I’ve seen a number of posts about using the Disco as a tow vehicle. I’m looking for forum opinions.

I’m recently retired, wife will be this coming spring. Looking at a small two axle Winnebago trailer with a weight of around 3700 lbs. My Disco has a new engine (long block from AB), all new hoses, in-line thermostat (thanks again Extinct!), new hubs, u-joints, recently new radiator, great tranny well maintained, pretty much working/running great!

I would install an electric trailer brake controller.

Thoughts, suggestions, comment from the group?

Thanks as always!!

 

I can't speak to the weight but where you plan on hauling the trailer would be a big factor for me. Close to sea level the 4.0 power is probably adequate, if you plan on going over the continental divide multiple times a year then I'd probably say not a great choice. The 4.0 stock struggles at elevation here in CO with a stock suspension.

 

Agree wholeheartedly with whowa004 . . . I've had 4.0 and 4.6 variety Disco-IIs on the east coast and now in Montana. They're probably fine for light-weight trailers on relatively flat-terrain and near sea-level, but I wouldn't want to pull anything with a Disco-II over the hills/mountains in Tennessee or Virginia - much less so the larger mountains out West.

 

There was a similar thread a while back. I have pulled Discos with Discos, so probably 7000 lbs over mountain passes. Not the fastest tow vehicle but it will get the job done. Did have to stop halfway up and let it cool off, though, so keep that in mind.

 

I’ve pulled other cars and utility trailers a good bit with my last Disco, and it did great. As you are retired, you won’t be in a hurry, so I’d say go for it. As mentioned, mountain passes will not have you getting anywhere fast, but you don’t go anywhere fast in a 4.0 anyway, so why not.

 

I towed with my disco a ton back when I was dailying it. I've had more than 8000# behind my '03. That was with a hopped up 4.6. I did run trailer brakes (usually...) and dual transmission coolers to keep everything happy.

All in all, far from the best tow rig, but it'll get the job done if you take it slow. Highly recommend a secondary trans cooler, but looks like you've covered yourself other than that.

 

I've worked around trailers for the last 10-15 years and I'm surprised often what some people will tow with a vehicle that weighs under 4,000lbs and has less than 200hp and who knows how little torque. I plan on towing with mine after the 5.3 swap, but likely under 3,000lbs.

Trailer brakes, a vehicle in good working order, and a well distributed trailer go a long way to making for a safe towing situation. For what it's worth I towed somewhere around 3,000 or so with my old xj that was lifted and that wasn't bad. The trailer had too much tongue weight and that actually made it very stable even though it it taxed the vehicle suspension. Long story short I towed a bit with a lifted station wagon and I'm still here. Anything is safe if you use your noodle. It might not be fun or fast, but it can be safe.