MigGames

MigGames

Member
Evening I have a problem here not the worst problem I grant but here it is.....
I'm looking for a new tow motor, it will tow day in and day out anywhere from 2 ton to 3.5 ton I have had a look at all the new jap 4x4s out there and the only thing that even registered was the isuzu dmax.
However I would like to stay land rover so it's between a 110 van 300/200/td5 or a discovery 200/300/td5.
I have owned 2 defenders but never used them for towing every day and I have only driven a disco 1 for about 20 mins so I need some info from those that have the experience and knowledge of these vehicles.
Basically which would be better suited for heavy towing day in day out over kong distances.
In terms of fuel economy which would be the marginally better out of these as this is a big factor.
And lastly which would be more likely to be reliable when under these conditions putting aside po bodies etc as it will be gone through before it gets use but as times goes on which is more likely to get problems?
I realise that ever car is different and like I said I had 2 defenders and they were fine but I need to know from someone who has owned one or more of these and has used them for long distance towing extensively.
Thanks
 
Mechanically they are much the same, over a long distance the Disco is more comfortable but by the time you have gone through a disco 1 and sorted out all the issues to make a reliable long distance tow motor you might do better to look at Disco 3
 
Ah yes unfortunately I have quite a lot of experience with the disco 3 tdv 6 and I must admit I find it a hateful thing.
Would be a brilliant tow motor tho ill give you that but the fuel bills would be hidious.
Im veering between either tdi or td5 the latter of which I have very little first hand ec experience.
 
In terms of mpg is the defender better by way of it being lighter or is that lost in the lower transfer box? ?
 
Leave the D3 alone, bloody nightmare, I'm on my 3rd disco1 , the first two worked there asses of towing a couple of Tom of machinery up and down the motorway, once they had been made capable on averages spending a grand on each not including any welding, try to avoid for boxes, just upgrade shockers, etc, good regular service, trouble free, the third one as been fully done and is my play mobile, I've tried others but keep going back to the D1, nothing is a real pain when you know your way round,
 
Does it have to be 4x4 if not a twin rear wheel Iveco will be a better choice .
Disco 1 too old now, will have loads of miles, and body corrosion . Disco 2 , later engine v good,
not too good on the chassis , unless you can find a good one. Defender later td5 version best bang for the buck.
The best tow motor was the 3.9 RRC auto for relaxed long distance , 130dc hcpu 300tdi for biggest payload
7450kg GTW . , and have towed extensively in Australia , and EU . My current main vehicle is probably the best ever , 110 csw with a 3 ltr BMW tdi , with a remap avg 24 at max GTW. (mostly motorway) 56mph
 
You'll be under C1+E with the Iveco, watch out for Driving Licence groups and trailer/vehicle weight restrictions. Trailer loaded must not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.

Peter
 
Exactly right lister diesel there is a minefield of regs out there in terms on towing for commercial reasons but it has to be able to tow 3.5 tons and that limits it some what but I think a 1988 110 300tdi with disco axles and gearbox will be just the ticket as it's over 25 years old so exempt from tachograph etc.
Ive worked on lots if disco 3 and the amount of stupid problems they have that don't matter when your 3 miles from home but when you're 340 miles with a ausa and grab it's a different story not to mention the awkward rear timing belt that needs 2 mirrors and hands the size of children egr valves that need the body off to get to apparently.

Yep tacr man I've had a few 3.5 Carb and e fi and 3.9 eff and in those days on gas it was do able but now it's just to crippling on top if that there all either messed around beyond recognition or rotten like discos.
Thanks chaps.
 
Last edited:
If its a 110 forget about disco rear axle ( not rated high enough) and disco transfer box too high for towing 3.5ton with defender size tyres .
 
MigGames said:
Evening I have a problem here not the worst problem I grant but here it is.....
I'm looking for a new tow motor, it will tow day in and day out anywhere from 2 ton to 3.5 ton I have had a look at all the new jap 4x4s out there and the only thing that even registered was the isuzu dmax.
However I would like to stay land rover so it's between a 110 van 300/200/td5 or a discovery 200/300/td5.
I have owned 2 defenders but never used them for towing every day and I have only driven a disco 1 for about 20 mins so I need some info from those that have the experience and knowledge of these vehicles.
Basically which would be better suited for heavy towing day in day out over kong distances.
In terms of fuel economy which would be the marginally better out of these as this is a big factor.
And lastly which would be more likely to be reliable when under these conditions putting aside po bodies etc as it will be gone through before it gets use but as times goes on which is more likely to get problems?
I realise that ever car is different and like I said I had 2 defenders and they were fine but I need to know from someone who has owned one or more of these and has used them for long distance towing extensively.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Defenders are a nice tow vehicle, but an able one will cost you plenty.
Disco 2 are as good a tow vehicle, done plenty of tows in mine with cattle and flatbed trailers, 2-3.5 tonne trailer weight.
They are also fairly good value, lot of bang for your buck towing wise, especially the v8s. Fuel isn't actually that bad, I get about 18mpg on the open road at 56mph.
Doubt if a diesel would get more than low 20s mpg, and the difference in purchase price pays for a lot of fuel.
 
Oh course I forgot the disco has a 1.6 transfer box where as the 110 Is 1.2 or 1.4 isn't it?
And it's a Salisbury on the back rather than a rover you get on the disco etc.
Well it's still an idea and as my mate pointed out to me the 110 is an asset that is appreciating whereas at least at the minute discovery are worth bugger all and a lot of them are rotten whereas chassis and bulkhead are relatively cheap and easy to change.
Horses for courses I suppose but ultimately not having to mess around with tachographs this time will make life easier at least.
 
MigGames you've sumed it up right there. A 110 is easier and cheaper to repair. That's a lot of weight to tow day in and out; if you go for the 110, worth thinking about HD springs and shocks? I'd keep tire pressures at the max as well.
 
I fully appreciate the troubles and woes and the possible lack of the disco 300tdi, but there are still plenty around there's even a few on here for sale, but for comfort and towing there brilliant, just do a bit of upgrading unless it's already been done, I speak from experience had a couple of defenders 90,110, different engines, and couldn't live with the disco, even for carrying extras in the back, it's near on a tranny with the back seats down, quiet and comfortable.
Doing long distances towing in a defender, you'll end up crippled or deaf.
What ever you choose good luck mate,
Grez
 
Thanks for the help chaps and yes hd springs are a must with some 235 85 16 it should be the right combination to tow happily.
They are noisy yes but as it will pulled apart probably I will take the time to soundproof and insulate every thing.
 
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