4X4 or car to tow

[Steve L]

Having posted a message recently stating that I tow a twin axle van with a car, I recieved a sarky comment hinting that only 4X4's should tow that type of van??!!

I often see big Volvo's towing vans and the 3Ltr Vauxhall Senator used to be favorite once. Sure we have to be carefull where we park on site, and keep the drive wheels of the car on firm ground. But there is no reason why it can't be done, so long as the outfit is legal.

I looked at 4X4 vehicles and after seeing on Top Gear a demonstration of just how unstable they are I decided that was one of the minus points. Then you have the fuel consumption to think of. But I still get 32mpg towing with my Laguna estate, another minus. Then there's the height which stops you getting the car into most household garages. What about the tuning circle, you need to do a four point turn to park in the super market.

Given that also 90% of 4X4 never get to go off road and the fact that most of them are seen in cities.

I guess they are more a status symbol and a fashion item, than a practical everyday "car". When you think thta we tow caravans for only 20% of the cars drive time, can we realy justify the extra capital cost or the running cost of a 4X4. Or even the compromise in road holding they offer, given that you can roll one over at 40mph just by swerving to avoid something.

 

[Tina3]

Hi steve

I agree, these 4x4s are perfectly acceptable to be used for the right reasons , day to day driving and occasional towing though I dont see the appeal. they are quite heavy on fuel and expensive to insure. ive got a 2.9 deisel kia sedona which is an ACE tower but no bigger than an estate car, good driving position, brilliant on fuel long distance and 4 points down on insurance as compared to 4x4's. I am not being rude to 4x4 owners as it is still a country with freedom of choice !!

 

[Caroline3]

Whatever caravanning farum or magazine you look at does this argument come up again and again. We do not have a 4X4 but I have nothing against anyone that choses to have one even if it is just to run around in! We are supposed to live in a free country so live ans let live- which ever side of the fence you are on Lifes too short!

Caroline

 

[Tina3]

Whatever caravanning farum or magazine you look at does this argument come up again and again. We do not have a 4X4 but I have nothing against anyone that choses to have one even if it is just to run around in! We are supposed to live in a free country so live ans let live- which ever side of the fence you are on Lifes too short!

Caroline

here here !!! am not critising any 4x4 owner, just qouting my preference, as long as everyone stays safe on the road and enjoys happy holidays !!!!

 

[colin(bridgend)]

I am one of those persons that tow with a 4x4. The vehicle I have is Daihatsu Fourtrack. I achieve approx. 36mpg solo and approx. 30mpg whilst towing my Bailey Ranger 500/5. The reason we bought the 4x4 is that my previous car, a Vauxhall Omega 2 litre spent more time on Green Flag than the road whilst we were caravaning - overheated constantly, even after considerable attempts by two seperate garages to rectify the problems, although as a solo car it could not be faulted. We were offered a good part exchange deal for the car against the 4x4 so went for it. The 4x4 is not too big for normal day to day use being only a short wheelbase and three doors, smaller in length than many normal saloon cars, including my son's MG ZS.

As far as towing is concerned I have seen Mondeos towing twin axle caravans and as stated previously if the rig is legal and safe why worry what the set up is - enjoy it.

 

[Tina3]

I am one of those persons that tow with a 4x4. The vehicle I have is Daihatsu Fourtrack. I achieve approx. 36mpg solo and approx. 30mpg whilst towing my Bailey Ranger 500/5. The reason we bought the 4x4 is that my previous car, a Vauxhall Omega 2 litre spent more time on Green Flag than the road whilst we were caravaning - overheated constantly, even after considerable attempts by two seperate garages to rectify the problems, although as a solo car it could not be faulted. We were offered a good part exchange deal for the car against the 4x4 so went for it. The 4x4 is not too big for normal day to day use being only a short wheelbase and three doors, smaller in length than many normal saloon cars, including my son's MG ZS.

As far as towing is concerned I have seen Mondeos towing twin axle caravans and as stated previously if the rig is legal and safe why worry what the set up is - enjoy it.

didnt want to offend anyone, on getting my new car the choice came down to my kia or the nissan terrano se, the kia won on the seating as I have three children, and the back two on the nissan were too small !!

 

[rayc]

Steve, why have you got a twin axle van? Surely you don't need one that big and there are plenty of single axle vans that do not need a 3ltr engine to pull them.

You are not one of those people who want personal choice for themselves but not for others are you?

