Land Rover Defender towing mpg

Solent Bombard · 22 February 2015, 17:54

I'm looking at getting a defender 200 and I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons.

Does anyone know what there like on fuel when towing a rib as I know they poor on fuel mpg in the first place but does it make a massive difference when you stick a boat on the back.

mick · 22 February 2015, 17:57

What do you mean 200
Do you mean the old 200 tdi

Lee argyle · 22 February 2015, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

What do you mean 200

200tdi?

They're around 30mpg, towing a few less obviously depending of trailer weight!

Solent Bombard · 22 February 2015, 18:07

30mpg is not too bad then I guess.

I get 30mpg with our Eco Skoda yeti but I'm worried I may kill the clutch or gearbox with anymore fruity launch or recoveries and being only 2wd looses traction very easily.

mick · 22 February 2015, 18:20

I have a Defender 130 with the 2.4 ford transit engine doesn't seem to matter if towing or solo it still does 25 to 30 mpg
The only time you use a lot of fuel is if you bury your foot on a motorway

camelgas · 22 February 2015, 18:25

200 tdi is getting old now and was only good for 28mpg in a 110 when I had one 15 years ago and they were much younger (less worn).
They are going to be a money pit now like all old landys, lots of fixing things.

willk · 22 February 2015, 18:26

25mpg "on tow" is a real world figure for the 300TDi, dunno about the 200 - prolly not much in it.

Sore on the @rse and spine on the road.

Rules on the slip

willk · 22 February 2015, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by camelgas

200 tdi is getting old now and was only good for 28mpg in a 110 when I had one 15 years ago and they were much younger (less worn).
They are going to be a money pit now like all old landys, lots of fixing things.

Yup!

Mollers · 22 February 2015, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by camelgas

200 tdi is getting old now and was only good for 28mpg in a 110 when I had one 15 years ago and they were much younger (less worn).

28 was good. 24-25 average around these parts (hilly) , less with weight behind.

30mpg would be a miracle out of any non-current Landy.

BogMonster · 23 February 2015, 09:09

25 towing? I wish. Mine (300Tdi 110 Stn Wagon) does weigh in at 2400kg 'unladen' (for which read only including bits bolted to it!) but only does about 21/22 over a tankful even in normal use.

Barrowboy · 23 February 2015, 09:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

I have a Defender 130 with the 2.4 ford transit engine doesn't seem to matter if towing or solo it still does 25 to 30 mpg
The only time you use a lot of fuel is if you bury your foot on a motorway

My 90 Hard-Top TD5 (with a few engine 'refinements') returns very similar results except that when I'm towing my fuel consumption is BETTER than when I'm flying solo. I do tend to bury my foot on the motorway.....

camelgas · 23 February 2015, 12:16

My 28 mpg was a best figure mollers, your 26 was probably more realistic for day to day use.
I did a lot of heavy towing at that time, big 4 wheel ifor trailer with minimum 2 ton+ loads and as said low 20's then

I now keep a old tax exempt landy that only covers a small annual milage so fuel/running costs not really an issue, more keeping the rust at bay !

Daniel · 23 February 2015, 22:12

Yes my TD5's have all returned better MPG towing than un-towing.

Too tempting to be cruising along in the fast lane, but plowing a 2t brick through the air at 90 comes at a cost.

boristhebold · 24 February 2015, 06:57

I agree, I have a TD5 and have towed my rib numerous times, better fuel economy towing than not towing, as towing I am being extra careful being smooth and going steady, when not towing im excelerating up to speed if that is what you call it in a defender. So even long distances or short you may get better fuel economy just by the way your driving, so you shouldn't worry about it. Defenders make great tow vehicles for boats.

Solent Bombard · 26 February 2015, 18:26

Is there much fuel difference between a 90 and a 110 as I guess the 110 is heavier.

Are there any big problem areas to look out for other than the bulkhead and crossmember.

willk · 26 February 2015, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solent Bombard

Is there much fuel difference between a 90 and a 110 as I guess the 110 is heavier.

Are there any big problem areas to look out for other than the bulkhead and crossmember.

The 110 isn't THAT much heavier but does have a (much) larger fuel tank. MPG difference is around 1mpg. The 110 isn't the easiest machine to reverse a trailer behind, but similar to a crewcab I suppose. There's eff all space in the back of a 90.

mick · 26 February 2015, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

The 110 isn't THAT much heavier but does have a (much) larger fuel tank. MPG difference is around 1mpg. The 110 isn't the easiest machine to reverse a trailer behind, but similar to a crewcab I suppose. There's eff all space in the back of a 90.

you think yours is hard to reverse try mine

that slip at puffin is a bitch with the 130

Pikey Dave · 26 February 2015, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

you think yours is hard to reverse try mine

that slip at puffin is a bitch with the 130

But not as difficult as with an Astra

.....sh1t happens.......

mick · 26 February 2015, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

But not as difficult as with an Astra

.....sh1t happens.......

that chap shouldn't be allowed behind a wheel

blueboy758 · 28 February 2015, 20:41

I had a 300tdi excellent machine. Prob got 24-25 towing and 28-30 not.
Excellent in the slip and hated having to sell. I now have a discovery td5 so it's better for the family and 34 mpg not sure about towing yet ! 😊