Do you tow with a Land Rover Freelander2 Automatic

[AshUK]

I have read conflicting reports about towing with automatics.
We are currently on the lookout for a new towing vehicle, I am drawn to the Land Rover Freelander2 Auto. I welcome any constructive feedback.

 

[RogerL]

What's the conflict? Conventional torque converter + planetary gears type of automatics are very good for towing - the modern ones have lock-up clutches to get their fuel consumption much closer to their manual alternative than they used to - the Freelander 2 uses a Japanese-built Aisin transmission (part of Toyota) of that type.

If you're looking at a brand-new car just be aware that the Freelander 2 is about to be replaced by the Discovery Sport.

 

[Southy1]

Hi. I towed with a Freelander 2 Auto for four years up to last month when I bought a Range Rover. I initially towed a Bailey Pageant Champagne and then upgraded to a twin axel, Pegasus Bologna. The Freelander towed fantastically without any problems at all. On a good run, I would stick it in cruise control and away we would go. Great car, very reliable and highly recommended. I would always get a LR warranty with them as if they do go wrong, they can cost a lot to put right. I was paying £550 pa for a LR extended warranty.

 

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Freelander 2 and the Auto Box, Peaches and Cream, made for each other.

 

[NigelHutson]

At last year's Tow Car Awards event, we had a FL2 auto. The weather was very windy to say the least, but the car was brilliant. So much so that the Chief Judge commented to me after testing it "why hasn't that been the winner?" The simple reason is that it is let down (comparatively) on practicality (small boot), and again comparative running costs. However, if you don't need huge space but want a cracking tow car, go for it.

I know everyone has their preference, but personally I would have the automatic FL2 over the manual any day, despite losing a bit of mpg. We have two in the family (my father has a 2009 auto, and my father-in-law has a 2010 manual) so speak from a bit of experience. The later SD4 as tested at the TCA is much "gutsier" too.

 

[Supertractorman]

I tow with one of these and rate it highly, and have even towed over its weight limit with sand in my trailer a short distance and still plenty of power and no sway.

David

 

[scouse272]

i don't tow with a fl but i do tow with an auto,hyundai santa fe and 3 shoguns prior to the santa fe and personally i would choose an auto over manual everytime

 

[RayS]

For reasons not connected to the car I replaced my Mercedes E220 with a Freelander 2 GS auto just over a year ago. Previous to the E Class I had a Merc ML270 and before that a Disco 200 tdi so well used to 4x4.

The Merc is a difficult act to follow but the F2 has proved excellent, given the small luggage space. It handles much better than previous 4x4s and is no slouch solo. The GS does not have all the bells and whistles but is a good deal cheaper and less potential electical trouble.

The driving position is superb for me at over 6ft and my OH at just over 5ft 2. The mirrors take Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors easily, headlights adjust for height, 2013 and later models do not need masks for European driving, full size alloy spare wheel,

I've not done any fuel consumption as it's still less than 10,000 miles but nothing outrageous. Some lack of storage up front too and glove box can be awkward for a tall passenger.

Currently, it passes my 'if it was stolen would I buy another ?' test with very little competition, particularly in the vision out category. The same cannot be said for the Evoque I had as a courtesy car for a day.

We tow an Elddis Avante 540 uprated to 1500kg with no problems whatsoever. My OH who had a sudden introduction to towing just over a year ago has done 300+ miles a day, on and off ferries etc. without undue stress - which was the purpose of the change.

 

[DCW27]

Hi there

Towed with a Freelander 2 SE Auto for 6 yrs towing a 2008 Bailey Seantor Wyoming, great towcar. Now tow the same caravan with a 2012 Range Rover Sport and the Freelander was just as stable averaging about 20mpg. One thing to note, check the kerbweight of the Freelander, Land Rover seem to underquote this (as they quote from 1770kg). I put mine on a weighbridge (it had side steps and roof bars) and weighed 2050kg.
Happy towing.

David

H