Discussion
Discovery 3 and now a 4. Both are brilliant (we've towed up to 3-3.2T with ours fine). 3.0 SDV6 in the D4 is better than the 2.7 in the D3 but both deal with it admirably and are HUGE inside.
I used to use a 110 Double Cab or a Utility both or which were great and very capable but really need chipping for decent low distance towing (if you are chipping a Td5 don't forget to cut the exhaust manifold webbings at the same time otherwise it will warp if towing lots).
That said we've towed the race shuttle fine with a Merc C200d Estate, the D4 and Defender just give you better load space.
We also cheat with a 7.5T when Dad and I are both out at the same meetings or something like the Walter Hayes where you have a lot of kit like flat floors.
I used to use a 110 Double Cab or a Utility both or which were great and very capable but really need chipping for decent low distance towing (if you are chipping a Td5 don't forget to cut the exhaust manifold webbings at the same time otherwise it will warp if towing lots).
That said we've towed the race shuttle fine with a Merc C200d Estate, the D4 and Defender just give you better load space.
We also cheat with a 7.5T when Dad and I are both out at the same meetings or something like the Walter Hayes where you have a lot of kit like flat floors.
X5 4.8iS and a Brian James A4 trailer to tow a 1180kg Porsche 944T race car. Honestly, the 4.8 V8 makes so much torque we don't know we are towing half the time - we sit happily at 70 and 80 in France and Belgium on the way to Spa. Air suspension on all four corners, so comfort and handling are always spot on. Have a tyre rack/jerry can cabinet, so the only stuff that goes in the car is clean tools and our race gear. Fuel consumption is not so good, but who cares... A late 2006 X5 3.0d would make a fabulous tow car if you cannot stomach 17mpg of V-Power....
Dan BSCS said:
I use an A6 Allroad. It tows fantastically and is very comfortable on long journeys. You can fit loads of stuff in it and easily sleep in the back with the seats down should you require it.
It tows the race shuttle with a LOT of stuff in no problem at all.
2.5 V6 diesel. Being on air suspension means it's not riding around on the bump stops as soon as you put some weight in it or hitch up the trailer so comfort is not compromised.
I had one of them. Lovely car, wafted gracefully along the motorway, but monumentally unreliable. Fuel pump (££££££), air pump (£££), air distribution mainfold thing (£££), suspension air bags (££) and on at least some of the versions of the 2.5 V6 diesel camshaft wear is a real problem - I would have needed to replace them had I not had a catastrophic engine failure due to the serpentine belt coming off (caused by bearing failure on a pulley), wrapping itself around the cam belt and making that jump some teeth.It tows the race shuttle with a LOT of stuff in no problem at all.
2.5 V6 diesel. Being on air suspension means it's not riding around on the bump stops as soon as you put some weight in it or hitch up the trailer so comfort is not compromised.
I now have an ex British Gas AWD Transit. Slower, noisier, inconvenient for car parks and tip runs, but on the upside I haven't had big repair bills every three to four months like I did in five years of Audi ownership.
My previous tow vehicles include volvo v70 D5, Mondeo Estate and BMW e39 530D touring. I'm now using a transit custom, max towing weight is 2900KG iirc, it tows well and you can take whatever you want with you in terms of tools/spares/marquee etc. Thoroughly recommended, the 530d was the best out of the cars though - a burst suspension air bag when towing with that wasn't fun though.
Dunc.
Dunc.
I'm lucky to have a variety of tow vehicles and tow a BJ A-Max and a BJ Race Transporter 4 - Initially I bought a '96 SWB Shogun V6 which is bombproof and am another to have an 05 allroad 2.5 tdi - both of which tow brilliantly.
A few seasons ago though I wanted to stay over for two day events for the paddock evenings and bought a VW California - basically a T5 transporter with accommodation - I got the 180bhp 4-motion with DSG box and it tows the transporter really well - but is on the limit weight wise.
Both the Shogun and allroad can be had for small(ish) money and serve really well as tow barges.
A few seasons ago though I wanted to stay over for two day events for the paddock evenings and bought a VW California - basically a T5 transporter with accommodation - I got the 180bhp 4-motion with DSG box and it tows the transporter really well - but is on the limit weight wise.
Both the Shogun and allroad can be had for small(ish) money and serve really well as tow barges.
I have been hunting for a decent tow car and mostly would never consider a German suv (can't stand Q7/X5 type stuff) for the job but an ML320 has all the things I'm after 4x4, 3.5ton tow limit, comfortable and actually quite luxurious and with all the toys for less than a Disco of similar year.
Is the sound system any good? I like my Bose stuff and it has become more of a necessity to hear good noise.
Is the sound system any good? I like my Bose stuff and it has become more of a necessity to hear good noise.
Check out www.practicalcaravan.com
You may laugh, but they do reviews of all types of cars based on their towing capability and general use.
They even do a “Tow Car Awards”
You may laugh, but they do reviews of all types of cars based on their towing capability and general use.
They even do a “Tow Car Awards”
Thread update: I had been intending to change current small Hatch for a tow car next spring, but impending doom means we’ve just bought (I say we, I’m paying back the Mrs) a 2014 freelander HSE, picking it up next Saturday. Blimey, they depreciate! 38k list, 3.2 years in I’ve got it for 18k with low mileage, approved used, 2 year warranty.
In theory I get a 3K lump sum in December, so that’s trailer money (after tax), borrowing one till then.
Thank you to all for the advice!
In theory I get a 3K lump sum in December, so that’s trailer money (after tax), borrowing one till then.
Thank you to all for the advice!
mat205125 said:
drmotorsport said:
I currently have a hankering for a VW Transporter so i can sleep in the paddock but their so expensive i may have to try a 4x4 pick up first.
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