Can style, a healthy kerbweight and practicality come together in a convertible to make the ultimate tow car? With summer just round the corner, in this week's blog our Motty considers just that.
Towing with a cabriolet?
- Thread starter LizziePope
- Start date
- Aug 23, 2009
- 3,167
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Hmmmmm how can I word my thoughts politely? 
Yet another review of a car that Mr Normal can't afford and not even a real chat about anything concrete, just if's and buts. Now if he'd actually towed with it there may be something useful to read?
Just my thoughts on the subject :evil:
Yet another review of a car that Mr Normal can't afford
and not even a real chat about anything concrete, just if's and buts. Now if he'd actually towed with it there may be something useful to read?Just my thoughts on the subject :evil:
- Jul 11, 2015
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I like that the article points to the need to minimise the amount of unused stuff that gets taken when out in your caravan and a cabriolet focusses the mind
For nearly 20 years have had a BMW roadster that we have done 3 week trips around Europe in, with only 1 bag that fitted snugly in the boot. If only it had the kerb weight to tow the caravan
Tow bars on cabriolets, as opposed to roadsters, are becoming a regular option, the Mercedes C & E cabriolets have 4wd available too, but probably to accommodate bike racks for the 'lifestyle' buyers rather that tuggers.
In concert with teardrop and basecamp type caravans a trendy city dweller with a cabriolet can start to [strike]ad[/strike]venture into the countryside with a rig, 10-4 good buddy
For nearly 20 years have had a BMW roadster that we have done 3 week trips around Europe in, with only 1 bag that fitted snugly in the boot. If only it had the kerb weight to tow the caravan
Tow bars on cabriolets, as opposed to roadsters, are becoming a regular option, the Mercedes C & E cabriolets have 4wd available too, but probably to accommodate bike racks for the 'lifestyle' buyers rather that tuggers.
In concert with teardrop and basecamp type caravans a trendy city dweller with a cabriolet can start to [strike]ad[/strike]venture into the countryside with a rig, 10-4 good buddy
I would advise anyone thinking of towing with a soft-top to do their homework carefully first.
The doors and roof form an integral part of the strength of the structure of a normal car, so if you take that away unless the chassis is particularly strong and stiff there is serious risk of doing considerable damage - mainly by twisting.
Oh, and don't take a dealers word for it unless you have it recorded or get them to put it in writing. The easiest way to find out if it is suitable for towing is to look at the vehicle plate - at the bottom of the latch side of the front (in UK - nearside) door. If it does not have a number in either of the top two positions on the label then the vehicle may not be rated for towing at all.
The doors and roof form an integral part of the strength of the structure of a normal car, so if you take that away unless the chassis is particularly strong and stiff there is serious risk of doing considerable damage - mainly by twisting.
Oh, and don't take a dealers word for it unless you have it recorded or get them to put it in writing. The easiest way to find out if it is suitable for towing is to look at the vehicle plate - at the bottom of the latch side of the front (in UK - nearside) door. If it does not have a number in either of the top two positions on the label then the vehicle may not be rated for towing at all.
- Jul 22, 2014
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Motty obviously did not consider the Jeep Wrangler. I don't think there is much doubt about its towing capability, although I'm not sure about the style myself :-LizziePope said:
A new Wrangler would save about £15k over the BMW, and these things can always be got second-hand. Wranglers last for ever, I'm told (don't have one myself).Martin24 said:
PS: I'm suprised that the Prof does not have something to say about the nose weight of that outfit :lol:
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