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LPG Range Rover - Am I Deluding myself?

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JasonW:
Hi all,

I'm considering the purchase of a LPG Rangie (Classic Vogue 3.9) as I need to replace my Series III with something that can cover distances with a degree of speed.

I'm considering a spend of circa £2k for a vehicle with around 100k on the clock. The main reason is a trip to Spain in June towing a trailer, probably Brian James type with some furniture etc.

The question is - am I being too optimistic expecting a vehicle of this age to make the trip without any problems? I appreciate its difficult to answer not knowing the provenance of  the car but I've read with some concern of the overheating issues surrounding some models, so didn't want to hit the mid-summer heat of Spain with something that's going to leave me stranded on the motorways.

Range Rover Blues:
Thing is what you want to do is well within the abilities of the car, it won't be straining after all.

What you do need to assure yourself is that the car is maintained in a good state of repair and so capable of the task it was designed for.

If that means chucking a pile of cash at some new parts then so be it.

But I tow my caravan (soon to be replaced, the other one went back) with my LSE and yes it overheats a little but it's never let me down.  I regularly tow cars with it too and now I'm starting to get mechanical niggles but driving all that way in any car you should be sure that it's sound before you go.

BTW, have you thought of a Diesel for the trip instead, Diesel is cheaper on the continent and especially in Spain.

JasonW:
Thanks for the reply. The thing is, I get staff rates on LPG which is why its so attractive to me even though I'll only be able to fill up on LPG in England and France.

Range Rover Blues:
Ah, then you'll be fitting BIG tanks :D

Do you have the car already? then start going over it with a fine toothed comb.  Propshafts and UJS, wheel bearings, brakes and disks.

Under the bonnet, I'd suggest an oil change now and agin before you go, so your putting clean oil in a cleanish engine, oil change all the transmission and fix any leaks.

as for the cooling a thorough checkof the rad, if it looks suspect replace it or get it recored with something bigger.

Fit electric fans, if for no other reason than they save a bit of fuel.

You can increase the efficiency of the cooling system with water wetter, Merlin Motorsport sell it as does my mate on E-Bay.  Fit a new 'stat and check all the hoses.

How old is the LPG and are you aware that continental LPG might contain Butane as well as Propane, your car will run better and produce more power :D

It might run like a cow when you come home :(

Finally think carefully about any accessories that might stop airflow through the front of your car, even spotlights.

JasonW:
Nope. Haven't bought one yet. This is a germ of an idea to keep my dog happy with the side benefit of almost paying for itself with the trip to Spain.

I'm surprised at your comment regarding the butane/propane mix as I'd have thought it would produce more power with propane?

Daft question probably but is there much of a disadvantage with the slush box compared to manual when off road? I'm used to a manual Series III with lots of levers to confuse myself with so any mod cons may be useful. As for your engine overhaul 'lite' suggestion I have some experience of the V8 from a P6 that I ran many years ago so I should be able to manage that.

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