what could I tow with

[Rick_5041348]

2007 11:32 PM

Hi all out of curiosity I tow a Coachman Amara 530/4 with a weight 1460 my tow vehicle is a Japanese import Nissan Terrano Urban automatic, obviously its 4x4 2.7 turbo diesel, Its not as tall as the English terrano but it is wider gives a lovely ride tows with no problems.

Now if I was to go for a non gas guzzling vehicle what could I get that would pull the van without struggling and be a bit greener?

your thoughts would be appreciated

Rick

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Rick,

It is difficult to give you a black and white response, All vehicles including the big 4x4's will perform less well when towing than solo. This is simply the effect of the increased mass of the outfit. How do you define 'struggling'?

In the EU all new cars are type approved, and part of the approval process is the requirement for the car manufacturer to assess the vehicle for its towing abilities. Therefore provided the trailer is less than the allowance the vehicle, it should be capable of towing the trailer successfully. 'Struggling' should never happen.

The choice of tug is down to personal choice, but if you are used to the space of a large 4x4, then you may find that an MPV or large Estate will provide a good compromise on space and yet provide improved comfort and economy and driving satisfaction.

 

[Bryn1]

Changing your vehicle won't be a green decision if its next owner drives with a heavier right foot than you do! The Terrano won't disappear. Better perhaps to keep it and drive sensitively.

Otherwise - S-Max, Galaxy, Passat 170

Bryn

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

Hi Rick,

Log onto whatcar.com.

You can try any combination of tow cars & caravans.

The results should help you out.

G.

 

[paul_374239978]

I tow a coachman amara 580/4 (1580 kgs) with a 2.0 tdci mondeo estate. no problems . 29 mpg towing , 47 around town , 55 ona motorway run. why would you want anything else ?

 

[colin(bridgend)]

The Volkswagon Passet Estate 2.0TDI has over the past few years had excellent reviews for towing and I am sure would prove successful in your quest for a suitable towcar rather than a 4x4.

 

[Cubbington]

I tow a similar size of caravan to you with a Volvo V70 2.4 litre diesel automatic. 52 mpg on a long run solo and 30 mpg towing. Plenty of power unlike my previous car, a Mondeo 2.0 litre petrol automatic which would hunt between 4th (top) gear and 3rd when towing on a level motorway.

Jeff Burgess.

 

[Bay343]

I tow a coachman amara 580/4 (1580 kgs) with a 2.0 tdci mondeo estate. no problems . 29 mpg towing , 47 around town , 55 ona motorway run. why would you want anything else ?

Paul, How do you get on with manouvering on site (grass) being fwd and a heavy van. Im about to purchase a t/a 1550kg and tow with my 2.2st tdci Mondeo hatch, kerbweight from weighbridge 1670kg. Any comments or advise you could give on your outfit performance would be appreciated. Cheers Mike

 

[Icemaker]

We tow a 2007 coachman vip 530/4 which is identical to your van but heavier, we have towed it and our previous laser 590/4 with a seat alhambra 1.9 tdi 130 manual.

I have tried a large 4x4 and personally found it to be unstable and far too thirsty for me, the alhambra towed better was far more stable and returned in excess of 35 to the gallon with the van on tow and 50 to 55 solo.

Although i have not yet towed with my new car (ive only had it 2 days) my new ford S max 2.0 tdci manual on paper at least should be as good if not better than the alhambra for towing the coachman 530/4 although it will be near a 95 % match but as an experianced caravanner i feel this is acceptable.

In essence if you are concerned about the fast rising cost of fuel then forget any of the larger 4x4's and go down the mpv root.

 

[S-MaxJon]

Paul, How do you get on with manouvering on site (grass) being fwd and a heavy van. Im about to purchase a t/a 1550kg and tow with my 2.2st tdci Mondeo hatch, kerbweight from weighbridge 1670kg. Any comments or advise you could give on your outfit performance would be appreciated. Cheers Mike

Mike B

I have an ST hatch also.Is that car kerbweight correct - the reason I ask is that I would like to upgrade my Amara 500/5 to the 560/6 which is 168kg heavier than my current van.I was just a bit concerned on the weight issue.I have no doubt the Mondeo could easily tow it but didn't want to go over the 100%.

 

[Rick_5041348]

We tow a 2007 coachman vip 530/4 which is identical to your van but heavier, we have towed it and our previous laser 590/4 with a seat alhambra 1.9 tdi 130 manual.

I have tried a large 4x4 and personally found it to be unstable and far too thirsty for me, the alhambra towed better was far more stable and returned in excess of 35 to the gallon with the van on tow and 50 to 55 solo.

Although i have not yet towed with my new car (ive only had it 2 days) my new ford S max 2.0 tdci manual on paper at least should be as good if not better than the alhambra for towing the coachman 530/4 although it will be near a 95 % match but as an experianced caravanner i feel this is acceptable.

In essence if you are concerned about the fast rising cost of fuel then forget any of the larger 4x4's and go down the mpv root.

Thanks for the reply looked at a few but I really dont want a 7 seater its not that my 4x4 is over juicy roughly 28 mpg towing its as stable as anything I`ve ever towed with, I was thinking if I did decide to swap it what would tow as well without the gas guzzlin label