Advice on Tow Vehicle Please

**INter674** · 13th August 2009, 01:11 PM

I'm looking for advice on a tow vehicle for a triple horse float max weight 2800kg.

The old Paj can't tow it 'cause that gvm is beyond its legal limit and the engine is sick at 200k and auto weak anyway, so we purchased a supercharged D1 ES, which will tow it easy but the engine (auto) revs its %$*s off on downchange, rocketing to a worrying 6k plus revs

.

Worse still the missus don't feel comfortable with the non-fixable factory, spongy "it won't stop dear"

brake feel and the soporific sweee-swaaaay sea-sickening ride.

She liked the 'size' though, thinking cruisers and pootrols are too just too cumbersome and would make the overall rig far toooo long for her to manage.

So, I'm looking at an chipped 03 TD5 with all the e gadgets on board.

So, how will this tow the float? I've read that TD5s have heaps of grunt for towing and yet, can be economical and reliable too and kind to the Planet, with most of the early 'issues' fixed by 03

.

Is this true...or am I just suckler for more Disco punishment??

Advice please

**tracker** · 13th August 2009, 01:26 PM

I agree the later td5s disco2 were pretty well sorted.

Much better ride and stoppers but would def go the chip. My 00 mod is chipped and tows a 2+ tonne boat ok(even stops) with breakaway brakes on trailer.I would love the manual,mate has one and it tows without the auto looking for gears at 110kph.

**Psimpson7** · 13th August 2009, 01:40 PM

I reckon that would do the job pretty well.

Brakes are pretty good too, although the D1 ones should ok too.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9rVALw5ck"]YouTube - Land Rover Discovery Td5 EBD Brake Test[/ame]

**Newbs-IIA** · 13th August 2009, 01:58 PM

auto or manual? as said above manual is the way to go for trucking town the highway however i believe an auto is better for slow speeds & manovering the trailer around.

As much as everyone else may dislike it

cruiser ute with the turbo 6cyl diesel would be my pick. They have coil springs in the front these days too

**Timj** · 13th August 2009, 02:12 PM

I used to tow a race car on a tandem trailer with my 97 v8 Disco and honestly I did not find it to be the ideal tow vehicle. The wheel base is too short and you tend to get a forwards and backwards pitching. This could possibly be stopped with the right weight distribution hitch. Never felt that it wasn't capable of doing it, just didn't feel comfortable.

I now have a D3 TDV6 and tow a Kimberley Kamper (only 1500kg, but 160kg or so on the ball) and you don't even know it is behind the car. The air suspension takes care of all the weight distribution for you.

An early model D3 I think would be the best. It has won all the tow comparisons run by the magazines as well.

I am sure there are many who would disagree but that is my opinion

.

TimJ.

klappers · 13th August 2009, 03:07 PM

I think you are spot on with a D3!

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 13th August 2009, 04:36 PM

My D1 had a brake pedal like a brick,,,

so if yours is at all spongy----

actually

the D2 brakes are,,,,,
maybe we shouldnt go there---

at that weight an Auto would be better,,

chip it, change the auto fluid, fit an egr temp gauge,,
and just to upset everyone---
buy one with SLS,,,

**mark2** · 13th August 2009, 05:02 PM

If its going to be a regular thing, I'd suggest considering a dual cab Isuzu or similar light truck if you really want to do it safely and easily with minimal stress on mechanical components.

klappers · 13th August 2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by mark2

If its going to be a regular thing, I'd suggest considering a dual cab Isuzu or similar light truck if you really want to do it safely and easily with minimal stress on mechanical components.

but but but but but but....

that aint no disco!

LOL.

My D1 has a brake pedal like a brick also. Never had any trouble stopping... mind you, I never go fast enough

**INter674** · 13th August 2009, 07:41 PM

thanks for the advice. I agree with the light truck BUT the SWMBO will be the daily driver, so that's out for the same reason as the 75 series/troopy TD (my choice) is out too

I also like the later Discos to drive, and would love a D3 but far too much dollars for us to afford given we have 2 horses to feed!

Thanks again, think I try the TD5 auto

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