Towing larg(er) caravans

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Originally Posted by Mr smokey

I need some convincing as to why I should go the D4. The GVM upgrade is going to cost me a few $$$ I suspect as it just won't cut the mustard to carry the basic load. Then there is the WDH and....
Any constructive thoughts would be appreciated.

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I would say if you need a forum to to help you make a choice then you are in a world of hurt. Of course you are going to get the buy a D4 form this forum just as much as the buy a LC200 from LCOOL.

Both have good and bad points. One huge plus with the D4 is no need for a WDH some would say this is a negative but I can assure its not. On the downside from the factory the D4 doesn't have enough fuel capacity to tow a big van any distance. The tow hitch setup is average but servicable. All these things can be fixed. With the LC200 it has decent fuel capacity but you need a WDH and with big vans a GVM upgrade because of its limitations. One thing you cant fix is it drives like a barge.

Appreciate the comments. Don't particularly like the look of the LC but it has a tad more space in the rear once the seats are removed. It's more in the area of the capabilities of the suspension to cope with the particular van instead of having to HAVE do an immediate upgrade. I am aware that a WDH is not required & use of same will negate warranty etc. Fuel use (apart from range) is not a major issue - you drive it, you fill it up although of course less use is more better.

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Originally Posted by Mr smokey

I am aware that a WDH is not required & use of same will negate warranty

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I question this as the owners manual only states that the use of a WDH is not recommended.

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Originally Posted by Graeme

I question this as the owners manual only states that the use of a WDH is not recommended.

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Graeme, I think that may open a can of worms. It seems on most forums I visit while researching for info, the one issue that provides the most debate (apart from my 4wd is better than your 4wd) is the issue of WDH's. Consensus seems to be that with LR they cause more problems, are not necessary and void warranties ? BUT, I am by NO means an expert and I am sure there will be some "healthy debate" on the matter from others ;)

I tow a 23ft van tare 2255 ATM 2655 & it tows beautifully. I have a MY11 SE SDV6 3.0 ltr & get between 15 & 16 l/100 when towing at the posted speed limit. There is a picture of my car and van on the last page of show us your Disco/Sport. I also like being able to just raise it to off road hight when the drawbar is too low to get the jockey wheel on. In the end it's a matter of what features of whatever car suit you the best, for me it was the D4.

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Originally Posted by Mr smokey

Appreciate the comments. Don't particularly like the look of the LC but it has a tad more space in the rear once the seats are removed. It's more in the area of the capabilities of the suspension to cope with the particular van instead of having to HAVE do an immediate upgrade. I am aware that a WDH is not required & use of same will negate warranty etc. Fuel use (apart from range) is not a major issue - you drive it, you fill it up although of course less use is more better.

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I would question this also, I'm pretty sure the D4 has more load space in the rear cargo area and even more once the rear 3rd row seats are out.

We were in your position also, did a lot of research of the differences, as it happened we got a good deal that we couldn't pass up and the D4 was chosen, the car is amazing.

Personally I don't you would regret buying either car, as has been said they both have there good and bad points.

Baz.

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Originally Posted by Mr smokey

Graeme, I think that may open a can of worms. It seems on most forums I visit while researching for info, the one issue that provides the most debate (apart from my 4wd is better than your 4wd) is the issue of WDH's. Consensus seems to be that with LR they cause more problems, are not necessary and void warranties ? BUT, I am by NO means an expert and I am sure there will be some "healthy debate" on the matter from others ;)

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The WDH thing is only a can of worms for people who cant accept that advancements in design can do away with the limitations imposed by a WDH. I have 10's of thousands of KLM's travelled with a large heavy van with no issues at all.

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Originally Posted by mowog

The WDH thing is only a can of worms for people who cant accept that advancements in design can do away with the limitations imposed by a WDH. I have 10's of thousands of KLM's travelled with a large heavy van with no issues at all.

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Gday...

Ditto to above - I have 2006 D3 TDV6 SE Auto - bought with 72,000km on clock, now has 152,000km. I travel full-time towing a 23ft tandem van @ 2,600kg over scales.

Of the 80,000km the D3 has done the van has done at least 70,000km behind the D3. I do not use a WDH, but did use one when I had a 100 Series Cruiser.

The D3 completely outshines the 100 Series I had previously in every aspect. I tow at 1,900rpm/2,100rpm in D and let the autobox sort out which gear it needs. It chooses 5th gear 95% of the time which equates to 85-90kph. On hills I just maintain between 2,100-2,700rpm and let the box decide again.

I maintain a spreadsheet (actual litres/actual Km) and have averaged 14.2ltr/100km for the 80,000km - best without van 8.1ltr (cruising @ 110kph - mainly 6th gear) and worst with van 16.9ltr/100km (pushing into easterly from Normanton to Mount Surprise). With van is usually between 13.5-15.1ltrr/100km depending on conditions.

For driving and towing the D3 excels over all others - and 200 Series (cumbersome and bulky) is nowhere near as good as a Disco off-road.

It is always personal choice as with any purchase - but the myth that "everyone knows the Toyota" and "they have the biggest dealer network" are just that myths. A problem with a 200 Series, outside normal servicing, will be as difficult (or more so) to get parts and knowledgeable technical assistance as the Discovery. I have met many waiting for parts for upto two weeks away from major cities. Example - Rockhampton, 200 Series needed a replacement waterpump, had to wait for shipping from Sydney. None in Rocky, none in Brisvegas.

My liddle Landy has yet to stop on on the road. Very reliable unit (hope that bloke Murphy ain't readin ' this :( )

I rest my case. ;)

Cheers - John

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Originally Posted by mowog

I would say if you need a forum to to help you make a choice then you are in a world of hurt. Of course you are going to get the buy a D4 form this forum just as much as the buy a LC200 from LCOOL.

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G'day Mowog, I have followed your posts elsewhere with interest especially the suspension upgrade on your van. I am certainly not anticipating making a decision wholly based on forum advice and the final choice will more than likely come down to a) bum on seat feel and b) approval from the Chancellor of the Exchequer :)

Whilst I anticipated a tendency towards bias on both forums, there has been a swag of new info for me to digest on both forums (where I asked a similar question) not knowing much about either marque and how they would suit my purposes.

Seriously why not just go drive both of them? That will be the biggest test either vehicle has to pass.

Both are great tugs, both have heaps of power, both (now)have similar reliability, both cost round the same. However they are two very different vehicles to drive, so chances are you will like either one or the other.