David Motton Answer On Two Wheel Aid Economy This Months PC

[Heethers]

l am glad to see David Mottons answer to Richard Rimmingtons question on Mitsubishi Shogun towing in two wheel drive, l to have a 07 Auto Shogun SWB and was confused when l bought it to read that it advised in the hand book when towing to tow in 4H. Having had two previous Shoguns both manual SWB's l always towed in 2h with no detrement to the car.
l to have trawled the forums seeking clarification on this point, even emailing Mitsubishi about it, who did not bother with a reply, obviousley David has more clout in that direction. l have towed the van some 40 miles by mistake (forgot to engage 4H) up the M5 from the Cotswolds and was overjoyed with the MPG which was 24 to 25 mpg, big difference in 4x4 which at best was only 20 mpg.
l am towing a Lunar Clubman SE with MTPLM 1490, l would only have about 1430 at the most, this now will get me better fuel econmy now this matter is finally been answered.
Thanks Richard for posting the Question and to you David for providing the answer it was well worth this months £4 for the magazine and has made my mind up to subscribe to it from now on by direct debit.
Once again thankyou Nigel Donnelly and your team for a brilliant Magazine which gives good information that can result in real savings.
Nigel Heathcote

 

[richrimmo]

No problem, was a big weight off my mind too. Did you see the picture of my son in pic of the month ?

 

[ChrisE]

As I have not read the original post/letter?? I am not sure what this is about but are you saying that somewhere it says that the Mistubishi Shogun can tow its full 3000/3500kg in 2wd or that an 85/100% kerb weight caravan can be safely towed in 2wd?
I am guessing that to get a 3000kg+ trailer moving on a wet 8% hill start might well benefit from 4wd!

 

[richrimmo]

Errr... as this is a a caravan magazine forum were talking about towing a caravan, at speed on a road. When we get on site on sloping wet grass we may well need four wheel drive. The shogun is rated to tow 3500kg but I think you would be a fool to take a trailer of that weight on the road.

 

[Heethers]

No l didn't see the photo but will have a look tonight,will being going upto the Grange CC in Durham from Cheshire in 2 weeks time, will let you know what l return in 2H, obviously if its wet and conditions dictate it would be better in 4H l will use 4X4.
l don't expect to use it if its dry or just a little wet only if its hammering down, l have ATC fitted plus ALKO stabaliser, never tow more than 57mph so l hope l should return considerabley more MPG than in 4 wheel drive.
Regards
NigelH

 

[ChrisE]

Errr... as this is a a caravan magazine forum were talking about towing a caravan, at speed on a road. When we get on site on sloping wet grass we may well need four wheel drive. The shogun is rated to tow 3500kg but I think you would be a fool to take a trailer of that weight on the road.

Errr... yes I know it is a caravan forum & I have towed one for 40 years!

My query was that I did not understand the basis if the above discussion. I can well understand that Mitsubishi recommend 4wd when they also say that the Shogun is capable of towing 3500kg. What I do not know is where the information about 2wd towing has come from & whether there is some weight at which they would recommend 4wd towing. I am just trying to clarify the position.

I would not tow 3500kg on the road either but it is comforting to have so much towing ability in reserve at the 85% kerweight that I still use as a good reference point.

 

[Parksy]

Errr... as this is a a caravan magazine forum were talking about towing a caravan, at speed on a road. When we get on site on sloping wet grass we may well need four wheel drive. The shogun is rated to tow 3500kg but I think you would be a fool to take a trailer of that weight on the road.

Errr... yes I know it is a caravan forum & I have towed one for 40 years!

My query was that I did not understand the basis if the above discussion. I can well understand that Mitsubishi recommend 4wd when they also say that the Shogun is capable of towing 3500kg. What I do not know is where the information about 2wd towing has come from & whether there is some weight at which they would recommend 4wd towing. I am just trying to clarify the position.

I would not tow 3500kg on the road either but it is comforting to have so much towing ability in reserve at the 85% kerweight that I still use as a good reference point.

The information about towing on motorways or tarmac roads in 2WD came from the November 2010 issue of Practical Caravan Magazine (Page 100 - Towcar Helpline)
David Motton the Towcar Editor contacted Mitsubishi to find out if there is any technical reason why two wheel-drive should not be used rather than the 4wd advised on stickers inside Shoguns.

 

[Heethers]

My point on the origanal post was that Davids section had answered a query by Richard about the Shogun Handbook stating that you should only tow in 4H. l had tried to find out from Mitsubishi why this was so and for what reason, l never received an answer so continued to tow in 4H.
Since reading this months PC, l was congratulating David and PC team for taking the trouble to find out what l could not, seems that Richard couldnt also. l have been driving 4X4's for some 30 years and know that if the weather conditions change to select four wheel drive,l have never before used 4X4 for towing in dry conditions which is what the Shogun hand book stated, once again David thankyou for clearing this matter up. Like l said it's how much clout you have with manufacturers that you gets answer's, seems PC can get those that we can't.
NigelH

 

[xtrailman]

When in 2wd which axle is driven?