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Hi,

we were had a look at some caravans, and the one we like is a coachman 520/4 and comes in at 1550kg fully loaded and about 1400kg empty. I have a 2.0tdci mondeo and although the hadbook states it can tow 1800kg, there is no way on earth I would, as i like to keep as near as i can to the 85% rules. For my own safety and everyone elses.

As i will be changing my car before next spring, I was trying to come up with a short list, and one that would pull our next caravan safely, but was surprised by how few cars are suited. Why are caravans so heavy? is there realy a need for a full double oven and microwave? Domestic size fridge? Super thick work surfaces etc. Back to my point, What tow car?

My list

Kuga TDCi 140bhp, kerb weight 1584, not within the 85% rule ( a mondeo is cheaper with nearly the same kerb weight)

Honda CR-V  138bhp   kerb weight 1653  still not within the 85% rule (this is the one i like)

Cativa  148bhp  kerb weight 1820  nearly made it.  (dont have a good feedback).

So without going into super size 4x4's which I cant aford to run what are you ment to tow these vans with?

I need something that gets a reasonable mpg as I do about 14k miles a year, but only 3000k towing max if we make a long trip south, every other time we will only have a round trip of about 150. I will not be buying new my max budget would be £9000, needs to one owner and under 50k miles. (thats why I am in no great hurry and will wait till the right one comes along)

Hi Neil and lena

I got the figures from Arnold Clark web site while looking through there cars. Dont think 7kg is too far out. It was a 07 plate diesel CRV I was looking at, not sure what spec.The weights on the pre 07 are a lot lower.

Thanks

Hi Neil and lena

I got the figures from Arnold Clark web site while looking through there cars. Dont think 7kg is too far out. It was a 07 plate diesel CRV I was looking at, not sure what spec.The weights on the pre 07 are a lot lower.

Thanks

Hi Dave

It was  a 2006 Coachman Pastiche 520/4 we looked at and the empty weight was over 1400kg. The saleman did say that some people tow them with the new shape mondeos which have a heavier kerside weight than the 04 plate 115 bhp that i have.  He also said that if I am to stick to the 85% rule my mondeo would  not be suitable,even with the caravan empty.

 I was going to be change my car and thought it would make sence to get one that will tow the caravan that we want, rather than having to make do with a smaller caravan. I do agree that mondeos are great tow cars and easy on the pocket, and i realy like the new shape 07/08. just dont want to spend aq lot of money on something that will not be suitable later on.

Hi Jaqugra

Good call never even thought about them, had a look at details your right up to 50mpg, nearly 200bhp, and a huge kerbside weight. I have put it on the short list and the kuga is off

thanks

I tow a 1500 kg coachman with my 2011 mondeo, i know its newer than yours but if you like the mondeo just get a newer one, my car weighs in at 1705kg (thats car fuel and 75kg driver) 140 bhp engine.

Loads of people on here are pulling big vans with mondeos now as the are a bit heavier than most other cars in their class

Bessie   

We tow a Pegasus 546 with a Crv 2.2 diesel , 2008 .

Pegasus is around the 1500 kg mark. Crv pulls it really well . Lovely multi purpose car with sensible running costs.

Hi,

I do like my mondeo, and also the new shape even better. they are good all-rounders, I am just not sure about a near 100% match on paper. Another poster mentioned a Santa fa, I have looked at some on the web, and to be honest, it seams to tick all the boxes, at least on paper, and I did fancy something more chuncky for a change. just need to look at one in real life.

Hi Iain i'm running at 87% with 1500kg 1550kg will be 90%, if you want a change fair enough just remember the higher fuel and tax cost cost with 4x4's

bessie