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Topic: M.P.G Whilst towing.

Ianwrexham

22/8/2009 at 10:20pm
Location: Wrexham N Wales
Outfit: Elddiss Shamal Vauxhall Vectra 1.8

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I have a 2003 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8i and tow an Eldiss Shamal with a mptw of 1200kg.

I have recently been getting 26mpg whilst towing and think that it is a bit low.

I noticed that it is ok when I get upto speed but hates hills (always changing down)

I love the car but should have got a 1.9td just for the extra poke.

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Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what's next.

Petemate

22/8/2009 at 10:30pm
Location: Kennington OXFORD
Outfit: 2005 Eccles Sterling Topaz 2 berth

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This reminds me of years ago when we had a Cav CD (the one with the high top gear for economic cruising) Well, we got ourselves a nice Mardon Classique 4-berth and the Cav wouldn't pull the skin of a rice pudding with the 'van on. So we immediately swapped it for a Cav SRI which had the top gear the same ratio as the fourth on the CD - what a difference! Pulled it like a train - kept going over the speed limit and still very reasonable MPG
Pete

Ianwrexham

22/8/2009 at 10:36pm
Location: Wrexham N Wales
Outfit: Elddiss Shamal Vauxhall Vectra 1.8

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The vectra is very economical solo but i noticed 4th gear is a waste of time. barely any difference between 4th and 5th.

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Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what's next.

neil and lena

23/8/2009 at 8:47am
Location: Dumfries
Outfit: 2022 CoachmanVIP 2022 Pilote P696GJ

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Quote: Originally posted by Ianwrexham on 22/8/2009

I have a 2003 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8i and tow an Eldiss Shamal with a mptw of 1200kg.
I have recently been getting 26mpg whilst towing and think that it is a bit low.
I noticed that it is ok when I get upto speed but hates hills (always changing down)
I love the car but should have got a 1.9td just for the extra poke.

The Vectra 1.8 is going to have its work cut out pulling 1.2 tons so if your getting 26 mpg you doing not bad , as you say the 1.9 cdti vectra diesel would probably be more economical but to expect more mpg may no be achievable

kenles

23/8/2009 at 8:55am
Location: Gloucestershie
Outfit: Fiat Ducato campervan

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I had 1.8 a 2.2 and now 1.9 (150)Vectra and it is a much better car for towing

LegsDownKettleOn

23/8/2009 at 6:04pm
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I would not complain at 26mpg towing or solo. Mine does about 25 towing or solo. My previous car was struggling to make 10 towing or 30 solo.

navver

23/8/2009 at 10:15pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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My pug 406 2.0l HDI 110 does 32 to 33 towing Ranger 510/4 1200kg.

I find its 28 or so towing home from cornwall with all the hills & climbs to 33 between Exeter & Bristol. Must say the diesels go up hills well, glad I haven't got a petrol.

newbs

23/8/2009 at 11:27pm
Location: Norfolk
Outfit: Avondale dart 556 Audi A6 2.7 tdi

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I have just bought an Audi A6 2.7 diesel and manage 45-50mpg when solo and carefull, but got 28mpg towing to Yorkshire this week. Have to say though what an engine it pulls harder with the van behind than alot of solo cars!

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NEWBS

Greendemon315

24/8/2009 at 1:51pm
Location: Blackburn Lancashire
Outfit: Coachman Laser 650 and Discovery

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I'd love to get 26. Or even 20....

Jim

bowler70

24/8/2009 at 5:29pm
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: Toyota LC3 TDi 04 Abbey GTS Vogue 418

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I always get 25/26 mpg towing my 30cwt van [never exceed 60mph] - 31 mpg daily use.

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Mike

bev+jon

24/8/2009 at 5:36pm
Location: N Yorkshire
Outfit: Xc60 D5 Abbey Vogue

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19 towing with the paj.....25 solo....hey ho

RogerL

24/8/2009 at 6:12pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Subaru Outback + Pageant Magenta

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Quote: Originally posted by Ianwrexham on 22/8/2009

I have a 2003 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8i and tow an Eldiss Shamal with a mptw of 1200kg.
I have recently been getting 26mpg whilst towing and think that it is a bit low.
I noticed that it is ok when I get upto speed but hates hills (always changing down)
I love the car but should have got a 1.9td just for the extra poke.

26mpg is good for a Vauxhall 1.8 petrol towing 1200kg. My Astra 1.8 only gave 21-22 despite being lighter and more aerodynamic than the Vectra.

Keep the revs at 3-4000rpm - there's plenty of torque there and Vauxhalls thrive on revs.

Ianwrexham

24/8/2009 at 9:17pm
Location: Wrexham N Wales
Outfit: Elddiss Shamal Vauxhall Vectra 1.8

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When i was towing I tried to keep my revs below 3000 when accelerating thinking that It may be the key to better fuel economy. Am I driving ok or should I be giving it more revs?

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Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what's next.

RogerL

25/8/2009 at 12:03am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Subaru Outback + Pageant Magenta

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The specific fuel consumption of any car is best at the revs where maximum torque occurs (3400 or 3800 rpm on the Vauxhall 1.8 16v) BUT reducing speed, acceleration and braking will improve consumption far more.

On any petrol-engined car you'll need to use the gearbox, that's what it's for. For cruising, top gear is best but you'll perhaps need to be ready to drop a gear or two for accelerating and hills.

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