Have been reading a number of forums where people are not happy with their tow vehicles. They mention problems with fuel consumption, instability, tow ball weights, towing capacities too low, gearbox problems, heavy towing aids etc. etc.
I have a Discovery 3 TDV6 with terrain response and air
suspension. She has done 91,000kms mostly towing a 17.5 foot Coromal Caravan (pop top) or
offroad work (Northern S.A. and Central Australia) including heavy beach work on SA beaches. I am the careful type that takes everything that one might need so I am never a lightweight overall.
I have never had a break down, never been bogged, and have not had to replace anything.
For towing it is:-- Comfortable to the extreme.
- Tonnes of torque and powerand only just notices the Coromal.
- with air
suspension I have found no need for heavy towing aids or levelling devices. Just hook on, she pumps herself up level and drive off.
- fuel consumption on latest 4,000km trip to WA with the van in tow averaged 14.8 ltrs/100Kms. Sometimes down to 13 on a calm day.
- the last set of BFG All terrains are at 60,000kms and still have 10,000kms in them.
- stability is extreme with ability to dodge white lines at 110KPH with no sway etc.
- No overheating transmissions just put her in drive and let her do her own thing.
- Heaps of room and carrying capacity in the vehicle.
- Not too many hills slow her down.
Have owned Toyotas and Nissans (4) and Commodores and Falcons(5) Landrovers (Defender and Discos) (3). I am convinced I will never go back.
Do yourself a favour, go for a test drive in one and honestly compare its advantanges and accessory list (including all of the electrical and mechanical computerised aides which have proven totally reliable) with your current bus.
At least it will never get in the way like the Prados. It seems every time their is a hold up at a bog hole or particularly nasty section of road there is a Prado tooting along in a world of its own or hooked onto someone else!!
Why would you but one of those things instead of a Land Cruiser??? or indeed a Discovery 3 (would like a Discovery 4 but too bloody expensive)
Regards and I will now await the incoming flak.