- Aug 28, 2018
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ProfJohnL said:Legally you must of course stay within the manufacturers weight limits GVW & GTW values.
Its very important to understand that caravans are physically large and like the sail on a boat the large area needs more power to tow them to a given speed. It also means they will react to side winds and bow waves from other vehicles on the roads. When teh caravan experiences these windage forces, it will push and pull against the car. It therefore makes it very sensible to to ensure the car is significantly heavier than the caravan to help overcome those forces.
With that consideration in mind, the UK caravan industry has issued advice that especially novice caravanners should keep the all up weight of the caravan (MTPLM) to be less than the unladen weight of the car. The advice offers no guarantees for matching or safety but it is starting point. Novices are advised to keep below 85% and only increasing as experience is gained.
Based on the Yeti having an unladen weight of 1275kg, that suggests your first caravan should not have an MTPLM exceeding 1075kg.
SamandRose said:You don't say what your budget is so not sure if these suggestions suit. However, we're on our third Passat estate 2.0 TDI (150bhp) and us it to tow an Avondale Dart of similar weight (though not that specific model). The car is now approaching 80k miles after 3 years, returns around 50-55mpg solo and 30-32 mpg with the caravan behind and nothing - by which I mean not one single thing - has gone wrong with it.
The same engine is available in the Skoda Karoq (the Yeti's replacement) and Superb, the VW Tiguan and the Audi A4 and A6, any of which would also be fine.
Woodentop said:SamandRose said:You don't say what your budget is so not sure if these suggestions suit. However, we're on our third Passat estate 2.0 TDI (150bhp) and us it to tow an Avondale Dart of similar weight (though not that specific model). The car is now approaching 80k miles after 3 years, returns around 50-55mpg solo and 30-32 mpg with the caravan behind and nothing - by which I mean not one single thing - has gone wrong with it.
The same engine is available in the Skoda Karoq (the Yeti's replacement) and Superb, the VW Tiguan and the Audi A4 and A6, any of which would also be fine.
For a start, +1 with the Passat - best tow car we have ever had.
However whilst the Superb, A4 and A6 are built on the same chassis as the Passat, the Karoq/T-Roc. Tiguan and Yeti are all based on the Golf chassis.
otherclive said:Woodentop said:SamandRose said:You don't say what your budget is so not sure if these suggestions suit. However, we're on our third Passat estate 2.0 TDI (150bhp) and us it to tow an Avondale Dart of similar weight (though not that specific model). The car is now approaching 80k miles after 3 years, returns around 50-55mpg solo and 30-32 mpg with the caravan behind and nothing - by which I mean not one single thing - has gone wrong with it.
The same engine is available in the Skoda Karoq (the Yeti's replacement) and Superb, the VW Tiguan and the Audi A4 and A6, any of which would also be fine.
For a start, +1 with the Passat - best tow car we have ever had.
However whilst the Superb, A4 and A6 are built on the same chassis as the Passat, the Karoq/T-Roc. Tiguan and Yeti are all based on the Golf chassis.
+2 for my Superb 4x4 Estate with 179 bhp. 50/55 mpg on solo runs, mid 60s mpg on highland roads. Can’t see what Golf floor plan has to do with the discussion other than their kerbweights might not be sufficient for the OP’s outfit choice.
Woodentop said:otherclive said:Woodentop said:SamandRose said:You don't say what your budget is so not sure if these suggestions suit. However, we're on our third Passat estate 2.0 TDI (150bhp) and us it to tow an Avondale Dart of similar weight (though not that specific model). The car is now approaching 80k miles after 3 years, returns around 50-55mpg solo and 30-32 mpg with the caravan behind and nothing - by which I mean not one single thing - has gone wrong with it.
The same engine is available in the Skoda Karoq (the Yeti's replacement) and Superb, the VW Tiguan and the Audi A4 and A6, any of which would also be fine.
For a start, +1 with the Passat - best tow car we have ever had.
However whilst the Superb, A4 and A6 are built on the same chassis as the Passat, the Karoq/T-Roc. Tiguan and Yeti are all based on the Golf chassis.
+2 for my Superb 4x4 Estate with 179 bhp. 50/55 mpg on solo runs, mid 60s mpg on highland roads. Can’t see what Golf floor plan has to do with the discussion other than their kerbweights might not be sufficient for the OP’s outfit choice.
Well for a start it has a shorter wheelbase which will affect handling and as it is shorter there is less leg length and (I may be wrong) you only get a tyre repair kit as there isn't enough room for a full spare wheel (well) and AdBlue tank.