Tow car

[Andy.walker]

After a 10 year break from caravans I have just bought a Sterling Eccles sport 442 (1246 kg mtplm) and tow with a Seat Leon FR 1.4 petrol (kerb weight 1266 kg) With a maximum tow of 1500kg. As you can see I’m towing close to 100%. I only bought the car a year ago and was not keen to change it and really wanted this caravan. So I took a chance. The Leon Fr is a small tow car but had good towing reviews. I towed with it for the first time a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised how good it i was. The 1.4 turbo engine(150 bhp) was plenty powerful enough and the outfit combination handled very well. I kept the caravan light, loading the car with the heavier items. The caravan is fitted with ATC which is a big bonus but never felt it in use at anytime on my 100 mile adventure. I feel that you should try and stick to the 85% rule if possible as you will more likely enjoy a more pleasurable towing experience but saying that I chose to tow close to 100% and finding no problems with sensible loading and driving. Hope this helps anyone out there with the same dilemma.

 

[Ty]

Thanks Andy

Following the coments We have looked at a different caravan a 2018 compas camino 554 this weekend with a mtplm 1550 kg the c220 kerb weight is 1570 kg with a towing weight of 1800 kg think this is what we are going to go for again any comments welcome.

Kind regards
Ty

 

[Hutch]

Andy, I like your posting, i had a 3 litre Vectra towing a Coachman 545 at about 97% tow ratio a really stable unit , maybe due to loading, I was happy doing this , as long as you drive safely, I think you can match your car and Caravan nicely.And be happy.

 

[Andy.walker]

Cheers. Thank you.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks Andy

Following the coments We have looked at a different caravan a 2018 compas camino 554 this weekend with a mtplm 1550 kg the c220 kerb weight is 1570 kg with a towing weight of 1800 kg think this is what we are going to go for again any comments welcome.

Kind regards
Ty

I think everything that could be said has been said. But as you are aware of the relevance of kerbweight/MTPLM ratio and all the other aspects that contribute to safe towing I hope you have as much success as the post above with his Seat outfit. Good luck and please report back on your experience.

 

[Ty]

Thanks otherclive and will do hopefully going to order the caravan tomorrow's

 

[Andy.walker]

Hi Ty. Have you considered ATC for your caravan as it was a must for me considering the closeness of weights

 

[Ty]

Hi Andy
It comes with Atc my current caravan slso has it it we thought we would stick with it like you say even more so as we are close to 100%

 

[Andy.walker]

Great . Good luck.

 

[Ty]

Thanks Amdy
looking forward to getting it sorted not sure about the bank balance though.

 

[Andy.walker]

I know what you mean. Ha ha

 

[Raywood]

Thanks Andy

Following the coments We have looked at a different caravan a 2018 compas camino 554 this weekend with a mtplm 1550 kg the c220 kerb weight is 1570 kg with a towing weight of 1800 kg think this is what we are going to go for again any comments welcome.

Kind regards
Ty

The towing ratio is almost 100% and that is far too high in my view for a newcomer. The 85% figure might be a bit out of date these days but I would certainly be wary of exceeding 90%. Please ignore the cars towing weight as this has no relevance to the safety aspect of towing a caravan. To me that combination would only be for someone experienced at towing if at all.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks Andy

Following the coments We have looked at a different caravan a 2018 compas camino 554 this weekend with a mtplm 1550 kg the c220 kerb weight is 1570 kg with a towing weight of 1800 kg think this is what we are going to go for again any comments welcome.

Kind regards
Ty

The towing ratio is almost 100% and that is far too high in my view for a newcomer. The 85% figure might be a bit out of date these days but I would certainly be wary of exceeding 90%. Please ignore the cars towing weight as this has no relevance to the safety aspect of towing a caravan. To me that combination would only be for someone experienced at towing if at all.

Ray you may want to look at the OP’s original post. He’s not a “newcomer” having towed trailers for 10 years (doesn’t state type) but been towing a caravan with BMW for a while.

 

[Raywood]

Sorry should have gone back to the original post. The ratio is still very high though and personally I would not risk it but with care an experienced tower should get away with it with a stable towcar. It is in the area though where you have to hope your car tows better than average and long term a bigger car is the best option.

 

[Hutch]

When I first bought a caravan, It was a case of not really understanding the towing weights, but having a fairly powerfull Vectra diesel, all was good, then after a year of learning, upgraded the car to a heavier 3 Litre Diesel Vectra, then it was upgrade the caravan , Then side grade to hyundai Santa fe, due to bigger space, and another upgrade of the caravan, upon Retireing a New Sante fe,
Thats it now , love the outfit and the layout, so unless we win the lottery, we shall have this outfit for many years. I hope.

 

[Ty]

Thanks every one for the advice, i am changing the C220 in 12 months for a 4x4 pick up so should be more than enough.

Thanks
Ty