Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: A small engine ?
Page:  1  2  3  4  5 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personjeff juke
18/12/2014 at 10:00pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Has any one noticed the way car manufacturers are churning out a big car with a small engine eg the Nissan Qashqai a big body with a small petrol engine ? you can go for the diesel version mind you.

What is going to happen to us down the line when, we need a heavy towcar with a powerful engine ?I know a 1.2 Qashqai aint gonna pull a van the weight of mine unless they super charge it then again it must put some strain on the engine.

Whats your views ?

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


PersonLobeyDosser
18/12/2014 at 10:06pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4 View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Most people buy a van that suits their car.

We are, at present, looking at 5th wheelers. These will require a 3lt car to pull them.
Not a problem though, just something we need to consider if we decide to go that route.

-------------
Lobey.


PersonRogerGoff
18/12/2014 at 11:50pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View RogerGoff's Profile View Profile   Reply to RogerGoff Reply   Quote RogerGoff Quote  
Joined: 30/11/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   271
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The modern small turbo petrol engines are happening now because the technology only now exists to build such an engine with long term reliabilty. Engine power/torque are governed by 2 factors. 1 is the rate fuel/air mixture can be passed through engine & out of the exhaust, 2 is the ability of the engine to stay in one piece. The size of the engine is not really a factor at all.

1.6litre Formula 1 engines today are reliably producing 600bhp. In the 80s 1.5litre F1 engines were producing 700bhp but were abandoned due to poor reliabilty. Ie technology has moved on.

So to answer your question, when we need a heavy towcar with powerful engine in 10yrs time it will probably be 1 litre producing over 200bhp with torque to match. If you don't believe that ask yourself would you have believed anybody in 1970 who told you 40yrs on you would be driving a 2litre diesel with 170bhp?


PersonGrampian91
19/12/2014 at 12:09am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The problem is that outside their test chamber the mpg figures dont match what they print.

Take the older bigger engined car and the supposedly more efficent smaller unit and it wont be quite as good as the figures suggest.

The smaller engines may have a narrower power band so the great economy is only at the right revs in the right gear. Which it will rarely be.

A few hills will have the fuel gauge plummeting.

Looking for something that i can add a newly qualified younger driver on yet will still tow the van.

1.6TDCI C-Max 110bhp upwards. I only did the quote for me and it came out dearer than i pay for a tweaked 2L 150+bhp Mondeo.

I didnt even ask about adding the young driver.


Personpompeyjon
19/12/2014 at 12:14am
 Location: Notts
 Outfit:  Swift archway woodford Volvo S80 View pompeyjon's Profile View Profile   Reply to pompeyjon Reply   Quote pompeyjon Quote  
Joined: 11/10/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   357
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Just by a big volvo or we are all going to have to get .............them awful teardrop caravans ....noooooooooooooo lmao

-------------
jon


Advertisement

Handiworld


Personmillermicm
19/12/2014 at 6:38am
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered View millermicm's Profile View Profile   Reply to millermicm Reply   Quote millermicm Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4665
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
It's called progress. Early diesels were big normally aspirated engines that were slow & dirty in cars. Now a 1.6 diesel in a car is probably the norm and easily keeps up with modern needs.

Big engine cares are still about if required. They are just not mainstream.

-------------
Steve


Personvespa 494
19/12/2014 at 9:41am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Kia Sportage & Sterling Eccles 584 View vespa 494's Profile View Profile   Reply to vespa 494 Reply   Quote vespa 494 Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2014

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   172
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I,v just bought a 110 bhp 1.7D Ecoflex 2012 Astra estate to tow our van and according to the towcar info site its a perfect match, i know i wont get into 6th gear while towing but 99% of the time iam not towing and need something economical to run, plus i can get it in the garage which reduces my insurance cost's, works for me.


Personbessie500
19/12/2014 at 11:01am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I believe the new Mondeo will come with the 1 Ltd ecoboost engine as an option, theea bloody big car for a 1 ltr petrol


Persondiesel steve
19/12/2014 at 12:11pm
 Location: fife
 Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo View diesel steve's Profile View Profile   Reply to diesel steve Reply   Quote diesel steve Quote  
Joined: 13/8/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   781
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
there is no substute for a large capacity engine for power and reliability,they tried that years ago in trucks small cc engines and big turbos,had to rev the nuts off to get anywhere.


