Member Since: 16 Jan 2020
Location: East/West Sussex Coast Borders
Posts: 1198
Towing
Bought a 2011 SDV6 Commercial that will spend its time pulling various trailers for a living.
Any suggestions as to mods or things to watch?
Thanks in advance.
Dave2011 Discovery 4 Commercial SDV6 (Gone)
2010 RRS TDV8 (Gone)
1980 OBLIC 4.0ltr Range Rover (went a long time ago)
17th Jan 2020 12:27 pm
Kilovolt
Member Since: 29 Jun 2015
Location: South Derbyshire
Posts: 1020
I have a 2013 Commercial - pure workhorse (as are any of the models I guess).
Lots on here suggesting if you're are going to tow a lot, it is better to fit a full A-frame towbar, and do not rely on the J-hook thingy. They are for occasional use only apparently. There are stories of extended use ending in detachment.
I have towed 3 tonnes before now and it is bordering on effortless. Keep an eye on the speedo, it is so easy to get a 'bat' on without even realising it
Enjoy "Track day running - Don't put your foot back on the accelerator until your absolutely sure you don't have to take it off again"
Current Ride: D4 XS Commercial Baltic Blue SDV6 fully loaded with heated everything
Track Days: BMW E36 M3 Evolution MY 1996 (3.2 Litre 377 BHP sat in 1,250 Kgs of car, with a pro safety cage and some serious braking power)
17th Jan 2020 12:35 pm
Trailered Movements
Member Since: 16 Jan 2020
Location: East/West Sussex Coast Borders
Posts: 1198
Have a Witter fixed bar on its way already, but appreciate your time and advice.
Dave2011 Discovery 4 Commercial SDV6 (Gone)
2010 RRS TDV8 (Gone)
1980 OBLIC 4.0ltr Range Rover (went a long time ago)
17th Jan 2020 12:41 pm
jc_uk
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 314
Hi,
Watch out for the wear and tear on suspension, bushings and tyres for towing......
My D3 with a lot of towing went through the lower arms, track rod ends, etc. at both ends of the vehicle.
Cheers
JC
17th Jan 2020 5:09 pm
Trailered Movements
Member Since: 16 Jan 2020
Location: East/West Sussex Coast Borders
Posts: 1198
Thanks for that JC.2011 Discovery 4 Commercial SDV6 (Gone)
2010 RRS TDV8 (Gone)
1980 OBLIC 4.0ltr Range Rover (went a long time ago)
17th Jan 2020 5:34 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
a very good towing tool
18th Jan 2020 12:43 am
Fauxjito
Member Since: 15 Jan 2020
Location: Kent
Posts: 14
I bought mine (MY16 D4 Landmark) this time last year as I needed to tow occasional Ifor Williams 3.5 tonne trailers for work but still wanted a comfortable barge for motorway cruising.
Dealer advised having the heavy duty (A-frame) tow bar instead of the removable one as it's apparently only good for intermittent or light use (mine didn't have a tow bar so I got them to add it).
It pulls a loaded 3.5 tonne trailer almost effortlessly and, all things considered, doesn't trash the fuel economy as much as I thought it would, either! (20-25 mpg with trailer vs 30-35 mpg without).
Can't really tell you what to look for, but I can tell you that the Disco is a phenomenal tow machine!
29th Jan 2020 8:41 pm
Brian_DL13
Member Since: 25 Aug 2013
Location: Teesdale
Posts: 1418
Agreed. Main danger is you'll forget you have something behind you
29th Jan 2020 10:18 pm
Trailered Movements
Member Since: 16 Jan 2020
Location: East/West Sussex Coast Borders
Posts: 1198
Looking forward to it.
New trailer ordered, unfortunately the one downside is having to have a tachograph fitted.
Thanks for all the input guys.
Dave2011 Discovery 4 Commercial SDV6 (Gone)
2010 RRS TDV8 (Gone)
1980 OBLIC 4.0ltr Range Rover (went a long time ago)
29th Jan 2020 11:02 pm
kirkyworld
Member Since: 01 Mar 2016
Location: Northampton
Posts: 566
I have the Witter fixed towbar too and it has been perfect.
30th Jan 2020 8:16 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2683
As everyone else has said, if you are towing regularly, and heavier loads, the only way to go is the fixed towbar.
I’ve not fitted mine to my newly acquired D4 yet as I’ve not needed it, but despite never having an issue with it on my D3 I’ll also be fitting a bolt on retaining plate this time in case it does come loose.
The consequences of my boat and trailer only being loosely attached to the back of the D4 by the two diagonal bars does not bear thinking about.
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