Question about towing capability D2 vs RRC

[Rob]

Hello

I have been considering a 2001 Discovery Series 2 (spring suspension with 4.0L motor) as a tow vehicle for a 25 foot boat and trailer. I have launched and towed the boat with a 1988 RRC but it was marginal - pretty good on the launch ramp but scary on the highway - currently I use an old F250 4X4 that handles the load well but it's a F@rd... The D2 has upgrades over the old RRC; anti-lock brakes, traction control and a little more under the hood so I am wondering if the D2 is a better candidate than the old RRC - the trailer has electric brakes and combined tow weight is about 7000lbs (close to the 7700 limit listed for the D2). Anyone towing heavy loads with a D2? What has been your experience?

Thanks, Rob
Ladysmith

[DaveB]

Hi Rob,

I don't know about a boat the size of yours, but with our D2 I've towed a small utility trailer (no problems at all), a horse trailer -- about 3000 pounds with one horse in it (no problem for the truck but the horse found it a bit bouncy compared to a full size, full length pickup), and more recently my Series IIa -- all of these were long trips of several hundred miles over a broad variety of terrain. It's worth giving your boat a try. I would put it in 3rd gear, sport mode, though to ensure you have as full of control of the power as possible. I also shifted down into second and even first for steep grades. Towing the series truck, which is around 2500 pounds, was no problem at all and I'll do it again, however there were some cross winds at one point that made it fun, especially since I long ago removed both front a rear sway bars from the Discovery.

BTW, your old RR is sooo close to running again with the 200tdi... I just have to reinstall the fuel tank, bleed the brakes and install the driveshafts. Might even get it firing today!

cheers, Dave

[PaulC]

We use LR3's and Range Rovers (similar tow rating) to haul water buffalos (with about 6000lbs of water sloshing around) on trails for maintence and they do a great job, especially considering the big articulations and side hills etc we usually build or enhance.

With all that said it’s hard to beat a big American pick-up to haul anything over 6000lbs.
:)

[Rob]

Thanks for the feedback. I have posted a couple of pics to show what I am talking about - as you can see, big boat - little rover... The 3/4 ton handles it easily but it would be nice to be able to retire the old F@rd and have one less set of wheels in the yard.

Thanks, Rob
PS: Dave - I have been watching your work on the green RRC with much interest - I am glad to see that it has gone to a good home!

http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh39 ... C01854.jpg
http://i545.photobucket.com/albums/hh39 ... C01855.jpg

[rhino_ed]

.:DROOLS:.