What do you use to tow your trailer?

[bumbleymummy]

There is a possibility that in the next month I will finally be able to afford a little run around to take me to shows etc. :) I need something that can pull two horses because I'll probably be travelling with a friend most of the time (her trailer - that's the next thing on my list!). I love shoguns/pajeros (particularly the swb) - does anyone have any experience going with one? Anything else you can recommend?

[Mirage]

I bought a KIA Sorento last month and pull an Ifor Wiiliams 505r with it.It is great to tow with and will happily pull the trailer with 2 x ponies.I think it was rated the best towing vehicle by the caravan club and the dealer I bought mine from used one to tow Discoveries and Range Rovers off a muddy field after a show.I did loads of research and had a thread on here about it,and also used Horse and Hound's forums on their website which was very useful.

[Butkin]

Hyundai Santa Fe pulls our Ifor Williams with 2 ponies with ease - much better than previous Freelander which wasn't really up to the job.

It isn't permanent 4 wheel drive (economical) but this kicks in when required or you can push a button to make it permanent. At the show on Sunday lorries were being towed on and off by tractors but we had no trouble.

Having said that we're going to start looking serious for a box when we get a spare weekend.

[bumbleymummy]

Thanks! I've read good things about Sorentos and SantaFes too - I think it was on the H&H forum. I've just always thought the little shoguns were lovely so if they got decent enough mpg then I would love one. What sort of mileage do you get on yours when towing?

[Ponyofdoom]

Daihatsu Fourtrak. I have pulled big hunters in a 510 IW for years with this. It's the dogs b*llocks.

[bumbleymummy]

:) looks like I'm going to be shopping around a bit! Any ideas of mpgs? What size engines are they?

[frostyfingers]

Toyota Landcruiser - it's absolutely brilliant, but mahoosive and thirsty. We have it for reasons other than just towing, and it suits us fine, but it may be too much if you just need it to tow and ferry!

[bumbleymummy]

Ooh frosty! They are lovely - more expensive than the shoguns though...It really will just be evening and weekend towing and probably not be going ridiculous distance but I don't want something that guzzles too much. (i know that some guzzling is expected! :) ) I'm wondering why no one has posted about shoguns yet...does no one use them? Is there something wrong with them?

[elastamum]

I tow 2 big warmbloods with a volvo XC90. Works a treat and it is a great family car as it has 7 seats when you need them. Manages all the derbyshire hills just fine. Does about 30mpg. Mine is 9yrs old and still going strong.

[bumbleymummy]

Thanks Elastamum. We actually love the XC90 and plan on getting one to replace the family car when it needs updated. (prob later this year) We have considered replacing DHs car with something that could double up as a towing vehicle for me - he only uses it a couple of days a week but it's a looooong motorway commute and we don't want to increase his commuting costs just for me to be able to go to shows at weekends. I wonder would the xc90 be ok for that...Is the 30mpg when towing? What do you get without the trailer?

[Butkin]

The Santa Fe is quite good in terms of mpg as it isn't permanent 4wd and obviously a diesel. They also have a 5 year warranty if you buy a nearly new one.

We looked at Shoguns when we bought ours but didn't like their size. The short wheelbase was too short and the long wheelbase was too much of a tank for us.

The landcruisers are fantastic and dependable cars but expensive and thirsty.

I know a lot of people don't like them but what about a Discovery?

[Landy77]

I use a discovery and can't fault it at all, loads of space, very comfy. I have towed with my mums swb slogan and that was good although boot it too small for horse show with all the stuff we end up taking. Have previous used a fourtrak and I loved that very economical a true work truck. The only one I didn't get on with was a jeep as found it too light and sensitive for towing. Although husband would argue that was the best towing vehicle we have owned.

[SucksToBeMe]

A towbar

[bumbleymummy]

I can't afford a nearly new anything unfortunately butkin! Ideally I would wait until next year, save up and get something newer with lower mileage but we've been thinking about trying for another baby next year so I want to cram as much as possible into this summer! :) good point about trying to fit all the show stuff into the swb Landy ...hmmmmm. I've heard that discoverys can have a lot of problems which is definitely not something I need! I take it you haven't had any problems though?

[snowpo]

I had a Pajero SWB 2.5 for about 5yrs. It was great and I was sad to let go of it but needed a 5 door to fit 2 littlies, pram, dog, hubby etc. No idea about mpg, sorry, not cheap but not as bad as the biggies. I towed an old bahill trailer which is fairly lightweight mainly with just one horse. No problems at all, was great for towing. I never towed two big horses and you'd have to check the towing capacity depending on the weight of the horses.
I liked the fact that it had lots of little extras, great heating system, etc. Currently have a Nissan Terrano which is fine but very basic and I don't love it like I loved the Pajero!