Thread: Series 111 Towing Capacity

Hi Steve,

My 1977 Ex-Army SIII 109 has a tow rating of 2000 kg on a stamped plate on the firewall. It was a 2.6L six cylinder (now Holden 3.3L), with the 3x11" front brakes, etc.

You don't say if your prospective vehicle is an 88" or 109" wheelbase model. Not sure about an 88 but I'm sure any LWB model would tow your boat without drama (but not very fast, if it's a 2.25 4 cyl). A problem could be a suitable towbar, if one is not fitted already. Any towbar manufactured after 1988 has to be ADR compliant and it will cost you a lot to get a compliant bar custom made (or so I was quoted a couple of years ago, when I wanted a class 4 hitch receiver for towing a caravan). If you get hold of a pre-1988 towbar you can legally fit it as far as I know. A pre-'88 hitch receiver from another vehicle could be a good starting point too, if you want a strong bar - MQ Nissan hitch receivers looked like a good starting point if my memory serves me.

Would have to be a six cylinder to pull a trailer easily..... the GM transplants haul like coal trains... the LR gearing seems about right if you're into hauling heavy loads up to 80k/hr. A braked trailer certianly takes the strain off the Landy brakes, these days the electric brake controllers aren't that expensive and easy to fit so are worth doing.

Brother-in-laws series 2 four cyl.... yer forever in and out of low range... used to give me the irrits. It was in it I learned that the transfer it can be treated like a splitter box if you double clutch it. Still.... it struggles on hills with a laden trailer of firewood and backing up inclines was impossible even in 4wd low range, drive train was willing, engine just couldn't supply the oomph.

Go the GM !

correct me if im wrong but the series vehicles (except stage 1 v8 sIII) are selectable 4x4 which means when you put it in low range you are locking up the gearbox/transfercase. this is fine it just taking off up hill in a straight line, but i would not recomend to much on the tarmac.
serg

Hi Steve
The Ser 3 should pull the boat OK,but in reality you need to think about the following.
The Series brakes tend to be a tad ordinary,you need good trailer brakes or you could end up in a bit of bother.
The Series would be good over a shorter distance,but if you have to tow over a long distance,could be a tad tiring.
I dont think the Series manual gearbox is up to serious towing especially behind a holden 6.
Probobly a better tow rig would be an early Range rover.More power,disc brakes,coil springs, constant 4WD and around the same price.
PS,Im a Series 3 owner/driver.
Andrew

G'day SteveR,
The Series 111 was originally rated at 2ton (2000kgs metric)
when new in 72, with the correct drop plate and tow ball, since ADR's that has changed, ANY serious towing with a Series Landrover would require the optional Brake Vac- Booster, Standard on Station wagons and 6 cylinder vehicles The 6 cylinder 3's had 3 inch (75mm) wide Front drum Brakes (boosted) the 4 cylinder had 21/2 inch (50mm) wide Front Drums unboosted,
Both Vehicles have 11 inch Dia drums, and 1"inch Dia Master/cylinder.

The SWB (88") only has 10" inch Dia Drums unboosted, that are 13/4"inch wide single leading shoe with a 3/4" inch Master/Cylinder and unsuitable for towing anything but light loads in this Country

If you will be towing your boat on regular basis. I would go with LandyAndy on an Early 2door Range-Rover on Gas if possible as that will give you fair economy, Coil Sprung,Disc Brakes, 3.5 carby V8 without a lot of Anti-Pollution gear 8)
cheers
Rocket [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]