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Quote: Originally posted by iain.morrison3 on 20/7/2012

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I think the manufactures towing limits are not directed at caravans, it is just a statement reflecting the capability of the cars components. It makes no reference to pulling something 2.3m high and 5.5m long. And I am sure the cars were never tested in this way. Pulling 2ton of stone in a lowsided trailer will actually put less strain on a car and easier to tow than a 1.5ton caravan.

85% of the book kerbside weight is the safe option for me. If the car is heavier than what the book says then that's a bonus.

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cv01jw,

You're right .....sort of.

That information relates to holders of driving licences obtained post '97.

Those of us who passed their driving tests before that date, or who have sat the additional driving test to obtain their B+E entitlement may tow heavier units.

Hi Geof

I am thinking about an 08 or 09 Santa Fe, or i think an Smax just about makes it? but will need to looked more into it. Needs to be 1 owner low mileage (might have a long wait).  Still dont know if i will go for an auto or manual. Caravan will come later, as the one I have will still do another couple of years, but thought it more important to sort out the car first. I was looking at a coachman with end washroom, and got a fright at the weight 1560KG full. Can get lighter ones but still looking at 1400kg, and maybe not an ideal match for a mondeo.

Alan not sure how they get there figers from, but i am sure they were not pulling a caravan along the M74 on a windy day!

Iain

Hi Geoff

I like the idea about auto, for one you will not have to replace a clutch at about £700, The auto smax does not give tow weights etc. on the couple of sites i looked at, Is it true that the tow weight with an auto is less than the manual.

The fords are tried and tested, and i like them, and know all there faults. I do like the Santa Fe just not sure if they are as good as the fords or maybe there are better.

It is a lot on money to spend so i am not going to rush into anything,

Iain

I personally would not give one house room, having been there and tried it and lost a lot of money getting rid of a useless towcar. But that is another discussion.

Quote: Originally posted by geoff+emmy on 20/7/2012

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Auto is the way to go So much easier, no slipping of clutches, far easier to reverse and much more relaxed in heavy traffic and don,t forget cruise...

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i have a modeo and a defender 90...both 06reg

the mondeo is what i use for towing the caravan...its just better..

Quote: Originally posted by iain.morrison3 on 20/7/2012

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Hi Janus

What was wrong with it?, what year? They seem to get good reviews, I would appreciate if you could expand on your statement, as I had sort of made my mind up that, that was what I was going for.

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This thread is a most interesting read.  I'm not a caravanner myself (yet) but if I were to invest in a tin tent then I'd have to go for a much bigger/newer/heavier car.

I'd always assumed modern caravans - like modern cars - would be lighter due to modern manufacture and materials, but this can't be the case with new caravans. Look at what we drove around in say 20 years ago - Cavaliers, Sierras, 405s etc with a kerb weight of say around 1100kgs.  These were very popular tow cars back then but would be no good for anything bigger than a folding camper or trailer tent now!  Were caravans 20+ years ago really really light weight? I can remember seeing many a Sierra with its arse on the floor dragging a huge 'van behind it.

The caravan manufacturers really should learn to make their products lighter, I'd be lucky to get away 4 times a year in a 'van if I had one and I'd find it very hard to justify the extra costs of running a 4x4 (or other "large" vehicle) for the other 48 weeks of the year.

Sorry to jump in with this, just felt I'd share an opinion

Quote: Originally posted by iain.morrison3 on 20/7/2012

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Hi Janus

What was wrong with it?, what year? They seem to get good reviews, I would appreciate if you could expand on your statement, as I had sort of made my mind up that, that was what I was going for.

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Quote: Originally posted by RobM on 20/7/2012

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!  Were caravans 20+ years ago really really light weight? ]

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