which car

[Kevin_374542543]

Hi

I have just brought a Bailey Pegasus 524 with a MTPLM of 1480kg.The car i drive at the moment is a mk3 ford mondeo 130hp 07 estate. Going by the 85% towing match rule with the mondeo i will be more like 94%. I am therefore thinking of buying a Kia Sportage which will be a 84% towing match. I am fully aware of loading the van correctly and making sure tyre pressures are correct on van and car and also taking into account my speed.I am more concerned about stability.I have read in these forums of people towing even heavier vans with the mondeo with no ill effect. So am i being paranoid with the weight of the van for the car and thinking to much about crosswinds and overtaking lorries. someone suggested i keep my speed to 50-55mph, but surely at this speed you will be overtaken by more lorries and cause more problems for yourself going at 50mph. i know the speed limit is 60mph.can anyone give me any guidance pleased.do i get the kia or keep with the mondeo.

 

[Lutz]

Reducing the weight ratio from 94% to 84% will reduce the likelihood of instability, don't expect it to be a cure-all. You can achieve more by adjusting your driving to suit the conditions and not religiously driving at the speed limit.

 

[TD42]

Hi Kevin I am alo one who is concerned stability ,load ratios ect. But In your instance the car is well within its capability & perfectly legal you have the towing experience & aware of how to load the van,Plus your van is fitted with the ALKO ATC system that will eliminate any sign of instability if it were to be induced.

If it were me I would be happy with the set up you have. Unless of course you want a new car

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Kevin,

As this is about your third posting about your match, you are clearly unhappy with your current set up.

If you stick with your outfit you will always have nagging doubts about it, and that will make you unhappy.

Of course caravanning is going to require care when driving, but having any additions concerns will make the towing experience more stressful than necessary.

I'm not going to tell you to change the car, because I believe that both are capable of towing your caravan, but it has to which you will be more comfortable with.

 

[xtrailman]

kevin

Why not tow your new caravan, you may find the match is ok.

If not look at changing the car.

 

[lairdAl_374474951]

Hi kevin,

I have to agree with John L & Ray

Although the mondeo is quite capable of doing the job.

you dont say what the kerb weight of your mondeo is ?.

You state that your current outfit will be at 94% ! so i take it that your mondeo's kerb weight is arround 1576 kg.

As ray says take the van out & see how your outfit handles.

Laird Al

 

[forestgump]

as john l as said you would not post a topic if you was sure of the car as you have it must come across as you have doubts.