tow cars

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sunbeam

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We have always towed using a sucession of Audi A6 quattros but the latest one is a bit sporty and lower on the road so I am looking at small to medium 4x4s. We have a single Ifor Williams weight 750kg and one horse not over 500kg so quite a few fall into the 85% of kerb weight rule including Freelander 2, diesel Rav4,the larger Suzuki Grand Vitara etc. I don't like Nissan X trail - bit too long and I tried a Ford Kuga but the rear visiblility was awful! I've seen mixed reports re Freelanders on this site. Anyone any experience of the others ? or of the newer Vauxhall Antara or Renault Koleos? Other half wants me to hurry up so he can start looking for an Audi TT!! Don't travel very long distances towing but live in the Peak district so very hilly!
 
Diahatsu Fourtrack every time for me!
They stopped making them though in 2002 but you'll find a good second hand one in AutoTrader. Any 4x4 made 2002 onwards puts you into the higher tax bracket.

I'm on my 2nd Fourtrak now, had my 1st one for 7 years and the only reason why I bought another was to upgrade to a 2001 model.

The main point about them is their pulling capacity which is 3t so they pull eg IW plus 2 horses with no problems.

As far as 4x4's go they are extremely economical on derv and last forever! The main thing that does go on them though which they are renownd for are the springs. In 7 years I had 2 sets, one set when I first bought it and the second set was about 18 months ago.

They are very basic inside but I do love driving mine!
 
This subject always causes lots of emails.

Before you choose anything, look up what the manufacturer says the car can tow, that is the correct way to work out what it can tow. Don't work it out for yourself using equations of the kerb weights, that won't take into account passengers, fuel etc. These details are on the web.

I would not tow a horse with a RAV or a Suzuki. They do not have the guts or the brakes when you need them. I have used big Shoguns, Troopers, and 4Traks.
 
i've had the iw 401 and towed with my very old (L reg) swb rav4, had not problems at all with it loved driving it.

since then my collection of horses has grown so i upgraded to a 2 horse and now tow with a m reg nissan terrano, which i love driving and bought off ebay... seriously! lol
 
thanks for replies - any more info very welcome. We want to buy new or nearly so 4track not an option altho I know they were very good and it will be main car for every thing else so don't really want anything too thirsty. Terranos are great but they don't make em any more! and don't like replacement which is x trail Re the weights - the manufacturer will quote a ma tow weight eg 2000kg for Rav but I always understood you should never tow more than 85% of vehicles kerb weight which is acutally less than max tow weight quoted! Am I wrong? lol
 
Ah, I can answer this!

From what I understand, the 85% rule applies to normal cars. 4x4s are specifically designed for towing, so their brakes and engines can handle a heavier load, and this is taken into account when their max tow weight is calculated.

I have a Mercedes M Class (Chelsea Tractor!) and it is fab, would recommend it to anyone, I can barely feel when I'm towing two horses.

Isabelle
 
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