Freelander?

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rforsyth1984

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Does anyone tow with a freelander?
Im thinking a single trailer to tow my 450-500Kg arab
Would it cope with a 505? Obviously it wouldnt tow 2 horses, but means if I got a bigger car in a few years I wouldnt have to get a new trailer too?
The max towing weight is 2000Kg but I assume thats just on the flat, so less for uphill?
 
I have a Freelander - and yes it can cope with a 505 + a couple of smallish ponies, useless for bigger horses when you meet hills or have to pull out of an 'uphill' junction! I prefer not to tow horses with it, have collected some garden seats though!!
 
so it should be ok with a single trailer (~770kg) plus ponio (no more than 500kg)... total load 1270 kg (plus tack etc)?
The intention was to buy a freelander, use it for a year to do a little bit (local comps, fun rides, lessons etc) and learn how to tow, pass test etc, then hopefully buy something bigger when Ive got a bit more money.
Arghhh this towing lark is so complicated, not to mention expensive! What is the reliability like for older LR disco/defenders? I could go for an older one of them, but worried that it will cost more in the long run due to additional repairs etc?
The freelander has the benefit of being more like a normal car - lower tax band, annual service, etc, but I dont want to do anything dangerous of course!
 
With regards to the MAM (max towing weight) the terrain would have been taken into account and 2000kg is the max for any terrain, like hills etc.

Just make sure you dont overload it as the towing weight (MAM) must include the weight of the trailer itself.

So an MAM of 2000kg - for example a HB510 weighs 1000kg and then plus 2 horses of 450kg would be bordering on max weight.

Don't forget you are allowed to learn to tow the same as a car - so someone who holds a licence on which they can tow with can sit in the car with you towing as long as you display L-Plates.

I hope this helps
smile.gif
 
Thanks everyone, very helpful replies. I wouldnt dare try towing two horses in a 510, with a freelander, too risky, but great to know I would be safe towing the little neddy in a single or 505. Am desparate to get out and do more, but want a newish car, so can only afford the freelander this year
 
I personally wouldn't have a freelander but in your situation with a single trailer it would be fine.

I've had 3 Discos all which were great but head gasket went on 1 of them.

I now have a 9yr old Defender 300tdi, it is great, tow the side off a house etc and it looks really good when ur out and about too. I have to admit that we wouldn't have 1 as an only car though
smirk.gif
 
We've had a Freelander Sport Auto TD5 which was awesome for towing, much better than the Series III (high amusement factor but very little steering) and the Discovery (sluggish). The Defender we have now is fantastic for whatever you need, but the auto gave a smoother ride to the horses, ie if changing down a gear going up a steep hill the horses would feel no jolt or change in the auto.

My friend has a short wheel base Pajero which tows like a train (and is cheaper to buy than a Landy) but it has minimal boot space...
 
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