Is our car suitable to tow a caravan effectively?

[Neil_374225278]

Our current car is a MAZDA 6, 1.8 PETROL Hatchback, it is 6 months old. We propose to buy our first caravan early in 2007. It is likely to be a BAILEY RANGER 460/4. It has a MPLM of 1184kg. Although the cars kerbweight is over 1400kg we have been given conflicting advice that the car is likely to struggle and that we should change our car for the 2.0 Diesel model. We would appreciate any advice.

Neil W

 

[gavin_5121842]

Hi Neil,

i don't see any reason to change. The 1.8 Mazda should do the job just fine. The diesel would probably have been a better choice for mpg's if nothing else, but the money you would lose in depreciation wouldn't justify the swap surly?

I'm sort of in the same boat as you. I bought a petrol CRV Sport a few months before buying a caravan, and if i could turn the clock back i would have gone for a diesel (probably estate) of some sort.

Never mind, next time.......

Gavin.

 

[cliff_5040076]

Hi Neil

I have just looked at the technical specs for your vehicle on Mazda's website.

Your prospective van laden to its maximum would be 84% of the kerbweight which is perfectly OK.

Mazda's max towing weight for your model is 1300kg which you are well under.

The 1.8 petrol engine produces 120ps which is plenty powerful enough to tow a van of this weight.

The main difference between your vehicle and the diesel is the amount of torque it produces and at what rpm it produces max torque.

1.8 petrol - 165nm at 4300rpm

2.0 diesel - 320nm at 2000rpm

The more torque produced at a lower rpm is generally better for towing.

You may find that you need to change gear more often than you would with the diesel and fuel consumption may be higher. other than that I can't see any problems.

If I was in your shoes I would buy the caravan, you should have no problems towing it. As the car is almost new it isn't going to be cost effective to change at this point.

Good Luck

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Neil,

I agree that with a projected weight ratio of 84%, there is every chance that the outfit will behave it-self. But I must just add a word of caution:

The behavour of an outfit is not only dependant on a sensible weight ratio, but in almost equal measure, correct loading, and sensible driving.

I wont repeat all the good advice previously given on the forum, use the search feature and look for relevant threads.

 

[Neil_374225278]

Hi Neil,

i don't see any reason to change. The 1.8 Mazda should do the job just fine. The diesel would probably have been a better choice for mpg's if nothing else, but the money you would lose in depreciation wouldn't justify the swap surly?

I'm sort of in the same boat as you. I bought a petrol CRV Sport a few months before buying a caravan, and if i could turn the clock back i would have gone for a diesel (probably estate) of some sort.

Never mind, next time.......

Gavin.

Thanks for all the advice, you,ve put my mind at ease, will buy the van and think about a diesel next time. Ref Johns' advice, I will be completing a beginners towing course prior to purchasing the van.

Many Thanks,

Neil

 

[sjustice]

We probably all would say a 2.0 litre diesal is the best engine but look to the areas you wish to caravan in (hills or flat) How often will you be towing and what mileage. I would say as you already have a car which gives good specifications, it may reduce your towing speed and give less mpg but give the Bailey a go and then if not satisfied change the car. Incidentally, ask the Bailey nose weight, you do not want to ruin the car shock absorbers.

 

[MM1]

Hi if you go to www.whattowcar.com you'll get all the towing specs there happy looking.... mandy

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Amanda

I may be appearing to be too negative here but, I must caution peopele to be wary about the information gleaned from third party web sites.

By all means check the Whattowcar web site, but do not assume the information is all correct. The only place to get the offical information is from the car dealer or the manufacturere.

Before making a purchase always check with the dealer.