Which tow car

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sueandtoto

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Hi , just wondering if anyone has any preference between the Freelander , X-Trail or Rav 4 (2005/6 models) for towing a double trailer with one 14.2hh .
Having looked at others these three fit our bill so its just a case of choosing which would be the best for towing with , any help greatly recieved as we are useless at deciding
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Sorry, don't know too much about them (other than when I was looking for a 4x4 I was told not the freelander or Rav4!!)

Er.. I have a Kia Sorento and I love it - does the job perfect and I think it looks good too.
 
Total up your entire weight (trailer + pony + water/loaded etc) - then you need to look at the towing capability for these cars - look on the reviews/forums for 4x4's. I think what you need is called the MTB? or similiar?

I suspect that the freelander would come out better and the Rav worst thinking back to what I read.

I know when I was looking for a good towing vehicle I basically ended up with a choice of a Landrover or Jeep as I would be towing a m/w 16.2 with a trailer which weighs in (unladen) at nearly a ton. (this is by looking at the forums etc to find out which cars were deemed heavy duty). The seriously big japanese cars came out well but I didn't want an issue with servicing. I also have a mega steep hill to get back up as well so couldnt take any chances.

Try to see which car would be deemed to be more durable as well - I have seen an Isusu (sp?!) which went into the side of a landrover - not fast. Isusu was written off, landrover just popped the back window
 
I read somewhere that a freelander wasnt good with an ifor williams (i think it was an ifor) because you can't open the back door or something?! Very vague, and possibly incorrect as can't really remember......but you never know, might be a useful contribution!!
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The X-trail is a fab tow vehicle for what you need -I tow my 15hh with one. It's very gutsy and has great gear ratios for towing plus switchable 4x4 and economical too. If you look it up in reviews it comes out top, above the other vehicles you mentioned.
 
Isuzu Trooper is what I tow with, super economical stable car and not too bad to run. Dont know the trailer is on the back with 2 big horses in when towing. Would recommend it highly, they run forever too. Had mine 5 yrs now and dread the day she becomes "terminally ill" !!!
 
Def not Rav4 or freelander- wouldn't have thought they're heavy enough...

Went through similar thing last year- needed a cheapie tow vehicle we could just leave connected to our ifor 505- ended up with Isuzu Trooper. Very pleased so far *touches wood* and we have some big hills round here!
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What about Mitsubushi Shoguns? Are they any good?

I can't hose between a landrover and a shogun - I'm looking for economy on the road, as well as tax and insurance! I would eventually be towing 2 MW 16.2hh horses, so feel these would be the best cars?
 
we are looking at L200 after our defender has become v sick indeed. Do not touch the freelander or rav 4- a friend is getting rid of her freelander as its rubbish!!! I have heard excellent things on the x trail, shogun, discovery and the Kia. If you want economy and tax then the shogun i think is out and the discoverys are not cheap but as mentioned do tow tanks
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. Good Luck- we are going to see a 55 plate L200 and then go to the Kia dealers too xxx
 
hmm, I hate the fact everything is so expensive! When will they make a 4x4 that economical and can pull a tank!! It's always the tax that gets me... it's ridiculous!!

Let us know how the Kia's car compare!
 
I have a kia as an everyday car and obviously tow with it too
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It has plenty of pull..... and looks nice.... but isnt as good a tow car as my old Disco
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The ride is kind of jerky..... and no.. there is nothing wrong with either car or trailer apparently
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Thanks for that! That's a shame cos they do look nice and are quite reasonable!

Looks like I'll be getting a Disco - it's my first ever 4x4 so very excited, but not looking forward to the fuel bills as well as the tax and insurance!!
 
Actually- you may be surprised re Disco running costs......mines an old M-reg but its not too bad on the diesel at all.....I was surprised, and I only really do shortish local trips ....tax was about £185 I think for 12m but it only costs me £200 to insure fully comp....go with a specialist 4x4 insurer though.

Recently had a new exhaust fitted which was £135.....but I have a feeling brakes need doing at next MOT so not looking forward to that but in general, not too bad at all
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oooh that's interesting poppymoo - thank you! which insurer do you use?

I need to sell my golf first before i can get a Disco - i was hoping a dealer would do full exchange and i wouldn't have to pay anything, but unfortunately it doesn't work like that, lol.
 
I have an 08 Kia sorento and it pulls 2 large cobs with ease. My insurance is expensive at about 600 a year with the NFU, that includes my trailer. Tax is 210 for 12 months and its not too bad on fuel. I love mine it drives really smooth. And the automatic tows up to 3500. Manual 3000.
 
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