I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my new Freelander SD4 at the end of March. I was hoping to take my caravan away the second week of April, but am not sure whether I should be doing this before I have got a few miles on the clock. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have looked at buying several different 4*4s over the years but never found one that I could live with on a day to day basis - however, the FL2 was so impressive when I had it on test for a day, I simply could not resist it!

I was in same situ dealer advised run in to 1000 mls before towing which I did and so far had no issues 2010 FL2 XS Auto in Santorini Black with HSE alloys

Cant see any reason why you couldnt on day one as long as you take it easy.
Maybe worth consulting your dealer for advice.

Good choice on the car, welcome to the site  Don't put petrol in a diesel. They don't run well.

Leave it about 500-1000 miles, which is standard run-in miles. Towing a 'van means you need more power to drive at normal speeds...not good for running in! Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

100,000 miles at least At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

apologies for CG's sledge hammer wit.

Correct miles should be 1,000,000

Apologies for some of our members comments, usually their replies are as useless as rubber lips on a woodpecker and this time is no different.

I would try to put a few hundred miles on it before towing and the auto gearbox will not allow the engine to labour, so don't worry too much.

but then only between 1am and 4am on Feb 29 At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

chicken george wrote:

but then only between 1am and 4am on Feb 29

I think some members post like that cos they have a sense of humour.

Come on it was obviously a joke and not offensive in any way.  Don't put petrol in a diesel. They don't run well.

There's no harm done, it's what makes this forum attractive and makes a change to have humour in the threads, life is serious enough so its good to have a laugh, just got to pick out the serious replies if that's all you want.

Ok Ok I will be fairer

but then only between 12:30am and 5am on Feb 29


I however would not tow heavy objects behind a manual fl2 the clutch isnt very strong even without towing, hence the more powerful sd4 engine isnt available with a manual box At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

A manual and 2 ton trailer should be OK if the driver knows how to drive with a trailer. Also there's a relatively short first gear on the manual so it should mean the clutch takes less hammer.

I think they won't offer a manual on the higher power and torque SD4 because there's so many crap drivers out there that Land Rover garages will be full of SD4's having new clutches at low miles. Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

I am not insulted at all by the anti-caravan jokes. I always tow my caravan as slowly as possible to show how concerned I am for safety. Helps with fuel mileage too and I know it doesn't upset anyone because everyone hoots at me as they pass and wave hello... strange how they all seem to only have one finger on their hands tho? Ah well... it obviously doesn't stop them from using their horns which is good.

Anyway, my dealer suggested 500 miles minimum but 1000 miles would be better.

I think any vehicle requires a running in period, at least 200miles for brakes and tyres and 500/1000 for the engine. I know modern engines are machined better that they used to be but They still require running in before being loaded and I think the handbook still advises this.