Focus c-max 1.6tdci

[Paulhic]

Would this car be a good match to a 2001 ABI brooklyn 490-5 MTPLM1300kgs?

 

[Tony A.]

Paulhic,

Check your handbook. I think, looking on line that your cars max towable mass is 1300kgs,with the ABI at MTPLM 1300kgs, you would be driving at 100%, providing you dont overload the van.

I suspect the car might struggle with only a 1.6 engine I would have a test tow before doing anything else.

good luck mate lets us know how you get on

Tony A.

 

[Paulhic]

I,ve been looking at c-max hand book and it gives a kerb weight of 1419kgs.I,ve worked out that I would be towing at 91-92%of cars weight.I think i,m right,any comments? Thank you for your help tony A

 

[Tony A.]

Paulhic,

No mate your wrong, the kerb wieght might be 1419kgs but the manufacturers MAX TOWING LIMIT IS 1300kgs, to exceed this weight is to break the law, and invalidate your warranty, also your insurance wont pay out if you have an accident.

If your confident at 100% towing then give it a go, but I still think your 1.6ltr engine is going to stuggle, go find a nice little slope and try a hill start, then think what it will be like on something a lot steeper.

good luck Tony A.

 

[Paulhic]

I have decided to buy a c-max 2ltr auto kerbweight 1435kgs,max tow 1300.I still think i,m right to tow a caravan mtplm 1300kgs.The van weighs only 91% of cars weight.Any comments from Lutz would be appreciated.

 

[cliff_5040076]

The answer to your question is no, this is not a good match.

It may be legal (provided you dont exceed the max gross train weight) but you couldn't consider it to be good at 91%.

Adequate is more the word I'd use.

 

[Lutz]

You're in the beginnings of a grey area here where you'll get just as many answers one way or the other. I had a look at an independent comparison test of 150 different towcars of roughly the same size as the Focus. Both the 1.6TDCI and the 2 litre petrol scored 3 out of possible 5 stars in the 1300kg towing class, although the 1.6 diesel was actually close to the upper end of the 3 star rating and the 2 litre more towards the bottom. Like Cliff says, that puts it in the "adequate" bunch rather than good.

 

[Paulhic]

Thanks for all your advice and help,I really appreciate it,will let you know how I get on.