I'm currently looking at purchasing an Avondale Ulysee 5 of approximately 1997/8, after a bit of research the van comes in with a MIRO weight of 850kg and a maximum allowance weight of 1100kg.
My Mondeo is a 2,0 petrol zetec which according to parkers has a maximum braked towing weight of 1800kg and a kerbweight of 1392 kg, which car figure do I use to work out my ideal van weight?
The last van we towed was a 1980s ABI Marauder at 750kg so a bit lighter and behind the Mondeo not noticeable.
You really need to go for 85% of the kerbweight or less, the maximum braked towing weight is what the car could be capable of towing under a specific set of test conditions, but takes no account of stability, and if you tried to tow the weights you state, you may well end up with a situation of the 'tale wagging the dog' so to speak.
Try www.whattowcar.com for advice on outfit matching of specific makes and models, or use the Caravan clubs matching service if you are a member.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Thanks for the replies, I'm viewing the van tomorrow with my trusty damp meter also got an ABI to look at. I'm used to the mpg on my Mondeo as I use it a taxi as well.
I much prefer petrol engines over diesels for work in my opinion I'd rather stand the fuel costs with a petrol over repair costs on diesels, a few other drivers have also turned to petrol engine cars for work as well.
I had a Petrol 1.8 Mondeo back in 1998-99, I was advised by the Ford Salesman that the 1.8 gear ratios were better suited to towing (he was also a caravanner). I later towed with a Petrol 2.0 litre and did find the 1.8 was better.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
The problem with some cars is the silly high gearing. Geared for a tops speed of 130 - 150mph.
Or geared for the best fuel economy on the rollers in the test lab. Problem with that is you get in the real world of wind and hills and its useless.
If its geared for a lower top speed its usually got a better spread of power.
6th gear in my car uses more fuel at 60mph when towing than 5th gear does. Solo 60mph is about where it starts to get better consumption. At 70+ its better in 6th.
But the diesel Mondeo does require a lot less gear changes. As you mention though the DMF's dont last as long as the petrol ones. All that extra torque kills them sooner. And no pump and injector issues on the petrol cars.