What Tow Car Should I Use??

[David_5095903]

OK I understand the kerb weight, the max towing weight, the ladened weight of the caravan, the nose weight requirements so what car do I use? Do I go for the max BHP in diesel with Renault Laguna with 150bhp or will a Citroen Picasso 90bhp do. BOth these cars will handle the caravan from the point of weight both have simlar size engines, but the bhp is different. One person tells me that BHP is all, another who as just 90bhp tells me that is just fine. Caravan 1150kg Ladened, 70kg nose - so go on please I am getting so confused. Why can I not use a Renault Scenic? I am looking for a car that is around 2002/2003 for around £7000 - what is the best, I would like diesel because I want to save on costs and I understand that it is better for pulling, manual or auto box?? Who knows - perhaps you do

my best regards

from totally confused!!!!!!

 

[Damian]

David,

the most important point about towing is making sure you are within your cars towing limits, both nose weights, max tow limit and overall train limit.

The choice of car is a vry individual thing, what suits some does not suit others, but BHP is an important factor, as the higher the BHP, the less strain on the engine, gearbox and you, as the driver.

Thebigger BHP will give you better driving comfort and wil allow you to keep up a decent speed, especially on inclines. Petrol or diesel,,,dosent really matter so much, diesel is more expensive than petrol, but the diesel engine exceeds the petrol variants with greater low speed torque, so great for climbing steep inclines, and very slow manoeuvering, however, unless you do a lot of miles per year, you will probably not notice any great cash savings using diesel.

Auto or manual box,again,your preference, auto can be much more relaxing to drive, always in the right gear, and as long as no mechanical problems, which are very expensive to fix, no clutch to wear out, burn out or otherwise abuse.

Some people love the auto boxes, others hate them.

Can you use the Renault Scenic,yes as long as it fulfills the weight restrictions, however, I remember reading that the manual Scenic does not like being reversed with a van on the back, and kills the clutch,which Renault say,,dont tow,,,and will not replace the clutch under warranty, if the car is still under warranty.

 

[Lol1]

Hi Dave, like you say, your almost there with your findings. If the caravan is a good match weight wise, as you already understand, then the rest is up the personal preference. True a diesel is more suited to towing and has better mpg, but are usually more expensive to buy and the fuel costs per litre are slightly higher. If you're used to petrol and like to use that type of engine there isn't a reason to change, but it's a good idea to get a higher capacity engine for the low down torque. I was once towing with a Rover Metro (1.4) and that performed a fine job. Your probably going to be using the car for other duties more than towing, so get one that suits you, if you like 150bhp get that one if you like 90 bhp get that one, they will both tow your van but you may have to use the gears more on the Picasso. Which brings me to the gearbox (I have to be careful here as others are watching), if you intend buying the lower powered car I would be tempted to remain with the manual, auto's absorb a little power and if you don't have a lot to spare, why waste it? The higher powered car would be an ideal candidate for the auto, if that's what you want. At the end of the day, I don't think you can make a wrong decision either way and it is down to personal preference, take a test drive in the cars and choose the one you like most, towing is a secondary consideration if the weight of your caravan is a match for the cars.