We have been looking at a newer caravan that weighs in at 1600kg.There are not so many caravans at this weight so wondered what others use to tow this weight. Our Honda has a kerb weight around 1660kg so it would be at 96% against the recommended 85%. I know its only a recommendation but to me 96% is on the high side.
Honda CR-V (new shape) towing 1600kg?
- Thread starter David.R
- Start date
David R,
Personally i would be looking at something around the 1900Kg mark with a towbar limit of about 100Kg to tow a van that size. This puts you in to the mid suv and large people carrier area unless you can run to a Merc, BMW or 300c.
There are people posting on here who would pull your van with Mondeo size cars and it's probably legal but I couldn't stand the stress of wondering if the clutch would take a standing start on a Porlock type slope or wether the rig would get off a wet field or climb a slippery incline from scratch;
and that's not to mention how a lighter car would get blown about towing in a gale or being buffeted by trucks and coaches.
My van is a mere 1500kg but I use an Automatic Shogun of about 2000kg to tug it and I never have a moments worry about the rigs capability to go anywhere in any conditions and that's how I like it.
Yes it does use a lot of fuel but I love my vanning so It's worth every penny!
Personally i would be looking at something around the 1900Kg mark with a towbar limit of about 100Kg to tow a van that size. This puts you in to the mid suv and large people carrier area unless you can run to a Merc, BMW or 300c.
There are people posting on here who would pull your van with Mondeo size cars and it's probably legal but I couldn't stand the stress of wondering if the clutch would take a standing start on a Porlock type slope or wether the rig would get off a wet field or climb a slippery incline from scratch;
and that's not to mention how a lighter car would get blown about towing in a gale or being buffeted by trucks and coaches.
My van is a mere 1500kg but I use an Automatic Shogun of about 2000kg to tug it and I never have a moments worry about the rigs capability to go anywhere in any conditions and that's how I like it.
Yes it does use a lot of fuel but I love my vanning so It's worth every penny!
My wife's 2.2cdti 2008 model tows a Swift Charisma 2 up weighing aprox 1650 kgs laden excellantly, it tows better that our previous 2002 X-Trail 2.2 and if you are an experienced tower I see no reason to go for the CRV but if you are a novice either restrict personal effects or look at other caravan.
I am assuming the 1600kg is the MPTLM, if it is the MIRO then please disregard the following info.
The new CRV to my memory has a max tow weight approaching 2000kg so you will not be stressing the car at all.
Granted the ratio is high, but the car has std trailer stability control on top of ABS and ESP (non of which would be std on most 10 - 15 year old 4x4). If you do a lot of non towing mileage like I do then the towcar also has to be realistic day to day transport too.
If you are a seasoned tower and put heavy stuff (especially the awning) in the car then it should be ok.
The new CRV to my memory has a max tow weight approaching 2000kg so you will not be stressing the car at all.
Granted the ratio is high, but the car has std trailer stability control on top of ABS and ESP (non of which would be std on most 10 - 15 year old 4x4). If you do a lot of non towing mileage like I do then the towcar also has to be realistic day to day transport too.
If you are a seasoned tower and put heavy stuff (especially the awning) in the car then it should be ok.
Agree, from personal experience of towing 1500kg the CRV clutch will not take it. Reversing on wet grass was always followed by a smell of cooked clutch
my santa fe is 1965kg kerb and my van is 1675kg i tow at approx 85 %. i wouldnt tow really anymore than 90% but thats up to me.
jo
jo
Jo-anne,
As you say it's up to you but I think you are being sensible - we have talked about getting a smaller car but my better half just won't have it. She just reminds me about the episodes of spinning front wheels on slippery surfaces with a previous "family" car and having to park with a view to making a succesful exit from CL sites i.e. facing down hill and the dread of the stop start traffic on a hill and wether the clutch will hold out.
ESP may be fine enough but there is no substitute to being anchored by about 2 tons of motor when you are driving accross the Severn bridge in a crosswind gale!
As you say it's up to you but I think you are being sensible - we have talked about getting a smaller car but my better half just won't have it. She just reminds me about the episodes of spinning front wheels on slippery surfaces with a previous "family" car and having to park with a view to making a succesful exit from CL sites i.e. facing down hill and the dread of the stop start traffic on a hill and wether the clutch will hold out.
ESP may be fine enough but there is no substitute to being anchored by about 2 tons of motor when you are driving accross the Severn bridge in a crosswind gale!
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