What 4x4's can safely tow a trailer?

[ernikins]

I am looking in to my transport options and wondered whether anyone can point me in the direction of a list of 4x4's which are the right weight for pulling a trailer - and/or explain to me what I would need to look for when looking at the different cars to tow. There are so many little 4x4's on the market now but I am sure that most of them aren't safe to tow! Sorry if this has been asked before!!!

 

[scotsmare]

My shogun sport easily pulls an IW 510. Depends on the size / weight of your trailer (and it's occupants!).

 

[sea_view]

It's an age old question and it all depends on your trailer weight, horse weight what you are likely to carry. You are best to google trailer weights and towing legislations for a true answer. You are advised if it is livestock to carry within 85% of the kerbweight as it keeps the trailer from overpowering the car. However, you can actually legally tow up to the towing capacity however, in a legal frame, you could be open to prosecution if you are over the 85% kerb weight if there is an accident even although you 'legally' can tow up to the recommended towing capacity.

Basically the heavier the car, the more you will be able to tow, alot of the towing weights will only be set for empty cars with one driver so it will also depend on how much your laden car weighs.

Like you will see, lots involved to take on board to make an informed decision, I'll try and find the web site I usually refer to as it is quite helpful.

 

[ernikins]

Say for example an new (ish) ifor williams trailer which I would like to have the option to pull two horses in (not big horses) but will generally be towing just one.

 

[ihatework]

You need to have a car that can tow the maximum weight of the trailer plus 2 horses the size it is intended to carry.

So an IW505 will have a plate on it giving the total weight, off the top of my head this is roughly 2300kg (1000kg for the trailer and 2 x 16.2hh horses at 650kg each)

4x4's will have a legal amount the are allowed to tow braked weight, it's in the handbook or you can call the manufacturer.

But in simple terms the small SUV's (freelander, suzuki, Honda CRV) fall below the legal requirements.

You should really look for something along the following lines, these range from around 2400-3500kg towing capability:
Disco/RR/Defender
Toyota Landcruiser/Hilux
Mitsibushi Shogun
Iszuz Trooper
Nissan Terrano/Pathfinder
Kia Sorrento
anything else of that type

PS - the 85% rule is not a legal requirement

 

[sea_view]

I would say, look at Ifor Williams, see the weight, estimate how much your two horses weigh then google towing limits and check recommended towing capacities. I can't find the site I was on last week but if you google towing weights lots of info comes up, especially on caravanning sites. For an Ifor in my experience I would be looking at a larger 4x4 i.e. Shogun, Warrior, Landcruiser etc.

What you have to remember is that you and your horses safety is fore front and although some smaller cars may say they can legally tow up to a certain wait, you are towing live animals that move and can be unpredictable so a heavier car is less likely to allow a trailer to over power it. i would also adise an anti weave 'bulldog' stabiliser too.

 

[merlinsquest]

My Kia Sorrento is more than happy (if not a bit jerky) to pull my trailer with two up

 

[sea_view]

[ QUOTE ]


PS - the 85% rule is not a legal requirement

[/ QUOTE ]

Your right, its not a legal requirement but you can leave yourself open for prosecution if it is over the 85% and an accident occurs. Which seems a bit random but is the case.

 

[ihatework]

To be honest I doubt you'd find a 4x4 that would fit the 85% rule then!!!!

That rule was designed for caravans not modern braked horse trailers.

Do the maths ....

 

[sea_view]

I had the exact same thought when I was looking at all this the other week - you would need a massive car and the lightest trailer and horses!!! Which was why I was picking both hubby and fathers brains (they're in haulage so know far more than me) as I thought at what stage are horse owners ever then not in 'legal prosecution' territory - their answer was hard pushed, so the questions lies as to when would we ever be in the right!!!!

Spose its one of these things that as long as we are sensible about it there is not much more we can do. The eyes of the law is a whole different bal game - we can never win!

 

[ernikins]

This was the car I was looking in to as they are quite reasonably priced second hand. Is it easy to drive? Thanks for all your help - making things a little clearer? Trying to weigh up whether it is more economic to have one 4x4 and a trailer or a more economic little car (have a lovely little polo at the mo) and get a 3.5t lorry!! It is hurting my head all these numbers!!

