Defender or Range Rover for towing horsebox?

Hi

I need a 4x4 to tow a horse box. It must be able to safely carry two large horses. I don't need extreme off road capabilities.

I am considering a 1996 Range Rover 2.5 DSE Auto which I have on test from a relative. The body is in very good nick and seems to drive well with only a few minor faults to fix (I think). 128k miles with a newly installed reconditioned engine. Asking price is 7k though I think 6k is nearer the mark based on internet searches.

1) Will a 2.5 Range Rover comfortably pull a fully loaded horse box?
2) Horsey friends swear by the Defender - is it a better bet and which model? Long wheel base or short?
3) Does anyone have any other recommendations I'm also thinking of a jap like an isuzu trooper which SEEM to be cheaper and more reliable though not as nice to look at.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers

Hi and Welcome, i will try to help a little if i can.
As far as towing capability as far as i'm aware Either the rangie, disco or defender will pull them no problem, Land Rovers have a massive towing capability and i think the only vehicle to come close is the Trooper (Legaly on paper that is, somebody correct me if i'm wrong) As for the price, its hard to say without seeing the vehicle, but i think you have the best idea with the net searches, thats what i would do.

As for different models of Defender, well thats purely down to you, both 110 and 90 are very capable vehicles. Engine wise i would look for a 200 or 300tdi, or maybe even a td5 if the money will stretch.
Hope this helps a little.

Thanks for your time

Cheers

I'd echo that. The BMW 2.5TD is underpowered in the R38 Range Rover, but the 300 2.5TD in the Disco is a belter, but slow as an auto.

In terms of Isuzu, avoid the 3.0 like the plague as the engines blow up at any mileage due to problems with injector seals, but the early 2.8TD or newer 3.1TD are unburstable and is a cracking car and quicker than the Disco.

Go LWB as they always tow better.

The Range Rovers are capable and more comfortable V8 the best (at a fuel cost) P38 BMW2.5 td was detuned slightly (so as not to be directly competing against the V8) chip the BMW if u want more power( had two of each V8 and BMW tdi). I have used a 110 200tdi to tow a 31/2 ton Ifor Williams for the last 30 years it can struggle a bit pulling away when fully loaded. I may be preaching to the converted but Too much power and speed can get you into some serious trouble when towing

15yr thread revival..

One of the oldest ones yet!

LWB will be better than SWB. If I was looking for a LR specifically for towing then self leveling suspension (air) would be high on my list of desirable features. If you are looking at around £7K then I would favour an immaculate P38 or reasonable L322 before a scrappy Defender.

I read 7k for a DSE before I saw the date and nearly choked.

Henry_b said:

15yr thread revival..
One of the oldest ones yet!

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Feck's sake. I wonder if he has made his mind up yet?

Si Click said:

Feck's sake. I wonder if he has made his mind up yet?

Click to expand...

Maybe.....

Maybe not

sorry better late than never

Probly had 3 slittys since then if they have any sense.