Any Tips on towing

Good Evening all

Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be grateful
for a couple of pointers on the above topic

I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by my much
loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse box with
two fat ponies in.

"But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?" Not a
problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would be more than
happy to lend it to us on said weekend.

It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any pointers
anyone can offer for a towing amateur?

I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is about 1.8
tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse there!!

Thanks in advance.

Paul

Paul tried to scribble ...

> Good Evening all
>
> Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be
> grateful for a couple of pointers on the above topic
>
> I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by my
> much loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse
> box with two fat ponies in.
>
> "But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?"
> Not a problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would
> be more than happy to lend it to us on said weekend.
>
> It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any
> pointers anyone can offer for a towing amateur?
>
> I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is about
> 1.8 tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse
> there!!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Paul

Use low ratio gearing to set off and swap to high when on the move. Go
slowly until you get the 'feel'. Make sure the horses are comfortable
_before_ setting off, give them a few minutes to settle into the box and
surroundings .. an unhappy horse is something I wouldn't _ever_ want to tow
... Plan manouvres well ahead, particularly braking.

--
Digweed

"Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Good Evening all
>
> Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be
grateful
> for a couple of pointers on the above topic
>
> I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by
my much
> loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse box
with
> two fat ponies in.
>
> "But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?"
Not a
> problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would be
more than
> happy to lend it to us on said weekend.
>
> It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any
pointers
> anyone can offer for a towing amateur?
>
> I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is
about 1.8
> tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse
there!!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Paul
>
>

1.8 tonnes is a pimple rather than a load if properly distributed.
Livestock moves though so don't get overconfident and go too fast.
Also be aware that you have livestock standing in the back when you
accelerate, turn a corner and especially when you brake. Anticipate,
don't precipitate.

Huw


---
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"Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Good Evening all
>
> Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be grateful
> for a couple of pointers on the above topic
>
> I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by my much
> loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse box with
> two fat ponies in.
>
> "But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?" Not a
> problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would be more
than
> happy to lend it to us on said weekend.
>
> It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any pointers
> anyone can offer for a towing amateur?
>
> I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is about 1.8
> tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse there!!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Paul


Paul,

have you EVER towed before?

this might seem a dumb question - but it isn't just a case of hitching up
and away you go.

Reversing is an art form, and for those of us that can, watching those that
can't is hilarious.

Towing neddies - I wouldn't bother with what another respondant has
suggested with the change in ratio - you'll be far too busy and a trailer
with two pones is nothing. Keep it gentle, think well ahead for all
manouvers. You cant come up to a junction and stop, the go again (well you
can, but your charges really wont appreciate it).

My dad always taught me to keep a little momentum going, the slightest
forward motion can mean an easier getaway. Watch the lorries tomorrow
morning. Take corners gently, and if well planned and executed everyone
stays on 4 feet.

Where are you located? anywhere near the midlands and i'm happy to lend
some time to help you out.

Si (not an expert by any means - but I started on trailers when I was 8 (20
years ago now), my dad drove artics and passed on all he could, and I can
generally put a trailered vehicle where I want it)

First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
Diesel

swash

"Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Good Evening all
>
> Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be grateful
> for a couple of pointers on the above topic
>
> I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by my much
> loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse box with
> two fat ponies in.
>
> "But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?" Not a
> problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would be more
than
> happy to lend it to us on said weekend.
>
> It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any pointers
> anyone can offer for a towing amateur?
>
> I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is about 1.8
> tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse there!!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Paul
>
>

"SwashBuckle" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> Diesel
>
> swash
>
> "Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Good Evening all
> >
> > Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be
grateful
> > for a couple of pointers on the above topic
> >
> > I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by my
much
> > loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse box
with
> > two fat ponies in.
> >
> > "But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?" Not a
> > problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would be more
> than
> > happy to lend it to us on said weekend.
> >
> > It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any
pointers
> > anyone can offer for a towing amateur?
> >
> > I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is about
1.8
> > tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse there!!
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Paul
> >
> >
>
>

Towing is best done at night
Preferably between Midnight and six AM.

Thanks very much for all you comments and suggestions including you Swash.

Yep....this is the first time I'll have towed, I appreciate its not just a
case of hitch up and go, I'm planning some practice runs with an empty box
if a can get hold of it just to get used to reversing etc...and on the day
will certainly take on board all of your helpful pointers.

Luckily the fat ones are generally well behaved so I'm told, whilst
travelling...we shall see.

Thanks Simon for you offer of help, unfortunately I'm in the south. Very
Kind nevertheless.

Paul




SwashBuckle <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> Diesel
>
> swash
>
> "Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Good Evening all
> >
> > Being new to the world of 4x4 and hence new to this group I'd be
grateful
> > for a couple of pointers on the above topic
> >
> > I;ve just purchased a w reg Frontera 2.2 Diesel and am informed by my
much
> > loved fiancée that in two weekends time I will be towing a horse box
with
> > two fat ponies in.
> >
> > "But darling how can we tow the horses when we have no horse box?" Not a
> > problem I am told as someone at work has said new box and would be more
> than
> > happy to lend it to us on said weekend.
> >
> > It seems there is no escape, so aside the very obvious is the any
pointers
> > anyone can offer for a towing amateur?
> >
> > I;ve calculated the total weight of box and fat ponies which is about
1.8
> > tonnes and apparently frontera's can tow 2.8 tonnes so no excuse there!!
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > Paul
> >
> >
>
>

SwashBuckle wrote:
> First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> Diesel
>
> swash

Bad idea towing 1.8 tonnes with a little Suzuki that has a maximum towing
weight of 1600kgs.

