car / towing whizzes - which tow vehicle???

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wizbit

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As much as i would love a lorry i have had to put my sensible head on and opt for a trailer instead (sulk :( ) lol.
Im looking at getting the new equitrek trail trekka which is similar weight to the new ifors but still side loading like normal equitreks :D
Which tow car would be best for the job??
I drive approx 25 miles a day for work & yard trip so really dont want anything gas guzzling! also i am only young(ish) :D so also want to try to retain some street cred, so dont want some ancient tank. I only have a small budget (probably around 5k max) and currently drive a much loved nippy polo so know this is gonna be a massive change fuel wise! :(
Ive had a look on autotrader and would LOVE a swb shogun but my budget probably wont stretch, the only thing that seems feasible are the nissan terranos, what are these like? alternatively i saw in Which magazine a few months ago that the VW Golf TDi is good for towing (but think this was probably referring to caravans, although the pic did show it with an ifor 506).
I will only be towing my nag which is 16hh warmblood and occassionally a friends if we want to go to the beach :D
Thanks so much for reading this boring drivvel!! :)
 
I won't tell you what to buy, but I will tell you how to choose.

First establish the weight of your trailer (with horse) and then make sure that the vehicle you are after has the capacity to tow it (Gross Train Weight).

GTW is the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer, both loaded.

You also need to work out the nose weight of the trailer (the weight it imposes down onto the towbar) and check that you have enough capacity on the car to handle it.

All this info (GTW and nose weight) will be in the car's handbook and availalbe from the trailer maker.

The car needs good mirrors, and make sure the towbar electrics are wired properly.

You also need to check that the rear suspension and clutch are up to the mark: both are under extra strain when towing. A vehicle with a dodgy clutch or saggy suspension will just mean more bills.

Lastly, have you got the right driving licence? A standard car licence is no longer enough for heavy trailers: there are plenty of driving schools who will put you through your trailer test.
 
Thanks for your reply Pampera! :)
I have got my HGV license but am in the process of taking my towing lessons.
I will pass all this info onto my dad, i really dont know much about metal!
 
I am in a similar position to yourself, young(ish), do about 15 miles a day so don't want really big engine, have around 5k from my current car (clio). I really like the Shogun SWB but in the new style the engine size is 3.2 which is just excessive when it comes to tax and insurance and fuel, the older models are a 2.5 diesel which would be fine, but I want something newer and fairly good looking (fickle I know). I have decided Kia Sorento is the best bet, 2.5 diesel engine and can tow around 3 tonne, also looks good - have seen them from upwards of 5k, so should get something in your budget.

Will watch this with interest, as am open to other suggestions!
 
hatters said:
I am in a similar position to yourself, young(ish), do about 15 miles a day so don't want really big engine, have around 5k from my current car (clio). I really like the Shogun SWB but in the new style the engine size is 3.2 which is just excessive when it comes to tax and insurance and fuel, the older models are a 2.5 diesel which would be fine, but I want something newer and fairly good looking (fickle I know). I have decided Kia Sorento is the best bet, 2.5 diesel engine and can tow around 3 tonne, also looks good - have seen them from upwards of 5k, so should get something in your budget.

Will watch this with interest, as am open to other suggestions!
Click to expand...
the 3.2 shogun is better on fuel than the 2.5 or 2.8 (diesels) esp if your towing same tax unless its newer than 2006, you should be able to get a swb newer shape shogun for about 5K!! nice motor and will tow well... a good choice
 
Another yes for Kia Sorento, comfortably tows rice europa with 16hh horse and 14hh pony around our hilly countryside. Whatever you choose it must have the towing capacity to pull the trailer fully loaded, whether you are planning to or not.
Good luck!
 
oooh thanks all for your answers!! :D think i will go for the Shogun, seen a 51 plate with 56k mileage for £5.5k. Think il go have a lookie at that. Does anyone know roughly what the shogun does MPG??
 
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