Drrrrr Boo Boo time

Hightower · 04 May 2007, 23:02

I was having a flick though the Kia handbook tonight when I suddenly realized something.

The heaviest I can tow with a braked trailer is 900kgs

That means I probably can't bring my new RIB back from the Manufacturers.

Total dry weight of the RIB is 400kg's + console and seats 100kg's + weight of water to counter balance the rig whilst towing (no outboard) 200kg's + weight of trailer 300kg's = too heavy for the sportage to tow

Does this mean a new 4x4 to tow my new rig?

ian parkes · 04 May 2007, 23:22

Water to counterbalance while towing

You lost me there

Hightower · 04 May 2007, 23:26

Well with no outboard on the back there'll be too much nose weight at the front if I don't use water to counter balance things.

codprawn · 05 May 2007, 01:31

I doubt it - try moving the boat back a bit or altering the axles on the trailer. Or even put it on backwards!!!

Jimbo · 05 May 2007, 06:59

Andy, short term, if you need to borrow the disco for towing, just let me know.

Hightower · 05 May 2007, 08:05

I guess I could move the axles and load the boat futher back than usual but figured that putting a couple of containers of water was an easier option (it'll still be near the tow limit without the water).

My main concern is that I'll now have to replace the tow vehical with one that'll tow my outfit in the future.

So keeping my 4x4 as small as possible (Kia Sportage ) size, what options do I have to tow something that'll have at least a 1300kg's gross trailering capactity on a budget?

Is the only option a Landy or similar because I doubt it'll fit up the driveway?

Jimbo, that's a very generous offering me your Disco for the trip back. I will consider it, but will persue the possible borrowing of my Fathers Mercedes first.

Nos4r2 · 05 May 2007, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

So keeping my 4x4 as small as possible (Kia Sportage ) size, what options do I have to tow something that'll have at least a 1300kg's gross trailering capactity on a budget?

SWB Trooper, swb Shogun? Isuzu Mu like mine (it's quite wide but the length of a mk3 xr3i)

Jimbo · 05 May 2007, 10:13

Defender 90?

**grabs tin helmet again**

Nos4r2 · 05 May 2007, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Defender 90?

**grabs tin helmet again**

IMO a great idea if you're not on a budget... Budget buying a 90 probably isn't a good idea. Landies are wonderful but they get used hard...

simmons0 · 05 May 2007, 10:47

Nissan x-trail's are nice

osprey__viper · 05 May 2007, 11:01

Andy, me old mate. Come and see ya friendly Landrover dealer (i.e me

) and i'll do ya the deal of a lifetime on a freelander 2.

Problem solved

Hugh Jardon · 08 May 2007, 16:07

andy

when i picked up mine i just adjusted the bow post to keep the boat further back, i also moved the rear roller arm back as well until the balance was just nice
dont bother trying to move axles as that is a pain and adjustment of brakes needed etc

when the boat is built up then you can adjust the axle to get the best balance, i keep mine very light at the front

the bare boat will be around 550+ so add that to the trailer and if within limits then you should be fine with the kia, but longer term you will need to get a bigger towcar with greater capacity, if on a budget then you cant go wrong with a landy disco, parts are cheap and plenty to choose from, or you could take a risk with one of those imported shoguns!

i bet you cant wait,

Hightower · 08 May 2007, 22:38

You are right Chris, I can't wait

However I never factored in a change of vehical and things are on a tight budget. I'll get peanuts for the Kia (that's if I can sell it), it's a shame because it's been one of the most reliable cars I have ever had and never missed a beat.

So what can I get sub £2000?

I don't like jap 4x4's much and have the missus and an ever shrinking driveway to think of anyway.

There are Landrover 300TDi's in this range, but are they any good? I'd have though sub £2000 landies would be a pile of crap!

Are the manual ones good because the missus won't drive an Auto!

Poly · 08 May 2007, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

You are right Chris, I can't wait

However I never factored in a change of vehical and things are on a tight budget. I'll get peanuts for the Kia (that's if I can sell it), it's a shame because it's been one of the most reliable cars I have ever had and never missed a beat.

So what can I get sub £2000?

I don't like jap 4x4's much and have the missus and an ever shrinking driveway to think of anyway.

There are Landrover 300TDi's in this range, but are they any good? I'd have though sub £2000 landies would be a pile of crap!

Are the manual ones good because the missus won't drive an Auto!

Do you REALLY NEED a 4x4? Wider range of vehicles that can tow that weight if you don't need 4wd.

ian parkes · 08 May 2007, 22:50

Sub £2000 got me a tidy 97 ford maverick 2.4 petrol.swb
Didn't want a diesel that age . Its done 90k miles pulls very well and returns average 24mpg running local, and lots more on a run .
Nothing wrong with Jap 4x4 for me , Its not fast , but compared to older disco's and landie's its a racing car . and very compact for m drive space and manouvering

Hightower · 08 May 2007, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Do you REALLY NEED a 4x4? Wider range of vehicles that can tow that weight if you don't need 4wd.

The slipway I usually use is very steep and shingly, I've had poor results using FWD cars. A RWD car would be better but 4x4 the dogs danglys.

I'm a little bit peeved that the tow weight of the Kia is so low though as it would be Ideal if a little heavier.

Hightower · 08 May 2007, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian parkes

Sub £2000 got me a tidy 97 ford maverick 2.4 petrol.swb
Didn't want a diesel that age . Its done 90k miles pulls very well and returns average 24mpg running local, and lots more on a run .
Nothing wrong with Jap 4x4 for me , Its not fast , but compared to older disco's and landie's its a racing car . and very compact for m drive space and manouvering

Ian, yes I've looked at Ford 4x4's, what is the tow limit for a Maverick? An explorer would be too big I think!

Nos4r2 · 09 May 2007, 03:41

If you're looking at sub £2k I'd buy a Frontera. You'll get a good, sub 100k miles 2.5 or 2.8 diesel for that price-or an excellent petrol. (stay away from the 2.3 diesel-they're truly awful engines)

Or there's always this

ollyit · 09 May 2007, 15:08

Hi-Lux surf? good looking motors too! -

Nos4r2 · 09 May 2007, 18:23

Avoid the 2.4 diesel surf like the plague-the heads crack for fun.