Help needed!

[gemma_374560012]

Hi

We currently have a Sprite Super450eb 2 berth

We are new to caravanning but have got the bug.

We currently have a 2001 VW Golf 1.9TDI which pulls around 1150(85%) and whilst it didnt struggle too much pulling the back end was under strain.

We know this car is not practical and are ready for an upgrade anyway, however we want to make sure we pick right.

I lik Rav-4 but that can only pull same as golf, i also like Honda CR-v and have seen a Landrover Freelander 2006 2.0diesel manual that we really like.

Hubby has his eye on an X3 and like he says cos we are spending (what we consider a lot)wants to make sure we pick a car that could pull a bigger van if we decide to get a bigger/newer one in the next few years.

Any help/ pointing in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Would the freelander pull fine? has it got scope to pull say a decent size 4berth in the future? or are we better spending a little more and getting an x3 from the start?

Many thanks

Gemma

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Gemma

I have tried to confirm the weights and capacities of the model of caravan and car you give, but without success, but assuming you are correct about the weights then the caravan is within the cars towing limit, so I question your statement about the back end being under strain.

Of course when ever you pull any trailer it add some strain to the back end of all cars, but providing the nose load is within the cars specification limits, then the car is perfectly capable of handling the extra load.

If your reason for wishing to change cars is simple down to the perceived strain on the tail of the car, then that is not a plausible reason.

If the car is adequate for your needs, then why change?

As for the other vehicles you mention, I am sure they are all capable of pulling your existing caravan, but looking to the future and bigger caravans, provided the maximum possible weight of the caravan is within the towing limit of your chosen car - it will tow it.

Do be aware that if you passed your driving test after Jan 1997, then you may be limited to the size of car and caravan you can legally tow so do check the categories on your licence.

just a cautionary note, the X3 is not such a capable car as it may appear, many in the motoring press have slated it for being a poor pretender - make sure you do your research thoroughly.