M 270 or Disco td5.

[John_5040468]

Has any one experience of towing with both the above vehicles, how do they compare both towing and solo.

 

[Malcolm_5040880]

I have towed with both. The Disco was manual - auto Discos tend to "hunt" between gears - and the ML is auto. Both towed equally well but the ML is very much smoother because, with the auto 'box, it is pulling all the time. I used to find the Disco bogged down when changing from first to second gear, particulary if on a hill. The ML is very much more car-like to drive solo. Both were diesel and both have given c.25/26mpg average over total mileage. Both reached 33/34 mpg as a best figure. Hope this is of some use.

 

[Mac2]

I'm on my second Disco TD5 and find it a great tow vehicle and superb to drive solo. I've had both 'chipped'and this really improves the performance. Pulls like a train !!

If Disco has air suspension then you must have the correct tow bar fitted for stability when towing, as the tow ball height will not sink, as with rear springs, when hooked up to the caravan. I've seen many a Disco with the tow ball height far too high. The Land Rover tow bar has an adjustable plate for setting the correct height & there is a different tow bar for vehicles fitted with rear springs. Also be carefull if 'Active Conering Enhancement' (ACE) is fitted - standard with air suspension - as this will mask any stability problems and you will not feel any warnings if stability is compromised. Having said that I have towed a big twin axle to France / Spain several times now with no problems.

 

[laurieW]

I'm on my second Disco TD5 and find it a great tow vehicle and superb to drive solo. I've had both 'chipped'and this really improves the performance. Pulls like a train !!

If Disco has air suspension then you must have the correct tow bar fitted for stability when towing, as the tow ball height will not sink, as with rear springs, when hooked up to the caravan. I've seen many a Disco with the tow ball height far too high. The Land Rover tow bar has an adjustable plate for setting the correct height & there is a different tow bar for vehicles fitted with rear springs. Also be carefull if 'Active Conering Enhancement' (ACE) is fitted - standard with air suspension - as this will mask any stability problems and you will not feel any warnings if stability is compromised. Having said that I have towed a big twin axle to France / Spain several times now with no problems.

Sorry Mac, but you are wrong regarding the ACE (Active Corner Enhancement).This is an option or a standard fit depending on the model. My TD5 has self-levelling air suspension but NOT ACE.

 

[RayS]

I too have had both, manual Disco with intercooler mod and ML 270 automatic. Van is 1550 Kg. No comparison Merch far superios as it should be given age and price. Service costs are not as bad as I thought - so far - 30000 miles - well below Disco. If you want more detail email me at ray.smith4@tesco.net