Re: Heritage 640 ES Towcar?

[Hilltopcam]

Hi,

Just wordering what car/jeeps members are using to tow their twin-wheel 640 ES caravans?

Kind regards,

Cameron

[jez]

We pull our 640 with my Land Rover Defender 110 with the latest engine & box. Does the job with ease but you really do have to love them to put up with leaks, noise and drafts. I learnt to drive in a 1973 Landy and thats where the love affair started. If you're looking for advice with anything Land Rover let me know

[AllanandJackie]

We tow our 640 with a BMW 530d estate auto and rate it. But do have to be mindful of where we go caravanning in the winter months as its rear wheel drive, which is better than front wheel drive, but can still catch you out very easily.

I think the best tow car I've owned was an Audi quattro estate A6 2.8.

I've also towed with Range Rovers which were very good but found the vehicle tiresome to drive solo on small roads.

[limecc]

I would have to agree with you about the Audi, as my 4Motion V6 Passat is also very sure footed. Towing at 93% though.
I would find it very difficult to go back to 2WD and feel 4WD is as great a safety feature for traction, as ABS is for brakes. It will never take off though as it hits people in the MPG pocket and manufacturers sell fewer cars unless it's an option like with VW and Audi.

My Passat ran rings around everyone slipping and sliding in deep slush last year whilst solo, and when towing I'm never fearful of getting off a soggy field or pitching into position on a slight incline. I've never so much as spun a wheel on wet grass with the van on.

[Hilltopcam]

Thank you all.
I'm towing with a Mitsubishi Outlander 4x4, but think it is too light for the 640 ES(T).
Thinking of changing, but wanted to see what others were towing with to help me make up my mind!

[AllanandJackie]

What's the kerb wt of your 4x4?

[limecc]

I checked on:
http://www.whattowcar.com

Depending on model/year, the Outlander is between 25 and 125Kgs too light. 104% worst case.

You could confirm on a weighbridge if one is handy to you. If you are stopped for roadside checks, the Police will look at the Gross Train Weight (car & trailer combined) stamped on your car's VIN plate to decide if you are towing illegally, but you probably aren't.

[Hilltopcam]

Outlander is 1635 Kg Allan.

According to WhatTowCar (thanks for link limecc  ) it is 170 Kg too light for caravan...

Justification to change I recon! Autotrader, here I come!!!

Thanks,

Cameron

[richardB]

    We tow our 640ES with a Kia Sorento,[not a new model they are quite a bit lighter than the old ones]

    Richard

[AllanandJackie]

What's your kerb wt Richard?

[richardB]

   Hi Allen,
            I have 2148 Kgs  written in my dimensions book,handy when booking ferries etc! can't remember where I found that out because I don't think it is in the handbook, all it puts is maximum towing weight braked 2800 Kgs!
       Richard

[Lolomac]

We have a Toyota Landcruiser & love it.
Lorna
x

[flipper]

that should pull the factory never mind one van -- welcome to the Forum boards Lorna. Flipper 

[limecc]

x2 on that. Welcome to the forum Lorna.

I think my ultimate towcar would have to be this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RANGE-ROVER-SPORT-4-2-V8-SUPERCHARGED-OVERFINCH-HST-/200520938787?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eaffab523

http://www.overfinch.com/main.asp?launch=true

Never heard of the company before our IOW trip this year, and then saw two of them. They have been around as long as Range Rover themselves.

Just begging for an LPG conversion   

[AllanandJackie]

A truely fantastic auto!! but a shame about only three cup holders!!! otherwise I would have been tempted to put a bid in for it.

I wounder what MPG it returns? that's probably the reason why I'll not be bidding on this one.