Caravan already bought but will my petrol car vectra tow it??

[PhilLord]

We've just bought an Avondale perle ulleyses 1993 4 birth as our first caravan. We already own a 2007 1.8 vectra sri which will pull the weight of the caravan fine. My only concern is whether a petrol car is a suitable tow car at all. I have thought about part exing the vectra for a diesel alsternative but I think i would stand to lose a bit of money doing this. As we're new to caravaning I would love to know other people views on this subject. Ideally we would like to perservere with the petrol Vectra for the next couple of years if possible and the maybe look at purchasing a diesel tow car. Please let me know your views/opinions.

Cheers Phil

 

[Gafferbill]

…..there is nothing wrong with a petrol engined tow car.
The engine just produces its useful torque at higher revs meaning you have to use the lower gears more to get to and maintain cruising speed.
Diesel would give you more mpg when towing but how many miles are you going to tow/year?
Your plan seems a good one to me……change to diesel when you next change your car.

 

[Soozeeg]

Hi Phil and welcome to the forum.

You might get some more answers if you post your query in the Towcars section.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Welcome Phil
I used to tow a 1100 kg van with a 1.8 petrol Cavalier and it wasn't too bad. Needed to change down gears on hills and long inclines. I then had a 1.8 petrol 02 plate Vectra and found I was changing down the gears more frequently. I now have a 1.9 cdti 150 2007 Vectra and that tows my 1200kg Avondale Avocet like a dream. Most of the towing is now done in 6th gear, and fuel economy is very good (35 mpg towing, 55 to 60 solo).

Regards
WC

 

[Parksy]

Welcome to the Practical Caravan forum Phil and congratulations on buying your first caravan. As Bill suggested, many caravan owners tow with petrol engined tow vehicles and with the correct use of your gearbox the Vectra should be ok. I'd give it a fair trial first before deciding to exchange the car for a diesel powered version.

 

[PhilLord]

Thank you very much for your replies - I don't thinnk there's anything to lose by giving it a go as we're not planning on going too far with the caravan for the next year or two.

Much appreciated
Phil