Towing with a ford tourneo minibus

[S_374451641]

Hello,

I am just about to buy a ford transit tourneo 8 or 9 seater. Basically a posh transit to ferry around my expanding family.

Does anyone know the regulations for towing with a minibus?

- I have heard that a 8 seater is classed as a car but 9 seaters are classed as a minibus. Is that correct?

- I also heard that lower towing limits apply to minbuses because of the potential "people" weight when full. And also a lower speed limit?

- Our current caravan is 700kg but we were hoping to get something newer, and probably heavier at around 1500kg. Will a tourneo be able to handle this?

- Finally does anyone currently tow with one and is it any good?

Regards,

Simon

 

[Garfield]

Hi

I occasionally tow our 1600kg twin axle with my transit, stability is ok but not as good as our lighter S-max when passing HGV's, there are many power variants of the transit engine, mine is an 03reg 125tdci which is the one to go for if your'e looking at a pre 2007 model

 

[ProfJohnL]

As garfiedld says there are lots of variants of the Tourneo, and the towing limits seem to be quite generous but it does depend on the specific model. You will need to check with your dealer or the V5 for conformation.

Do check your driving licence categories. If you passed your test after Jan 1997, (and there are an increasing number of drivers who fall into this trap) You are limited to a combined outfit MAM of 3500 or less. The transit by its self may come very close to 3500 MAM which may preclude a new driver from towing anything.

 

[Peri_5109318]

I believe the categorys changed some years ago. I tow my twin axle with my 12-seat Land Rover but it is 20 yrs old, so gtandfather rights apply. However, I do keep to HGV speed limits ie 60mph on M-ways and dual carriageways and 50mph on unrestricted A-roads.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

have you looked at the hyundai i1800 thats an 8 seater im sure and won a towcar award. dont know how much they are second hand tho.

jo

 

[Peri_5109318]

Oh, forgot to mention............ you may fall foul of tachograph rules? In France you will require a tacho even if the vehicle is privately used for no commercial purposes if it is towing.