting to watch them , can learn a lot about nursing a 300tdi.

We’ve recently got back from a 13000km trip towing a Topaz with our Puma. The puma has been remapped but having owned a TD5 I’m sure that you will find that it will tow very well. We have found that the defender is very stable and has good low down torque for towing. We towed in 6th gear on the long flat stretches and would change down if the car started to labour at all. Averaged 14.5 l/100ks and usually cruised on 100km/hr at 2000 revs. Rough corrugated roads eg the Gibb we travelled at around 50 to 70km/hr and the fuel economy improved to around 12.5l/100km. The car didn’t miss a beat for the whole trip and the recent service showed that there are no issues. Provided your TD5 is in good condition and well maintained it should be a great towing vehicle and I would definitely use 5th gear as you will find that in 5th there is some good low down torque and it keeps the revs down but make sure you change down if the car is labouring (no different than using any other gear really).
if you a really unsure then just take it for away for the weekend and see what you think.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

on the upside[bighmmm] being a 130 it should have GREAT stability,,
keep the hitch as close as physically possible to the back axle,, ( Caravan towing Rule No 1)
the lack of ABS may be a concern,, but lots of people towed before ABS was around and didnt automatically die [bigrolf]

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Yes keeping the hitch as close as possible on a sedan or wagon makes sense but in a 130 (with up-rated rear coils) the danger is putting a nice crease in the front of your van/camper with the over-hanging tray when reversing. I've seen it done with a Hilux ute and a vintage Viscount van. Ouch!
Cheers, Rob S

Disco 1 300tDi
Defender 300 tDi
'53 Series 1 80"