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Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 18/3/2013

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Discoveries are also 3500kg. Freeanders are 2000.

Jim

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Hi all, DaveCoaches,I agree with your earlier post, you also touched on something of interest to me, wider wheel base on caravan.

I have access to two cars for towing.

Car A is a 80% match

Car B is a 88% match approx.... but to me car B feels a great deal more stable....

Engine size the same, to me the better stability comes from a larger wheel base & lower hight on car B.

The approx. match comes from the problem that I weight 52 kilos taking my kreb weight down by 23 kilos,so I carry the awing & poles behind the front seats on the floor of car thinking it will help the kerb weight. I carry only light things in the van,& always check the nose-weight each trip.Been driving for 36 years, towing for 10 years.

Your thoughts please, all the best,

Andy

Hi and thanks,me a bit thick book says kerb weight 1385k, no matter my weight, 1385 is my 100% ? Smaller over hang on car B

Andy

Best behaved outfit we had was an 850 MIRO/1050kg MTPLM Abbey & a 1.6 petrol Corolla at 1300kg unladen. It had one of the old blade type stabilisers, & was a lovely outfit to tow.

After getting our 1270kg MIRO / 1500kg MTPLM Swift we've had a couple of tow-cars, & tried a 4x4. First up a Mondeo, Very well behaved tow car, but you knew you had a hefty weight behind you. Tried a Kia Sorrento but wasnt impressed. Felt very safe but didnt like the auto box & somewhat leisurely throttle response. The 1850kg unladen Galaxy we have now is much better tow car.

We still carry on the old habits though, heavy items in the car. Weight distribution kept correct. Tyre pressures rigorously checked. These have a massive effect. Someone I know is of the opinion that it doesnt matter how badly he loads his caravan, his Sorrento will just handle it.

But above all, standard of driving. Sharp sudden inputs result in simmilar outputs. Keep the speed down, we never exceed probably 55mph, but often get passed by 4x4 engined outfits at easily 15mph more. I recall a Range Rover Sport once, ploughing down lane 3 in horrendous rain. Complete idiocy. 

Quote: Originally posted by takisawa on 24/3/2013

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Best behaved outfit we had was an 850 MIRO/1050kg MTPLM Abbey & a 1.6 petrol Corolla at 1300kg unladen. It had one of the old blade type stabilisers, & was a lovely outfit to tow.

After getting our 1270kg MIRO / 1500kg MTPLM Swift we've had a couple of tow-cars, & tried a 4x4. First up a Mondeo, Very well behaved tow car, but you knew you had a hefty weight behind you. Tried a Kia Sorrento but wasnt impressed. Felt very safe but didnt like the auto box & somewhat leisurely throttle response. The 1850kg unladen Galaxy we have now is much better tow car.

We still carry on the old habits though, heavy items in the car. Weight distribution kept correct. Tyre pressures rigorously checked. These have a massive effect. Someone I know is of the opinion that it doesnt matter how badly he loads his caravan, his Sorrento will just handle it.

 

But above all, standard of driving. Sharp sudden inputs result in simmilar outputs. Keep the speed down, we never exceed probably 55mph, but often get passed by 4x4 engined outfits at easily 15mph more. I recall a Range Rover Sport once, ploughing down lane 3 in horrendous rain. Complete idiocy. 

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