NEWBIE NEEDS ADVICE ON RENAULT 1.4 MEGANE TOWING AVONDALE PER...

[HELEN_5112488]

Just purchased a second hand caravan, avondale perle adonis 4 berth. We own a renault megane hatchback 1.4. I've read as much as I can about towing weights but my husband and i, being new to this and having not towed a caravan before, need to know if our renault will be suitable for towing. We are hoping to get away for the 1st time on 28th but because of the uncertainty regarding the towing I feel our trip is looking dismal due to the fact that our car may have to be exchanged.(I'm hoping this is not the case)I was told the weight of the caravan is 625kg, this must be the unladen weight but thats all I have from the previous owner and can't find anything else on any of the paperwork i was given.Any help or advice will be most appreciated.

 

[354]

Without more information it is dificult to answer. The Renault Megane 1.4 16v weighs in at 1080kk therefore if the weight of the van is correct allowing for 250kg load margin you should be within the 85% margin, although I was unable to find the weight of the van. If you check on the A frame or similair area on the van there should be a plate giving you the vans weight.

However 1.4cc is not much for towing a van and the car will be working to its limit, starting on a hill could present a problem, personaly I would recomend a minimum 1.8 petrol engine for towing or preferably 2.0 (or greater) turbo diesel.

 

[Lutz]

My data tells me that the maximum gross weight of the Avondale Perle Adonis is 800kg (which ties up with your figure of 625kg unladen).

The Renault website quotes a kerbweight of 1240kg for the 5-door hatchback, a maximum gross vehicle weight of 1715kg, a maximum towload of 1300kg and a maximum gross train weight of 2750kg.

On paper, at least, the caravan would therefore be within the capability of the 1.4 Megane.

Especially in the case of Renault's, it misleading to just look at the weight ratio as Del has done but in in your particular case you'd be OK.

 

[354]

Please read the posting again, as i said, with so little information to go I attempted to answer the question, not only on weight ratio but also power ratio. With regards towing with a 1.4 , it is a small engine and will be working hard especialy on hills, this information was found at whattowcar.com.

 

[Fubar]

Hi

we also own a Renault Megane Scenic, 1.4 16V and tow an Eriba Familia. From memory I think the Eriba's MGW is 850Kgs.

The Scenic DOES tow this successfully, we went to Loch Ness last year (2 adults & 2 kids plus luggage) towing the van, and back via Glencoe which has some pretty steep gradients.

The problem lies with the lack of power, you hit a hill and all the power disappears so you have to be prepared to change gear - a LOT!

I've also found the clutch a struggle when reversing uphill, it makes a horrid burning smell which has been mentioned elsewhere on the Forum in relation to Renault's.

therefore based on the weights quoted you will probably be ok, but will come back wanting to change your car as I am doing next week.

hope this helps, kind regards.

Mark (",)

 

[Lutz]

Please read the posting again, as i said, with so little information to go I attempted to answer the question, not only on weight ratio but also power ratio. With regards towing with a 1.4 , it is a small engine and will be working hard especialy on hills, this information was found at whattowcar.com.

My point is that weight ratio takes second priority to what is legally permissible so one should always look at the legal limits first and then (perhaps) check weight ratio.

 

[HELEN_5112488]

Thanks for your help, going by laden weight of caravan (800kg)and according to plate on car(20860kg)then towing weight is within the margin.The only problem would be the power of engine for getting up a hill.After stressing ourselves out as to which caravan to purchase, then after 3 weeks of searching and studying,boy was I relieved when we finally found one which we both agreed upon. Now on our drive and ready to tow on our first experience of owning our own caravan, the next stumbling block is, will we chance towing with our 1997 renault 1.4 hatchback or exchange for a car with a bigger engine.We are hoping to get away on 28th which isn't leaving us much time to look around for another car. One other thing i thought i might mention, is the fact we haven't even had towbar fitted to car yet.Thats something else my husband has priced and is ready to go ahead with, again depending on husbands decision as to whether or not he is convinced the megane will be ok.(What an unorganised couple i can hear everyone saying),Well yes it may look that way but honestly, we did think about changing car but I love it so much i suppose I just don't want to see it go and am hoping that someone out there will convince me that we will be ok using this to tow with.

 

[Fubar]

Hi again

I would imagine you would struggle to buy a new car AND have a towbar fitted to it within 8 days, so if you can get the megane up and running before then you may have to just try it. It's an expensive risk though, unless you go for a towbar that can easily be tranferred to another car.

honestly, I was really please at our cars' towing ability for such a small engine but decided to trade-up as it is due an MOT this year anyway, otherwise the Scenic would be towing again this year.

all the best whichever you decide.

Mark (",)

 

[Lol1]

Fear not Helen, no one is going to say that your Renault is an ideal car to tow with, but it isn't going to be that bad either. Lutz has explained that you are within your max towing figures and that's a good start point; make sure you load your van and car wisely. As for power, I myself towed with a 1.4 Metro for a year and found it did the job quite well. You're not going to win any races, but you're not going to be in any either. You have bought the caravan to suit the car; it would be daft not to try it out. What cost a tow bar, compared with having to change your car? Chances are if you change your car for a bigger and more powerful one, you'll start thinking that you could tow a larger caravan, so guess what's next on the menu! So give you're present outfit a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[HELEN_5112488]

Hi again, just like to say thanks to all who answered my query.My mind is a little at ease now and think you have answered my question as well as my prayers.(Am I glad I found this site).Think it is only just for us to at least keep the megane, try it out, then all going well we may have many more breaks away with it. If all else fails (hubbie feels he does needs bigger car, after all its he who drives,) then fair play we will have to trade in for different car.One can only but try.So its a towbar fitted for next week and away we go, where! well thats another subject,busy surfing the net as well as this forum for ideas and costs etc. Thanks again, regards Helen