Towing a 3.2t van - which model D4?

Yeah that's the big question. I will answer it this way, if something were to happen to the D4, and knowing that the long term application is to move us and the van around Aus, I would absolutely be putting the van behind alternatives to assess the overall combination and while you're intent is 3.2t it's very easy to creep over and too many people forget about what's going into the back of the car. On the other hand, if the van had to be replaced, wiser as I now consider myself in the van purchasing quagmire that exists out there, I would be as happy as to keep the D4 and reconsider the tow mass.
Finding another vehicle that is as quite, comfortable, has the off-road capabilities and can give you some towing head room. ............ummmmm..............the list is indeed short.
Peter

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Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

I'm not convinced 50K is the right figure at 3T.
I do 20K. with an extra cooler, at 1.9T. yes I know its a different box,,,
but but but --- lots of buts [bigsmile1]

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Yeah good point. I based my first guess at the oil change on the LR specified severe duty listed in the service schedule, but I will have another think about it. The trans fluid I took out was not burnt, no smell just dirty. I kept a sample and intend to get it analysed, I did have some contacts in that area but unfortunately no longer so I will need to do some hunting, unless someone here has a lead, if so would like to hear.

I tow (but not often) an AOR (Australian Off Road) Matrix. Its GVM is 2.5 tonne. AOR believe weight on the tow ball is safer, and mine can go up to 320 kg (I have a front tool box, two 8 kg gas cylinders, and two jerry can holders). My tug is a late 2013 HSE i.e. the update SD engine.

I get typically from 11 to 16 litres per 100 KMH - well, I've never got 16 but if I push it in climbing conditions it would be close to 16. IMO the rig does it very easily. I think a TD would be just as good actually, except for overtaking, where an 20% of power should make a difference. But the thing is - the drivetrain for the TD is just the same as for the SD - so therefor, perhaps the TD will keep the drivetrain going longer, due to it have less power and torque?

Concerning transmissions, I went to A&B via the Land Rover Club in Melbourne, and they are the fully authorised ZF transmission house for Victoria. A very impressive setup. They praised the 8 speed a lot more than they did the 6 speed. They think the 8 speed is the one to get.

Concerning the reverse camera - try to get one because the Disco camera crops into the tow ball area when you select the single line rear camera guide - and you aim the single line on the screen at your tow tongue. When you get close, the camera crops in, and it gets the distance spot on to the tow tongue. The only issue is that the camera is off centre, so parallax error occurs and you can end up with the tow ball next to the tow tongue. But I often get it spot on and all you then do is raise the vehicle and then start clipping things on. Its a fantastic vehicle to attach with.

The steering on a Disco is very accurate and I found the 200 series very vague. I had a kakadu Prado and still have a bought new 1997 Prado - plus some other Toyota vehicles. The 200 is horrible in town and its vague on the open road. I think steering accuracy is gold when you turn the wheel, and the Disco is like a race car that way, and you can place it very precisely, and that makes driving much less fatiguing and much much after.

The 200's fuel use is much higher too. If you pocket the fuel savings into a bank account, that would pay for anything that needs replacement when the LR vehicle gets old.

Back on the gearbox - I rang A&B and described my usage, and I asked about a gearbox oil change and service - and they said not necessary - come back when you get to 80k they said. Hmmm I might ring them again just to be sure ...