FWD or RWD ?

[T_5064313]

I have only ever used FWD cars for towing - a manual VW Passat and an auto Volvo V70 - both have been fine on the road, but I've had a problem or two pulling the caravan (Lexon EB) of a wet pitch. The front wheels spin. With the Volvo this can be reduced by selecting winter mode. The only RWD car I've owned was the MGF, but no chance trying a caravan with that. Are there any advantages for caravanning in using an RWD car?

I'm sure 4WD drive is best, but don't want a 4X4 and I'm not keen on the XC70 or Audi Allroad.

Thanks,

Tillman

 

[Lutz]

If traction is your problem, then RWD is the next best thing to 4x4.

 

[MalcolmL]

As Lutz says, RWD is next best after 4*4, but only when the 'van is on the hitch. In all other slippery circumstances, RWD is "pants" in my opinion.

 

[Garfield]

Having towed with both, if 4wd gets 100% I would give fwd 45% and rwd 55%

 

[Lutz]

I take it you are referring to towing on surfaces where traction may be a problem (grassy sites, snow/ice, etc.). Otherwise, there is little to choose between RWD and 4x4.

 

[T_5064313]

I'm OK with RWD vs FWD for 'normal' use, it's the traction aspect when towing a caravan I was enquiriing about, particularly when pulling on a wet, grassy pitch. From the comments so far, it would seem that RWD has the edge over FWD, under these circumstances.

Cheers,

Tillman