towing with a Skoda Octavia

[Robert_374242026]

We have a Skoda Eegance with the 2.0 hp 140 bhp DSG gearbox . Scanning the Forum i believe Skoda owners are well in the minority compared with the big boys .Question to the Forum owners of Octavia's is that they say it can tow 1400klg but the 85% ratio really means 1326klg. Our Coachman Pastiche 460/2 max 1350 klg means nearly every thing apart from food/pots/pans bedding goes in the car .Comments on how you all get on if you have simular problems would be appreciated.I suppose i should add that we had a 2.5 auto X-Trail before the Skoda which had max'towing of 1350 klg.

 

[Forbes1]

I suggest you get the Octavia weighed to establish the exact kerb weight. I did this with my VW Touran and found it was higher than quoted in the handbook. This meant using the 85% meant I had a bigger choice of vans. Obviously if you are experienced at towing, then going up to 90% shouldn't cause too many problems!

 

[emmerson2]

A fellow-committee member of mine tows a 1300kg Royale with a V reg Oktavia diesel. Not sure what engine, but he reports no problems. On a recent Rally in Scotland, he was one of the few two wheel drive cars to tow his own caravan offthe site after heavy rain. Almost everyone else had to be pulled off by 4x4s. Seems a very capable car to me.

 

[Lol1]

Not that it's answering your question Robert, but our company runs diesel Octavia's on their fleet. Apart from a few gremlins (common to any car) they can do mega mileages even when treated quite roughly.

A good starting point for your question is to do what Forbes has already suggested, don't just weigh the car though, do the same for the caravan too. That way you have two definitive figures to work with. Loading the caravan with your holiday kit, may not take it to it's maximum weight, so you may have more room to maneuver, to coin a phrase.

The 85% advisory figure is not rigid, obviously the closer you can get to it the better. Knowing that you're not near the maximum every time you tow, leads to a less stressfully drive.

Careful planning with your loading and the amount and type of kit you take can make a big difference. Lightweight awnings and plastic crockery are just two ways of reducing the load, disposable BBQs bought on site means you can leave the Cadac at home.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Regarding the use of Skoda cars virtually all the taxis in Bridgend are Skoda diesels and they reckon on them being very reliable. As far as weighing the car you should first empty it of all unnecessary "junk" and fill the tank with fuel - the car should be weighed as if it was to commence use on the road. Using this figure calculate the 85% ratio. However be carefull of maximum nose weight as stated in your handbook and should there be a maximum stated towing figure in the book and you exceed this, even staying within the 85% guidlines you could be breaking your warranty cover - check with Skoda first before making a final decision.

 

[Robert_374242026]

Regarding the use of Skoda cars virtually all the taxis in Bridgend are Skoda diesels and they reckon on them being very reliable. As far as weighing the car you should first empty it of all unnecessary "junk" and fill the tank with fuel - the car should be weighed as if it was to commence use on the road. Using this figure calculate the 85% ratio. However be carefull of maximum nose weight as stated in your handbook and should there be a maximum stated towing figure in the book and you exceed this, even staying within the 85% guidlines you could be breaking your warranty cover - check with Skoda first before making a final decision.

Thank you all for your comments regarding the Skoda Octavia, regarding the weight of the caravan,when we came back from Cornwall i had the van weighed and it came exactly 1400 klg !, i did not think we had that much on board. So that is how we got to the point of putting the rest such as porch awning /waste container/ fresh tank /cooler box in the car.replaced the caravan table to the outside lightweight table and a few others.We have been camping now for about 42 years and this is the first time i have been concerned with the amount we carry

 

[cokey1970]

Robert, we have an Octy 2.0 TDi Sport with which we tow a Bailey Ranger 470/4. Found it to be a good stable towcar but will be going for something a bit bigger next year.