Towcar suggestion which we need to be able tio get

[Derryck_374342119]

Hi

we are new to caravanning & have a 2berth Award Daystar. Our current VW Passat 1.8but if anyone estate is not man enough for the job, so we're looking to change imminently.

Problem we have is 2 bassett hounds (not best known for their jumping capabilities)which we need to be able to get easily into the back of the selected car. As 1 weights nearly 30kgs, this is no small feat!

We're considering at a Kia Sedona 2.9 Tdi (which would cover the intention of upgrading the caravan in the next couple of years to something larger).

If anyone has any other suggestions, they'd be greatly recd.

It's just 2 adults & 2 large hounds, plus occasional teenager with friend.

Jackie

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Derryck,

I do not have any data regarding the Award Daystar weights, but as a two berth I am sure there are plenty of vehicles capable of hauling your chosen caravan. I n fact I would be surprised if your VW is not good enough.

What you need to do is to find out what the MTPLM (Maximum technically permitted laden mass) is for the caravan, and then ensure your chosen car is rated to tow it.

As for you dogs, if they have difficulty in jumping into a car, a 4x4 is the last thing you want. They tend to have high load areas. Consider an MPV which offers all the space of a 4x4, they tend to have good towing capacities, lower load areas, and comfort more akin to car than a van/lorry. Also not having the added complexity of a 4x4 drive train they are cheaper to maintain and fuel bills will be lower also.

 

[Nigel_374320842]

you could consider a 4x4 and a ladder or ramp!!

 

[DavidW1]

Hi Derryck,

I rekon your choice makes a lot of sense - contary to John L's advice the Sedona, as I'm sure you Know, is not a 4x4. Wth the two rear seats removed there will be plenty of room for the dogs and without compromising space for three people in the middle seat, the load height is probably as low as any comparable car although I'm not sure they would be able to clamber up.

We have a German Shepherd who jumps in to our Shogun easily at the moment but when he is older we will be faced with excactly your problem except that he currently weighs about 35 kilos - I think a ramp will be the preffered solution then!

The Sedona has a good towcar pedigree, has good tourque and a high kerbweight and is able to tow most vans on the market, in addition it has sliding side doors which it's main rival the Galaxy does not. Oh and your Bassets mey be able to get in at the side more easily, particularly when the van is connected.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hands up

My mistake, I saw the kia and immediately thought Sorento, DW is quite correct, the Sedona has built up quite a following from towers. The attributes I gave for MPV's still apply and just for the benefit of comparing notes it might still be worth looking at some other brands.

 

[Derryck_374342119]

Hi David

thx for your advice. Buying a car requiring 'bassett access' is somewhat difficult!

Seems the Sedona is the one for us, a 2.9crdi of some derivative would certainly seem prudent for any future upgrade.

Thx again

Jackie

 

[Derryck_374342119]

you could consider a 4x4 and a ladder or ramp!!

Hi Nigel

if the boy wasn't such a 'giel' i'd consider it!

 

[Derryck_374342119]

Hands up

My mistake, I saw the kia and immediately thought Sorento, DW is quite correct, the Sedona has built up quite a following from towers. The attributes I gave for MPV's still apply and just for the benefit of comparing notes it might still be worth looking at some other brands.

Thx John,

will investigate further, but as the Sedona comes in a hefty 2.9crdi version, although i think we'd suffer slightly rouund town, it's maybe a better long-term option than a 1.9 galaxy

Jackie