Towcar help needed for challenger 490 -1994 model

[IRWIN_374562509]

Hi,

Please could someone help me as i need a new towcar desperatly, i have a 1994 swift challenger 490.

In the handbook it says that the ex works weight is 955kg,the cap is 255kg and the maw is 1250kg.

When i go to whattowcar website they allow a massive 1560kg as the mtplm weight.

Using this weight it is very difficult to find a car.

I was recommended a nissan xtrail but in the years im looking at the diesels seem to have bad engine promlems..

I have roughly about £6500 to spend on a new motor..

I have been towing with a peugeot 1.9 td estate and it struggled up the hills.

So do i allow 1250 to 1300kg or the massive 1560kg????

This is a big buy for us and the motor would have to last a good number of years and be good on the mpgs.

What are my best options, thanks

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Irwin,

I can understand your confusion. Sadly may of the outfit matching sites do not carry all the data for all the caravans and cars, and sometimes as in your case the data can be wrong.

Assuming the hand book you have is for the year and model of caravan you have, then you have the correct information.

In this case the MAW (maximum authorised weight) is the same as the MTPLM which is the more common values used to-day.

The size of the car you need will depend on a number of factors.

First and foremost, you need to ensure that the car you choose has a towing limit which is at least equal to the caravans MAW.

Secondly, If you passed your driving test after Jan 1997, then unless you have taken an additional towing test you must find a car that has its unladen weight greater than the caravans MAW,

Thirdly It is general accepted that for caravans because they are boxy and easily buffeted by other traffic and wind conditions, it is better to have a tow car that is heavier than the caravan. The caravan industry suggest that the caravan should be no more than 85% of the kerbweight of the car. This is only a guideline but the principal is very valid.

On the basis of point Three point 3 you will need to find a tow car that has a kerbweight of 1438Kg and a towing capacity of 1250Kg.

Those sorts of figures are easily achieved with a wide range of vehicles. You are not limited to a 4x4.

I will not suggest any particular vehicles, but diesels do seem to offer good pulling power and economy.

 

[nkosibob]

If you can get yourself a good VW Paasat 130 tdi then that would be all you need--a great towcar, 30 mpg towing, 50+ solo

don't buy one unless it has full service history and not too high miles. I am on my second passat pulling a bailey Loire ----maw is 1305kg---plus i have a mover fitted. Off to South of france next month and we will be fully loaded---the passat will have no problems

 

[AnthonyNornIreland]

Hi,

I towed my previous van with a Kia Caren cdti (138BHP) 7 seats, loads of space, and a cracker car for towing.

Not the most attractive of cars, but with 4 kids, wife and van, it does the job just swell !!

 

[AnthonyNornIreland]

Hi,

I towed my previous van with a Kia Caren cdti (138BHP) 7 seats, loads of space, and a cracker car for towing.

Not the most attractive of cars, but with 4 kids, wife and van, it does the job just swell !!

Forgot to add.............mine was a1994 challenger 490 SE.

 

[IRWIN_374562509]

Hi,

I towed my previous van with a Kia Caren cdti (138BHP) 7 seats, loads of space, and a cracker car for towing.

Not the most attractive of cars, but with 4 kids, wife and van, it does the job just swell !!

Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it :O)

Ive decided on a passat as all reviews say they are exellent motors..

Only trouble is im having trouble finding one in my price range with low enough mileage to consider...ahhhh more trawling through the web lol

 

[Alimac1]

irwin

I have ab Ace Jubilee Envoy - 1300 kg - and tow ith a 2005 Laguna diesel hatch, all over Britainn plus in France - towing at their speed limits! - no problems at all so if you can find one with good history then should suit you

regards