Hi guys, so I've found the caravan of my dreams, it's within my price range and location but I have a 1.6 petrol picasso, what are my chances? It's max length 20m not 100% sure on weight as yet but it's a compact so not too heavy, so can my picasso pull it? I know they aren't reknown for being good pullers but I'm mainly talking short term (next 12 months maybe) and then I'm going to look at a mondeo, any advice much appreciated....oo also anyone know cost of putting tow bar on!?
The 1.6 petrol up to about '05 has 900kg max tow weight. '05 on 1.6 16v petrol has 1300kg max tow but it would struggle to pull that weight. suggested safe max tow for any car is 85% of kerb weight so you are looking for caravan with all up weight of just over 1 tonne if yours is later 16v model otherwise 900kg. Cost of towbar for that car fitted with twin electrics probably over £200.
We towed less than 1000kg with a 2.0 diesel Picasso and it was hard work for me and the car. Even if it was legal with your car I wouldn't do it, there's just not enough power for safety.
You must of had a bad one, I had a 2.0ltr pic and pulled a kg1045 van. It went from the northwest to Cornwall several times. and all round wales without any problem, even hill's. Fuel consumption was good as well and very reliable.
We had 3 diesel Xsara Picasso's which we used to tug around our various Folding Campers. Hardly knew the fiesta was there behind the 2ltr 96hp and the 110hp 1.6 litre did a good job with the cruiser. The 1.6ltr 92hp was not a lot different really, although you did notice it on a long incline on the French Autoroutes. However we were pleased with them no complaints. Last year we had a C4 grand Picasso, towed the Pennine fine although the Semi Auto box didn't could get a bit jumpy moving off when on tow. But we got out of C&CC Rhandirmyn site with very little trouble, and that's quite a hill start! That had to go as towing limit was too low for new Adria van.
Anyhow, to the OP's question would not think a petrol would have the guts to tow too much. Xsara Picasso Check your V5C for the towing limit and compare to the van weight. You may have a surprise.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder