Freelander 2: Will it be as good as my Disco?

[tug100]

Hi. I used to tow with a 2000 Peugeot 406 HDI and I thought it was a very good towcar. That was until I changed it for a '96 Disco 300 TDI.

The Disco which I have now is far more stable being far less affected by bow waves of passing vehichles, and has great all round visibility, goes up most motorway hills in 5th with the van on the back and has low box for times when things get slippery or when reversing up my drive avoiding burning smells that I used to get from the 406's clutch.

Back then I was towing about 1250kg loaded but I have subsequently changed my van for a heavier Sterling with a 1500kg MTPLM.

It's soon time to replace the faithful Disco, which has never really ever put a foot wrong.

So, my question is, can anyone share their experiences of towing with the Freelander 2, in some detail, particularly it's stability with a single axle van weighing 1500 loaded. We usually tour France / Switzerland during summer.

ps Ideally I'd like a Disco 3 but it is not suitable for the number of miles I will need to do solo. So I am hoping the FL2 is a good next bet.

Cheers

Martin

 

[John_374224558]

Martin,

I have the FL2 and tow and Abbey Expresson 550 max weight 1500kg.

Am absolutely delighted with the Towcar, it has no problem at all pulling the van, the only thing I would say is that it has a very high 6th gear and when towing you really to be doing 55- 60 to use it. Other than that it is great.

It doesn't have the low range box that the disco has, but first/reverse gears are actually quite low anyway and I have found hill starts fine with the van in tow.

All I can suggest is get down to your preferred LR dealer and take a test drive.

 

[Bazz1]

Martin, if they have a F2 fitted with a towbar, ask to borroe it for the weekend, you may have to arrange your own insurance but hay it will be a good test. Bazz.

 

[Daniel_374322765]

Hi, i have a Freelander 2. I bought it in august and tow a Coachman kimberely amara 530/4. The coachmans MTPLM is 1500kg. I previously had a 51 reg freelander TD4, which i thought was good. The freelander 2 is fantastic. It is far more stable than the earlier model. I cant compare it to a disco as i have never towed with one, but i can tell you that i am extremely pleased with the FL2.

It pulls very well indeed, i will agree with john in that 6th gear is rarely suitable as it is very high. 5th is the gear i use most when towing, however 6th can be used at higher speeds on the flat. This reflects in the fuel consumption which is around 24MPG, which i was a little disapponted in considering i used to get around 26-27 out of my old freelander. Having said that the extra performance has to come from somewhere.

The car does a fantastic job on motorways and around town. Its great on its own or with the van. A test drive will answer alot of your questions. Any specific questions about it, ask away.

Dan

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

Are they using the same engine as in the mk1.

I only ask the question as the mk1 was proane to blowing head gaskets.

G.

 

[Darce]

Good to hear that the freelander 2 is performing well.

As regards the engines

No, the Td4 engine in the Mk1 Freelander was/is a BMW unit and is an excellent engine. The TD4 (notice the uppercase D) is a Ford unit (though it has been developed with Peugeot)

The engine that blew headgaskets for a pastime was the pre 2000 year 1.8 petrol. The problem is all but eliminated on post 2001 models by LR repositioning the thermostat and improving water flow for cooling. If you have a 1.8 that has not yet blown its head gasket then I would suggest that you have an engine that is not likely to do so unless you abuse it.

The 1.8 engine in my view is an excellent engine for use as a runabout but if you want to tow anything, forget it. It just does not have the power delivery in the right place. Regular servicing is a must and if you want to be sure it is a relatively easy job to replace the head gasket with a thicker upgraded one. As the engine is one that is used by many manufacturers and is liked a great deal by the specialists like Caterham etc, you can get an exchange head ported and gas flowed to improve performance if that takes your fancy.

The petrol engine in the Freelander 2 is a Volvo unit. Not seen any reports of what this is like as a tow vehicle.