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meridian
Member Since: 17 Mar 2008
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 2
 
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Hi all,
This might seem a no-brainer but curious as to your opinions. I tow a 3.5T (gross) car transporter (800kg kerbweight, 2700 kg payload) and have recently purchased a 48000 mile 55 reg'd Disco 3 TDV6 Auto Base (non air suspension) explicitly for towing the trailer. Although a base model, it does look the part with side steps and mudflaps in dark metallic (Buckingham I think ?) metallic blue. The car is great and the TDV6 lump is more than up to the task of the job in hand (infinitely better than a TD6 RR). However, I now have the option of running a very high spec 41000 mile 05 reg'd 4.4 V8 HSE Auto which will effectively owe me similar money as it is a VAT qualifier and I can reclaim the VAT. Bottom line is that the V8 car cost 20k more new or thereabouts and whilst I am not fussed about toys on what is a workhorse for my business, they are quite nice all the same ! Now, I hadn't thought of running a V8 but this particular car is particularly nice in Bonatti grey with side steps and door mouldings etc and is a real looker, and of course the V8's do drive very nicely. I also like the air suspension factor, particularly when loading the (tilt-bed) trailer as it stops the rear end 'squatting'. Fuel economy wise, the TDV6 has been returning 23mpg with large loads. I would hope the V8 might return 19-20 or is this optimistic ? Traditionally I have run a 7.5T twin deck Isuzu lorry which also returned 22/23mpg from it's 4.8 litre 4-cylinder engine. Truth be told, I actually prefer the TDV6 to drive but the V8 HSE is obviously a lot more car. I genuinely have the option to keep either one and the other is to be sold. What would you choose ?
Thanks, Meridian
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 28th Mar 2008 8:03 pm |
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DWillerton
Member Since: 06 Apr 2007
Location: In front of you - and pulling away!
Posts: 154
 
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If you do go for the base-model with steel-spring suspension, don't bother with the removable tow-hitch.
Get the fixed, adjustable height version. Then you'll have a better chance of keeping the trailer level when heavily laden. Discovery 3 TDV6 5-Seat
Zambesi Silver
Td5 Alive remap, rubber mats, fixed tow bar, disco3.co.uk sticker.
Manual gearbox - steel springs - 17" wheels. No tinted windows, no leather, no terrain response, no foglights, no xenons, no trip computer, no side steps, no mud flaps, no A-frame, no spot lights, no lamp guards, no sat nav, no winch, no roof rack, no RAI, no PDC, no bluetooth, no ipod connectivity, no clear indicators and no bright finish trim.
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| 28th Mar 2008 10:28 pm |
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Hobgoblin
Member Since: 15 Nov 2007
Location: As always, in the sh*t, it's only the depth that varies
Posts: 1445
  
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My advice would be forget the V8 and go for an Airsprung TDV6, the air suspention will keep it level what ever the trailer.
I seriousley doubt you will get 18 MPG from the V8. I'm not as good as I once was........but I'm as good once as I ever was.
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| 28th Mar 2008 10:39 pm |
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Dave
Member Since: 08 Mar 2006
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 2462
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I would say that the fuel cost is a deciding factor. Although diesel rising to 11p more than petrol in my area may balance the compromise in favour of the v8 which would be a real shocker eh!
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| 28th Mar 2008 10:39 pm |
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meridian
Member Since: 17 Mar 2008
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 2
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Thanks for the replies. Have properly 'trialled' the V8 today with a Merc S-Class LWB on the trailer and will keep the TDV6. Fuel wise, I now think the V8 is going to return 15-16mpg with this kind of load and that's no good to me. Having now tested the V8 with a big load on it I also think the torque characteristics of the TDV6 do make it a better tow car, never having to see the other side of 3000rpm and always seeming pretty unstressed. That does apply to the V8 also but of the two the TDV6 does seem slightly happier.
So will run the TDV6 with a fixed/height adjustable Witter R39 towbar and Bulldog 400Q twin leaf stabiliser.
Thanks again.
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| 29th Mar 2008 3:24 pm |
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mrmarklin
Member Since: 29 Nov 2006
Location: People's Republik of Kalifornia
Posts: 168
 
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The best I've had from my V-8 when towing is 10mpg. You will never get close to 20mpg under any circumstances. That being said the air suspension is just what is needed for towing, and the V-8 is an excellent all around performer.
Here in the US with our distances, the 300hp V-8 is still considered somewhat under powered. The Jeep GC is 335 and the MBZ also with a larger engine available! Most pickups and SUVs with towing pretensions have 350+.  '06 LR3 4.4 V8 HSE Heavy Duty package, Satellite Radio, Luxury Package
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| 29th Mar 2008 3:30 pm |
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