 

[sea_view]

Tell me about it, I'm trying to work out the same numbers for my friend who has decided to trade in her light weight trailer for an Ifor but has a Freelander and I'm trying to show her that the figures do not add up and in my opinion she's making a big mistake, the only way I can get through is to show her the 'maths' - which ain't easy!!!! All the cars and weights and possible weights aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[merlinsquest]

Its a dream to drive and so easy to park and turn as the turning circle is ace!!!

My is jerky when towing but still need to decide if its the trailer (all serviced and told its ok) by towing another one.... If its the car, dont despair as everyone else is delighted with theirs..... Its just me that gets the dog

 

[ernikins]

That sounds easy as going from polo to big 4x4 is going to be challenging!! Are Ifor's the most heavy trailers? What trailers does everyone else have? I have always just known them but maybe I should look at a lighterweight one??? Oh the confusion - I still have to find out how and where I can take my trailer test!! So much to think about!!!

 

[TicTac]

I have a 3.1TD Isuzu trooper and a bateson deauville trailer. Excellent vehicle for towing and a good lightweight trailer and I've never had any problems.

 

[AutumnRose]

I can't help you on the car thing, but i do know the trailer test costs about £500/600. And thats assuming you pass first time(not hat you wouldn't, hehe!)

I thought abou this over and over and i just think that even if it takes me longer to save. I'd rather have a 3.5 tonne lorry, especially for long eventing journeys up the motorway. I'd be interested in what you come up with on the figures side.....eg which works out cheaper. Oh to be rich......

 

[nikki_07766]

We have a little lorry, to be honest i would go for a small lorry and small car over and over, but thats just me, our lorry is the same as a car to tax and is £250 ish to insure fully comp each year, it's a tad more for me as i'm only 21, but it's not bank breaking, by the time you have added higher tax higher insurance and the extra fuel for the 4 x 4 i think it will work out a little better for a lorry, and you've said you will need to do a test for the trailer, with a small lorry you won't.

 

[merlinsquest]

Well i went from a ford focus to the sorrento, and the test drive wasnt even accompanied..... .they just let me and my 9 year old drive away!!

So it cant be that hard

I believe it has a towing weight of 3500tonnes so will cope with most things..... I have also towed a 510 which is the bigger ifor and this was also fine

 

[star]

i bought a Toyota Hilux Surf 3.0TD in May - kerb weight of about 2 tonnes, towing capacity of just over that, but I'd never tow more than what the towing vehicle weighs to be on the safe side. I have an IW505 Classic which weighs about a tonne empty so can put 2 average sized horses on board no probs. I did my trailer test after practising lots with the trailer at home. Cost me £650 although I did fail 1st time (due to my silly nerves)

 

[Joss]

Another vote for the Kia Sorrento, I drive an Ifor 510 with a 17hh warmblood & a 16.1 warmblood. Often drive 4 hours to events & it goes blooming well.

I am on my 2nd Sorrento, the 1st one had gearbox issues after 80,000 miles & parts are v expenisive. If I have gearbox issues again I will stop recommending Sorrento's but for now will give them the benefit of the doubt.
p.s sorry Merlins quest but mine isnt jerky....!!!

 

[Leg_end]

I've just bought a Jeep Cherokee which can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and isnt too big. I read up loads on 4x4's and its very mind boggling!! I have got a ifor 510 and will mainly be towing my 16.3 TB but will also tow with his friend occassionaly!

 

[RLF]

The Land Rover Defender is the best all round towing vehicle, you can use and abuse it, never get stuck in mud etc, but if you prefer a bit more luxury a disco would suit your needs.

 

[viewfromahill]

I tow with an 08 Kia Sorento auto and previously 06 manual and old Isuzu Trooper (in worst weather!) the trooper is by far the better tow vehicle but not as luxurious as the Sorento which does tow well and is exceptional value for money, I tow a Richardson treble and Ifor double had no problems towing either even with two x 17.1 plus a pony! However also tow a caravan and do not like the Sorento at all for towing this!

 

[Bess]

I've got a Toyota Landcruiser Colorado for towing an Ifor Williams 510, and it tows two medium weight (approx 500kg) horses very well, no problems at all.

I also have a Ford Ka which I use most days which keeps the petrol/diesel costs down and also reduces the insurance for the Landcruiser because I can limit the milage for it and it is in my garage now for most of the time, which also reduces the insurance.