Once the people who are demanding curbs on 4x4's get their way the next stage will to ban people carriers, or cars with large engines(except for politicians, royalty etc) , or towing caravans or boats. It will not end until we all drive the 'peoples chosen car' which will be low powered and have to do 100mpg. Oh and social engineering will ensure that you cannot have a drive attached to your house to park it on or take your children to school in it.

 

[CliveV]

We bought a 4X4 when we had a horse and used it to tow a double horse trailer. We chose an elderly Range Rover as it was a good deal at the time. As regards its towing ability it is superb. Compared to a car it simply shrugs off what is attached behind. However! the mpg was circa 17mpg solo and 15mpg towing. My poor wallet!!

So I had it converted to LPG which at 40p per litre means that the "equivelent" running costs equate to about 35mpg solo and 30mpg towing. It cost

 

[CliveV]

Sorry forgot a bit. I do not mean to be pedantic Steve, but it was not Top Gear that showed an old Range Rover rolling over it was Fifth Gear on Channel 5. Whilst the sight was horrific it must be said that the vehicle used was an MOT failure and had severly worn suspension bushes and shock absorbers which would make it most unstable.

It was not that long ago that the Mecedes A class was critisiced for doing exactly the same during the Scandinavian "Mouse Test". This brand new car rolled over because the bean counters had overridden the engineers and placed inferior wheels and tyres on the vehicle.

However even a well maintained 4X4 cannot be driven like a Mini for example. Responcible drivers drive within the vehicle limitations. The Fifth Gear program was the equivelent of a Daily Sport article and was only done to improve flagging audience ratings.

I have never been stopped of caught speeding in the RR because the vehicle makes you relax and drive more sedatly. I loved my Audis as they were fast and handled superbly. But they were awful as tow trucks and solo I drove to fast!

 

[CliveV]

Mouse Test????? Sorry abviously a senior moment - should be Moose test.

Now, who am I?

what am I doing here?

Who are these nice people in the white coats?

 

[Steve L]

Steve, why have you got a twin axle van? Surely you don't need one that big and there are plenty of single axle vans that do not need a 3ltr engine to pull them.

You are not one of those people who want personal choice for themselves but not for others are you?

Once the people who are demanding curbs on 4x4's get their way the next stage will to ban people carriers, or cars with large engines(except for politicians, royalty etc) , or towing caravans or boats. It will not end until we all drive the 'peoples chosen car' which will be low powered and have to do 100mpg. Oh and social engineering will ensure that you cannot have a drive attached to your house to park it on or take your children to school in it.

Actually, I prefer a twin axle van over single axle, for safety reasons. I tow this with a 2Ltr Laguna estate, which to me is adequate. i have owned 4X4 vehicles and other than their pure grunt for towing and ability to go through mud, they were totally crap at the usual day to day stuff.

 

[Geordie]

Caroline and Ray, I am with you on this one,it seems some people will never accept the choices others make. This topic was started with nothing more than a thinly veiled attack on the vehicles that some people choose as their mode of transport.

The annoying thing is, these people boast about being one of the caravanning fraternity and all that it stands for.

Geordie

 

[CliveV]

Caroline and Ray, I am with you on this one,it seems some people will never accept the choices others make. This topic was started with nothing more than a thinly veiled attack on the vehicles that some people choose as their mode of transport.

The annoying thing is, these people boast about being one of the caravanning fraternity and all that it stands for.

Geordie

Well said. The guy next door to us makes sarky comments about our old Range Rover "not being a car" and that it is not environmentaly friendly. But when he wanted some gear shifted who did he ask to help!

I suspect Steve would be pleased to have a 4x4 on hand when he is stuck on a muddy site.

 

[jon_5062082]

We bought a 4X4 when we had a horse and used it to tow a double horse trailer. We chose an elderly Range Rover as it was a good deal at the time. As regards its towing ability it is superb. Compared to a car it simply shrugs off what is attached behind. However! the mpg was circa 17mpg solo and 15mpg towing. My poor wallet!!

So I had it converted to LPG which at 40p per litre means that the "equivelent" running costs equate to about 35mpg solo and 30mpg towing. It cost

 

[Mike_5041089]

Steve - what a hornets nest you will have stirred up here! I agree with most of your comments. We've been vanning for 20 years, had two twin axle vans during that time which were always towed with normal family estates and saloons without any problem. We now tow with a rear wheel drive BMW 525d estate - the best tug I've had, as I do about 40000 miles a year solo on business a 4x4 would be totally impractical. Havng said that I'm always gratful to kind 4x4 drivers who've helped tow me on and off muddy CL's. Live & let live I say - it's arelatively free world (ish!)

