My husband and I have just purchased an Elddis Avante 6 berth and are both new to caravanning. The car that we currently have will not pull the caravan and we have been advised that we should change to a 4x4. With so many on the market and a limited budget we feel unsure about what to buy and don't want to be stuck with the wrong vehicle. We have looked at a discovery but I have been told that these can be a little bumpy - can anyone point me in the right direction so that we can enjoy our new caravan
What towcar to pick?
- Thread starter Sally_5062511
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Hi Sally
We've had a Nissan Terrano II 2.7 TD since new in 1995. We've been very pleased with it as an all round family vehicle and towcar. We currently tow a 5 birth Sterling Europa, and it's steady as a rock. It'll sit all day at the legal limit. There's 4 of us plus a dog in the passenger area, and in the boot we carry a full awning, folding chairs & tables, food, jackets, drinks and much more. Once on site, if you want to go out with friends then the third row of seats makes it into a 7 seater. No Problem. You also know that you're not going to get stuck on a muddy pitch. One of the great advantages we've found with a 4x4, and it would also apply to many MPVs, is the fact that you sit high up. You can therefore see over hedges and walls and enjoy more scenery. Sitting in a queue is also less stressful as you can see over the other cars.
The only downside that we've found is the mpg, which drops into the teens when towing. I'd certainly have another one if I had the money. But I'm not planning on changing it for a few years yet.
We also own a Corsa, but both my wife and I prefer the driving position of the Terrano.
We've had a Nissan Terrano II 2.7 TD since new in 1995. We've been very pleased with it as an all round family vehicle and towcar. We currently tow a 5 birth Sterling Europa, and it's steady as a rock. It'll sit all day at the legal limit. There's 4 of us plus a dog in the passenger area, and in the boot we carry a full awning, folding chairs & tables, food, jackets, drinks and much more. Once on site, if you want to go out with friends then the third row of seats makes it into a 7 seater. No Problem. You also know that you're not going to get stuck on a muddy pitch. One of the great advantages we've found with a 4x4, and it would also apply to many MPVs, is the fact that you sit high up. You can therefore see over hedges and walls and enjoy more scenery. Sitting in a queue is also less stressful as you can see over the other cars.
The only downside that we've found is the mpg, which drops into the teens when towing. I'd certainly have another one if I had the money. But I'm not planning on changing it for a few years yet.
We also own a Corsa, but both my wife and I prefer the driving position of the Terrano.
NISSAN TERRANOS ARE GREAT,I HAVE A 3.0 LATE 2003 SVE MODEL AND FOR TOWING MY CARAVAN ITS THE BEST IVE HAD.NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN MPG(25)IF ANY, PULLING 1450KG CARAVAN OR RUNNING LOCAL.BELIEVE IT OR NOT 3.0 LITRE MODEL BETTER ON DIESEL THAN 2.7 AND BETTER FOR TOWING.ONLY DOWNSIDE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE TO RUN,SERVICE PRICES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE,PARTS TOO.RECOMMEND DEFINATELY.
we have just swapped our 300 series discovery to a mitsibushi shogun. the disco was a good tug and quite reasonable to run, underpowered and soft tho.NISSAN TERRANOS ARE GREAT,I HAVE A 3.0 LATE 2003 SVE MODEL AND FOR TOWING MY CARAVAN ITS THE BEST IVE HAD.NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN MPG(25)IF ANY, PULLING 1450KG CARAVAN OR RUNNING LOCAL.BELIEVE IT OR NOT 3.0 LITRE MODEL BETTER ON DIESEL THAN 2.7 AND BETTER FOR TOWING.ONLY DOWNSIDE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE TO RUN,SERVICE PRICES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE,PARTS TOO.RECOMMEND DEFINATELY.
the shogun on the other hand is a superb towcar, suspension is harder but get the tyre pressures right and it is unstoppable. mpg with the disco was about 30mpg, shogun is about the same. this is the 2.5 intercooled version not the 2.8
going to get it chipped next week which will give me an extra 30% torque.
