don't want 4x4 or mpv

[rodders2]

my caravan is a 2005 swift charisma with a mtplm of 1595

i would like to look for a large estate like saab 95 or merc

but cant see a car to get 85% match although max tow on most large estates are around 1800kg would any of these be a safe match,i dont mind being over 85%as i am experianced and confident towing but dont want a car that i could put under too much stress any thouhts on this please !

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Rod,

As you point out the 85% is guide, and I think it is unlikely you will find a saloon or estate (other than quite exotic and expensive cars) that will give you 85% or better.

As to straining a car, You are obliged under law to keep your outfit within the gross train weight and the maximum tow weight as specified by the manufacture. These days each of the car manufacturers has to assess their own vehicles for their ability to tow, and it is part of the type approval process to specify the maximum towed weight capacity. So technically if the manufactures specification include the size of trailer you have then it should tow it without damaging the vehicle.

Being a bit more practical though, towing will be less stressful on a vehicle with a big torque'y engine, which will usually bigger cars anyway. Most towers will tell you that diesels tend to give more than adequate performance when towing because of the inherent power curve of diesel engines.

The two manufactures you mention, both produce large diesel engined models and I know people who use both with good results.

 

[Ernest_5084714]

Just last week I took delivery of a '4 x 4'. A Kia Sportage.

It says 4x4 but it isn't really. The only time you need the four wheels is when you're slipping on grass towing your van and my Kia, after going faster than 25mph will revert to two wheel drive and only when the front wheels slip on grass. How anyone can call them 4x4's is a mystery.

A lot of '4x4's have been given a new name now and that is 'Softroader'.

I used to drive a Renault Scenic but the towing limit was really low, 1300kg, which means you are strictly limited to what you can tow and after going away to North Wales, with my Kia, last week, it's a different story towing.

 

[xtrailman]

rodders

looking though my what car mag.

Bmw 5 series

E class

and maybe a passat 2l t, the petrol turbo engines compare well with the diesels, don't discount them

 

[Barry_374248747]

Rodders,

I have had a KIA Sportage for about a year now and as Ernest says it's not really a proper 4x4. It's worth a trip to the dealer just to check it out this thing pulls like a steam train and keeps on going. I have to watch my speed sometimes on the motorway as you can get carried away if you don't keep an eye on your speed. And as they are offering a 7 year warrenty offer the Sportage it's worth a visit to your local dealer.

 

[KeithM]

Rodders,

Another point to think about is noseweight. The CC recommendation is 7% of actual caravan weight. Therefore if you load it up to the MTPLM, noseweight at 7% = 112kg. Perversely the Alko limit is 100kg but putting that aside, most normal saloon/estate cars have a noseweight limit of 75kg (80kg on a few). So if you want to be anywhere near the 7% recommendation, you need something with a 100kg noseweight capability.

 

[Lutz]

That 7% formula is an anachronism from the past and I think you'll find that where it is still mentioned, they also say that the limit is what the respective car and caravan manufacturers specify.

 

[Garfield]

I recently looked up the spec on the BMW 5 series touring,

The 530d with 236hp gives about the same fuel consumption as the sportage, the 520d with about 170hp has a combined mpg of around 50 mpg which no 4x4 or MPV of similar weight (~1700kg) could get anywhere near, you just need deep pockets to buy one!

I towed a 1600kg boat with a 1989 BMW530i (1500kg) with no stability probs.