Quote: Originally posted by Skell on 17/8/2021
Hi. What size engine would you recommend to pull a 4 berth caravan?
Hi, you will need to be a lot more specific. 4 berth caravan can weigh anything from 850kg to 1850kg, or more. So whereas a Nissan MIcra could pull one, but you would need a big 4x4 with a 3 litre engine to pull another.
It's not just the engine size that's important but more so the torque delivery which is why diesels make better towcars that petrol versions for this reason. However, it's also a combination of weight of caravan and what the downward maximum towball weight is of the towing vehicle as all makes and models have different weight allowances. If the towball maximum weight is low then a caravan with a lighter noseweight comes into the equation so it's not just about the vehicle engine size that makes a suitable tow car.
MIRO is mass in running order (unloaded).
MTPLM is maximum total permissible laden mass,this is the max weight when loaded.
As a novice tower the recommendation is that the MTPLM should not exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the car. This is a sensible guideline to start from.
Check the MTPLM and we'll be able to offer some meaningful advice. Do you have a B+ E licence? What is your budget for a car?
According to that link your caravan max weight is 1449kg so you should be looking for a car with a kerb weight over 1700kg. Check Parker's car specs for weights.
You say you have a 2.0 diesel but as Tango has already said you need to check the car weights and towing limit and nose weight limit. Try to keep near the 85% guideline.
Do you have a B+E licence? If you only have a restricted licence you will be limited to a max combined weight of car and caravan of 3500kg, this is the plated weight not actual weight.
You may be new but this is like trying to extract hen's teeth. Is it an auto or manual? I suggest you get the V5 as that will have the answers to many of our questions.
More than likely to tow that weight of caravan you will need a B+E driving licence to tow legally if the Maximum Gross weight of the vehicle exceeds 2100kg. Do you have a B+E driving licence?