Towing horse trailer

Hi again all

I need some advice now about towing a horse trailer. Which is best manual or auto (Disco 2.5L)? I have read conflicting advice. Some feel that the autos are 'pushed' downhill when towing because of lack of engine braking, and others don't like the thought of a possible roll back on a steep hill start in a manual with a trailer and a half ton, moving 4 legged beast or 2 on board! Having driven an auto Hilux for the past 4 years I think the thought of the manual steep hill start would scare me more than the downhill auto journey, as the autos have the option of moving into a lower gear manually anyway to slow down, as well as braking. Have also heard that towing can ruin clutches, but on the other hand are auto gear boxes strong enough for towing? Does anyone have any experience/advice. Thanks

I have a D2 V8 auto and regulary tow a double horse box with 2 on board. I can honestly say that I have never been let down and towing with it is a joy.

Srm said:

I have a D2 V8 auto and regulary tow a double horse box with 2 on board. I can honestly say that I have never been let down and towing with it is a joy.

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Are V8's the Discos with bigger engines 3+ litres?

Yes it's a 4 litre. However a mate of mine tows a twin axle caravan with a D2 TD5 and he loves it.

first time i tow caravan with mine it was a bit unnerving as drove the same as solo not a lot of feed back from van (like with a car you felt everything) spent the first half of journey checking van was still there

I tow a twin wheel caravan 2 tons Ish with my d2 td5 auto no problems

4L V8 Auto for me and no problem. In the past used a TD5 auto a 300 manual and a 300 auto. V8 the best of them all but no problems I can recall with any of the others apart from lack if power

I have a 200tdi disco and tow two 17 hh horses all winter and have only ever had one problem on a country road where I tried to take a short cut up a F*King steep hill rather than go the extra 200yards around and learnt my lesson the poor old girl just couldn't do it so reversed back down and went around :-( P.s its a manual!

My manual TD5 defender has towed vehicles and trailers of all sizes and weights from 200kg up to 40 ton both uphill and down and in all weather conditions.

If you're worried about pulling away on a hill with a heavy trailer on the back, Drop yer landy down into low range first and then once you start moving, change up to high range first followed by your usual second third fouth high range etc.

I know this reply is a few months late, but thanks everyone for your advice. After months of researching various 4x4s, I am getting a Disco this week. Just need to find the best insurance deal now.

Thanks for getting back to use.

Better late than never.

HI guys i just new to landyzone and new to landrovers i have a question regards towing a caravan do you need to lower suspension or just drive it at normal height for drivng ?
will the adjustable suspension level it self of when driving?

no you need to introduce yourself first or people will ignore or rip into you.

biggaz55 said:

HI guys i just new to landyzone and new to landrovers i have a question regards towing a caravan do you need to lower suspension or just drive it at normal height for drivng ?
will the adjustable suspension level it self of when driving?

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We don't need more travelers on the roads there is to many in the Dale farm already