Advice on towing cars

S

suestowford

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 July 2005
Messages
2,196
Location
At home
Visit site
I think I might sell my lorry. I can't afford to drive it often enough to keep it running properly, things keep seizing up, then I have to spend more money on fixing it, and have even less money for diesel. I still have a trailer but would need to get something to tow it with (and also sell my little car :(). I would then only have one vehicle to run.
I'm thinking of a LR Defender, I know they aren't the most comfy of cars especially for everyday use, but they are short, so the turning circle with trailer attached isn't as big as something like a pickup. But are there any other cars out there which are as short in length but can pull a trailer? It's an Ifor 505 and could be carrying two 500kg horses. It's quite hilly where I live.
 
Short wheel base Shoguns are pretty short but I don't think you can beat a Defender for towing. They're not the most comfy, but the newer ones (post 2007 - with the bump on the bonnet) are a lot better than they used to be and actually have heating that works!

One thing to think about is that newer 90s (swb Defender) only have 4 seats due to higher safety standards, so if you need more, you'll have to get an older (pre 2007, with the dip in the bonnet) one which has 6 seats - the 4 in the back face sideways and fold away and they're really uncomfortable. They're the ones with the rubbish heating too.

A 505 with two 500kg horses would be about 2 tons so you could get away with a more car-like 4x4 - something like an X-trail would tow that fine and is relatively short.

This website is very useful to find out towing weights: http://www.towinghorsetrailers.co.uk/towing_vehicles.htm
 
I sold my lorry for pretty much the same reasons. I now drive a £30 a year road tax car and have a SWB Landcruiser 90 (1996) which tows my IW510. The cheap tax on my car means I can spend more on the tax for my LC. The LC is a fabulous towcar, even with 2 big 17hh-plus horses in the trailer you just don't know you're pulling anything. You also don't have the reliability issues that you get with anything that has Land Rover on the bonnet. The LC is a bit bouncy with nothing on the back but I don't drive it much unless I'm towing or lugging lots of feed etc.
 
I've got a SWB Shogun (1997) and it's pure luxury compared to a brand new Defender. The Defender is noisy, no toys, mats that slide about when you get in and the seats are unsupportive. I know which one I prefer and my Shogun has towed an IW511 with two 600kg horses effortlessly. If you get a Shogun or Pajero, you can then keep your little car as Shoggies and Pajs aren't expensive.
 
I have an old defender to pull my IW 505 trailer with a 14.2 cob and 15.2 in it. Used to pull just the pony with my VW Tiguan but had to upgrade when I got my horse as I wasn't comfortable towing with them both in,Tiguan is meant to pull 2500kgs and defender 3500. Love the defender for roughty toughty stuff, but going for more than an hour in it is very uncomfortable. Kids love the back seats until they have had to sit on them for a while! Fuel consumption in the defender is horrendous!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top