Towing 3.5 tonne

[laura.davies]

Hi everyone,
My manual 2010 disco 4 was stolen about a month ago.
I need a vehicle to tow 3.5 tonne horsebox, and I'd like it to feel comfortable, not straining.
It'll also be my main car, so would like a few home comforts.
Considering Ford Ranger (3.2 wildrak), and L200 barbarian.
Or, going back to another disco (or range rover) and taking the hit on the garage bills!
Any experience towing heavy trailers?
Advice much appreciated! thank you

[rfn]

I didn't realise those pickups could tow 3500kg?

I use a 2003 ML270CDI to tow a 1200kg box trailer with up to 2000kg in and it thrives on it - perhaps a newer ML or similar?

[warch]

Isuzu D Max is the default choice for heavy towing where I live.

[trevt]

Went through the same debate about 6 months ago and had a look at a lot of cars and what they could tow. I have two horses and a box which combined are about 2.2 tonne.

Had been using P38 range rover and was spoilt - it tows so easy. Towed caravan and taken one horse out in my wifes daily (aka reliable) car and it felt all over the place comparatively although has 2t limit (so was well within limit).

When i looked there aren't many capable of towing 3 t or more, most of the pick ups are rated 2 - 2.5t. But check individual specs as same model different specs and can legally tow more.Parkers is easy reference for specs by individual model.

I narrowed it down to Defender, rangey, Discovery, Isuzu Trooper, Grand Cherokee or Mercerdes ML. As i wanted more than 4 cylinders and petrol ended up with 4.0l Grand Cherokee. She's a bit wafty at above motorway speeds but more stable and pulls nicely with full load - nearly as good as the rangey was. I stick to speed limits when towing a loaded box and it pulls no problem - even on rough twisty & hilly roads.

Being honest I was more decided by budget - sub £1500 - as it's only used for horse box or tip runs so condition was more important

[IJDW]

Personally found the 3.2 Wildtrak (facelift if that makes a difference) to be great for towing. Can certainly tow 3500kg. Engine is quite agricultural, although powerful enough. Rear camera over the hitch makes lining up easy.

[paua]

Diesel VX Landcruiser

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say take a look at the Grand Cherokee they're very good reliable cars, but the 3.2 Wildtrak is another good option.

[mercedeslimos]

Are you on about towing 3500kg plus vehicle or 3500kg GTW (so say 2200kg Discovery plus 1300kg trailer)?

Licensing is the big one here.

[Big GT]

VW touareg 3.0tdi is excellent especially the MK1

Alternatively any disco 4

[Vanordinaire]

Watch out if looking at pickups, the bigger towing ones are subject to van speed limits rather than car limits.
I've got a short wheel base Shogun, physically capable of towing 4 or 5 tonnes easily, but only legally allowed to tow 2.9 on the road. I think the LWB is allowed to tow 3.5.

[300bhp/ton]

mercedeslimos said:

Are you on about towing 3500kg plus vehicle or 3500kg GTW (so say 2200kg Discovery plus 1300kg trailer)?

Licensing is the big one here.

If they have already been doing this, it probably isn’t.