vectra towing

[ian_5041226]

hi folks, just wondered if anybody tows with the latest shape vectra, its the 1.8 vvti sri hatch, any views welcomed many thanks.

 

[Jimbob1]

Hi Ian,

We tow with a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2dti new shape and have found it to an absolutely brilliant towcar economic as well we've been towing a caravan for 30yrs and a found that this is the very best car we have had.Incidently we tow a Bailey Pageant Champagne caravan and the car tows effortlessly would thoroughly reccomend this car.jim

 

[JandP]

Hi Jim,

We have a Vectra 2.2sri150 (petrol) old shape and I was slightly disappointed with its towing performance on the one and only time we tried it, mainly because of wheel spin on grass, and I would be interested to know if you have had this problem. I posted a question about this and from the replies I got it seemed that the diesel was the better option because of the heavier weight of the engine and the better torque, and as a result we were thinking of changing to a new shape diesel next year so your comment is very interesting. (another) Jim.

 

[mcghee]

Petrol Vauxhall engines have always been very peaky. The smaller engines seem to have a distinct lack of bottom end grunt, and even the v6 motors tend to be screamers. I'd say if you must have a Vauxhall go for a diesel.

 

[RogerL]

Ian - the 1.8VVT is a good engine but if you do substantial annual mileage the 1.9CDTi would be more economical.

J&P - if you got wheel spin on grass with a petrol it could be worse with a diesel, because of their higher torque.

Wheelspin is caused by excessive torque being applied at the wheel contact point, less throttle being the answer if you don't have traction control.

 

[John_374224558]

I used to tow with a 52 reg Vectra 2.2 petrol, it towed just fine, had an Avondale Rialto 535, max weight 1300kg, and they went well together. Mind you get the noseweight right, Vauxhall stipulate 75kg max, outfit sits nice and level at that weight, but go over it by not very much and it used to show.

Carry out regular checks of the electrics, the wiring goes into the cars bulb failure circuits and there are extra relays, and one of these failed on mine just as I needed to use it.

 

[Jim_5071344]

Hi Ian,

We tow with a Vauxhall Vectra 2.2dti new shape and have found it to an absolutely brilliant towcar economic as well we've been towing a caravan for 30yrs and a found that this is the very best car we have had.Incidently we tow a Bailey Pageant Champagne caravan and the car tows effortlessly would thoroughly reccomend this car.jim

I tow with a 940 LPT estate and wondered what car I would get next. I had a new Vectra 2.2dti on hire and I must say it was a superb driver. Glad it appears to be a good towcar as well. Definitely one I will consider when changing my car.

 

[stuart_5107319]

You are missing the torque point !!!!

An engine with more torque will allow you to pull away on slippy surfaces in 2nd gear - this will reduce the risk of wheel spin.

However - wet grass & front wheel drive with 75 kilo's on your tow bar is never good. You cannot overcome the laws of physics !!

 

[JandP]

You are missing the torque point !!!!

An engine with more torque will allow you to pull away on slippy surfaces in 2nd gear - this will reduce the risk of wheel spin.

However - wet grass & front wheel drive with 75 kilo's on your tow bar is never good. You cannot overcome the laws of physics !!

Thanks for that Stuart, I didnt want to argue with RogerL but your advice conforms with what I have always done in snow or mud etc. Low revs, 2nd gear and inch out very slowly. Low down torque is surely what you need and this is what you get with a diesel. Jim.