Tow car?

[hyparks]

Hi guys. I'm looking at buying a Dodge Nitro which I will want to tow my 01 San with. As I live in the UK the diesel engine is the only real option I can go with, because of fuel costs etc.
Has anyone had any towing experienced with these? Not sure of exact weight of my boat and trailer combined bur I believe its just short of the 2000kgs mark. I'm reading very confusing towing capacities on the internet. I would go for the 2.8 sxt auto version. I have also read that there was a tow pack upgrade but how do you know if its got the upgrade?
I currently pull my boat with a Td5 Landrover Discovery which is getting a bit old now and want something newer etc.
Appreciate any answers given.

Cheers

[NigelC]

I think the dry weight is around 1450Kg + trailer + fuel + gear. I bet you will be over 2000Kg loaded.

Not experienced with the Nitro but I would look for another LR or a Jeep GC.

[hyparks]

Thanks. The nitro uses the same engine as the grand Cherokee and the Mercedes ml. Found some more info now. The se version has maximum towing weight of 1900kgs and the sxt auto has maximum towing weight of 2435kgs. Looks like it should be ok.

[ally505]

hi, we in the UK, have a slightly different approach to towing as compared to the guys stateside. Much of that is due to the distance we travel (alot less) product marketing (that a tow vehicle must be a big 4x4) and the price of fuel. Also UK spec cars are generally very different to the US counterpart.

I tow my Sport Nautique (same boat with engine in different place) with an Audi A6 3.0TDI Quattro. Great tow car with bags of torque.

It really depends onhow far you plan to tow,me, I only do 8-10 miles each way....

Out of curiosity, is the SAN new to you, looks very like a friends boat that was up in the borders then on Loch Lomond.

[hyparks]

Hi thanks for reply. I have had the boat for 18 months now. brought from a guy down south who owned it for about 3 years. I don't do much towing but used to take my old mastercraft to Loch Lomond once a year for a weeks holiday so would like to do that again. Where about are you in the UK? I use mine at west midlands water ski centre in Tamworth. Boat stays there so at the moment I only tow the boat from the storage area to the slip way. Hearing great towing reports on towcarinfo website. Plus I love the looks compared with the others. Cheers

[ally505]

Sounds, to me, that you would be better off with a big estate car. My Audi is good for Towing a little over 2 tonnes, better than pretty much all the soft roaders. I'm based just near to Loch Lomond.

[hyparks]

Thanks for reply. My wife had final decision as she drives it more than me as I use a different car for work. She wanted the Nitro and so we bit the bullet and brought one. Really pleased with it so far. Pulls the boat sweet and was even better than I thought on the Slip. Pulled it up the slip with it full of ballast. I Don't usually do this but wanted to make sure it would do it.

[hyparks]