Big 4x4s for towing big race shuttles

[martman69uk]

I have recently purchased a rather large (1200 kgs) car shuttle, I used a 2002 disco to collect it but I'm currently looking for something newer to drag it along, just after some inspiration really......

[mph1977]

martman69uk said:

I have recently purchased a rather large (1200 kgs) car shuttle, I used a 2002 disco to collect it but I'm currently looking for something newer to drag it along, just after some inspiration really......

what's the all up weight of the trailer when loaded ?

if it;s much above 2500 kg you are very limitied in what you can legally tow it with

Defender / Discovery / Range Rover are all 3500kg on overrun brakes
Nissan Patrol GR 3500kg on overrun brakes

the bigest flavour of Toyota Landcruiser is also up there

American stuff

most of the Jap pickups can only tow 2000 -2700 kg legally and then often only with minimal load ...

[martman69uk]

The weight would be up to 3000-3500kgs. I was thinking American trucks but it needs to be used in the week as a family wagon, and 10mpgs worry me!! I think Landrover may be the way to go but the relaibilty worrys me a bit! I read that the Landcruiser amazon only pulls 3000kgs, seems like the jap stuff can't tow quite as much.

[mat13]

The standard landcruiser can tow either 2700kg or 3000kg depending on age, the amazons can tow 3500kgs. Isuzu troopers are another one that can legally tow 3500kgs as are most of the landrover range.

[UnderTheRadar]

A standard LC is only rated for 2800Kgs. The local Bentley/AM dealership use an LC Amazon to tow their covered trailer.

ETA correction - I've just re-read the manual

Edited by UnderTheRadar on Wednesday 21st December 13:25

[philg]

Mistubishi Shogun can tow 3500kgs now.

[martman69uk]

Thanks gents, may just be extra boring and get a range rover.

[tr7v8]

Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow 3500kg as well.

[Brite spark]

martman69uk said:

I have recently purchased a rather large (1200 kgs) car shuttle.

Daft question, but did you pass your car test pre 1997?

[UnderTheRadar]

Not daft at all - driving outside the conditions of your license is not somewhere I would wish to go - especally if your insurer takes an interest. Mind-numbingly boring stuff but we've all seen the "Help!" threads in SP&L

[Nurburgsingh]

Disco3 - epic towing machine.
Disco4 - even more epic towing machine, just a bit more pricey

[SV8Predator]

martman69uk said:

I have recently purchased a rather large (1200 kgs) car shuttle, I used a 2002 disco to collect it but I'm currently looking for something newer to drag it along, just after some inspiration really......

Why have you posted this in the 'Motoring News' Section?

[majordad]

I tow a Brian James Race Shuttle with my Race 911 inside. Use my 2004 Cayenne S. The Cayenne has a factory fitted tow detachable towbar and I believe when hooked up it alters the ABS and other aids as it knows theres a trailer attached. I get 16.7 MPG towing and have been to the Ring twice with it. Very comfy and fast.

[MotorFan]

I would suggest it depends on whether you need passenger space inside the vehicle, or just the towing capability.

If you dont need so much passenger space and comfort, a Ford F250 pick up truck will tow it very well. If you do need more comfort and space, try a used Ford Expedition. I am sure you can buy those in Britain from a specialist. Theyre excellent for towing large trailers and they never go wrong.

[turbobungle]

2011 Dodge Ram (on LPG!) - Great as a family motor, off roader, work vehicle tow car and track () car!




or a Range Rover Sport TDV8 - this was probably even better as a tow car

and as a track car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emYFasweG8s

[MJK 24]

All the Germans (Q7, X5, Cayenne, Touareg) will tow 3,500kgs.

[DavidY]

Yes they will tow it, but it is above their towing specification, eg X5 2700kgs

[MJK 24]

DavidY said:

Yes they will tow it, but it is above their towing specification, eg X5 2700kgs

Q7, Cayenne and Touareg are all plated to tow 3,500kgs. I thought the X5 was too - I must be wrong, sorry.

[Johnboy Mac]

Have a look at Toyota Landcruiser Amazons 4.2TD. I'd doubt you'll find a better towing wagon.

[turbobungle]

Running on LPG around town I get around 10mpg from the Ram (5.7 litre Hemi V8, 390bhp, 0-60mph 6.5 seconds) or 14-16mpg on a run driving at 80-85mph on motorways. I discovered today that if you put on cruise control at 65mph on the motorway it will achieve 23mpg. When you consider the price of LPG, on a cost basis 10mpg equates to 18mpg, 15mpg = 27mpg and 23mpg = 41mpg!!!! (I pay anywhere from £0.72 to £0.80/litre instead of £1.35/litre for Unleaded). The fact that most other options are diesel, it works out even better. I towed my track car to the 'Ring last year on a 17' trailer with a load of spares, tools and beer in the back and averaged 12mpg (21mpg -ish).

The Crew Cab swallows 5 adults in comfort with limo style legroom in the back, it has everything on it incl. heated seats and steering wheel, cooled seats, climate, parking sensors and camera etc etc. Also has a massive boot! Also, if you're a company buyer, you can get the VAT back if it's been registered correctly as commercial vehicle. Tax is only £205/year too!

Downsides? Left hand drive and 19' long! But within a week or two (and a door mirror), it's just like driving any other motor!