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Hi,

I tow with a 145ps 2litre S-Max and have no issues at all. The Ford clutches are generally poor in reverse, but the S-Max is better than my old Mondeo 135ps.

regards

Mr U-M

Geist AK565 is 40kg too heavy for your  1.8 galaxy... a very dangerous match ...unstable  tail wagging is an obvious warning at a certain speed

check for yourself on www.whattowcar.com

strange... it goes on to say perfect 85% match tho'

probably right about the towball height ..measure it to centre of ball from floor when level ..maximum 420 cm

It seems according to the data in the Netherlands thats it is 40kg too heavy but below it is an 80% match.  It's no wonder it confuses people lol.

According to our data (in the Netherlands) this Geist is 40 kg too heavy for the Ford. Please check the maximum towing limit in your own country.

The trouble with manufacturers towing limits is they do not take wind resistance into account and this can cause major problems. 

Towing a fully loaded caravan along a busy motorway with a lorry beside you is totally different from pulling a smal trailer loaded with weights, and towing a caravan down a steep hill when it weighs more than the car is not something I would want to do.

In my opinion, for what it's worth, it boils down to the fact that your caravan is too heavy for your car. 

Quote: Originally posted by smickey on 29/4/2009

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Hi have just joined the forum and spotted this post. I have had similar experience with my 1.8TDI with regards to the clutch. When reversing, especially in soft or gravelly conditions the clutch really honks. I have visions of the clutch giving up while we are touring, not a reassurring thought!! Is a burning clutch smell a sure sign of trouble ahead?

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Quote: Originally posted by wildie on 07/5/2009

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420cm is 4.2 meters thats high hope u ment 420mm, if the ball is high put a drop plate on it makes a big difference.

 

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Dead right, it makes it illegal. Only a very few towbars are type approved to allow a drop plate. Check with the towbar manufacturer first.

If its illegal, then you void your insurance.

Quote: Originally posted by daviddaw on 27/5/2008

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Thye do not use the 85% rule - that's why Land Rovers can tow 3500kg according to Land Rover when the vehicle weighs in at a little 2 tonnes.

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Land Rovers (Shoguns, Landcruisers, Troopers, Patrols and others) have a BIG advantage in having an additional low ratio set of gears - wouldn't be anything like such an impressive figure if the test was done in 1st high.   Low ratios are also VERY useful for low speed manoevering caravans on site.

Cheers
Andrew