First Timers!!!

[Kevin_5068105]

After a childhood of attending fortnightly rallies and every summer joining our clubs three week excursion to the south west, I have (now just in my forties with 4 teenagers of my own) again succomb to the bug!!

Admittedly, we only have a huge tent (sorry!! but everyone has to start somewhere), but I subscribe to PC, have joined the C & CC and spend hours trawlling various caravan dealers just waiting for the right van.

We will be seeing this season out under canvas but hope to buy late this year or early next.

My current vehicle is a Vauxhall Zafira 1.8i Comfort.

My question is simple - will this make a suitable tow vehicle?

We will be looking at a max 4 berth van with awning.

Due to finances, we will also be restricting our search to used vans between 5 - 10 years old.

Can anyone also suggest any appropriate vans that would suit our needs and that of our towcar, that we can keep our eyes open for?

Any advice would be welcome.

 

[jacky3]

here are your specifications of the car

the max towing weight of this vehicle is only 1300 kgs which is going to limit you considerably if you stick to the 85% recomendation,especially older vans(10 yrs) which tended to be on the heavier side

http://vauxhall.co.uk/showroom/search/technicalSpecifications.jhtml?driveCode=QF75&driveCodePack=KHSL&description=Life 1.8i 16v

 

[Lutz]

Your reply is a bit misleading, klarky. The kerbweight of the Zafira is about 1390kg. 85% of that is about 1180kg. If you decide not to stick to this recommendation, the maximum permissible towload of 1300kg is the absolute legal limit. Remember, this figure (1300kg) is the axle load of the caravan not its maximum overall weight which will be correspondingly higher by addition of the noseweight. This translates to legal maximum weight ratio of 99%.

 

[jacky3]

so is it 85%of max tow or kerbweight,if the tow max is less than the kerbweight ie a car can have a kerbweight of 1600 kgs but max tow of 1300 kgs 85%of 1600 is 1360kgs which would take it over the 100% its either one or the other????

 

[Kevin_5068105]

Boy!!

Am I glad I asked.

You've lost me already. Last time I was in a car with a caravan in tow was 25 years ago.

 

[jacky3]

Zafira Life 1.8i 16v 5-door MPV

Exterior dimensions: millimetres (inches)

Performance, fuel economy and emissions

Performance (manufacturer's figures) Fuel economy mpg (litres/100km)

Transmission Maximum speed (mph) Acceleration

0-60mph

(secs) Acceleration

30-50mph

(4th gear)

(secs) Urban driving Extra-urban driving Combined figure CO2 emissions (g/km) Emission limit

manual 117.0 10.5 7.5 25.7 (11.0) 43.5 (6.5) 34.4 (8.2) 196 Euro 4

The fuel consumption figures shown comply with EC directive 1999/100 to provide a realistic indication of fuel consumption by taking into account everyday driving conditions, such as cold starts, acceleration and braking. These figures take account of the vehicle's kerbweight, ascertained in accordance with the above regulation. Important: the results given relate to the particular car tested. Variations in trim level and equipment may result in slightly higher fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels than those quoted. Driving style, road and traffic conditions, vehicle mileage and standard of maintenance may also affect fuel consumption; therefore the results do not express or imply any guarantee of fuel consumption attainable.

Note: The fuel economy and emission figures shown for Dualfuel models refer to operation in LPG mode.

Insurance group

8E

Please note: Insurance groups as recommended by the Association of British Insurers.

Engine

Description: 1.8i 16v

Capacity: 1796cc.

Maximum power: 125PS (92kW) @ 5600rpm.

Maximum torque: 170Nm (125lb.ft.) @ 3800rpm.

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Fuel tank capacity

Litres Gallons

58 12.8

Weights and towing data (kg)

Maximum towing weights

Kerbweight Gross vehicle weight Trailer with brakes Trailer without brakes

1380 1980 1300 600

Gross vehicle weight is the total permissible weight of the vehicle including passengers and their luggage. To determine total carrying capacity, deduct kerbweight from gross vehicle weight. The maximum roof rack loading should not exceed a total of 75kg. The maximum towing weights are based on the ability of the car - with two occupants of 70kg each - to restart on a 12% gradient, which is approximately 1 in 8.3, at sea level. At altitudes above 1500 metres, the engine output may drop with a corresponding reduction in towing capability. Any extra weight, such as luggage or additional passengers, should be deducted from the maximum towing weight. With a trailer fully loaded, maximum noseweight should not exceed 75kg. Always fit Vauxhall roof carrier systems and towing accessories available from your Vauxhall retailer. They are designed specifically for Vauxhall models and carry a 12-month guarantee.

Load capacities (VDA method)

litres cu. ft.

Behind third-row (to glass line) 150 5.3

Behind third-row (to roof) 312 11.0

Behind second-row (to glass line) 600 21.2

Behind second-row (to roof) 1234 43.6

Behind front seats (to glass line) 1030 36.4

Behind front seats (to roof) 1700 60.0

Load dimensions

mm inches

Maximum length (behind front seats/second-row seat back lowered) 1938 76.3

Maximum floor length (behind front seats/second-row seat folded and stowed) 1562 61.5

Maximum floor length (behind second-row seat) 1085 42.7

Maximum floor length (behind third-row seat) 378 14.9

Maximum width 1335 52.6

Width between wheel arches 1017 40.0

Tailgate aperture width (maximum) 1147 45.2

Tailgate aperture height 938 36.9

Loading height from ground level (unladen) 586 23.1

 

[mark_5068328]

I've just acquired a Compass 556 in part exchange for a boat I sold. What's the cheapest car I could use to tow it around the coast (=some hills). You've prob gathered I'm new to this lark.

I have a lot of girlfriends around the coast and just want something to entertain them in whilst the missus is on her annual brownie outings.

ta, mark