Defender for towing

Hi. I am going to be doing some very regular towing of about 2 to 3 ton and have always wanted a Defender so see this as a way to kill two birds. But I can't just ignore the 4.2 auto Land Cruiser (this is for work not just pleasure)

I am happy to get my hands dirty and love working on my bikes, cars whatever. I'm also aware this argument has passed back and forth for longer than I've been alive.

If you were to choose between a 110 200 (preferably) and the 4.2 LC both with similar miles say 150,000 for road towing what would you choose.

I'd go with the Toyota given you're using as a daily mate....

4.2 auto would sh!t all over a 200tdi for towing everyday!

Try a remapped TD5

Yeah but it's not just the power, it's how it will tow, I'm sure a LC will handle better and probably stop and not tend to tram line and wonder like an old 110 would

I had 2, 110's for towing the 3.5 ton boat. The 200tdi was much better because of the power steering and radial tyres, but my clutch knee went. I think the clutch pressure needed may have had something to do with the ailment.

I replaced it with an auto Disco1, which was excellent apart from the rust.

I don't know about LandCruisers, but I was stupid to have emergency-replaced the Disco with a Grand Cherokee because the auto gearbox on that was always transmission-locked in low range and so would wind up when trying to use low range on mixed tarmac and rough ground.

Billaboard said:

I Grand Cherokee because the auto gearbox on that was always transmission-locked in low range and so would wind up when trying to use low range on mixed tarmac and rough ground.

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That's strange as I thought Jeep's transmission was historically more advanced than LR's products from the same era ie the top range Jeep models would keep driving even if only one wheel found grip, long before LR introduced similar traction aids.

norseman said:

That's strange as I thought Jeep's transmission was historically more advanced than LR's products from the same era ie the top range Jeep models would keep driving even if only one wheel found grip, long before LR introduced similar traction aids.

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That is probably true in that I believe the model above my GC would lock diffs at the front and back and also in low range the centre diff at the transfer box was permanently locked. Mine just had the centre diff permanently locked in low range.
This is great for when only one wheel touches the ground, but hopeless when towing our boat (and assorted fishing boats) to where it can be craned in where the parking area is a mix of cheaply done tarmac and rough grassland. For this unlocked diffs are the order of the day, as is low range for lining up the height adjustable towbar.
Son's garden, where we parked the trailer in summer is a similar mix of tarmac and grass.
I never actually used the Jeep for this because tests of low range on a rough old car park nearby showed that the suspension would repeatedly wind up and then let go with a bang.

I ended up, probably wrongly, buying a L322 RR because I couldn't find a suitable affordable Disco. I just hope the gearbox is up to it - it's on its third.

Thanks for all your replies I suspect it will come down to value on the day.