Renault Grand Espace & Abbey Vogue 600???

[Kerry4]

Hi, would it be possible that anyone could give us some reassurance that our set up will be ok....we have a Renault Grand Espace 2.2dt (1998) and are awaiting arrival of our Abbey Vogue 600 (twin axle) we are a family of 2 adults and 4 children (aged 2-10)....we have been advised by the dealer that it is an ok match but we have looked through numerous web pages and have conflicting info....any reassurance or doubts???

 

[Garfield]

Since you already have the car and the caravan is on order, as long as you are within the gross train weight which is often a limiting factor with Renaults and can legally tow this caravan I would recommend that you "suck it and see", We had this caravan on our short list, intending to tow it with an S-max but only decided against it as we could not justify a brand new van and bought a Lunar Lexon 640 which is a similar size and MTPLM but has a lower unladen weight, since we and others tend to put the same items in a van regardless of which van it is the unladen weight is the most relevant for us.

I would be surprised if you had any stability problems with this outfit, especially as it is a twin axle towed by an MPV, there are many posts on this forum regarding unstable outfits but I have not seen any that involve an MPV

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Kerry

I have the same model of Espace; I personally find it to be a good tow car.

My own W plate 2.2 dT Grande Espace has an official unladen weight of 1660Kg

With a MAM of 2510Kg (solo car) and a Train Weight of 3660Kg. It is technically rated to pull a trailer of MPTLM 2000Kg. Some unofficial sites quote the unladen weight as 1705Kg

When considering your caravan, Swift claim the Vogue to have an MPTLM of 1700Kg.

This would give an official ratio of 102%.

The figures would allow for up to 300Kg of payload (Passengers and luggage) in the car.

I have used my Espace for a similar loading scenario, when I towed a friends caravan to their holiday destination when their own 4x4 was out of action, and found it to be very stable, and with no problems. They actually found it be more comfortable than their own car, and have considered swapping!

I tend to use it for a smaller 1400Kg caravan, or a 2000Kg fully loaded twin axle trailer, and whilst it is not the most powerful of vehicles it more than keeps up with normal traffic flows.

It has been very stable, probably down to its longer than average wheel base, and short rear overhang. The only problem I have had, was trying get grip from the front wheel drive when making an up-hill start on a 1 in 4 gravel road. I just needed a slight nudge from our Scout Group to get us moving, and then it managed quite happily.