Best mainstream 4x4 pickup for towing 3.5t

[htb]

Remember an agri rep had that fitted to his set up in the 80's.Was a granada company car with 16 ft flat bed trailer (tandem axle) he used to carry 5 furrow reversible ploughs and power harrows on it. i was a tad surprised to say the least.as TCD said it was an electrical system from the tow vehicle,not sure what system was on the trailer. Could have been similar set up that was developed on buses etc,where there was a multiple position switch that you could move that retarded the vehicle without having to put the brakes on on long descents etc. Hope this makes sense

[njc110381]

Retarding the vehicle without having to use the brakes sounds like an exhaust brake? I don't know much about them but I have one on my Unimog. From what I can gather it restricts the flow of exhaust gas from the manifold so the pistons have more resistance?

 

I've seen other options available on Land Rovers too. A system that allows it to tow more than 3.5t. But I really do have no idea how that works. Got a feeling it was a hydraulic system of some sort, but don't quote me on it. No doubt you would need a different licence to B+E if you're a youngster too?

[wicklamulla]

Have you considered having a trailer with electro-hydraulic brakes?

 

My mate tows his 3t Kubota (on a tri-axle ifor) behind a 2007 2.5 Manual Hilux and has had no issues with the truck - the back is rammed with tools full time. You can start off in low range and swap stright to High when starting off; this you cannot do in an L200 or some other trucks due to the transfer gate configuration.

 

I'm sure said mate would be happy to show you his setup...

 

liking the sound of that. Tink older Discoveries can legally lug 4.2 ton with this braking system fitted.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

I will get more info asap chaps plus some pics

[Matthew Storrs]

Interested to hear how he does it, to me it sounds like their could be complications with the system. For example, IW trailers themselves are only played at 3500kg. And with tri axles your payload is reduced, that aside I imagine you would need to upgrade the knott hitch as again that is only 3500kg.

 

Of course there is the license thing too, a tri axle trailer with 3t digger and bits will be all of 4 tons so I doubt the 'E' entitlement on the license will be valid.

 

Defenders are rated to tow 3500kg but I'm sure I read this can increase to 4ton will powered brakes? Even so, I wouldn't want to subject it to 4 ton, and if I did for traction you'd need to have a fair bit of weight in the truck itself.

 

It's obviously a system that works well for your mate though Jon so he must think it is all worth it over running a 7.5tonner beaver tai?

 

I can see the added safety factor of it but ultimately you are increasing the general strain on the towing vehicle with the added weight etc.

 

I wouldn't have thought that if a Hilux is rated at 2250 towing then suddenly with powered brakes it can jump to 4ton, surely there rating has other factors such as chassis strength etc which braking would have no effect on.

 

Like I say I'd be keen to see how he does it legally but to me it seems like a lot of factors and upgrades for possibly little advantage?

[Daniël Bos]

In the Netherlands (not UK I know, but still eu and similar-ish regs) you can adapt a 100 cruiser to tow over 6t. Electric sensors on the pedals, uprated rear suspension, uprated hitch etc.

There's also the b+e artics, up to 16!T gtw on a b+e licence....

 

Back here, there are fully legal electronic brake systems fitted to motorhomes with tow cars. (which are trailers, and always have brakes, all fitted brakes must work regardless of weight)

 

Sent from my D5803 using Arbtalk mobile app

[openspaceman]

In the Netherlands (not UK I know, but still eu and similar-ish regs) you can adapt a 100 cruiser to tow over 6t. Electric sensors on the pedals, uprated rear suspension, uprated hitch etc.

There's also the b+e artics, up to 16!T gtw on a b+e licence....

 

Back here, there are fully legal electronic brake systems fitted to motorhomes with tow cars. (which are trailers, and always have brakes, all fitted brakes must work regardless of weight)

 

Sent from my D5803 using Arbtalk mobile app

 

Erentek quoted me about £1500 to fit an air braking kit to a pick up which would work air trailer brakes from the LR. This would have enabled a trailer of 4 tonnes but GTW would have stayed the same.

 

I don't like towing a trailer that is 3.5 tonnes on overrun brakes even if the truck is that heavy. Taking a tracked chipper out behind an unladen transit always worried me.

[Harris tree care]

Does it have to be a pick up, my discovery 3 would tow anything and very comfy as well

[njc110381]

My mate tows his 3t Kubota (on a tri-axle ifor) behind a 2007 2.5 Manual Hilux. You can start off in low range and swap straight to High when starting off

 

That's interesting, something else that I used to like about my Landy! Can any of the others shift range like that?

[gensetsteve]

I have towed big generators around for years. Had discos and amazons for more than 20 years. An Amazon from around 2005 would be ideal for you but it's not a pick or commercial and will cost you tax wise. The defenders disco 1 and 2 were ok for pulling 2500kg but 3500kg was just too much on a regular basis. The disco 3 and 4 is up to the job and is as good if not better than the Amazon but get a bad one and you will throw £6000 a year keeping it on the road. I don't think there is an easy answer because if there was I would be driving a new one and changing it every 3 years.