4 x 4 advice

[3nags]

Hi folks – any advice appreciated!
I have been towing my Ifor Williams 505 trailer with one horse on board with a Freelander which has just died on me and needs replacing. What do you all tow your trailers with – what would you recommend/avoid and why ?

[cameg]

When I had my trailer I always towed with a toyota landcruiser, I loved it for towing, but it was a tad sore on the fuel
Sx

[3nags]

Thanks for that Cameg - appreciate the advice.
By the way I will be happy to give a hand at the Group Show - won't be there with a horse as I'll be broke after having to buy a new car!
Be sure to put me down for a job.
Hope you have a great time at the Grand Slam. Look forward to hearing about it.

[nicky]

I am using and would recommend a 4x4 pick up. It is just like an ordinary 4x4, four doors, five seats, and very comfortable/well equipped. It has the advantage of the pick-up at the back, which you can hose out when dirty. It is amazing how handy it is and how much you can put into it, with or without a canopy. It was also a god send in the recent snow, just slip it into 4 wheel drive and it will go anywhere. Great fun pulling the neighbours flash BMW out of his drive!
I have a Ford Ranger 2.5TD, it pulls my Ifor Williams 510 as if it is not there, although I have only used it with one horse in it. It also pulled an Equi Trek down to Birmingham and back with two 15hh without any problem. Please note that I don’t go over 50mph for the sake of the horses.
Down side are the high depreciation, high diesel consumption, and the tax. I got just over 25 to the gallon on the Birmingham trip. If you buy one, you have to keep it till it drops.
If you go for one, the best is the Nissan Navara, but be prepared for the engine blowing at approx. 90000miles. It is a very very common problem. The Mitsubishi L200, very widespread, I think because of its looks, but most owners, when asked to be honest, hate them for their poor turning circle and being very thirsty. Also a bit “soft” and although not unreliable as such, they sometimes need a lot of attention. Toyota Hilux, tough as old boots, but unrefined. The Isuzu Rodeo is the most car like. Finally, my Ford Ranger (the same as a Mazda B2500), slow, thirsty but nice to drive and they seem to just keep on going forever. I wonder how many folk I have just upset with Nissans and Mitsubishi's.
Anyway, have fun looking, and I hope this is of some help. More puppy pictures when they are older and more interesting, thanks for your comment.

[moira]

I also tow with a pick up. Mine is the new shape Mitsubishi L200 and its fab. It has a much better turning circle than the old shape one (as I found out last week when I drove my pals one ), it does about 28-30mpg and there's loads of room in the back for all the stuff that you HAVE to take to a show and then never use . It tows an IW511 with Zak & a Rain (17hh) easily. The only thing with pickups is that they are quite long. Because it's a commercial vehicle the road tax is about £185 I think. I know someone who pays £400 tax for a Discovery

[alisonm]

Sorry to hear you won't be at Group Show with your horse !
I also use my hubby's pick up 4 x 4, Isuzu Rodeo. It's just fab for towing and you can get so much stuff in the back. Have to agree with Moira though, they are a long wheelbase so harder to turn, but you get used to it.

[3nags]

Lots to think about - thanks for all the advice/opinions everyone!
My PC has been red hot over the last few days researching 4 x 4's - I had no idea there were so many to choose from !
I had a sit in a Landrover Defender yesterday - the ultimate off road vehicle - it was so huge I could have done with a leg up to get in to it !!!!!
The search continues !

[jbarabians]

Hi Lynn I really like my X3 - it is much more economical for every day driving too. It does around 40mpg. Mine is a diesel, always go for a diesel.
It did me proud on my trip down the road this weekend and its a lovely car to drive.

If you go for the heavier type 4x4's you will be expensive on fuel.
I had a Mitsubishi shogun long wheel base and it guzzled the fuel and when your driving it everyday the cost really adds up.
Dont get me wrong it pulled the trailer brilliantly. Think you need to weigh up how much towing your doing though.

My other half used to sell Nissan's and he always spoke very highly of the X-Traill. It is also very good with the fuel.

I've probably just confused you even more! If you did fancy a shot of the X3 I work @ BMW so give me a shout and I'd get someone to look after you.

[3nags]

Thanks JB - appreciate that !
Think I may have found something this afternoon which will suit me - fingers crossed I'll be back on the road again soon !