Spec me a tow tug!

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I need to get something that can tow a trailer with my MX-5 race car on the back, ideally something with space for 'stuff' in the back too. I don't want to go mad here so am looking at a budget of around £5K'ish. I would be OK with a car based van but as someone who has not really towed before to any great extent I'd welcome any pointers and advice on what I need to consider, limitations and 'be awares' before I go and buy a TR7 tow car or something equally as wrong (or I believe you call it fail).
 
Good shout that, not even considered one of them and looks bang on idea.

I've had my '52 L200 for 4 years now and I've towed, kit cars and donors around much of the south east. Get the double cab with the rear seats. It has been great in recent years snow and you can fit a Chevy V8 on the back if needed.

Some pics here and here.

Andi.

Look here.
 
Get yourself a Shogun, apart from a stupid breakdown mine has been ideal for the job.

I got a stinking diesel long wheel base one, perfect, drags me boat, cars, jet ski's, trees out the ground, just all round good.

Oh and errant children, and peasants, its not bad for running those over either.
 
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Get yourself a Shogun, apart from a stupid breakdown mine has been ideal for the job.

I got a stinking diesel long wheel base one, perfect, drags me boat, cars, jet ski's, trees out the ground, just all round good.

Oh and errant children, and peasants, its not bad for running those over either.

I think I prefer the open back nature of the L200, ideal for race track 'stuff' with spare wheels, tyres and bits etc. I do like killing peasants though so it's always a balance.
 
I think I prefer the open back nature of the L200, ideal for race track 'stuff' with spare wheels, tyres and bits etc. I do like killing peasants though so it's always a balance.

Listen let me tell you, when running these swine over you NEED the extra sound proofing of a proper Shogun.

Those L200 thing, well they are just agricultural.

Although thinking about it now, you could be right, i suppose on the days when you aint dragging a car, you could errect some sort of scaffolding on the back of an L200 and use it like a shooting brake when on safari in Peckham.

We could probably get a few quid with a patent on that.
 
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Listen let me tell you, when running these swine over you NEED the extra sound proofing of a proper Shogun.

Those L200 thing, well they are just agricultural.

Won't the engine of the L200 be loud enough to drown out the noise of those you're running over making it somewhat academic either way?

Slightly more pertinent to the topic I suppose is that the people I know who've got an L200 rate them quite highly for simply doing the job. Slightly less elegant than a Shogun perhaps although it's marginal since neither is an especially pretty vehicle.
 
Try looking for a Transit Low Loader Recovery truck, no towing, no MOT, no Tax to worry about, must be a Recovery type vehicle to get the MOT and Tax exemptions, some say you can run them legally on Red Derv like agricultural vehicles too if you want to go the full ***** experience! :D
 
Won't the engine of the L200 be loud enough to drown out the noise of those you're running over making it somewhat academic either way?

Its not just that, there are other things to consider.

With the 3.2 diesel beast of a Shogun engine, plus the obligatory remap you get a better faster run up at the peasants.

This what a lot of people just dont grasp, when running these swine over, there are multiple things to consider.
 
The L200 I drove was pretty hateful, terribly over-servod brakes, vague steering, tractor like engine. There was incredibly little legroom in the back of the double cab as well. As a tool for lugging stuff around in the back...undoubtably good but its a nasty thing to drive.

Unless you really need the loading bed of a truck (as in, its far more suited to what you'll be loading into it than a conventional boot/hatch of a 4x4) I'd go for a Shogun or similar just for the better road manners.
 
Won't the engine of the L200 be loud enough to drown out the noise of those you're running over making it somewhat academic either way?

Slightly more pertinent to the topic I suppose is that the people I know who've got an L200 rate them quite highly for simply doing the job. Slightly less elegant than a Shogun perhaps although it's marginal since neither is an especially pretty vehicle.

They are a bit more agricultural than a Shogun but then they have much stronger mechanicals. You're also less likely to be looked at as a Chelsea tractor driver. Also you don't have to be too careful with it and other road users recognise them and generally keep out of the way.

Andi.
 
Its not just that, there are other things to consider.

With the 3.2 diesel beast of a Shogun engine, plus the obligatory remap you get a better faster run up at the peasants.

This what a lot of people just dont grasp, when running these swine over, there are multiple things to consider.

You're right, I didn't consider these things. I've never fully appreciated the lengths you've gone to when I'm running out the way but next time I will be sure to try and note this, when you see the hand gesture from me you should be aware that it carries a new note of respect in there. :p
 
Also bear in mind that my man Housey is only dragging race cars once a week, there are another 6 days a week to be spent running shell suit wearing peasants over.

I just cant see the point of suffering all that rubbish in a tractor.
 
You're right, I didn't consider these things. I've never fully appreciated the lengths you've gone to when I'm running out the way but next time I will be sure to try and note this, when you see the hand gesture from me you should be aware that it carries a new note of respect in there. :p

Obviously a man of your calibre we would stop and pick up, not run over, dear god man, its not as if i am without feeling!
 
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