Lightweight 4 berth

[cwhytock]

Hi there,
We are looking to buy a caravan for family breaks. It's been around 8-9 years since we last own one and at that time we towed with a Renault Trafic.
We now own a much smaller Ford C Max Ecoboost 123bhp and according to PC's own review of the C Max:

During our long-term test with the Ford, we’ve towed heavier caravans than the Eriba. The 1391kg kerbweight gives an 85% match figure of 1182kg, just below the 1200kg legal towing limit. Pulling tourers weighing closer to these figures exposes the EcoBoost’s limitations. Even with the throttle pressed to the floor, the C-Max struggles with hills when towing. It’s not just that it’s slow – you can’t relax when you're forever changing gears and wringing the engine’s neck.

Can anyone recommend a 4 berth caravan suitable for the C Max towing ability. We have a budget of 4-6k and looking at caravans 2006-2008?

Many thanks

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Pulling tourers weighing closer to these figures exposes the EcoBoost’s limitations. Even with the throttle pressed to the floor, the C-Max struggles with hills when towing. It’s not just that it’s slow – you can’t relax when you're forever changing gears and wringing the engine’s neck.

With this write up I don't think you would get a suitable 4 berth to match, because you would need to be very low on max weight, suggest less than 1000 kg.

 

[cwhytock]

Thanks for your repsonse.

I've been looking at the ADRIA ALTEA MODEL 432 PX and thought this might be a possibility?

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

That Adria is 1200 kg MTPLM and your first post quoted that the C Max couldn't pull it very well. Don't be disillusioned by saying you won't load a van to its limit, BECAUSE YOU WILL.

 

[Mel]

A quick look at advanced search on caravan finder is bringing up the adria alter at 1100 kg but also the Xplore 304 ar 1030 kg. the one listed is above your price range but might be worth looking around. If you go for older vans, which might also be cheaper you may find you have more choice.
Good luck
Mel

 

[Raywood]

You might just get one of the first Xplores for your budget but otherwise your options will be very limited. |I would ring round local dealers and see if they have anything in that meets your criteria but do have to say a bigger car would be the best bet.

 

[cwhytock]

So after reading the comments and a bit of reflection.....we have decided to get another car. We'll be looking to spend 4-4.5k on a tow car. As it'll be my commute car, I'd prefer it to be Golf/Focus sized, but I'm aware that Passat/Mondeos are better. Can anyone recommend a diesel tow car for a Swift Charisma 555 sized caravan: MTPLM 1460 kg MIRO 1242 kg in our price range.

Thanks in advance

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

So after reading the comments and a bit of reflection.....we have decided to get another car. We'll be looking to spend 4-4.5k on a tow car. As it'll be my commute car, I'd prefer it to be Golf/Focus sized, but I'm aware that Passat/Mondeos are better. Can anyone recommend a diesel tow car for a Swift Charisma 555 sized caravan: MTPLM 1460 kg MIRO 1242 kg in our price range.

For an MTPLM of 1460 kg you will be looking for a car with kerb weight 1720 kg or more. A Mondeo isn't that heavy.
You're getting into the realms of 4x4s. Your post is entitled Lightweight 4 berth, but 1460 kg is NOT lightweight.

 

[cwhytock]

I suppose I should create a new post then!

 

[Raywood]

If you can get one of the heavier Mondeos or similar, say an estate you will be above 85% but I would think the match should still be workable. I would look at least 1600 kg though if you can.