Freelander as a tow vehicle?

Searider · 16 January 2006, 21:43

Anyone using a Freelander as a tow vehicle?

If so, any comments would be appreciated.

ie What do you tow, How far do you regularly tow, good comments, bad comments.

My 18 year old Range Rover has just failed its MOT for the third year running and I'm getting fed up with having it welded up each time.

Maybe time to retire it and get an everyday car that can also tow the boat.

Shaggy · 16 January 2006, 21:53

Hi
I had a 1.8 S to tow a 5.8Mtr Narwhal and 130Yam.

Totally under powered burnt the clutch out after 40,000 as there is no low gear ratio and it struggled to pull the boat up the slip.

Get the TD5 if you are thinking of a Freelander.

Shaggy

Rogue Wave · 16 January 2006, 21:55

I think it would do it quite well you could go on to a landrover forum for a beter headsup. Your Scorpion isn't a heavy boat and I towed ours behind our Primera but could have done with 4wd on slipway. So most of the time used the Trooper.

My only reservation is the wheelbase,

Mollers · 16 January 2006, 22:00

The freelander is a bit of a mum's school run 4x4. I'd go for a SWB Shogun if a mid-size 4x4 is your thing. The latest Disco's are good. I use an L200 which is pretty bullet proof.

Pete7 · 16 January 2006, 22:02

Had one on loan from Wessex Landrovers for a week. Much more expensive to run than a diesel disco, also appeared just as wide when driving. The last of the real Discos (300 engine) would be a good choice if you don't want to rush to the TD5. Insurance for the Disco now nearly the same as my 106

Now £248 Fully Comp.

Pete

Rogue Wave · 16 January 2006, 22:10

MY mate Paul Acketts is looking for a shite rangie for an Offroad project if your getting rid of it I'll send you his number

Kernow Buoy · 16 January 2006, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

I use an L200 which is pretty bullet proof.

That's my idea out the window then!

TJ101 · 16 January 2006, 22:12

Freelander DIESEL, ok,, the other half is on her 5th one,,used for pulling the horse box with 2 ponys etc, no problems,, BUT go for the diesel,, Di up to 2000 year,and 6k mark,, TD4 (read BMW engine) from 2000 and £6k up,
The early ones did have diff problems (IRD units),

Allways got between 33/38 mpg running round,with a 300/TD5 disco, you will be pushed to get 26/28 ish

Will agreed, after using a Rangie, a freelander will feel a little on the small size

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

MY mate Paul Acketts is looking for a shite rangie for an Offroad project if your getting rid of it I'll send you his number

Cheers Stuart,

I'll let you know if/when I decide to sell it.
It's currently at Central Welding being patched up - so will last another 12 months. I suspect i'll sell it in the summer / autumn as a "very good runner but a bit crinkly around the edges".

I like to plan my purchases

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ101

Freelander DIESEL, ok,, the other half is on her 5th one,,used for pulling the horse box with 2 ponys etc, no problems,, BUT go for the diesel,, Di up to 2000 year,and 6k mark,, TD4 (read BMW engine) from 2000 and £6k up,
The early ones did have diff problems (IRD units),

Allways got between 33/38 mpg running round,with a 300/TD5 disco, you will be pushed to get 26/28 ish

Will agreed, after using a Rangie, a freelander will feel a little on the small size

Was thinking diesel - want to steer clear of K series head gasket problems.

Any significant differences between the Di and TD4 - I was thinking of getting an earlier one.

Any experience with rusting - or have yours been new/ish?

Mollers · 16 January 2006, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernow

That's my idea out the window then!

...and don't think that I'm not lookin' out for torpedos when I'm crossin' St Austell Bay!!!

Ezgoing · 16 January 2006, 22:18

We got a Freelander 2.5 V6 Petrol. Lovely road jeep, all the comforts, super on long journeys, but absolutely shite,useless when I attatch a fuly kitted up redbay 6.5. previous tug was Cherokee2.7tdi and it was brilliant for towing.

Rgds

Mollers · 16 January 2006, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

MY mate Paul Acketts is looking for a shite rangie for an Offroad project if your getting rid of it I'll send you his number

Pm Magnum, apparently his Missus has one.

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

The freelander is a bit of a mum's school run 4x4. I'd go for a SWB Shogun if a mid-size 4x4 is your thing. The latest Disco's are good. I use an L200 which is pretty bullet proof.

It will be doing school run duties as well (may even end up being "mum's car so I can keep my fun car) - so ideal

You're right about the SWB Shogun - its probably a good choice and there are loads of Jap imports around Southampton. Problem is - I just don't like Jap stuff. Irrational, I know

Quite fancy a Taliban Wagon some time though!

Rogue Wave · 16 January 2006, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

Pm Magnum, apparently his Missus has one.

you are awful.....but i like you!

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Had one on loan from Wessex Landrovers for a week. Much more expensive to run than a diesel disco, also appeared just as wide when driving. The last of the real Discos (300 engine) would be a good choice if you don't want to rush to the TD5. Insurance for the Disco now nearly the same as my 106

Now £248 Fully Comp.

Pete

Pete,

Was it a petrol one you had on loan?

Have the chance of a cheap (but very high mileage) 300TDI Disco from my dad in a few months. Problem is they can go as rusty as my old Rangie just as quick - there was an N reg one being welded up when I went to get the repair quote on mine - the welder said it was much worse than mine!

I think that the Disco is just a bit too grown up for me at the moment but probably what I should get.

Mollers · 16 January 2006, 22:27

The Landcruiser is the "Ragheads" battlebus!.

The good thing about the less than new Mitsubishi is that they are pretty hard. My F in Law has a new Shogun LWB which is good but getting a bit complicated. To my mind Discos are stuck together with Wriggleys.

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:29

Saw Jools?/Jules? pulling his Ribcraft 585 up the steep slip at Mayflower Marina - I think he had an auto V6.

Don't want a V6 as a "bit" thirsty for everyday use.

But maybe an auto would save the clutch burning out?

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezgoing

We got a Freelander 2.5 V6 Petrol. Lovely road jeep, all the comforts, super on long journeys, but absolutely shite,useless when I attatch a fuly kitted up redbay 6.5. previous tug was Cherokee2.7tdi and it was brilliant for towing.

Rgds

Not enough power?
Couldn't get up the slip?
Too light / unstable on road?

Searider · 16 January 2006, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

The Landcruiser is the "Ragheads" battlebus!.

The good thing about the less than new Mitsubishi is that they are pretty hard. My F in Law has a new Shogun LWB which is good but getting a bit complicated. To my mind Discos are stuck together with Wriggleys.

All of the new stuff is far too complicated to take anywhere near any salt water