Thread: Disco 1 days are numbered - which dual cab ute?

Interesting that using a dual cab to tow anything heavier than about 2500kg is considered a bad idea by various motoring experts including Robert Pepper, John Cadogan and ASPW, even if they are rated to up to 3500kg.
They seem happier about using wagons such as the Land cruiser, Patrol, Discovery, Defender etc to tow closer to 3500kg, I assume because a wagon has more of the weight ahead of the rear wheels than a ute does.
So if you're planning to tow anything over about 2500kg a wagon seems the way to go.
A Defender 130 would be an exception to that, as they are excellent for towing heavy trailers.

Only towing little camper from time to time.
Its about 700kg think.
Agree towing anything of any size especially off road seems a very bad idea.

Yep, my Hilux is rated to tow 3500kg and I have done this - we have some trailer mounted gensets that top out at this - but only short distances (From drop off the back of a tilt tray and moving them into position) and it is horrible, even at slow speeds. It can tow 2000kg with ease which is where I’d call it’s safe and sensible limit - 2500 tops for any distance IMO.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Interesting that using a dual cab to tow anything heavier than about 2500kg is considered a bad idea by various motoring experts including Robert Pepper, John Cadogan and ASPW, even if they are rated to up to 3500kg.
They seem happier about using wagons such as the Land cruiser, Patrol, Discovery, Defender etc to tow closer to 3500kg, I assume because a wagon has more of the weight ahead of the rear wheels than a ute does.
So if you're planning to tow anything over about 2500kg a wagon seems the way to go.
A Defender 130 would be an exception to that, as they are excellent for towing heavy trailers.

It also has a lot to do with the weight of the towing vehicle,the Golden rule is try not to tow anything heavier than the tow vehicle.

My D4 was the best towing vehicle i have ever owned,towed the big weights so well and effortlessly,it was rediculous.

One of the big problem with most of those utes, is that although they are rated to tow 3,500kg, they legally can only do so if the vehicle carries the driver and perhaps a cup of coffee as payload.

Just watched the 2020 4WD Action comparison of 8 utes on YouTube.
It seemed quite a reasonable comparison, although everyone has their own opinion of course, depending on their needs.
They scored the Triton first, followed by the Hilux.
You might find it helpful.

Originally Posted by Homestar

Yep, my Hilux is rated to tow 3500kg and I have done this - we have some trailer mounted gensets that top out at this - but only short distances (From drop off the back of a tilt tray and moving them into position) and it is horrible, even at slow speeds. It can tow 2000kg with ease which is where I’d call it’s safe and sensible limit - 2500 tops for any distance IMO.

I traded my hilux twincab in for the V8 79 series that I have now for the very same reason.
I hooked up the 20ft expanda to the hilux and it was downright scary , I do miss that little hilux though it was a great little ute.

Originally Posted by rar110

The previous BT50 was a Ford Ranger or visa versa. The new BT50 is a Dmax with a nicer interior.........

VM Motori diesel engines were fitted to the Range Rovers in the 1980's, not sure if any made it out here though, might've been a UK or Euro only option.