When we got a new van in July 2003 we were in same situation and got a Kia Sorento, having looked at Nissan X-trail and Hyundai Sante Fe, at that stage its main price contenders. We have a diesel one, it tows a dream & isnt too bad on fuel given its size. It think it cost around
We are currently towing with a Mitsubishi Shogun LWB 3.5 litre petrol. Its a brilliant towcar.
I previously had a Volco V70 2.5 litre.
The Shogun is superior in every way
I previously had a Volco V70 2.5 litre.
The Shogun is superior in every way
These wagons that people seem to like to pull their vans with are OK, but what when you've parked the van and are off for a night out ? Who wants to drive around in a truck? My twin turbo Audi 2.7 A6 Quattro will pull any legal weight from a standing start on any hill in the UK.
Which is more than you can say for any diesel 4x4 except the
fifty grand offering from Volkswagen.
There is a European Caravan Club website that will give you free projected performance figures for your Eldis with any Towcar combination Heres what it says when I enter mine; translated from Dutch to English ..
Audi and Elddis
The towing capability for the Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
with a Elddis Avante 636:
Performance on levelled roads
Top speed *****
Usability highest gear ****
Acceleration and take over Performance in mountainous regions*****
Drive off uphill*****
Driving on motorway slopes*****
Driving on steep mountain roads*****
Verdict:
The match between car and caravan is plausible in accordance with a mix of European standards. However, according to the British Towing Code the percentage (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car)
is 93%.
The towing performances of this Audi with your Elddis are perfect.
More in detail:
Possible top speed in windless conditions and headwind force 3
Top speed in 3rd gear is 148 km/u (92 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 147 km/u (91 mph).
Top speed in 4th gear is 162 km/u (101 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 151 km/u (94 mph).
Top speed in 5th gear is 152 km/u (94 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 136 km/u (85 mph).
Top speed in 6th gear is 138 km/u (86 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 122 km/u (76 mph).
Acceleration (times are indicative)
0 - 80 km/u (0 - 50 mph) with caravan in 8.9 sec. (solo: 5 sec.)
0 - 100 km/u (0 - 62 mph) with caravan in 13.3 sec. (solo: 7.2 sec.)
0 - 120 km/u (0 - 75 mph) with caravan in 19.3 sec. (solo: 9.4 sec.)
Acceleration (flexibility)
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) as fast as possible (through the gears) 3 sec.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 3rd gear 4.8 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is very good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 4th gear 6.7 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 5th gear 8.9 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is reasonable to good.
Maximum gradients possible with your selected outfit
(for example 1:10 is 10%; 1:7 is 14%; 1:5 is 20%):
Height above sea level Drive off uphill Drive at 20 km/u
(12 mph) in
1st gear Drive at 40 km/u
(25 mph) in
2nd gear
0 m 22.1% 42.3% 21.6%
500 m 21.1% 40.8% 20.9%
1000 m 20.1% 39.4% 20.1%
1500 m 19.1% 37.9% 19.4%
2000 m 18.1% 36.4% 18.6%
2500 m 17.2% 34.9% 17.9%
Maximum speeds (pedal to the metal) on typical motorway inclines and mountainous roads
Top speed on a gradient of 5%
(1 to 20) Top speed on a gradient of 12%
(1 to 8)
1st gear 52 km/u (32 mph) 52 km/u (32 mph)
2nd gear 96 km/u (60 mph) 93 km/u (58 mph)
3rd gear 134 km/u (83 mph) isn't applicable
4th gear 121 km/u (75 mph) isn't applicable
5th gear 96 km/u (60 mph) isn't applicable
Check data
Car make and model Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
Year of issue (or similar) 2003
Power 184 kW (247 bhp) at 5800 rpm
Torque 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) at (or from) 1800 rpm
Kerbweight (may differ in the UK) 1720 kg and 'ballasted' with 250 kg
Tyres 215 / 55 R 16
Transmission Manual (or automatic without torque converter)
Gear ratios 3.500 / 1.889 / 1.231 / 0.967 / 0.806 / 0.684 - final drive 4.111
Caravan Elddis Avante 636
Actual laden caravan weight 1602 kg (car towing limit is 1900 kg)
The airflow is: average (height = 2.56 m and width = 2.29 m)
Gross Train weight (car+caravan) 3572 kg
.
Set your revolution meter on 2.500 rpm and check if your speed correspond to the speeds mentioned below. First you need to adjust your speedometer! The program computes 'true' mph.
Speed in 1st gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 20 km/u (12 mph).
Speed in 2nd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 38 km/u (24 mph).
Speed in 3rd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 58 km/u (36 mph).
Speed in 4th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 74 km/u (46 mph).
Speed in 5th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 89 km/u (55 mph).
Speed in 6th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 104 km/u (65 mph).
This program is developed by Bert Wijnen and Menno van der Heijden under auspices of the Dutch Caravan Club (NCC), colofon en disclaimer.
Which is more than you can say for any diesel 4x4 except the
fifty grand offering from Volkswagen.
There is a European Caravan Club website that will give you free projected performance figures for your Eldis with any Towcar combination Heres what it says when I enter mine; translated from Dutch to English ..
Audi and Elddis
The towing capability for the Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
with a Elddis Avante 636:
Performance on levelled roads
Top speed *****
Usability highest gear ****
Acceleration and take over Performance in mountainous regions*****
Drive off uphill*****
Driving on motorway slopes*****
Driving on steep mountain roads*****
Verdict:
The match between car and caravan is plausible in accordance with a mix of European standards. However, according to the British Towing Code the percentage (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car)
is 93%.
The towing performances of this Audi with your Elddis are perfect.
More in detail:
Possible top speed in windless conditions and headwind force 3
Top speed in 3rd gear is 148 km/u (92 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 147 km/u (91 mph).
Top speed in 4th gear is 162 km/u (101 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 151 km/u (94 mph).
Top speed in 5th gear is 152 km/u (94 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 136 km/u (85 mph).
Top speed in 6th gear is 138 km/u (86 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 122 km/u (76 mph).
Acceleration (times are indicative)
0 - 80 km/u (0 - 50 mph) with caravan in 8.9 sec. (solo: 5 sec.)
0 - 100 km/u (0 - 62 mph) with caravan in 13.3 sec. (solo: 7.2 sec.)
0 - 120 km/u (0 - 75 mph) with caravan in 19.3 sec. (solo: 9.4 sec.)
Acceleration (flexibility)
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) as fast as possible (through the gears) 3 sec.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 3rd gear 4.8 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is very good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 4th gear 6.7 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 5th gear 8.9 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is reasonable to good.
Maximum gradients possible with your selected outfit
(for example 1:10 is 10%; 1:7 is 14%; 1:5 is 20%):
Height above sea level Drive off uphill Drive at 20 km/u
(12 mph) in
1st gear Drive at 40 km/u
(25 mph) in
2nd gear
0 m 22.1% 42.3% 21.6%
500 m 21.1% 40.8% 20.9%
1000 m 20.1% 39.4% 20.1%
1500 m 19.1% 37.9% 19.4%
2000 m 18.1% 36.4% 18.6%
2500 m 17.2% 34.9% 17.9%
Maximum speeds (pedal to the metal) on typical motorway inclines and mountainous roads
Top speed on a gradient of 5%
(1 to 20) Top speed on a gradient of 12%
(1 to 8)
1st gear 52 km/u (32 mph) 52 km/u (32 mph)
2nd gear 96 km/u (60 mph) 93 km/u (58 mph)
3rd gear 134 km/u (83 mph) isn't applicable
4th gear 121 km/u (75 mph) isn't applicable
5th gear 96 km/u (60 mph) isn't applicable
Check data
Car make and model Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
Year of issue (or similar) 2003
Power 184 kW (247 bhp) at 5800 rpm
Torque 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) at (or from) 1800 rpm
Kerbweight (may differ in the UK) 1720 kg and 'ballasted' with 250 kg
Tyres 215 / 55 R 16
Transmission Manual (or automatic without torque converter)
Gear ratios 3.500 / 1.889 / 1.231 / 0.967 / 0.806 / 0.684 - final drive 4.111
Caravan Elddis Avante 636
Actual laden caravan weight 1602 kg (car towing limit is 1900 kg)
The airflow is: average (height = 2.56 m and width = 2.29 m)
Gross Train weight (car+caravan) 3572 kg
.
Set your revolution meter on 2.500 rpm and check if your speed correspond to the speeds mentioned below. First you need to adjust your speedometer! The program computes 'true' mph.
Speed in 1st gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 20 km/u (12 mph).
Speed in 2nd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 38 km/u (24 mph).
Speed in 3rd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 58 km/u (36 mph).
Speed in 4th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 74 km/u (46 mph).
Speed in 5th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 89 km/u (55 mph).
Speed in 6th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 104 km/u (65 mph).
This program is developed by Bert Wijnen and Menno van der Heijden under auspices of the Dutch Caravan Club (NCC), colofon en disclaimer.
Forget a 4x4! We upgraded our towcar to handle a v. large single axle caravan - 1450kg MPTLM. We purchased a MPV which weighs circa 1720kg (VW Sharan TDi). Towing is a dream even cruises in 6th gear at 60 mph. Benefit of solo use is high fuel economy - circa 40 mpg plus practicality of up to 7 seats or load space for plasterboard with all seats out!
Try using this website www.whattowcar.com it is the website that is mentioned by headless hedgehog .Its very good and easy to use.
what a load of trivial nonsence, its not a race so why waste time with all these figuresThese wagons that people seem to like to pull their vans with are OK, but what when you've parked the van and are off for a night out ? Who wants to drive around in a truck? My twin turbo Audi 2.7 A6 Quattro will pull any legal weight from a standing start on any hill in the UK.
Which is more than you can say for any diesel 4x4 except the
fifty grand offering from Volkswagen.
There is a European Caravan Club website that will give you free projected performance figures for your Eldis with any Towcar combination Heres what it says when I enter mine; translated from Dutch to English ..
Audi and Elddis
The towing capability for the Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
with a Elddis Avante 636:
Performance on levelled roads
Top speed *****
Usability highest gear ****
Acceleration and take over Performance in mountainous regions*****
Drive off uphill*****
Driving on motorway slopes*****
Driving on steep mountain roads*****
Verdict:
The match between car and caravan is plausible in accordance with a mix of European standards. However, according to the British Towing Code the percentage (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car)
is 93%.
The towing performances of this Audi with your Elddis are perfect.
More in detail:
Possible top speed in windless conditions and headwind force 3
Top speed in 3rd gear is 148 km/u (92 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 147 km/u (91 mph).
Top speed in 4th gear is 162 km/u (101 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 151 km/u (94 mph).
Top speed in 5th gear is 152 km/u (94 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 136 km/u (85 mph).
Top speed in 6th gear is 138 km/u (86 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 122 km/u (76 mph).
Acceleration (times are indicative)
0 - 80 km/u (0 - 50 mph) with caravan in 8.9 sec. (solo: 5 sec.)
0 - 100 km/u (0 - 62 mph) with caravan in 13.3 sec. (solo: 7.2 sec.)
0 - 120 km/u (0 - 75 mph) with caravan in 19.3 sec. (solo: 9.4 sec.)
Acceleration (flexibility)
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) as fast as possible (through the gears) 3 sec.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 3rd gear 4.8 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is very good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 4th gear 6.7 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 5th gear 8.9 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is reasonable to good.
Maximum gradients possible with your selected outfit
(for example 1:10 is 10%; 1:7 is 14%; 1:5 is 20%):
Height above sea level Drive off uphill Drive at 20 km/u
(12 mph) in
1st gear Drive at 40 km/u
(25 mph) in
2nd gear
0 m 22.1% 42.3% 21.6%
500 m 21.1% 40.8% 20.9%
1000 m 20.1% 39.4% 20.1%
1500 m 19.1% 37.9% 19.4%
2000 m 18.1% 36.4% 18.6%
2500 m 17.2% 34.9% 17.9%
Maximum speeds (pedal to the metal) on typical motorway inclines and mountainous roads
Top speed on a gradient of 5%
(1 to 20) Top speed on a gradient of 12%
(1 to 8)
1st gear 52 km/u (32 mph) 52 km/u (32 mph)
2nd gear 96 km/u (60 mph) 93 km/u (58 mph)
3rd gear 134 km/u (83 mph) isn't applicable
4th gear 121 km/u (75 mph) isn't applicable
5th gear 96 km/u (60 mph) isn't applicable
Check data
Car make and model Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
Year of issue (or similar) 2003
Power 184 kW (247 bhp) at 5800 rpm
Torque 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) at (or from) 1800 rpm
Kerbweight (may differ in the UK) 1720 kg and 'ballasted' with 250 kg
Tyres 215 / 55 R 16
Transmission Manual (or automatic without torque converter)
Gear ratios 3.500 / 1.889 / 1.231 / 0.967 / 0.806 / 0.684 - final drive 4.111
Caravan Elddis Avante 636
Actual laden caravan weight 1602 kg (car towing limit is 1900 kg)
The airflow is: average (height = 2.56 m and width = 2.29 m)
Gross Train weight (car+caravan) 3572 kg
.
Set your revolution meter on 2.500 rpm and check if your speed correspond to the speeds mentioned below. First you need to adjust your speedometer! The program computes 'true' mph.
Speed in 1st gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 20 km/u (12 mph).
Speed in 2nd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 38 km/u (24 mph).
Speed in 3rd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 58 km/u (36 mph).
Speed in 4th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 74 km/u (46 mph).
Speed in 5th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 89 km/u (55 mph).
Speed in 6th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 104 km/u (65 mph).
This program is developed by Bert Wijnen and Menno van der Heijden under auspices of the Dutch Caravan Club (NCC), colofon en disclaimer.
I've had 3 2.7D Terrano's, my current one is a 2002 3 door. Can't fault the car for towing, but they are expensive to have dealer serviced. Can be a hard ride when not towing. I'm looking at changing to a Discovery as my father has one & its very comfortable. Terrano is very reliable and I've never been let down by any that I've owned.
Hi
Dont know if you are fixed on a 4x4 but I have just got a 6 berth van and am towing it with 2.9 deisel kia sedona !!!
Ok some people may not think its as street cred as a 4x4 but it is an excellent tower , will pull almost anything and absoulutely brilliant on fuel .It comes into its own though if you have children to take as it,s a 7 seater and my oldest's classic line is "can I bring my mate " !!
Dont know if you are fixed on a 4x4 but I have just got a 6 berth van and am towing it with 2.9 deisel kia sedona !!!
Ok some people may not think its as street cred as a 4x4 but it is an excellent tower , will pull almost anything and absoulutely brilliant on fuel .It comes into its own though if you have children to take as it,s a 7 seater and my oldest's classic line is "can I bring my mate " !!
Hi SALLY, as you are new to towing you should try to get a vehicle which is no more than an 85% match for your van and build up your confidence. all the technical is very good to read but recommending an audi a6 to tow your van is courting trouble, quite apart from the horendous fuel economy whilst towing this car is far too light for your van yes ok its within the legal limits but only just. it took me two years to gain the confidence to tow up to 100% and i class myself as quite qualified as i drive around 100 thousand miles ayear in my work i have also attended the clubs towing course which is highly recommended. 4x4's are good all have theire own little tricks and pitfalls, i had a discovery diesel auto which was fine towing my coachman laser 590/4 but i found it was not really suitable for day to day commuting so changed to a galaxy 1.9 tdi 130 bhp, this is matched to my laser at 94%, it tows great loads of power no problems on hills and the brakes (more important than power)are superb. we are now in the proses of changing our van and did want another coachman but due to the weight and not wanting to change the galaxy we have opted for a lighter van. when you are willing to change your preffered van so as to keep your towcar it says a lot. good luck and stay safe.
PS, No disrespect is meant to headless hedgehog but as new caravanners you should not be recommended to such a high match.
PS, No disrespect is meant to headless hedgehog but as new caravanners you should not be recommended to such a high match.
who has ever seen one of these cars on site ?. complete and utter nonsence, this car is not a good tow car. horendous fuel economy and horendous purchase price for a german gimic. would be a better car if the owners did'nt try to be something they are not.These wagons that people seem to like to pull their vans with are OK, but what when you've parked the van and are off for a night out ? Who wants to drive around in a truck? My twin turbo Audi 2.7 A6 Quattro will pull any legal weight from a standing start on any hill in the UK.
Which is more than you can say for any diesel 4x4 except the
fifty grand offering from Volkswagen.
There is a European Caravan Club website that will give you free projected performance figures for your Eldis with any Towcar combination Heres what it says when I enter mine; translated from Dutch to English ..
Audi and Elddis
The towing capability for the Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
with a Elddis Avante 636:
Performance on levelled roads
Top speed *****
Usability highest gear ****
Acceleration and take over Performance in mountainous regions*****
Drive off uphill*****
Driving on motorway slopes*****
Driving on steep mountain roads*****
Verdict:
The match between car and caravan is plausible in accordance with a mix of European standards. However, according to the British Towing Code the percentage (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car)
is 93%.
The towing performances of this Audi with your Elddis are perfect.
More in detail:
Possible top speed in windless conditions and headwind force 3
Top speed in 3rd gear is 148 km/u (92 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 147 km/u (91 mph).
Top speed in 4th gear is 162 km/u (101 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 151 km/u (94 mph).
Top speed in 5th gear is 152 km/u (94 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 136 km/u (85 mph).
Top speed in 6th gear is 138 km/u (86 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 122 km/u (76 mph).
Acceleration (times are indicative)
0 - 80 km/u (0 - 50 mph) with caravan in 8.9 sec. (solo: 5 sec.)
0 - 100 km/u (0 - 62 mph) with caravan in 13.3 sec. (solo: 7.2 sec.)
0 - 120 km/u (0 - 75 mph) with caravan in 19.3 sec. (solo: 9.4 sec.)
Acceleration (flexibility)
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) as fast as possible (through the gears) 3 sec.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 3rd gear 4.8 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is very good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 4th gear 6.7 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 5th gear 8.9 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is reasonable to good.
Maximum gradients possible with your selected outfit
(for example 1:10 is 10%; 1:7 is 14%; 1:5 is 20%):
Height above sea level Drive off uphill Drive at 20 km/u
(12 mph) in
1st gear Drive at 40 km/u
(25 mph) in
2nd gear
0 m 22.1% 42.3% 21.6%
500 m 21.1% 40.8% 20.9%
1000 m 20.1% 39.4% 20.1%
1500 m 19.1% 37.9% 19.4%
2000 m 18.1% 36.4% 18.6%
2500 m 17.2% 34.9% 17.9%
Maximum speeds (pedal to the metal) on typical motorway inclines and mountainous roads
Top speed on a gradient of 5%
(1 to 20) Top speed on a gradient of 12%
(1 to 8)
1st gear 52 km/u (32 mph) 52 km/u (32 mph)
2nd gear 96 km/u (60 mph) 93 km/u (58 mph)
3rd gear 134 km/u (83 mph) isn't applicable
4th gear 121 km/u (75 mph) isn't applicable
5th gear 96 km/u (60 mph) isn't applicable
Check data
Car make and model Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
Year of issue (or similar) 2003
Power 184 kW (247 bhp) at 5800 rpm
Torque 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) at (or from) 1800 rpm
Kerbweight (may differ in the UK) 1720 kg and 'ballasted' with 250 kg
Tyres 215 / 55 R 16
Transmission Manual (or automatic without torque converter)
Gear ratios 3.500 / 1.889 / 1.231 / 0.967 / 0.806 / 0.684 - final drive 4.111
Caravan Elddis Avante 636
Actual laden caravan weight 1602 kg (car towing limit is 1900 kg)
The airflow is: average (height = 2.56 m and width = 2.29 m)
Gross Train weight (car+caravan) 3572 kg
.
Set your revolution meter on 2.500 rpm and check if your speed correspond to the speeds mentioned below. First you need to adjust your speedometer! The program computes 'true' mph.
Speed in 1st gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 20 km/u (12 mph).
Speed in 2nd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 38 km/u (24 mph).
Speed in 3rd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 58 km/u (36 mph).
Speed in 4th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 74 km/u (46 mph).
Speed in 5th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 89 km/u (55 mph).
Speed in 6th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 104 km/u (65 mph).
This program is developed by Bert Wijnen and Menno van der Heijden under auspices of the Dutch Caravan Club (NCC), colofon en disclaimer.
Hi Sally just curious to know if you have chosen your new towcar.
We have a Toyota Landcruiser Colorado 3.0 TD Auto. First class but hard to find second hand.
Keep within 85% rule and you should be OK. Diesels give useful power low down for hill starts etc. Auto gearbox removes this problem, but mpg can suffer.
Good luck
Mike
We have a Toyota Landcruiser Colorado 3.0 TD Auto. First class but hard to find second hand.
Keep within 85% rule and you should be OK. Diesels give useful power low down for hill starts etc. Auto gearbox removes this problem, but mpg can suffer.
Good luck
Mike
Hi All
Well if Sally has taken everybodies advice and combined them she must have the strangest looking tow car ever.
Well if Sally has taken everybodies advice and combined them she must have the strangest looking tow car ever.
I've told you all before--- for towcar ther are only two words------Range Rover!!!! (on LPG, of course)
Emmerson
Emmerson
My Disco 3 is far and away the best towcar I have used, high twenties solo, mid twenties towing, supremley smooth and 85% is easy to do!
If budget is a real consideration then I reckon the Frontera is hard to beat, plenty of torque, a huge boot and with a lower centre of gravity. You pick them up really cheap too.
If budget is a real consideration then I reckon the Frontera is hard to beat, plenty of torque, a huge boot and with a lower centre of gravity. You pick them up really cheap too.
When we got a new van in July 2003 we were in same situation and got a Kia Sorento, having looked at Nissan X-trail and Hyundai Sante Fe, at that stage its main price contenders. We have a diesel one, it tows a dream & isnt too bad on fuel given its size. It think it cost around
What is it with 4x4 and towing? Has any one worked out how many hours, not days or weeks they tow in a year ............ yep not many. So why put up with driving a truck with a cheap nasty interior and a penchant for fuel, guzzled at an alarming rate, for the rest of the year ........... the bulk of the year! Fools all of ye that drive a cheap korean 4x4 and even bigger fools those that drive a yank 4x4!
me, i wouldn't be without my 5 series 3.0diesel, fantastic build quality,sublime ride and handling, gorgeous interior and exterior, heavy to pull a big van and superb economy.
4x4's are really quite pathetic bought by people who sadistically like cars ....sorry trucks, that handle like loose knicker elastic.
Now that brings me on to Tina ......... will you be wearing those nice knickers at Southport?
me, i wouldn't be without my 5 series 3.0diesel, fantastic build quality,sublime ride and handling, gorgeous interior and exterior, heavy to pull a big van and superb economy.
4x4's are really quite pathetic bought by people who sadistically like cars ....sorry trucks, that handle like loose knicker elastic.
Now that brings me on to Tina ......... will you be wearing those nice knickers at Southport?
Ye Gods.These wagons that people seem to like to pull their vans with are OK, but what when you've parked the van and are off for a night out ? Who wants to drive around in a truck? My twin turbo Audi 2.7 A6 Quattro will pull any legal weight from a standing start on any hill in the UK.
Which is more than you can say for any diesel 4x4 except the
fifty grand offering from Volkswagen.
There is a European Caravan Club website that will give you free projected performance figures for your Eldis with any Towcar combination Heres what it says when I enter mine; translated from Dutch to English ..
Audi and Elddis
The towing capability for the Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
with a Elddis Avante 636:
Performance on levelled roads
Top speed *****
Usability highest gear ****
Acceleration and take over Performance in mountainous regions*****
Drive off uphill*****
Driving on motorway slopes*****
Driving on steep mountain roads*****
Verdict:
The match between car and caravan is plausible in accordance with a mix of European standards. However, according to the British Towing Code the percentage (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car)
is 93%.
The towing performances of this Audi with your Elddis are perfect.
More in detail:
Possible top speed in windless conditions and headwind force 3
Top speed in 3rd gear is 148 km/u (92 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 147 km/u (91 mph).
Top speed in 4th gear is 162 km/u (101 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 151 km/u (94 mph).
Top speed in 5th gear is 152 km/u (94 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 136 km/u (85 mph).
Top speed in 6th gear is 138 km/u (86 mph) and in headwind (force 3) it will be 122 km/u (76 mph).
Acceleration (times are indicative)
0 - 80 km/u (0 - 50 mph) with caravan in 8.9 sec. (solo: 5 sec.)
0 - 100 km/u (0 - 62 mph) with caravan in 13.3 sec. (solo: 7.2 sec.)
0 - 120 km/u (0 - 75 mph) with caravan in 19.3 sec. (solo: 9.4 sec.)
Acceleration (flexibility)
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) as fast as possible (through the gears) 3 sec.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 3rd gear 4.8 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is very good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 4th gear 6.7 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is good.
70 - 90 km/u (44 - 56 mph) in 5th gear 8.9 sec. Tractive power (pick-up) is reasonable to good.
Maximum gradients possible with your selected outfit
(for example 1:10 is 10%; 1:7 is 14%; 1:5 is 20%):
Height above sea level Drive off uphill Drive at 20 km/u
(12 mph) in
1st gear Drive at 40 km/u
(25 mph) in
2nd gear
0 m 22.1% 42.3% 21.6%
500 m 21.1% 40.8% 20.9%
1000 m 20.1% 39.4% 20.1%
1500 m 19.1% 37.9% 19.4%
2000 m 18.1% 36.4% 18.6%
2500 m 17.2% 34.9% 17.9%
Maximum speeds (pedal to the metal) on typical motorway inclines and mountainous roads
Top speed on a gradient of 5%
(1 to 20) Top speed on a gradient of 12%
(1 to 8)
1st gear 52 km/u (32 mph) 52 km/u (32 mph)
2nd gear 96 km/u (60 mph) 93 km/u (58 mph)
3rd gear 134 km/u (83 mph) isn't applicable
4th gear 121 km/u (75 mph) isn't applicable
5th gear 96 km/u (60 mph) isn't applicable
Check data
Car make and model Audi A6 Avant - 2.7 T Quattro (184 kW)
Year of issue (or similar) 2003
Power 184 kW (247 bhp) at 5800 rpm
Torque 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) at (or from) 1800 rpm
Kerbweight (may differ in the UK) 1720 kg and 'ballasted' with 250 kg
Tyres 215 / 55 R 16
Transmission Manual (or automatic without torque converter)
Gear ratios 3.500 / 1.889 / 1.231 / 0.967 / 0.806 / 0.684 - final drive 4.111
Caravan Elddis Avante 636
Actual laden caravan weight 1602 kg (car towing limit is 1900 kg)
The airflow is: average (height = 2.56 m and width = 2.29 m)
Gross Train weight (car+caravan) 3572 kg
.
Set your revolution meter on 2.500 rpm and check if your speed correspond to the speeds mentioned below. First you need to adjust your speedometer! The program computes 'true' mph.
Speed in 1st gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 20 km/u (12 mph).
Speed in 2nd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 38 km/u (24 mph).
Speed in 3rd gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 58 km/u (36 mph).
Speed in 4th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 74 km/u (46 mph).
Speed in 5th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 89 km/u (55 mph).
Speed in 6th gear at 1000 rpm is km/u (0 mph) and at 2500 rpm is 104 km/u (65 mph).
This program is developed by Bert Wijnen and Menno van der Heijden under auspices of the Dutch Caravan Club (NCC), colofon en disclaimer.
How many train numbers have you collected. Read the latest spec's and see what has proved to be the most reliable 4x4 tow vehicle and I can assure you it's not a Audi. In fact a freind of mine is dropping his Audi quattro 4x4 because he cant't follow me down tracks and his 1220 kg van put's his Audi on it's haunches, also it eats more juice than mine.
Rob
Oh, so Captain Kangaroo has one of those vehicles with no indicators.What is it with 4x4 and towing? Has any one worked out how many hours, not days or weeks they tow in a year ............ yep not many. So why put up with driving a truck with a cheap nasty interior and a penchant for fuel, guzzled at an alarming rate, for the rest of the year ........... the bulk of the year! Fools all of ye that drive a cheap korean 4x4 and even bigger fools those that drive a yank 4x4!
me, i wouldn't be without my 5 series 3.0diesel, fantastic build quality,sublime ride and handling, gorgeous interior and exterior, heavy to pull a big van and superb economy.
4x4's are really quite pathetic bought by people who sadistically like cars ....sorry trucks, that handle like loose knicker elastic.
Now that brings me on to Tina ......... will you be wearing those nice knickers at Southport?
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