Many thanks your replies 'mondeo men'
I was shying away from the mondeo due to the lower kerb weight. The diesl estate has a kerb weight of 1577kg if you believe the ford brochure, this would give you 95% towing 1500kg. Well within ford spec, but i would feel happier nearer the 85%.
I have been looking at vans about 1470kg gross, so the answer maybe to look at lighter vans so that my car options are greater
Thanks again , tony