Quote: Originally posted by taldersley on 30/1/2018
Really, blimey! How do you find out the information to work this out?
This is hard!
Just googling the models and required information. Hence why I was suggesting pick the van then the car to try and get a match but it will be very tricky.
How do you find out the information to work this out?
We use the internet! Try Parkers car specs for most of the information on car specs but check the weight plate on the car you are buying as there are so many different models and changes from year to year.
If the Carens mentioned above is an automatic it has a max tow of 1100kg so not suitable for that Ranger.
I think it is possible to tow on a B licence without too much trouble. A couple of our recent outfits would have been doable with a B licence.
Examples of our recent outfits:
Focus 1.6 diesel: 1368 kerb weight, 1900 max weight towing a Bailey Ranger 460/4 with an MTPLM of 1184 giving a gross train weight of 3084kg and a towing match of 86.5%.
Vauxhall Mokka 1.6 diesel auto: 1432 kerb weight, 1897 max weight with the Ranger giving a gross train weight of 3081kg and an 83% match.
Have a look at cars like a Focus diesel, Astra or Golf and check the weights out, I think that may be a solution for you.
I would get a suitable car and drive it for a short while to make sure it was ok and then look for a caravan. If you buy a caravan first you may end up rushing to get a car to tow it with and end up with a costly mistake.
A car with a max weight of 2000kg would allow you to tow a caravan of 1500kg MTPLM on a B licence so would give you a big choice of caravans.Check that the MTPLM is less than the kerbweight of the car, ideally around 85%, and is lower than the towing limit of the car. Check the weight plate on any car you go to look at as there are so many possible variations and the Police etc will use the figures on the plate if you get stopped.
We use a 2015 Passat estate (gross vehicle weight 2140kg according to VW) to tow a caravan with a MTPLM of 1250kg. This gives a combined maximum weight of 3390kg meaning that it's within the restrictions of a Category B licence with 110kg to spare.
The weights varied according to the model year but the Skoda Superb was generally slightly lighter. I don't know the weights of various similarly-sized cars (Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia, Volvo V60 or V70) but logic suggests that they should all be fairly similar.
To be honest, with a £4k budget I'd try and avoid being too restrictive on exactly which make and model of car you want, and instead look for whatever you can find that's in good condition, has a service history and with a mileage that's not intergalactic.
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
Had hatchbacks and estates, currenty on my 2nd estate.
The previous 2L managed 39mpg towing teh caravan from the midlands to the cumbrian coast. Mostly around 56mph though FIL was in the car and thought i was driving like a looney going above 50mph.
32-34mpg going to Cornwall which has a lot more hills.
Solo ive had over 60mpg on a steady run, 57mpg solo but loaded for a trip to the east coast (skegness) and thats even some traffic into the town and past butlins.
Impressive for such a big car, the 2.2 diesel i have now not quite as good but i wanted one. :)
Personally i would go for the 2L over the 1.8, i think the 1.8 uses wet and dry belts? Check that one.
I bought a Kia Carens, 5 seat, 2011 2.0 litre diesel. 52,000 miles in PX for my old Kia cost less than £2k
2155 GVW leaving us up to 1345kg to tow, worked out as less 85% of kerb weight.
Took a friend's van for a spin, 1250kg, and it pulled like a treat. If you know our Yorkshire Dales here, it went up Beamsley Hill, past Hopper Lane up to Harrogate, from Skipton without fault.