Looking for a bit of advice - on the verge of changing tow vehicle from a 4.4V8 Range Rover (2003) to a Defender and unsure whether a 90 or 110 is going to be best - will be towing a fairly large twin axle caravan (about 24 ft) to and from the summer pitch weighs about 1900kg laden, rest of the time its just the 10ft ifor williams trailer. Some folks are saying dont touch a 90 it wont cope, others say it doesnt matter. Also torn between a late 300tdi and an early TD5 - leaning towards a late 300 though. Any advice greatfully received. Will miss the Rangie but spending too much time fixing things....... Thanks.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
A 90 is fine for towing, I have towed thousands of miles in mine. Just pump up the tyres to towing pressures, it is in the handbook.
110 tows more stable on the open road,due to the longer wheelbase, but obvious penalty of extra length if you have to turn it in a tight space etc.
As Turboman said.
A 90 will tow pretty well, but the 110 is likely to be quite a bit more stable, especially with a longer load, like your caravan. They're the same engines, just wheelbase difference and weight between them, (Well, other minor details too but YKWIM) which add up to making the 110 a better bet for your purposes.
A 90 will tow pretty well, but the 110 is likely to be quite a bit more stable, especially with a longer load, like your caravan. They're the same engines, just wheelbase difference and weight between them, (Well, other minor details too but YKWIM) which add up to making the 110 a better bet for your purposes.
arboorman
Active Member
For stability I'd go for a 110.
I've towed with a 200Tdi 90 (10x5 3.5T trailer) and my Td5 110 with the same trailer and although the 90 had no trouble I find the 110 better.
Only main difference is the engine - loved my 200Tdi but my Td5 has now been chipped for towing/economy and it pulls really well. I've had a gross train weight of 6.4T - wont do it again but it pulled it pretty well!!
I've towed with a 200Tdi 90 (10x5 3.5T trailer) and my Td5 110 with the same trailer and although the 90 had no trouble I find the 110 better.
Only main difference is the engine - loved my 200Tdi but my Td5 has now been chipped for towing/economy and it pulls really well. I've had a gross train weight of 6.4T - wont do it again but it pulled it pretty well!!
defenderfatboy
Member
REMAPPED 110 TD5....ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!! stable with a big load .... I tow a 26ft boat and trailer around ,and hardly know its there!
I prefer a 90 for towing, and it's very stable and has a much smaller turner circle , which when reversing with a trailer on is really noticeable. mine pulls an Ifor Williams trailer with 2 horses in fine across any muddy field and up and down steep hills no probs. you would get more storage and likely more seats in a 110 though (depending which model you bought).
I drove a 130 6 days a week for 2 years (working vehicle) It was a good work truck but but to be honest I find the 110 a nice compromise if you use it for things other than work. Which I do.
Scooby22
Well-Known Member
I have towed my caravan with my 90 and it was fine, although they are a bit slow to setting off but once upto speed they are stable and fine, same engine/torque as 110, and towing limit, but for me I would consider 110 if carrying rear passengers and cargo over the 90, the 90 will have very little cargo space if carrying rear passengers and side facing seats or no joy for any long journey.
Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
Don’t you use the “if it’s on it’s gone” method?
