tow car choice

[ianmorgan]

Hi I am needing a new tow car soon but don't want or need a large 4 x 4 or similar. A Peugeot 307sw or 407sw with the 1.6 112 hp diesel engine fitted would be my choice at the moment but have no idea if they are suitable tow cars. So if any one reading this has had or uses one could pass on their experiences and the mpg when towing I would be gratefull.
Many thanks Ian

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Ian,

You have posed a rather open ended question.

Looking at the data base I tend to use it seems the 307SW was not produced with a 112hp but either 90 or 110hp,
So I assume you mean the 110hp engine. Even so depending on the specific model the max towed weight figure varies from 1000Kg to 1500kg - you would have to check the specification for the exact car you look at to be sure. kerb weights also vary depending on the exact model but they seem to be between about 1420 and 1480Kg.

The 407 SW HDI 110 seems to be more consistent with a quoted KB at 1567 and a max towed weight of 1300.

In terms of power to weight ratios for the outfit you will be in the region of 35 to 45 hp /tonne which considering it is a diesel should give adequate performance.

I hope any caravanner's who use any of the cars you mention will offer their experiences. but do consider carefully at the particular car and caravan they have as the size of caravan may make a significant difference.

 

[PeterDavenport]

Hello Ian,
I have a 407sw 1.6hdi. At the caravan show last year I bought a bailey Orion 430/4 as the saleman said I would have no problem towing this van, which has a laden weight of 1247kg. (I took a copy of my log book for him to se the weights etc.). However if you look at the weights permissible on the car, the weight of the car laden and the caravans laden weights you would be over the train weight limit.
I have asked at various caravan centres and the say I would be fine, one website, one motoring breakdown service said I would be fine as there is only two of us and two dogs (other web sites including the caravan club say that this unit is not a good match. If I was you I would go for the 2litre option.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Peter has made an important point.

The Gross Train weight is the limit for the car AND trailer outfit. The GTW is specified by the car manufacture and is an absolute limit For some cars (and it varies from manufacture to manufacture AND model to model) you cannot load both the car and trailer up to their individual limits as this would exceed the GTW limit. You have to reduce the load in one or both to keep under the GTW.

If you are in this sort of position, then it is better to load the car more heavily rather than the trailer.

 

[Surfer]

If I recall correctedly the maximum braked trailer weight was 1100kg, but if you changed the tyres it could tow up to 1300kgs. Many of the Peugeot models tow below their kerbweight even the 3008 Crossover version.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

years ago we had a new 307sw and bought an avondale 556 so a light van. we put it on the back of the 307sw empty and it almost bottomed out. it scared us so we bought a 4 x 4 a bit over of the top at the time but even now i wouldnt tow with a 307sw also the towball max isnt great i think its 60kg but dont quote me on it also the wings are plastic and you can just push them in.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I have never heard of any car whose maximum towed weight can change by changing the tyres. You must always follow the manufactures specifications for the model you have.

Some makes of caravan do have relatively heavy nose weights when empty. Untrimmed nose weights may exceed the limit for the tow vehicle. That is not the tow vehicles fault.

You should always check and if necessary adjust the nose weight to bring it into range for the vehicle being used.

 

[Surfer]

I have never heard of any car whose maximum towed weight can change by changing the tyres. You must always follow the manufactures specifications for the model you have.

Neither did we until we looked at purchasing a Peugeot 3008 Crossover. Have a read through the spec sheet on the website, it is on there and the dealeer told us the same things as we thought it was a misprint. The car is fitted with ecotyres as standard which creates the problem.

 

[Martin24]

Only the French!!!!!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Surfer,

I was amazed to see it!, There is only one version of Crossover affected, the others don't seem to have the same issue. I imagine first owners may wee remeber the variations when renewing tyres but what about subsequent owners!.

 

[ianmorgan]

Hi prof john and every one else who replied have decided to rule out 307 due to train weight issues. I think I will look for 407sw or similar size vehicle.
many thanks ian