Good Morning Y'all.

Was playing with the "mode" switch while driving around town today. I read last night in the manual that it changes the shift points for enhanced performance on twisty-turny mountain roads. I could feel a little differance. I'm a little unsure how to use this to my advantage. I assume it'll make the engine drink more fuel then it already does. Would it help in towing at all?

Also...One of the reasons why I got the Disco was it's advertised tow capacity. I was looking for a medium sized SUV with a fair tow capacity. My only options were the Ford Explorer and Durrango. I read the '04 Disco has a tow rating of 7700 lbs gross. But I see in the manual that it's infact 7700 in "lower gear" but it doesn't specify what it means by "lower gear". Is that low range 4x4 for manovering trailers or 1st or 2nd gears on the tranny? Does anyone have any experience with towing heavy trailers with a Disco? I have a 28-foot Bayliner Trophy at 6,600 lbs that I need to tow.

Thanks,

CPB

[IMG]local://upfiles/7087/18180ADB36E24885BD18EB3A9852190A.jpg[/IMG]

 

6600 lbs. is going over a Disco's towing capacity unless you are just talking about short hops to the marina.
Mike

 

Hmm the way I read it in my owners manual was 7700lbs in "low range" I don't have it on hand to cross reference right now. From what I can remember it said if towing larger loads to start off in low range to get it rolling then shift both tranfer case & gear box to neutral, then shift into high range while the rig is rollingLESS than 8mph! Sounds rather difficult and I've only ever shifted to low & high range on mine while stopped, or very slightly rolled to get the gears to mesh & engage.

 

And one thing to keep in mind is that rating is for trailers with brakes. I think you are looking at 2500lbs with no brakes. That was the big deciding factor in buying my boat. I wanted it under that weight so I didn't have to spend the $$ to add brakes.

 

You can't start towing in low range then shift the t/case to high range to build speed.
Reading from my owners manual, you can tow 5500 pounds in high range with a max. 385 pound tongue weight.
The 7716 pound towing figure is in low range but you can't go over 35 MPH or so.
Bottom line, this truck can't pull your boat.
Sorry,
Mike

 

Good thing the marina is only a few miles from home on a slow road. If it's boating weather this weekend maybe I'll hook up and drag it down to the marina to see how it feel behind the disco. I'm disapointed that the Ford Exploder has a greater tow capacity then Land Rover! Such a shame..lol

Does anyone have any input on the "Mode" switch. I'm still unsure of how to use it on the road. It sure feels a lot spunkier with the sport mode engaged

 

Not positive, but I think in sport mode, it hangs on to the gears longer. I changes the shift points to a higher rpm, and it willgive you less mileage. This is how it is on my Caddy, anyway.