4WD vehicle?

[Tonsko]

We own a grass campsite by the river, 3rd year of running it. Been thinking on and off of have a 'proper' 4WD vehicle to help move vans if it gets really wet, we get flood alerts/warnings and the owner can't come when we need, or we need to move vans in an emergency.

We do have a tractor, which we have used in the past in a pinch, but it doesn't half make a mess of the field if you're not really careful. Plus, the tow-ball attachment is on the rear hydraulics which doesn't *quite* go low enough meaning you have to jack the jockey wheel up on the vans to the top.

So - suggestions for a low cost 4WD vehicle? Perhaps with balloon tyres (if that's what they're called) so that it doesn't cut too deeply if it's really soggy.

I'm thinking along the lines of an old SWB Landie 110 - mainly because I really like them, although I seem to remember that the tyres are pretty narrow on them. Not sure. Also toyed with the idea of a big quad-bike, but not sure it would have the power to move the bigger vans.

Anyway - suggestions?

[rovermorris999]

If it gets very soggy make sure whatever you get has locking diffs.

[jagracer]

Whatever you use will churn up wet grass but just make sure what you get has decent tyres fitted to keep damage to a minimum. If you have a tractor already I'd stick with that and perhaps put wider tyres on it and modify the ball hitch if you can.

[eltax91]

Isuzu Troop 3.1TD. If it's only getting occasional use, then you need something Japanese.

Also, get a tow ball fitted on the front as well as the back, will help you site vans if needed.

[chris182]

One of these:



There is nothing better bar a unimog for pulling stuff across bad terrain. They have 3 diff locks and hi/lo range gears to maximise traction and avoid ground damage, a 4.2td engine for massive pulling power, they can be fitted to 285 section BFGs which give superb traction and they weigh 2.5 tons which is good when attempting to move big stuff.

[kambites]

I'm not sure that anything will do the job significantly better than your tractor if you fit the right tyres

[rovermorris999]

kambites said:

I'm not sure that anything will do the job significantly better than your tractor if you fit the right tyres

If it's a small 2wd tractor without a locking diff then I reckon a heavy 4wd with locking diffs and fat tyres would be better and do less damage to the grass.

[kambites]

rovermorris999 said:

kambites said:

I'm not sure that anything will do the job significantly better than your tractor if you fit the right tyres

If it's a small 2wd tractor without a locking diff then I reckon a heavy 4wd with locking diffs and fat tyres would be better and do less damage to the grass.

Do they really make tractors with open diffs?

[rovermorris999]

Old ones, yes. New ones, I've no idea. But the sort of tractor I've seen on small campsites are often old Dextas or Fergys or similar. They're open diff. I love my old Dexta, I only use it for topping but good fun.

[cat220]

Something like this would do the job...

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/jeep...

[Vladimir]

All the farmers around here (that aren't loaded) use Daihatsu Fourtraks. I really like them.

We had a newer (2007) LR Defender 110 and it was less reliable than a 1960s Lancia. Good when it worked though.

[DocArbathnot]

How about this?

[Tonsko]

The tractor we have is a 4WD John Deere, not too old, but not that new. As for the diff - I'm not sure. There's a switch on the dash to switch it from 2-4WD. What would a diff lock button/lever look like?

It seems the best idea would be to buy some puffier tyres perhaps? Rather than wasting cash on another vehicle, perhaps.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Got stuck on wet grass at a campsite in december in a 3500kg motorhome,campsite guy towed me out no probs with his mk1 nissan terrano/mistral and didnt reck the field.

[cptsideways]

A shonky old 4x4 with some knobblies on should do the trick.

[eltax91]

These are meant to be tough as old boots. Since its for use on site, I presume lack of mot is a nonissue??

http://bit.ly/12B1Qse

[airbrakes]

An old Land Rover Discovery with the 200 or 300tdi engine will cope easily with standing idle for long periods of time, and will only be about 1-2k to buy. you can even run it on 10-205 straight veg oil (no more if its going to be left idle lots). Fit a set of cheap remould knobbly tyres and it will be unstoppable, especially in difflock mode

[GravelBen]

eltax91 said:

These are meant to be tough as old boots. Since its for use on site, I presume lack of mot is a nonissue??

http://bit.ly/12B1Qse

Reputation as the only thing tougher than a Landcruiser. Looks like that one has the factory rear difflock too.

[lexusboy]

Hilux or Landcrusier are your only options

[neutral 3]

Austin Gipsy Series 4, ( 1962-1968) the most underrated / misunderstood 4x 4 by far