 

[Geordie]

Steve - what a hornets nest you will have stirred up here! I agree with most of your comments. We've been vanning for 20 years, had two twin axle vans during that time which were always towed with normal family estates and saloons without any problem. We now tow with a rear wheel drive BMW 525d estate - the best tug I've had, as I do about 40000 miles a year solo on business a 4x4 would be totally impractical. Havng said that I'm always gratful to kind 4x4 drivers who've helped tow me on and off muddy CL's. Live & let live I say - it's arelatively free world (ish!)

Glad to hear there are some people out there with like minded thoughts. I am like you with regards to which vehicle best suits my needs in connection with my business and for towing, and thats why I have a 4x4.

cheers, Geordie.

 

[CliveV]

agreed , i pay

 

[CliveV]

Actually, I prefer a twin axle van over single axle, for safety reasons. I tow this with a 2Ltr Laguna estate, which to me is adequate. i have owned 4X4 vehicles and other than their pure grunt for towing and ability to go through mud, they were totally crap at the usual day to day stuff.

I disagree - Most 4x4's perform extremly well in both roles.

You comments re your preference for twin axle caravans are a little odd comparred to comments on 4x4's.

 

[rob_5060847]

Sorry forgot a bit. I do not mean to be pedantic Steve, but it was not Top Gear that showed an old Range Rover rolling over it was Fifth Gear on Channel 5. Whilst the sight was horrific it must be said that the vehicle used was an MOT failure and had severly worn suspension bushes and shock absorbers which would make it most unstable.

It was not that long ago that the Mecedes A class was critisiced for doing exactly the same during the Scandinavian "Mouse Test". This brand new car rolled over because the bean counters had overridden the engineers and placed inferior wheels and tyres on the vehicle.

However even a well maintained 4X4 cannot be driven like a Mini for example. Responcible drivers drive within the vehicle limitations. The Fifth Gear program was the equivelent of a Daily Sport article and was only done to improve flagging audience ratings.

I have never been stopped of caught speeding in the RR because the vehicle makes you relax and drive more sedatly. I loved my Audis as they were fast and handled superbly. But they were awful as tow trucks and solo I drove to fast!

whilst we're talking padantic Clive, ALL BMW's are rear wheel drive, it's 1 of there biggest marketing ploys

 

[bones1]

Hi Steve we have a pajaro (mitsubishi) and yes it is handy to have if the ground is wet and spongy. We go away about 6 times a year, yes it is stable on the road and makes me feel more comfotable towing but the price of fuel for the other 46 or so weeks makes me wonder. I will leave it up to you?

 

[CliveV]

Sorry forgot a bit. I do not mean to be pedantic Steve, but it was not Top Gear that showed an old Range Rover rolling over it was Fifth Gear on Channel 5. Whilst the sight was horrific it must be said that the vehicle used was an MOT failure and had severly worn suspension bushes and shock absorbers which would make it most unstable.

It was not that long ago that the Mecedes A class was critisiced for doing exactly the same during the Scandinavian "Mouse Test". This brand new car rolled over because the bean counters had overridden the engineers and placed inferior wheels and tyres on the vehicle.

However even a well maintained 4X4 cannot be driven like a Mini for example. Responcible drivers drive within the vehicle limitations. The Fifth Gear program was the equivelent of a Daily Sport article and was only done to improve flagging audience ratings.

I have never been stopped of caught speeding in the RR because the vehicle makes you relax and drive more sedatly. I loved my Audis as they were fast and handled superbly. But they were awful as tow trucks and solo I drove to fast!

Hi Rob

I quoted the BMW "to beg or borrow" precisly because they are all RWD!

Once you have towed via a RWD I do not believe anyone would want it anyother way.

AWD or a 4x4 is better still.

Have another read of what I said.

R

Clive

 

[CaptainKangaroo]

you could always get a subaru legacy, very stable and 4x4

 

[rayc]

Andy, please don't start this thread going again. It is up there with adult only sites and dogs as threads that keep coming up and inflaming passions.

I am of course not trying to tell you what to do, as I am a believer in live and let live, as long as its legal and doesn't hurt anybody else.

Ray

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Your right Ray, enough is enough. Lets all agree that a big twin axle behind a big 4x4 is the best and call it a day!

 

[CaptainKangaroo]

Ray .......... what thread? explain