Towing

We have just purchased a Mercedes-Benz GLC and want to tow a small caravan. The M-B towbar is a swan neck all-in-one cast ball and bar, which is not suitable for caravan towing. As I need levelers on the van, a standard, removable ball is the go, but Hayman Reece and other manufacturers do not make these for this model. Can you help?

We bought a RWD Territory diesel in 2012 to tow a caravan. On the first week of owning it, it went into "limp mode."

The dealer said it was due to the radio not being programmed properly. Since then we have done 49,000 km without trouble until recently.

Whilst travelling at 90 km/h on the freeway it again entered "limp mode." We turned off the freeway and restarted it and it returned to normal. We took it back to the dealer again who 'fixed' it. 

Later this year we drove to Queensland without issue, but on the way back it again entered limp mode on four separate occasions. The screen also displayed a DSC fault.

The dealer said that they could not find an issue and that the computer only stores faults for 12 hours.

They want me to drive it until it happens again and bring it in the same day. However this is a frightening and dangerous experience if it happens on the freeway or in heavy traffic. Can you advise if there is anything else I can do?

I just drove a 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS automatic and noticed that when the boost comes on so does a shudder, which disappears a short time later. It does seem a bit disconcerting that a new car would do this. What is it going to be like as the kays mount or when towing a caravan? The sales manager reckoned all Tritons do it, but I would like your opinion/advice. Did I just get a car with a fault?

I need to find a replacement for my 2005 R51 Nissan Pathfinder diesel, which has just holed a piston. I tow a caravan, ski boat and do the occasional four-wheel driving. I also use four-wheel drive to launch the boat from the riverbank. I would love to replace it with something new, but think something second-hand might be more affordable. I want an auto diesel only a few years old, but at this stage I have no idea what to start looking for. My budget is around $40,000, but if spending a little more gets me a better car then I would manage. Are you able to suggest a couple of brands and models to look for?

I am considering buying a new Toyota Prado, Ford Everest or Landrover Discovery Sport. Your thoughts on the best, and any other models I should possibly consider.

My daughter has around $25,000 to spend and needs a 4x4 diesel twin-cab ute capable of towing a tandem horse float with two horses on board (about 3.0 tonnes). Of the VW Amarok, Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger, which would be the best for the task and value for money. I am concerned about the VW's small engine.