--
Julian
---------
= Pretentious Sig required =

"SwashBuckle" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> Diesel
>
> swash
>

What the horse box? Well, I suppose the Vitara is slightly better that
one!!!

1.8 tonnes = 3600lbs
1600kg=3520lbs

I have seen far worse differences in vehicle weights.

swash


+ an out of
"Bill Weston" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> SwashBuckle wrote:
> > First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> > Diesel
> >
> > swash
>
> Bad idea towing 1.8 tonnes with a little Suzuki that has a maximum towing
> weight of 1600kgs.
>
> --
> Julian
> ---------
> = Pretentious Sig required =
>
>

"Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Thanks very much for all you comments and suggestions including you Swash.
>
> Yep....this is the first time I'll have towed, I appreciate its not just a
> case of hitch up and go, I'm planning some practice runs with an empty box
> if a can get hold of it just to get used to reversing etc...and on the day
> will certainly take on board all of your helpful pointers.
>
> Luckily the fat ones are generally well behaved so I'm told, whilst
> travelling...we shall see.
>
> Thanks Simon for you offer of help, unfortunately I'm in the south. Very
> Kind nevertheless.
>
> Paul
>

Define south - family in kent too ;-)

Si

recommended (handbook) towing capacity of Grand Vitara is 650kg (1500lbs)

swash

"SwashBuckle" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 1.8 tonnes = 3600lbs
> 1600kg=3520lbs
>
> I have seen far worse differences in vehicle weights.
>
> swash
>
>
> + an out of
> "Bill Weston" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > SwashBuckle wrote:
> > > First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> > > Diesel
> > >
> > > swash
> >
> > Bad idea towing 1.8 tonnes with a little Suzuki that has a maximum
towing
> > weight of 1600kgs.
> >
> > --
> > Julian
> > ---------
> > = Pretentious Sig required =
> >
> >
>
>

"Paul" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Thanks very much for all you comments and suggestions including you Swash.
>
> Yep....this is the first time I'll have towed, I appreciate its not just a
> case of hitch up and go, I'm planning some practice runs with an empty box
> if a can get hold of it just to get used to reversing etc...and on the day
> will certainly take on board all of your helpful pointers.
>
> Luckily the fat ones are generally well behaved so I'm told, whilst
> travelling...we shall see.
>
> Thanks Simon for you offer of help, unfortunately I'm in the south. Very
> Kind nevertheless.
>
> Paul
>
A tip for when you are reversing. Put your hand at the bottom of the
steering wheel and move your arm in the direction you want the traler to go.

> >
>
> Define south - family in kent too ;-)
>
> Si
>
>

The towing will take place in Somerset, Thanks again

Paul

> Use low ratio gearing to set off and swap to high when on the move.

Nice idea, but there's no synchomesh on Isuzuoid transfer
boxes and no transfer neutral either so you can't double declutch.
(Well there is an in-between transfer lever position which
selects neither ratio, but it has no detent so finding it is far
too hit and miss!)

-- Steve

recommended (handbook) towing capacity of Grand Vitara is 650kg (1500lbs)

swash

"SwashBuckle" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> 1.8 tonnes = 3600lbs
> 1600kg=3520lbs
>
> I have seen far worse differences in vehicle weights.
>
> swash
>
>
> + an out of
> "Bill Weston" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > SwashBuckle wrote:
> > > First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
> > > Diesel
> > >
> > > swash
> >
> > Bad idea towing 1.8 tonnes with a little Suzuki that has a maximum
towing
> > weight of 1600kgs.
> >
> > --
> > Julian
> > ---------
> > = Pretentious Sig required =
> >
> >
>
>

On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 06:00:55 +0100, "SwashBuckle"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>1.8 tonnes = 3600lbs
>1600kg=3520lbs

Your numbers are screwy; you're effectively saying that 200kg = 80lbs.

1.8te = 1800kg = 3960lbs
1.6te = 1600kg = 1520lbs

my dear chap,

1kg = 2.2 lbs approx

Therefore

1800 kg = 3960 lbs.......correct

1600 kg = 1520 lbs.......incorrect...........= 3520 lbs

anyways......it can only safely tow 650 kg.......

swash

"QrizB" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 06:00:55 +0100, "SwashBuckle"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >1.8 tonnes = 3600lbs
> >1600kg=3520lbs
>
> Your numbers are screwy; you're effectively saying that 200kg = 80lbs.
>
> 1.8te = 1800kg = 3960lbs
> 1.6te = 1600kg = 1520lbs
>

On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 19:46:51 +0100, "SwashBuckle"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>my dear chap,
>
>1kg = 2.2 lbs approx
>
>Therefore
>
>1800 kg = 3960 lbs.......correct
>
>1600 kg = 1520 lbs.......incorrect...........= 3520 lbs

Fair enough - a slip of the finger on my part.

(It's a Usenet trueism that any message with corrections must include
an error of its own!)

On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 23:30:43 +0000 (UTC), "SeaAce"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"SwashBuckle" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> First tip for towing with a Frontera..........sell it and buy a Vitara
>> Diesel
>>
>> swash
>>
>
>What the horse box? Well, I suppose the Vitara is slightly better that
>one!!!
>

Nah! You'll never get two full grown horses in a Vitara

LOL

Steve G

remove the nospam to email me