car for towing

debsflo

debsflo

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dont want a big 4x 4 as car will be used for work ,community nurse and had one which was really expensive. need family car ,estate or people carrier suitable to tow lightweight trailer and 14.3 pony for pony club/ lessons etc. any advice on which cars would do the job.
 
A Freelander would cope ok with one horse and a lightweight trailer. You do benefit from a heavier tow car when towing horses as they are not a stable load, and you don't want the trailer to end up pushing the car!
 
Im selling my 4wd and hopefully getting a volvo v40. The different engine sized tow different weights, check out the volvo web site it gives you tow weights.

Oh and if you want a ford maverick PM me!!!!!
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Yes I wasn't talking about caravanning! I used to use a 760GLE to tow an Ifor 505, with a 14.2 (400kg) and a 12.1 (286kg) So right on the maximum of 1800kg. No problems whatsoever, bit of an oil burning smell up the local steep hill, but otherwise effortless and it pulls better than the LR90 I use now because we now have 2 14.2's. I shall be borrowing it off my dad next month to go from the forest to Yeovil for PC Area dressage with one pony in the trailer. My 90 really would struggle to cope on the A303 and we will also be much more comfortable in the Volvo on such a long trip. Oh and in 2 years of using it as the tow car at least twice a week, I only needed to be towed out once in conditions similar to those we've had this week (mud mud mud)

Frankly, having towed using my friends Freelander which was pathetic , give me an old Volvo any day! (Sorry to the Freelander clique)

ETA a Volvo V70 weighs in at almost the same as a Freelander TD4 both are around the 1550kg mark
http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/kerbweights.htm
 
I tow my Ifor Williams HB510 with a Volvo S60 (saloon).
The max towing weight (MAM) is 1600kg and I have had my trailer re-plated for 1600kg.
The car averages 45-50 mpg (!!!) and is a 2.4 turbo diesel - so its quite pokey.
It also has the same amount of torque (engine pulling power) as a Toyota Land Cruiser!
It tows really well for my 16.2hh tbx.
I would definately recommend Volvo's for towing - much less fuel costs and they are extremely reliable!
 
It's not just the ability to tow that you need to check, but also the stopping. If you're towing down hill and a child runs out in front of you, you need to make sure that the towing vehicle is capable of stopping the trailer from running it over!
 
A Freelander might physically manage to tow a large Ifor Williams with 2 cobs, but it would be very unsafe and also illegal.
You'll probably get away with your lightweight trailer and little pony being towed with a Freelander, but check the weight carefully. Really, most agree that Freelanders are pathetic tow cars.
 
I've got a diesel Seat Alhambra (like Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan). It managed fine with my old Rice trailer and one chunky Fell pony. I have occasionally towed 2 (one 11.3hh & one 13.3hh) but only on a very short local trip. I've just upgraded to a lorry now as I have a yearling cob that is already over 14hh!
 
Of course - but the ability to stop is included in the calculation to how much you can tow, so like mentioned in my post I dont tow above my MAM of 1600kg thats why I got my trailer re-plated to 1600kg.
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We have a freelander and it has towed a large ivor williams with 2 heavy cobs.

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that is not only illegal and unsafe but voids your insurance and will damage your car.
the max towing weight of a freelander is i think between 1800kg and 2000kg depending on the model. the 510 is i think a ton and cobs weigh more then 500kg so your already overweight before you add hay water and tack
 
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