which towcar

[lp4967]

I am new to caravanning and would like some help with suggested towcars I had thought of a megane scenic,citroen picasso ,honda jazz or a focus cmax any suggestions

thank you

 

[nkosibob]

first of all what size of van to you intend to pull----??

 

[lp4967]

I thought of up to 1250kg probably will be second hand but I thought I should sort car out first

 

[Andrew_374370229]

I tow a van with max weight of 1245 with a 1.5 deisil Renault Scenic and it returns around 33-35mpg when towing.

The van is on the upper limit for the car (1300 max) but there are no problems on the motorways or hilly roads.

 

[Dave_374330759]

Have a look at a C-Max, we've got a 2.0litre TDCi which tows our 1420kg Pageant Provence without any effort (and previously the 1195kg Ranger) It tows quite happily in 6th gear at 65mph but you need to change down to 5th for long hills. It returns 30mpg towing, 45mpg solo around town and the country lanes and up to 55mpg on a decent motorway run.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Dave

I've never seen a C max let alone driven one. It sounds like a good all rounder.

I had a quick look at its spec and if I've done my numbers correctly you must be running at circa 92% weight ratio?

What is the maximum allowable nose weight?

Is she susceptible to the suction syndrome when a large coach overtakes?

Cheers

Alan

 

[Dave_374330759]

You are nearly correct, the weight ratio is 93%. The max noseweight is 75kg and yes there was a slight twitch but not significant as a coach or lorry went past (not that many go past!!) - now completely cured by fitting shock absorbers to the van.

We've towed with the C-Max for over 4000 miles so far and I will probably get another when this one is ready for change. There are two of us plus the two grandsons so the C-Max is the perfect size for us. An alternative is the S-Max which is a bit bigger and heavier (got the same engine though), has a max tow capacity of 1700kg and a nose weight of 85kg. Might be tempted if my wife gets her way and we change to a Wyoming