Ask an expert

Our 18 year old is leaving home and needs a vehicle to tow a double horse float with at least one 16.3HH horseand gear. He wants to buy a 1996 Isuzu Mu? Is this safe for towing, considering it's weight and the weight of the horse float and horses?

Lynda

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 3 March 2008

The Mu has a tow rating of 2000kg (braked trailer) so you need to do your sums on horse and trailer weight before deciding on this vehicle. The Mu is not a bad choice, but your son may need a healthy bank account to pay the maintenance and any unexpected running costs.

Like many other older diesels, it will require more regular servicing than the modern variants. It's a situation he wont avoid if he wishes to tow and keep within a certain price budget. Towing will put load on the cooling and transmission systems, so make sure you look for a vehicle with a proven and good service history.

Once you have found a suitable vehicle, make sure the tow bar, if fitted, is up to the task. Get the vehicle / tow bar checked out by a panel beater. If you need to get a tow bar fitted then I recommend you contact a company called Best bars (0800 towbar).

Hope this helps.