Hello all
I'm looking at changing my towing vehicle, and have a few options in mind. One of the options is to go for a van and fit an extra row of seats (unless I can find one which already has them), but I'm having a devil of a job finding info on weights (especially tow ball weight limits), or opinions based on towing experience.
I'm pondering swb versions of Expert/Dispatch, Vivaro, Transit. Also, I've found information suggesting that 1.6 D versions will tow up to 2000Kg, but I'm dubious about their ability to handle steeper inclines.
I'm currently towing a Sterling Belvoir (Europa made for Grantham Caravans) 520. MTPLM 1325Kg and ideal noseweight listed as 93Kg.
Could anyone point me in the direction of the information I need, or does anyone have personal experience of towing with vans similar to those mentioned?
Thanks in anticipation.
Eddie
I do a lot of dog agility and have a lwb vivaro crated out for the dogs. I use it as my towing vehicle with no problems. Most of my fellow competitors seem to use similar vehicles
------------- Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good
Sorry,Grampian91, I suppose I should have given some information about myself. Thanks for your reply.
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 07/12/2018
When did you pass your driving test though?
1977 and have been towing since 1998. Past towcars have been mainly estate cars, currently using a Nissan Primera Estate 2.2 diesel
Have you checked the insurance side?
With regard to what?
Towing experience, they are vans, lower geared and noisier than an equivalent car.
I suppose that would affect their ability on inclines, but I'd hate to try towing across the North York Moors with a 1.6 diesel only to find out that it isn't up to the job
Someone else who enjoys being ignored by their dog whilst running around a field. I was going to ask on Agilitynet, but I thought that it wasn't really agility related.
My only qualm with regard to using a Vivaro, is that I did find a caravan matching service which suggested that the maximum tow ball weight is 75Kg. Not knowing what criteria are used to determine this figure, and the possible legal consequences of exceeding that limit, is a maor reason for me looking for another tow vehicle.
Have you thought about a Hyundai i800? Excellent towing vehicle, rear wheel drive, lots of seats and space, middle row rolls back and forward, but watch out for ex-taxis with lunar level mileages. If you have a few friends you can unbolt the rear seats and remove. (instant hernia kit)
Generally watch out for your overall maximum train weight with any van towing if you have a post 1997 driving licence. Hope you find a solution.
Quote: Originally posted by cambkite on 08/12/2018
Someone else who enjoys being ignored by their dog whilst running around a field. I was going to ask on Agilitynet, but I thought that it wasn't really agility related.
My only qualm with regard to using a Vivaro, is that I did find a caravan matching service which suggested that the maximum tow ball weight is 75Kg. Not knowing what criteria are used to determine this figure, and the possible legal consequences of exceeding that limit, is a maor reason for me looking for another tow vehicle.
that 75kg you mention is on the tow vehicle, what is the fully loaded weight of your caravan? most caravans have a nose weight of either 75kg or 100kgs, but the correct way to determine what yours should ideally be is to get it between 5% and 7% of the actual loaded weight of the caravan, but not exceeding the max figure for your towing vehicle,
a 1.6 desiel is basically gutless and not suitable for towing anything most are only capable of moving their max loaded weight without putting a trailer on the back, I wouldn't want to be taking anything with a 1.6 engine over the moors myself
had a i800 as a tow car,rear seat removed for dog cages, the 168 bhp tows brillianty.i had a adria at 1800kgs and a nose weight around 110 kgs. I now have a vw t5 shuttle 9 seater with rear seats removed. i find the 140 bhp engine lacks power as the gearing is a bit to high geared. i find it tows better with shell diesel than asda diesel
Thank you. I need a dog wagon and tug, too. I take it there is no cage room for two springer/small setter size dogs in an i800 without removing the rear most seats.
I think that I have the tow ball weight sussed now. As far as I can see, the only restriction is what effect it has on the maximum rear axle load.
Quote: Originally posted by cambkite on 08/12/2018
Someone else who enjoys being ignored by their dog whilst running around a field. I was going to ask on Agilitynet, but I thought that it wasn't really agility related.
My only qualm with regard to using a Vivaro, is that I did find a caravan matching service which suggested that the maximum tow ball weight is 75Kg. Not knowing what criteria are used to determine this figure, and the possible legal consequences of exceeding that limit, is a maor reason for me looking for another tow vehicle.
Yep 3 collies here and it takes over your life. I had the van before I got the caravan. I’m not great at the technical stuff so I did a post on here with all the info off the van plate plus all the info regarding the van I was looking at and everyone seemed to agree that it was well within the limits and was quite a good match. As I said I have had no issues at all towing with it.
Incidentally I have just noticed you mention North Yorkshire moors, betting that I go to the same shows I do hare n hounds, Wilton, outlet, Longfield etc.
Post last edited on 09/12/2018 08:05:09
Post last edited on 09/12/2018 08:07:04
------------- Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good
The info on the plate is one of the things I need for each of the vans I might consider. When it comes to engine size, I think I'm going to set a lower limit at 2.0l.
I mentioned the North York's moors because we stayed in Whitby for a week in August,and it is an area I intend to revisit. The A169 is an interesting road, made all the more interesting by the light controlled roadworks halfway up a hill coming out of Sleights. I gave that a miss on the way home.
Most of the shows I've competed at are within an hour and a half from Peterborough, mainly Dog Vegas shows near Newark, but a handful in the West Midlands, Norfolk, and Bed's.
Sadly, my first and only agility dog (a Brittany) is coming to the end of her agility career and she doesn't have a successor. Brilliant agility dog with a rubbish handler.
Quote: Originally posted by cambkite on 09/12/2018
Sadly, my first and only agility dog (a Brittany) is coming to the end of her agility career and she doesn't have a successor. Brilliant agility dog with a rubbish handler.