Thread: Towing a 3.2t van - which model D4?

Originally Posted by Kdarvell

I have decided to buy a D4 but need to get some advice FROM THOSE WHO ARE ACTUALLY DOING IT on -

1. Towing a 3.2t van
2. Model best suited ($50k budget)
3. Suitability of a 3.5t McHitch on the D4
4. Any need to upgrade suspension
5. Actual fuel consumption results
6. Transmission cooler upgrade?

Appreciate any feedback.......

2. Model best suited ($50k budget)
The SDV6 or TDv6 (I think the terminology changed depending on engine model in 2011- 2012

• SDV6 180Kw 600NM - get it, it pulls better - period. I have it and do tow 3.0-3.5t depending on horses loaded - or bit farm gear on trailer etc.
• TDv6 155kw 520NM - this pulls fine - will do it not worries
• at 50k - the second hand market is your oyster - look for good service docs.

3. Suitability of a 3.5t McHitch on the D4

• Its best - get it - although I removed and use the factory one just fine (NOTE there have been issues with factory hitch) - factory moves a bit more than i like in hte receiver...just get Mitch hitch.

4. Any need to upgrade suspension

• Nope - be prepared to change at some point (whole assembly) - 6.k k dealer - 2.5k if you import factory ones and get fitted - look for it at 150,000kms - 200,000kms. Towing lots = will will know when (we are doing our soon - at 220,000kms) its needs it. but still ok - I am advised it weill feel like new car

5. Actual fuel consumption results

• 3t+ I get around 15.5l/100kms - can get better and have had worse.....much (hills etc) - wind drag will kill fuel consumption i.e. a boat seem much more draggy than the horse float. No matter how you cut it - I have found better than all other offerings including the LandBruisers (try 18-21+ on similar loads. My Ford ranger 2016 does pretty well with similar - but does not pull as well...no where near it.

6. Transmission cooler upgrade?

• never had a problem - expect that the experienced on this forum will advise. NOTE- DO THE TRANSMISSION PAN CHANGE AND FLUSH - There is not holding off- just do it. at $800 to 1.2k (for dealer 1.2k) its the magic fountain of youth for the Gearbox. change oil every 40,000km if towing lots (may be earlier, but 40thou kms to be on budget - THE oil is pricey. .

Good luck

I can't comply with the 'Actually doing it' part, but i did do a lot of research on the topic, so:

• The D4 is supremely suited to towing a big van. One of only very few cars on the market capable of the full 3.5t tow capacity without sacrificing payload.
• SDV6 is weapon of choice for heavy towing, though the TDV6 will also be more than capable
• Models (SE, HSE etc) is personal preference. The more letters, the more gadgets and more $$$, but suspension, towing capability etc is standard across all D4s
• McHitch works very well - many do it. I haven't had any dramas with the standard hitch. At 3.2t I assume you aren't doing any extreme offroading where departure angles will be tested?
• No need to upgrade suspension, though there are reports of improved ride by replacing worn components (airbags, control arms etc) any time after 100k
• I'll leave the fuel consumption figure for others, however it varies wildly with the running surface - are you sticking to the bitumen or venturing onto sand, rocks, gravel, mud, etc?
• I haven't heard or read anything about transmission coolers - these gearboxes are near bulletproof. If the vehicle has done over about 80k it is advised to service the transmission.

Welcome to the forum, and if you haven't already, read the FAQ pinned at the top of the D3/D4 section - lots of answers in there!

1. Towing a 3.2t van
Yes, towed 3t van for 2 weeks recently

2. Model best suited ($50k budget)
We use a recent SDV6 (180kW, 600nM) and found that towed well. I can't comment on suitability of TDV6 models.

3. Suitability of a 3.5t McHitch on the D4
Can't comment. We used standard hitch mechanism with 50mm ball.

4. Any need to upgrade suspension
Worked fine with standard suspension for us. No WDH

5. Actual fuel consumption results
For 2 weeks around SE Qld in Feb, towing a Cell Peninsula and mostly sticking to withing 10kmh of speed limit, we saw 14 to 15 litres/100

6. Transmission cooler upgrade?
Not needed. Towing van in Qld in summer, I monitored trans temp with an IID tool, and it didn't get above 95

Originally Posted by gotaflat

2. Model best suited ($50k budget)
The SDV6 or TDv6 (I think the terminology changed depending on engine model in 2011- 2012

• SDV6 180Kw 600NM - get it, it pulls better - period. I have it and do tow 3.0-3.5t depending on horses loaded - or bit farm gear on trailer etc.
• TDv6 155kw 520NM - this pulls fine - will do it not worries
• at 50k - the second hand market is your oyster - look for good service docs.

3. Suitability of a 3.5t McHitch on the D4

• Its best - get it - although I removed and use the factory one just fine (NOTE there have been issues with factory hitch) - factory moves a bit more than i like in hte receiver...just get Mitch hitch.

4. Any need to upgrade suspension

• Nope - be prepared to change at some point (whole assembly) - 6.k k dealer - 2.5k if you import factory ones and get fitted - look for it at 150,000kms - 200,000kms. Towing lots = will will know when (we are doing our soon - at 220,000kms) its needs it. but still ok - I am advised it weill feel like new car

5. Actual fuel consumption results

• 3t+ I get around 15.5l/100kms - can get better and have had worse.....much (hills etc) - wind drag will kill fuel consumption i.e. a boat seem much more draggy than the horse float. No matter how you cut it - I have found better than all other offerings including the LandBruisers (try 18-21+ on similar loads. My Ford ranger 2016 does pretty well with similar - but does not pull as well...no where near it.

6. Transmission cooler upgrade?

• never had a problem - expect that the experienced on this forum will advise. NOTE- DO THE TRANSMISSION PAN CHANGE AND FLUSH - There is not holding off- just do it. at $800 to 1.2k (for dealer 1.2k) its the magic fountain of youth for the Gearbox. change oil every 40,000km if towing lots (may be earlier, but 40thou kms to be on budget - THE oil is pricey. .

Good luck

Thx for the detailed response, appreciated.
just one query.......I was referring to the "McHitch" yet you finished with "just get Mitch Hitch", aren't they 2 different hitches?

The Mitch Hitch is a replacement for the standard Land Rover hitch, which doesn't hang down low like the standard one. I have used a McHitch with my Mitch Hitch without any problems. However, be aware that a McHitch puts the centre of the draw bar weight at the centre of the hitch universal joint, which places it further back than the normal tow ball position. This is a bad thing and I wouldn't get another McHitch once I realised that this is how they work.

Thanks for this topic as it saves me posting the same question. I will be looking to upgrade from my D3 4.0 Petrol to a D4 in the next 12 months.

7. Would you add 8 speed transmission to the "have" list as well?

Ashes the 8spd is the pick however there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 6 spd. Both are fantastic transmissions.

Jc

Originally Posted by Ashes

Thanks for this topic as it saves me posting the same question. I will be looking to upgrade from my D3 4.0 Petrol to a D4 in the next 12 months.

7. Would you add 8 speed transmission to the "have" list as well?

Ashes - the only thing between me and 8 speed is availability.