what do you tow with?

fishbait · 16 August 2006, 13:15

This one has probably been done to death over the years

But.

It's time for a new vehicle. I have used various 4x4s on and off over the years and for long, slippery, steep slips they're superb. But I notice a lot of the dive clubs use Tivos, VW transporters and the like. I would really like a van because of all the gear you can throw in the back and I can also sleep in the thing if I want to. But I have no experience of them

I have towed my rib (ribcraft 585) once with a Tivo from Dover to Portsmouth and it was a fine wagon, but I have never launched or retrieved with one ... and of course that is a rather important part of the whole operation.

Anyone out there know how vans compare to 4x4s for the all-important launching/retrieveing lark? (think Cherbourg on a low spring!)

TIA

FB

Mouldy · 16 August 2006, 13:38

I use a Jeep Wrangler 4 litre.
Its a short wheelbase with selectable 4 wheel drive and air locking differentials.
I've never had to use 4wd or diff locks on a slip as the trailer nose weight, slipway ramp angle and rear wheel drive all give enough grip even with the wheels wet.

4wd comes into its own on a beach recovery.

Can't sleep in it though, but then I'm quarter of a mile from the slip!

I imagine any RWD van would be just as good on a slip, especially older VWs with the engine in the back - perhaps a porsche 911 is the answer? More likely to cop off and have somewhere to sleep...

havener · 16 August 2006, 16:20

Mitsubishi L200 Double cab Trojan (old shape, not the horrible girly retro curvey new one).

Utility cover for rear pick up bit.

Can hold loads of gear, cab area nicely seperate so doesn't get to stink of seaweed, dogs, be full of sand, etc.

Can happily carry four well built divers and gear.

2wd on road so better for fuel economy.

Second vehicle is a Landrover 110, superb for launching as also has towbar on the front.

Simon

Donnie144 · 16 August 2006, 16:53

Don’t know if they are available over there but I love my Toyota Tundra. 4 door truck with a shell for the back. Can carry 4 divers with room to spare and a ton of room for gear in the bed. The four wheel drive is a must around here if you want to use the unpaved ramps. I get roughly 4.5 miles to the litter freeway towing a 6.5 meter rib and loaded down with dive gear and 5.7 when I’m not towing.

toby4594 · 16 August 2006, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishbait

This one has probably been done to death over the years

But.

It's time for a new vehicle. I have used various 4x4s on and off over the years and for long, slippery, steep slips they're superb. But I notice a lot of the dive clubs use Tivos, VW transporters and the like. I would really like a van because of all the gear you can throw in the back and I can also sleep in the thing if I want to. But I have no experience of them

I have towed my rib (ribcraft 585) once with a Tivo from Dover to Portsmouth and it was a fine wagon, but I have never launched or retrieved with one ... and of course that is a rather important part of the whole operation.

Anyone out there know how vans compare to 4x4s for the all-important launching/retrieveing lark? (think Cherbourg on a low spring!)

TIA

FB

I tow our 6 metre rib with a vw transporter. I use it for work anyhow, but it tows with ease and never had any problems recovering and as you rightly say acres of lockable space for gear.

eupa · 16 August 2006, 17:35

get a Kia Sorento- best value for money there is . Train - can take up tp 2800 kgs gross and you can throw a lot in the back as well. Also , nobody wants to steal a Kia .. wonder why???????. If you want something like a van get the Toyota pick up...

Jonathan