Can a Freelander 2 tow a caravan?
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a Freelander 2 tow a caravan? We will briefly discuss the Freelander 2 behaviour on the road, engine and performance.
Can a Freelander 2 tow a caravan?
With a towing capacity between 750 kg and 2000 kg, a Freelander 2 is more than capable of towing a caravan. The interior is very spacious for all passengers, with very good visibility around due to the angular body, a high driving position and solid materials, durable over time.
One of the strengths of Freelander is the highly efficient all-wheel-drive system. The torque is directed in a higher percentage towards the front axle but, depending on the traction requirements, it can be transmitted extremely quickly to the rear axle.
Landrover Freelander 2 Towing Capacity
Car model | Unbraked Towing Capacity | Braked Towing Capacity |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) SD4 HSE (4×4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | – | 2000kg |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) SD4 HSE Luxury (4×4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | – | 2000kg |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) SD4 SE (4×4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | – | 2000kg |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) Si4 SE (4×4) 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP AUTO | – | 2000kg |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) TD4 (4×4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | – | 2000kg |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) TD4 (4×4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN | – | 2000kg |
Landrover Freelander 2 (2015) TD4 SE (4×4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | – | 2000kg |
Land Rover Freelander 2.2 SD4 Dynamic 5dr Auto 2 diesel sw | 750 Kg | 2000 Kg |
Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 Dynamic 5dr 2 diesel SW | 750 Kg | 2000 Kg |
Can a Freelander 2 tow a horse trailer?
When towing a horse trailer, different weights must be taken into account – curb weight, payload, trailer load.
The number of kgs a car is allowed to pull is indicated in the car papers. There is one entrance for unbraked trailers and one for braked trailers. Horse trailers always have their own Brake, which is why the value of braked trailers applies, which is also significantly higher than that of unbraked trailers.
Now the calculation continues. What is the weight of the horse trailer? Unfortunately, a glance at the papers only gives a rough idea. Manufacturers do not weigh each trailer individually but take an average value, which can vary by a hundred kilograms or more depending on the equipment.
Additional equipment such as a saddle compartment or extra rubber mats add up quickly and add more weight to the scale. It is, therefore, necessary to weigh once the trailer is empty to know if it weighs 700 kg or 800 kg or even more. Well-equipped polyester trailers can easily weigh 900 kg.
Analysis: Land Rover Freelander 2
One of the latest compact SUVs with truly rugged terrain capabilities is the Land Rover Freelander 2. The British tradition of building truly off-road cars has not been lost in a class in which builders have generally focused on attractive design, urban traffic and left behind the necessary features in rugged terrain with a level of above-average difficulty.
The second-generation Freelander (2006-present) is based on a Ford platform (also used on Volvo models) and was equipped in this production cycle with three engines.
The 2.2-litre diesel was developed by Ford together with the PSA Group (Peugeot-Citroen) and was offered in three power versions: 150 hp (TD4), 160 hp (TD4) and 190 hp (SD4).
Any of these versions are very suitable for Freelander, with the obvious recommendation towards the 190 hp, which offers generous torque and does not have a higher level of consumption than the less powerful versions.
Two versions were available for petrol engine enthusiasts: 2.0 Turbo (240 hp, EcoBoost) and 3.2 (233 hp). Both petrol engines run fine, but bring high consumption and come at a high price, being well equipped as standard.
Since 2009, the start & stop system has been introduced for TD4 engines, as well as the kinetic energy recovery system for braking. In 2011, the eD4 version appeared, with traction only on the front axle. Our recommendation goes for the 160 hp diesel, lively enough for the Freelander, with good fuel consumption and a fair purchase price.
Freelander 2 on the road
The interior is very spacious for all passengers, with very good visibility around due to the angular body, a high driving position and solid materials, durable over time. One of the strengths of Freelander is the highly efficient all-wheel-drive system.
The torque is directed in a higher percentage towards the front axle but, depending on the traction requirements, it can be transmitted extremely quickly to the rear axle. Until 2009, Freelander used a third-generation Haldex, this year being available with the fourth generation of this system, more advanced and faster.
Closely related to the all-wheel-drive system works Terrain Response, with operating programs specially designed to run on snow, sand or gravel. The running gear is particularly elastic, with a long suspension journey, which facilitates overcoming high obstacles and a lot of driving comfort. In rough terrain, the Freelander cannot be overtaken by any other compact SUV.
In terms of maintenance and reliability, it should be mentioned that Freelander is an expensive model to maintain. Spare parts are high and are often only “original”. Some problems were reported with regard to the clutch and gearbox, but they occurred especially in those who had trailers or caravans. Freelander is generally a reliable model, with components that are very resistant even to high turnover.
Taking into account that the SUV is one of the few segments of the automobile market that is gaining share year after year, it is logical that it is also one of the most competitive. And in those circumstances, the Land Rover Freelander 2 remains a favourite of many buyers.
Final thoughts
Speaking about new designs (e.g. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque) there are many people who do not like this avant-garde car and its groundbreaking designs.
And precisely that classic and more traditional style, together with a cheaper price, I think is what allows the Land Rover Freelander 2 to continue to be an option to take into account for buyers of this type of SUV.
The arrival of an eD4 version with a 4×2 drive has also opened a door to all those who aspired to have a Land Rover Freelander 2 but did not want a 4×4 that would spend more than necessary.
Undoubtedly, its dynamism and its contained consumption are two of the strengths of this car, which I have to say has pleasantly surprised me. I think the Land Rover Freelander has a lot of life left.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the content.
FAQ on Can a Freelander 2 tow a caravan?
What weight can a Freelander tow?
A Freelander can tow an unbraked trailer that weighs 750kg. The braked towing capacity for a Freelander 1 is 1800kg.
Are Freelanders good for towing?
With a towing capacity of 2000kg, the Freelanders are good for towing. Additionally, the 2.2 TD4 with 295lb/ft of twisting force is a winner.
What weight can a Freelander 2 tow?
A Freelander 2 can tow 750 kg unbraked and 2000 kg braked.
Can a Freelander tow a horse trailer?
While it has a lower towing capacity than other cars in the range, the Land Rover Freelander 1 and 2 could tow a horse trailer as long as you make sure that the horse trailer is under the towing limit of 2000 kg.
Is a Freelander 2 a good towing car?
The Freelander 2 is a good towing car. This large SUV does not disappoint even with a big twin-axle.
References
- Freelander – is it a good tow vehicle? – Discussions | The Caravan …
- Land Rover Freelander 2 Review – YouTube
- Land Rover Freelander Towing Capacity & Freelander 2 Weight …