Hello!

[Rikster]

Hi folks, just getting into this caravanning lark with a recently purchased 2006 Omega Compass 540. Been away over Easter and Bank Holiday weekend just gone and loving it! Planning a 3 week trip to France at the end of August so I'm sure I will be tapping into some of your experiences, as well as tow car info, I'm seriously considering changing from my 2.0DCi Mondeo Estate to something a bit heavier!
Cheers

 

[LizziePope]

Hi there and thanks for posting. Welcome to the Practical Caravan forum and to caravanning.

 

[Pedr01800]

Welcome to the fraternity of Caravaners. I have recently moved from long term motorhoming, and now have new Swift ACE, and pull with Land Rover Discovery 2.7 diesel. I feel this is more than adequate, with decent fuel returns and levels of versatility not present in other vehicles. Your Mondeo may well pull your 'van, but might leave you with insufficient margins , just in case more power is needed. Like on your forthcoming trip to France. Some of the roads there have very long gradients to climb, and the extra oomph could take the strain from your Mondeo. I saw more than a few outfits struggling on some roads this March when down that way, whereas I was quite comfortable. Enjoy the trip anyway.

 

[Mel]

Hi. Welcome to caravanning and to the forum.
Mel

 

[Rikster]

Thanks folks, though my budget won't stretch to a Disc Pedro!
I may be able to stretch to a Honda CRV, Rav 4 or possibly a new shape Santa Fe which gets great towing reviews!

 

[ProfJohnL]

If you are considering a Honda CRV, do check its specification as several models are only rated to tow up to 1500kg, where as your mondeo will probably rated for 1800kg.

The Mondeo has earned a good reputation as a tow car, so changing may not bring the benefits you think it might.

 

[Rikster]

Hi ProfJohn, yes, I know the Mondeo is a good wagon but I'm hoping that whichever of the 3 vehicles I have narrowed the search down to will be a bit more stable-the 2.2 CRV rated at a max of 2000kg, the Hyundai Santa Fe rated at 2500kg or the latest 2.2 AWD Rav 4 rated at 2000kg. From memory I think the toe bvall limit on the Rav 4 is 80kg whilst the other 2 are 100kg so possibly the Honda or Hyundai will priove better, the MPLO of the van is 1515kg.
Cheers

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Please note that your provisional towing vehicles may have higher towing capabilities, but those higher ratings would be for a heavy low height trailer eg car trailer. You have to consider that a caravan is very tall-sided in comparison and susceptible to cross winds. It is recommended that experienced towers tow no more than 100% of the vehicle kerb weight (or mass in running order). New tower should tow no more than 85%.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Rikster

I think you may be getting the wrong end of the stick.
Your quoted figures , I suggest, relate to the vehicles ability to pull away from a standing start on a 1:5 gradient. I may have got the gradient wrong but I do know what you quote has very little in practice to do with towing ratios described by Sir WC.
Time precludes further comment today but I am sure our Prof or Colin will help further with excellent technical input.

 

[Rikster]

It really is a minefield!
My thinking is this-the Mondeo tows fantastically engine-wise, no issues at all but it gets quite unsettled if passing a truck or as soon as I hit about 59MPH. So, I'm thinking that with and advertised kerb weight of 1576kg and index ratio of around 97%, I would be better with something heavier for starters-the wagons I have listed are all advertised with kerb weights of 1715kg (Rav 4), 1828kg (CRV) and 1963kg (Santa Fe) and therefore a better 'index-ratio' (which I know is only a guide)-but my thinking is that these wagons will all feel more stable.
Am I incorrect in my thought process?
I am not a novice tower but am re-acquainting myself with the skills, it has been some years since I towed trailers through work.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Rikster
This is a belated welcome to the forum...................