vectra

[matthew_374303743]

just picked up my first caravan, a very old eccles amethyst. It only weighs a maximum of 900kg. However my 1998 1.8 16v vectra struggled to reach 60mph and on the slightest incline it just managed 50mph. Is something wrong or is it normal? The roads were very wet but would thought that would only affect traction when pulling away from a standstill. The vectra should be able to tow up to 1300kg. Thanks

Matt

 

[Lutz]

Your comment does surprise me as I had a Vectra 1.8 like yours and towed a 1300kg caravan with it for several years but never suffered the same problem. Mind you, when towing, I was almost never able to use 5th gear.

 

[MikeP]

Have you checked the brakes? Jack up the van and spin the wheels, or feel the wheels after a 10-15 mile trip.

Another point is headwind. Try driving in the other direction. Wind can cause a significant difference. Older caravans are generally less aerodynamic than newer models.

 

[DavidW1]

I too towed a 1330kg van with a Vectra for a year, albiet a 2 litre, it wasn't exactly a ball of fire and struggled to maintain the pace on inclines.

You have to use the gearbox with a petrol to keep the revs and torque up so as Lutz says 5th gear is mostly redundant.

I could live with the cruise situation in spite of that; it was the FWD wheelspin combined with a muddy exit track that caused a parting of the waves in the end.

 

[matthew_374303743]

it sounds as though its just the way it is then! I think the brakes are ok as I managed to push the van no probs. Does anyone know where I could get one of those big wind deflectors that sit on the roof of the car?

 

[Ivorwetwun]

Try Airbus or Boeing