Towing a Bailey Champagne :Rav 4 petrol or a Seat Altea 2.0TDI

[John_5109063]

I'm new to caravanning and new to this excellent forum. I've already posted a "rant" at the inconsistent/poor advice from "the trade" to newcomers on suitable tow car/caravan matches in the "general" section. I'm looking for feedback on whether a) I keep our Petrol Rav4 5 door (2003) Kerbweight 1385 and convert it to LPG at a cost of £2000 to tow our new Bailey Champagne , which we estimate will only be loaded to 1284 max (MTPLM :1350) or b)Should I trade the Rav whilst it's still worth a few bob for a Seat Altea 2.0 TDI (I currently also have an Audi A3 with this engine and the DSG gearbox and it is fantastic) . I dont anticipate doing much more than 2-3000 mile pa towing. Look forward to your input.

John

 

[Jimbob1]

Hi John,

We tow our Baileys Pageant Champagne with a Vauxhall Vectra dti sxi 2.2(03) and this car tows brilliantly and we get excellent mileage to the gallon, its probably not in the Audi Toyota class but all the same its a good un. Good Luck. Jim

 

[Andy_5062145]

The Rav 4 is as soft as putty. I know this as a fact. YOU NEED DIESEL!!! As long as the car is heavy enough and diesel, then there are not many poor diesel engines out there. Keep the Rav if you do not mind being towed with your van by a tow truck and you like going to the toyota dealer every week. I am not being smart. Save yourself alot of grief. My friend bought one of those brand new and he was never away from the dealer. He now has a brand new avensis and its better but the starter motor still packed in on the way back from Carlisle.

 

[Alistair_5088461]

John

I towed a Champagne with a VW Touran 2.0TDI last year and it was amazing. Sixth gear with cruise control set at 60 on the motorways and you don't have to change gear or anything til you get to where you're going!! Very relaxed and quiet; about 28 mpg. 40-50 mpg when not towing. This year I've changed to a slightly heavier Pageant Burgundy (fixed bed) and the 2.0TDi is still as good as ever. I did have a 2.5 V6 petrol Mitsubishi Galant but now I'm a diesel convert!!

Happy travels!