Help Please.

[Chris_374360620]

I am looking to start caravanning and I have identified a couple of caravans in the 1250-1300 MTPLM range. I am trying to decide on a tow car and quite fancy a Peugeot 407 estate. I know this falls within the 85% rule. The trouble is my wife likes the Vectra but I dont think this is will be adeqaute as I think it will exceed the 85%. Can anyone offer any experince with the two cars in qusetion? The main issue is also that my wife will be using the car all of the time so she will have to be comfortable with it aswell. Any advice will be greatfully appreciated.

 

[Barry_374248747]

Chris,

Have a look on whattowcar.com this will match up the two cars you are looking at. I am pretty sure the vectra is too light for this range although I could be wrong. Personally I would have the 407. Hope this helps.

 

[JandP]

Hi Chris, you dont say which model Vectra but I have an older 2.2 SRI150 petrol which is a nice sporty car (if you like that sort of thing!) but is, in my opinion, not a pood tow car and suffers badly from wheel spin. If you do choose the Vectra I suggest you look at the diesel engine. Jim.

 

[JandP]

Hi Chris, you dont say which model Vectra but I have an older 2.2 SRI150 petrol which is a nice sporty car (if you like that sort of thing!) but is, in my opinion, not a pood tow car and suffers badly from wheel spin. If you do choose the Vectra I suggest you look at the diesel engine. Jim.

Oops! "not a pood tow car" ! Got confused between "poor" and "not good" anyway I dont like it! Jim.

 

[DavidW1]

I second the advice on the Vectra - used a 140 SRI Estate to tow 1330 KG, chronic wheel spinner and the traction control did not help.

A modern diesel version may be better but all FWD's at more than 85% will have the tendancy to wheelspin on wet grass or slippery inclines when pulling away.

Some say you can avoid the wheel spin with very gentle clutch control and using a higher gear, well bully for them, personally I like my vanning to be stress free and easy.

Go for the heaviest most powerful car you can afford, preferably RWD and an Auto diesel is my advice.

That's why so many of us who have been at it for some time tow with large people carriers, SUV's or Merc's and the like - it makes towing a pleasure not a chore.

 

[Guest]

We have a Vectra 3.2 v6 which tows 1400kg easily, thats 90% fully loaded and it comfortable, reliable and doesnt wheelspin

Economical is isnt when towing (about 22mpg) but this is outweighed by a lower purchase price than 4wd BMW etc