Which tow car

[Chris_5108323]

Hi all,I currently have a 2001 Freelander TD4 and a 2005 Lunar Lexon CS and am thinking of changing both soon but I'm not sure what to get.

I've read the reports that the Mondeo is a excellent tow car and had almost decided on it.

I've looked at "What towcar" to get an idea of a match up but for all but the lightest caravans (possibly 2 berths and we need a 4 berth)it shows the Mondeo is too light, ie the combination is over 85%. Am I doing something wrong or is the Mondeo only suitable for the lighter vans?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Chris

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Chris

If you decide to stick to an 85% ratio, you are going to be quite limited as to the cars you can choose. Obviously the car must be capable of towing your caravan, but if you have to go for a disproportionately large car to meet 85%, you will suffer the consequences of higher fuel bills, insurance and tax for the larger part of the year when you drive without the caravan.

You don't say why you have chosen 85% as your ratio limit, let me say that if it is because of the recommendations from the CC or other so called respected sources, then you should ask why 85%. Its not a magic figure that guarantees anything. I disagree with the rigidity of the 85% guideline, but I do agree with the principal of keeping the trailer as light as possible.

The Mondeo has earned a good reputation as a tow car, and I am sure that in many cases they are asked to tow more than 85% without problems. But then so do many other vehicles.

The facts are that:

v Every new car sold in the EU has to be rated by its manufacture to determine the maximum trailer weight. Legally the car can pull up to that limit.

v Check your driving licence categories to see what you are licensed to tow.

v 85% may be starting point, but it offers no guarantees about a good, legal or safe tow. Just aim to keep the caravan as small and light as possible. But there are other factors that are just as important if not more so.

 

[Chris_5108323]

Hello Chris

If you decide to stick to an 85% ratio, you are going to be quite limited as to the cars you can choose. Obviously the car must be capable of towing your caravan, but if you have to go for a disproportionately large car to meet 85%, you will suffer the consequences of higher fuel bills, insurance and tax for the larger part of the year when you drive without the caravan.

You don't say why you have chosen 85% as your ratio limit, let me say that if it is because of the recommendations from the CC or other so called respected sources, then you should ask why 85%. Its not a magic figure that guarantees anything. I disagree with the rigidity of the 85% guideline, but I do agree with the principal of keeping the trailer as light as possible.

The Mondeo has earned a good reputation as a tow car, and I am sure that in many cases they are asked to tow more than 85% without problems. But then so do many other vehicles.

The facts are that:

v Every new car sold in the EU has to be rated by its manufacture to determine the maximum trailer weight. Legally the car can pull up to that limit.

v Check your driving licence categories to see what you are licensed to tow.

v 85% may be starting point, but it offers no guarantees about a good, legal or safe tow. Just aim to keep the caravan as small and light as possible. But there are other factors that are just as important if not more so.

HI John, thanks for your reply. I suppose I was using the CC 85% a bit too rigidly but I was using it as a starting point to be on the safe side, what surprised me was that in some cases the figure was so much higher. You have helped to put some of my concerns to rest and although I will keep the weight as low as possible I will look at things slightly more relaxed.

Thanks again

Chris

 

[Chris_5108323]

John, thanks for your repy. I've put some comments in by mistake rather than a reply so please see them.

Thanks again

Chris

 

[Steve L]

Hi Chris.

I basically share the same view as John.

Although I'm not a Ford fan myself, I tow at 100% of the manufacturers tow capacity for my car. The most crucial thing I find is getting the nose weight correct. My car has a 75Kg tow bar load limit and I find thta it needs that to control 1436Kgs of caravan.

Correct loading of the van and car is key to safer towing and there is no guarrantee's at all that 85% of your cars kerbside weight provides a bullet proof tow.

I've seen first hand just what damage can be done by a little 250Kg camping trainer, to a volvo 850 estate when it was badly loaded and towed at 80Mph. Well that was the estimated speed I gave the police of the vehicle passing me with the trailer swaying so hard it was "tank slapping" the rear of the car. There was no glass left in the back of the car and it needed two rear quater panels and a boot lid etc to repair it. The driver was rushing to catch the Isle of Wight ferry!!!

Take your time choosing both car and van and you'll get a good outfit.

ATB Steve L.

 

[Chris_5108323]

John, thanks for your comments. I'll bear them in mind.

Chris

 

[Chris_5108323]

Steve, very sorry for getting your name wrong, my granddaughters are distracting me too much.

Chris