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I have purchased a 2009 Mondeo 2.0 Tdci Ghia Hatch to tow my Bailey Sancerre. Previously towed with a Terrano 2.7 Tdci. As yet havent towed the van with the Mondeo but will be this Sunday. The caravan is 1435kg fully loaded so is close to the cars kerb weight and over the recomended 85%. I am hoping that the Mondy will prove to be a good tow car if not then will have to change it. Is there hints I should know towing with a normal car rather than a 4X4 as I have been used to.

Dave

No hints, however as your car is a ghia it will have a lot of toys more than the base model this in turn will makes the car heavier than the base model.

My car is a Mondeo tit x which is'nt that much different from the Ghia x,  on a weight bridge my cars coming in at 1630 Kg empty with just fuel add the 75kg driver this takes it over 1700kg. I tow a 1500 kg van with mine with no issues at all, i would expect as your vans lighter than mine and your cars spec around the same that your % is closer to 85% than you think, you should have no issues relax and enjoy the ride you'll be cheesed of you did'nt change years ago

Bessie         

I tow a Pegasus 524 (1480kg mtplm) with my 2010 Mondeo and it does a superb job. It was stable towing in the winds back from Dorset last Friday.

I find mine a better towcar than the Peugeot 4007 4x4 I had before the Mondeo. The only pointer is that if you have the standard suspension the back can be a little soft. It is a slight issue if you have the later Witter removable towbar fitted as the neck loops quite low so it will clear the Sport pack spoiler kit as mine did ground a couple of times. 2008 onwards Mondeos also have a 90kg noseweight limit which adds to stability.

This problem can be solved by fitting MAD assistor springs which remove the sag completely & to in my opinion make the solo drive a bit better too.  However if the car has the sports suspension from the factory then you will not need (or want) the uprated springs.

It came with standard suspension and a Westfalia detachable towbar. If it sags a lot I will have to have a look at upgrading the springs.

Dave

Just a note on Nose weight. My Mondeo has a nose weight loading of 90kg. The Bailey Sancerre, according to Bailey has an Ex works nose weight of 65kg. I purchaced the optional front chest when I brought the van which is  heavy around 32kg in weight. I took the nose weight the other day and it read 93kg. I know moving stuff either side of the axel will either increase or decrease it, but will it be OK to go to the Max the car can tak ie 90kg or should it be lower. Never had to realy think about it with the Terrano as it had a nose weight loading of 120kg.

Dave

Quote: Originally posted by daverk on 15/6/2012

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It came with standard suspension and a Westfalia detachable towbar. If it sags a lot I will have to have a look at upgrading the springs.

Dave

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Thanks to everyone for your input. Will let you know how I get on, first time tow with Mondeo tomorrow. Just a little sceptic towing with a car rather than a 4x4.

Dave