Hi all
I am a Disco owner because I tow a caravan all year round, wife has a TD4 Freelander that I am very impressed with but how does the 1800 K series tow. As most of them do my disco is slowly turning to rust needed welding last MOT so close to point where I can’t keep it on the road myself, so soon time to change.
I love the way the Freelander feels and in the snow we had last winter I was astounded how good it was I could only make it slip if I was stupid (deliberately empty wide road having fun) and when it did the traction control viscous coupling quickly pulled it back into line.
I can’t afford another TD4 which is the best engine but I could run to a K series, I also prefer an older slightly battered tug for the caravan as I give it a hard life and my 2 Springer spaniel dogs use it as a mobile kennel after rolling in mud swimming etc to get dry. That is why the wife’s nice tidy clean leather interior doesn’t get used to tow the van.
I know about the overheating issues, they and to V6 suffer with so would look out for this, I do almost all the work myself on the disco what are freelanders like to work on (wife’s TD4 has no issues so far I have had to deal with)
And experience would be useful also one puzzle to me how do you know if the viscous coupling is working or not, just in case either fails I would like to know before I lose 4 wheal drive on a muddy camp site.
Look for an L series diesel, cheaper than Td4.
The VCU seizing into 4WD is the problem, not losing it.
To test VCU, put a Tippex line from front the prop shaft, across VCU, and along rear propshaft, then go for a drive.
The lines on the props should no longer line up.
The 1.8 will never have the towing capability of the td4, and whilst the l series is a good suggestion, at the end of the day needs must and I have a friend or two with petrol freelanders who tow regularly - ever vigilant for coolant use.
All models have the same 1800 kg limit, or technically 2,000kg if you can be sure you won't exceed the gross train weight.
Cheers
Blippie