Why can the Freelander only tow 2000kg?

Hi guys,

Out of curiosity, why is it that the Freelander 1 is only able to tow a MAM of 2000kg legally while the Defender and Disco's can tow up to 3500kg legally?

Of course, the Disco and Defender's are much more capable in this respect, when compared to the Freelander 1. I don't doubt that. I do know that whatever I say, this thread is going to attract a wealth of sarcastic comments directed at the Freelander. However, the gap between 2000KG to 3500KG is rather significant. I think it's reasonable to be curious. I know of a few estate cars (lighter) which can tow heavier weights than the Freelander...

Is it really because the Freelander is not safely capable of towing anything above 2000kg? Or is it merely for marketing reasons? I.e. It would make sense if Land Rover pitched the Defender and Discovery to those who wish to tow heavy weights, instead of the Freelander. Thus, giving the Freelander a certified lower towing weight would only help achieve this. That said, I'm not sure if this is the case.

Any ideas?

Rich

Its to do with the kerb-weight. The freelander weighs something like 500kg less than a defender, 1450kg to the defenders 2000kg...from here theres some guideline to do with 85% of the kerbweight, the manufacturers recommendated towing limit, and a 12 degree gradient!! ...i cant answer more than that, some clever bod will..




See no sarcasm...at all!

Compared to defenders and disco's a freelander is a completely different construction.
All vehicles are limited by design, gearing and engine torque characteristics.
The larger landrovers just like anything else still have to abide by the approved maximum nose weight, rear axle load etc. so in reality it may not always be possible to pull such heavy loads legally.

A bit naughty but my Gaylander managed to tow a 3.5 ton mini digger that was on a 1 ton trailer

Didnt have to too far, but managed the 5 miles OK.

As much down to the design specifications as anything else. A heavier vehicle will obviously manage a heavier trailer but the towing differences don't equate to the kerbweight differences. In order to tow a heavy trailer you need good brakes, stronger drivetrain etc.
Theoretically at a steady speed the load presented to the vehicle by a trailer is the noseweight, rolling resistance and drag. The last two have only a small amount to do with the actual trailer weight and the disco can handle 150Kg vs the Freelanders 145Kg. So it all comes down to the ability to stop and start the trailer.

Philip1972 said:

A bit naughty but my Gaylander managed to tow a 3.5 ton mini digger that was on a 1 ton trailer

Didnt have to too far, but managed the 5 miles OK.

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I towed a mini with a 250cc Royal Enfield for about 2 miles, it was a bugger trying to time the traffic light around Croydon at 1 in the morning

Missing Link said:

I towed a mini with a 250cc Royal Enfield for about 2 miles, it was a bugger trying to time the traffic light around Croydon at 1 in the morning

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Stopping was the biggest problem I can tell you.

Philip1972 said:

Stopping was the biggest problem I can tell you.

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I think we managed the entire run without stopping and I let the car stop me at the end. Didn't arf stretch me chain though.

Philip1972 said:

A bit naughty but my Gaylander managed to tow a 3.5 ton mini digger that was on a 1 ton trailer

Didnt have to too far, but managed the 5 miles OK.

Click to expand...

Quite lucky you didnt have to stop quickly. Someone might have got killed. :doh: