What Towcar

[john_374546751]

Im looking for help/advice on what car i should go for as this is going to be our 1st caravan.

I require a mpv ( renault megane scenic )type car for my wife who is disabled and cant access a saloon type vehicle.

Im tinking along the lines of a Bailey 4 berth caravan unsure of model at this time.

thanks in advance.

 

[Lutz]

As neither car nor caravan are defined, it's going to be difficult to make a recommendation. A 4 berth Bailey can weigh anything between 1200kg and over 1600kg fully laden, so the spectrum is very wide and consequently also the criteria affecting a decision regarding a suitable towcar. It would therefore help if you could be a little more specific either concerning the selection of the caravan or of the towcar.

 

[Guest]

As Lutz states, this is diffuclt with the paucity of information.

However, as your wife is disabled I would suggest you take a lot of time actually deciding what you want. You need to look at the type of van layout that will suit her, and your needs and then if a shortlist is made, then you look at what type of towcar you need to make it all work. Will the van need any modifications, and if so are they available to you etc? You mention a Mgane Scenic as a choice compared witha saloon car, but apart from greater headroom, I really cannot see that mcuh of a difference. If you were looking at a vehicle with a large rear sliding door access, then i could see the difference. Again, if your wife needs space for access then you need to look at vans that can allow this and have layout that does not clutter too much at the door.

I suggest visit one of the larger Shows and look at what is on offer and get a feel for the layout that may suit. If you plan to buy new than the manufacturer may be able to modify the van to better suit you, if it is 2nd hand then at least you have a choice of models and can get after sales work done, it required.

Don't forget that by the sounds of it, you will do all the manhandling yourself so a motor mover sounds a good idea possily in a smaller van, and that will take up payload..

Take your time, do your homework and talk to as many dealers as you can. All we can do is make suggestions as we have no idea of what you actually need.

 

[Zafiral]

MPVs like the Scenic are much easier for people with limited mobility to get into as they do not have to stoop to enter.

While the 05 Scenic we had was excellent for access as it also has flat sills making exit easier too, be very aware that they have very poor tow weights.

Our 05 1.9 DCi had a max tow weight of 1300 kg (which incidentally we used to tow a 470/4 Bailey!), this weight was with the car driver only, if the car is full then the tow weight was only 950 kg which was less than our relatively light caravan empty.

i would agree SL's point about the mover, which adds about 40 - 50 kg to the weight of the caravan as you also are recommended to have a bigger battery.

Two mid size MPVs with good tow weights are current shape Zafira 150 CDTi deisels or a 2.0 TDi VW Touran.

 

[Mike_S]

Hi John I appreciate your need for a car that is easy to get in and out of - my mum is similar. I tow our Bailey California with a Mazda 5 diesel sport with no problems. The rear sliding doors of the 5 make access easy although mum does prefer the front seat!

ps the Mazda 5 should not be confused the the Mazda MX5!

Mike