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Hi Guys

I am after some advise on the following.  I have a Elldis Avante 540 (2005) which I used to tow with a Landrover Freelander.  I have had to sell the landy and downsize to a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 SRI (2006) and would like to know if anyone can advise on whether the Vectra would tow this caravan.

Sorry I dont have all the weights etc to hand.

I had to downsize for finacial reasons and had no choice but to go for the Vectra, I just hope I dont have to get rid of the Avante aswell.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. 

regards

      i was aware that they did a 1.8 sri. we have a vectra but its the 1.9 ctdi. it pulls like a train.

       i have heard silly things about the 1.8 petrol version, things like you cant have the air con on when towing up hill. it takes to much power away from the engine.

        i would recommend the diesel versions. ours is the 150ps version.

                          Richard :)

          soory about the post above. its meant to rean wasnt aware......

     just did a quick "whattowcar" and it comes out that your outfit will be at 103 %. thats a bit on the heavy side. i did the test on the 1.8 gts with 138 bhp.

      dunno if you already have the vectra but if not it might be worth have another thought about a tow car.

                         Richard :)

Thanks guys your feedback is appreciated,

I have checked the Elddis website and my 2005 Avante 540 is a little lighter than the figures on the what towcar site.

car is 1375kg kerbweight

avante is mtplm 1400kg with a mass in running order of 1173kg.

Quick question if I keep the weight nearer the 1250kg mark in the avante and take into account the extra weight in the car of the towbar, does this sound more reasonable.  Bearing in mind I dont carry an awning, have 1 small gas bottle for the onboard cooker and don't carry a battery in the avante ie I only use EHU ????

thanks.

   markayre, how long have you had your drivers licence and how long have you been towing vans? if you are have been towing for several years and are expearinced it wont be a problem. If , on the other hand you are new to vanning then i would not advise you tow so close to a 100% match.

     Keeping the weight down in the van will help as will loading the van properly, ie even distribution of odds and sods.

     I have your car at 1390kgs, it is a bit of a shock thats there is about 300kgs differance between the petrol and diesel cars. Mine is 1623kgs.

     let us know what kind of driving expeariance you have.  It makes all the differance.

                         Richard :)