Tow car

[Bikeral77]

I now tow with a Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. It's a 7 seater people carrier type, with. 2 litre 130bhp Diesel engine. It tows well and returns between 30 to 36 mpg when towing, this according to where your towing and how fast you want to average. I find motorway towing although much quicker, does drink more diesel.
The best towing car I ever had was the Nissan X Trail, 2.2 litres of diesel muscle. A little heavy on the juice, but it would pull like a train.

 

[Martin24]

I think the best tow cars we've had were the TD5 Disco, the 110 Defender and the current Isuzu D-Max. Alas I couldn't say what the fuel consumption has been on any of them solo or towing because we just pop fuel in when it's getting low and carry on. I know I can do South Devon (330 miles ish) on a tank solo but not quite towing.

The worst without a shadow of doubt was the 2001 2.2dci Espace

How thirsty the next (just ordered) and last tow car will be is anyone's guess but I'm sure it'll be far from frugal.

 

[otherclive]

It's a difficult one to answer as I have had some good tow cars. Like Martin the TD5 Disco 2 was a good tow car, but so unreliable that even the main dealer rang me and suggested it was time for a change. Its successor was the Kia Sorento which we had for 7 years and it was totally trouble free and did everything asked of it. Moving on to the Gen 3 XC70 D5 AWD, good tow car but limited flexibility regarding loading and so limited for rear passenger leg room for such large car. Lousy economy too. So I have to conclude that apart from its nil off road capability the current car (Superb 170PS 4x4 Estate) takes the prize. Enormous and flexible loading, rear seat bases lift forwards, 100kg roof load without steps, excellent economy (52-55 mpg on runs, 30-32mpg towing so far), full size spare wheel, nice to drive solo or hitched. Full five seater. Even servicing is cheap at authorised dealers. I recently had full service, front pads and discs, aircon service/fluid change, brake fluid change, side rubbing strips fitted and spare bulb kit all for £625. This dealer sold me my first Skoda, an Estelle 105S and some of the staff are still working there. Lots of VAG dealers and specialist around UK and Europe. Etc Etc. Downsides? Well only one: my wife won't drive it as she says it's too big. This is from a lady who couldn't keep her hands off the Saab 9000, Sorento or Disco. So I now have to find camp sites with a pub within walking distance. Gosh life's tough at times.

 

[otherclive]

I think the best tow cars we've had were the TD5 Disco, the 110 Defender and the current Isuzu D-Max. Alas I couldn't say what the fuel consumption has been on any of them solo or towing because we just pop fuel in when it's getting low and carry on. I know I can do South Devon (330 miles ish) on a tank solo but not quite towing.

The worst without a shadow of doubt was the 2001 2.2dci Espace

How thirsty the next (just ordered) and last tow car will be is anyone's guess but I'm sure it'll be far from frugal.

So what's it to be then Martin?

 

[Martin24]

Morning Clive,

Converted drive from wheelchair, standard roof, medium wheelbase, Mercedes Sprinter 316. The order finally went in yesterday and we're lucky enough to get a July build slot so should have it in October. My first time for years without 4wd but at least it's rear wheel drive so hopefully won't get stuck anywhere.

 

[otherclive]

That looks a really nice choice; but will you be joining the White Van man Owners Club ?
The only two times that we've been stuck were both with 4WD vehicles. Sorento with BFG AT tyres failed to tow caravan on CL with 3D sloping field near Penrith after heavy rains and farmer helpfully cutting the grass. Second time XC70 AWD failed to even move itself without pushing and caravan grip tracks under front wheels.. Again 24 hours of heavy rain near to Penrith. Caravan was hauled out on mover with Mrs Clive inside acting as counterweight to noseweight and nosewheel supported on grip tracks. Guess where we won't be stoping overnight on this year's jaunt to Scotland? So have no fears RWD will be fine. Just get Mrs Martin to stand on rear bumper :_)

 

[Martin24]

No, blue van drivers owners club :woohoo:

We got stuck with a Rexton on a rally, wet and poor tyres.

North York Moors, first time on a particular CL, (Rexton again) stopped just inside the gate to look for a level dryish spot. Got back to the car and both it and van had sunk. Motor mover came in to action that day.

Have to say growing up I don't remember us ever getting stuck anywhere and we didn't have 4wd until the second Subaru when I was about 14.