Outer Limits 4x4 Board

how does wheelbase length effect towing capabilities?

EG: shorty GQ, 40 compared to the bigger wagons/troopy's

reson being im after a cheap DD/towtruck so i cant afford a LWB GQ

GQ LWB are generally cheaper than a shorty.....

you would definately want a LWB more stable on the road when carrying that amount of weight a shorty will be thrown around.

i have seen GQ LWB for as littles as 3k

swb trucks can make good tow vehicles, look at semi's the tractor is short compared to the trailer. it makes for easy reversing with a swb. the important factors are
#1 you want the tow hitch as close to rear axle as possible (short overhang)
#2 you want a nice long draw on the trailer
#3 trailer hitch and truck hitch to be level.
#4 as wide a track as possible

cheers serg

I agree in some part and disagree in some part with the comments above, see notes below. I would go with a LWB any day of the week for towing capabilities. ESP if towing something heavy.

uninformed wrote:swb trucks can make good tow vehicles, look at semi's the tractor is short compared to the trailer. it makes for easy reversing with a swb. the important factors are
#1 you want the tow hitch as close to rear axle as possible (short overhang)
#2 you want a nice long draw on the trailer longer trailers handle better
#3 trailer hitch and truck hitch to be level.
#4 as wide a track as possible

cheers serg

Red commments I disagree with, green I agree with, orange are irrelevant IMHO, blue = my comments.

LWB are better towers especially on the heavy loads. Semis are a different kettle of fish. The have the weight set up over the rear wheels so don't experience the same amount of shunting and swaying that you getting towing a car trailer.

I wouldn't tow any great amount of weight with a SWB if you paid me. They get push all over the road and are more prone to Jack knifing etc.

All deepends how far and how much you plan on towing. I would tow a tinne with my 40 without a seconds hesitaiton, I wouldn't tow a horse float or car trailer unless it was just down the raod and then it would be a very cautious trip.

depends on the weight and distance.

Busiboy wrote:I agree in some part and disagree in some part with the comments above, see notes below. I would go with a LWB any day of the week for towing capabilities. ESP if towing something heavy.

uninformed wrote:swb trucks can make good tow vehicles, look at semi's the tractor is short compared to the trailer. it makes for easy reversing with a swb. the important factors are
#1 you want the tow hitch as close to rear axle as possible (short overhang)
#2 you want a nice long draw on the trailer longer trailers handle better
#3 trailer hitch and truck hitch to be level.
#4 as wide a track as possible

cheers serg

Red commments I disagree with, green I agree with, orange are irrelevant IMHO, blue = my comments.

LWB are better towers especially on the heavy loads.

"Semis are a different kettle of fish. The have the weight set up over the rear wheels so don't experience the same amount of shunting and swaying that you getting towing a car trailer."

this is where it is important to have the rear hitch as close to the rear alxe as possible and why big ass trailers go to a "fifth wheel or goose neck" on f series and the like. look for the rig with the best rear depature angle.

i have a friend that tows a 28' fibre glass fishing boat behind a swb mav and i have towed plenty behind a 88'" swb s111 land rover. it also comes down to cog and mass of the tow vehicle. my d110 lr weighs 1900kg dry and thats with a small alloy tray

ELECTRIC BRAKES are a must on anything with a bit of weight. much better than overrun and if you go over 2 tonne trailer mass you will need cut off brakes.

longer trailers can still have a short draw(which sucks), its the distance from hitch to trailer axle thats important.

i'm not saying GO BUY A SWB THERE THE BEST, i'm saying just buying a lwb rig doesn't make it best. the hole package is the key.