Ford Mondeo 1.8 Petrol 2005 Model

[DavieP1]

Can anyone give me feedback on this as a tow car its the first car ive towed with im towing a abbey 416 gts 1100kgs unladen obviously + extras, i think its okj but have no comparison to match to

Cheers in anticipation

Davie

 

[Damian]

Davie, from the information I have to hand, the 416GTS comes in at 1223kg MIRO, with a MTPLM of 1439kg.

The Mondeo. depending on exactly which model it is, ranges from 1283kg to 1500kg kerbweight.

If ou have the basic 1.8 @1283kg, then you are well over the recommended 1090kg , and over the cars kerbweight.

Even if you have the heaviest version, the 1.8i hatch, the kerbweight is 1500kg, with a recommended van weight of 1275, and a MAX towing limit of 1500kg.

Whichever way you look at it, you are either towing at a minimum of 95%, which is not good practice, or are over the kerbweight of the vehicle, so over 100%.

In short,,,you "think" its ok, but in reality is is far from so, and you would be putting yourself, your family and everyone elses lives at risk with this combination.

 

[Lutz]

If the unladen weight of Abbey 416GTS Vogue in question is 1100kg, then it would appear to be a 2000 model (later models are heavier). The MTPLM of that particular model is 1340kg, not 1439kg.

Whilst I would agree that it's not an ideal combination with a 1.8 Mondeo, I wouldn't see it quite as life threatening as Damian. I started my caravanning career with a 100% weight ratio and towed like that for years without ever getting into a dodgy situation that could be attributed to that condition.

 

[RichardS1]

Davie, you could take the car and loaded van to a weighbridge and check the exact weight of the combination. Also remember that the 85% rule is a guideline and other factors like correct loading of the van and driving technique are equally as important. I towed with a 2001 diesel Mondeo for a couple of years at 95% and had no issues at all with the stability of the outfit