Personlisterdiesel
19/12/2014 at 12:48pm
 Location: Rushden Northants
 Outfit: Mercedes 614D Conversion View listerdiesel's Profile View Profile   Reply to listerdiesel Reply   Quote listerdiesel Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   581
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
When we took our 3.5 tonne 6-wheel trailer to France this year, our V8 Discovery had to work hard on some of the gradients, so Lord knows how a smaller engined car would cope.

The V8 is around 180bhp, the TD5 around 135bhp. Both are 2.2 tonnes unladen.

Peter


Advertisement

Handiworld


PersonST1100
19/12/2014 at 1:06pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View ST1100's Profile View Profile   Reply to ST1100 Reply   Quote ST1100 Quote  
Joined: 01/8/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   568
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The problem is that people still want bigger cars with the space to carry passengers and luggage but also want better economy together with the legislators wanting more economy and less emissions.

The result is bigger cars with smaller engines needing more gears to keep the engines in the best range to give adequate performance (torque more important then power).

One downside, to those towing heavy trailers and caravans, is the reduced range of vehicles heavy enough to tow safely.

I prefer the old USA answer to this (there is no substitute for cubes) where they had big engines and, sometimes, only 3 speed auto boxes with 1st and 2nd still not been needed as you could pull away in top anyway...

... although I would not like to pay the fuel bill for one of those on the roads over here with the cost of fuel these days, 22-30mpg is OK but I would be a bit bankrupt getting under 10mpg.


PersonJTQU
19/12/2014 at 1:13pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Environmental pressure which in turn shapes fiscal policy mean the trend to smaller lighter cars and along with it engines, will dictate things and we will have to get used to it.
For a while bigger engine vehicles will be about till they work their self out of the system; probably in the short term at very attractive second hand prices as running cost will be high. Unless retrospective UK legislation mops up these "dirtier" engines as in some countries.

It is inescapable a vehicle aimed at the domestic car market will be optimised for that task; so it is unrealistic to clap a caravan on the back, doubling most loading and expect anything other than a compromise. If you want a tow car then you have to buy a vehicle designed as a towcar, rather than a family car. Hence, buying workhorses as the Landcruiser and its ilk.

Thankfully the torque delivery of these latest generation engines is over a wider band than even a few years ago and massive developments have been made in lubricants.
Coupled to this the multi speed autobox has developed a great deal; with "inteligence" this can adapt to the towing loading better than sparse ratio boxes of old.

Post last edited on 19/12/2014 13:42:13


PersonRogerGoff
19/12/2014 at 1:24pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View RogerGoff's Profile View Profile   Reply to RogerGoff Reply   Quote RogerGoff Quote  
Joined: 30/11/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   271
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
One needs to unthink all that has gone before. Forget previous technology & think what is possible. The principle of forced induction has always been understood but only recently has technology allowed it to be employed in modern mass production techniques.

The principle comes first, that the power of the engine is limited only by the rate that fuel can be put into the engine, burnt & the fumes expelled. After that the engine designer has a free hand within the technology available. There is nothing in science that dictates that an engine should be of a given size for a given power.

So don't think about the engine, think about the means of the forced induction, turbocharger perhaps or some new design. In future technology the means of the forced induction will become more important than the engine itself.

Forced induction allows a very basic & simple engine that needs only to be mechanically strong enough to stand the stresses imposed upon it. It is only now that technology is allowing this to happen & certainly is the future because it will allow simple fuel efficient engines to be mass produced cheaply.


PersonVectratot
19/12/2014 at 9:15pm
 Location: DURHAM
 Outfit: Mondeo TItanium 140 Avondale Mayfly 25 View Vectratot's Profile View Profile   Reply to Vectratot Reply   Quote Vectratot Quote  
Joined: 21/3/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2526
Site Reviews Total: 8
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Daughter has a 1.2 Turbo petrol Qashqai solo use only, rubbish when loaded and average mpg 32. They tow with a 150bhp 08 Vectra SRi. The Qashqai will be replaced by a 1.5 Diesel Note shortly but it will not be used for towing. I agree will lots of the other comments that there is no substitute for cc`s


PersonGrampian91
20/12/2014 at 12:18am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by listerdiesel on 19/12/2014
When we took our 3.5 tonne 6-wheel trailer to France this year, our V8 Discovery had to work hard on some of the gradients, so Lord knows how a smaller engined car would cope.

The V8 is around 180bhp, the TD5 around 135bhp. Both are 2.2 tonnes unladen.

Peter



But the diesel may have more torque and low down where you need it. It will be geared lower also.

I had petrol and diesel versions of the Mondeo. Petrol one had more BHP. But the diesel has way more torque and tows much better.
Its a more relaxed tow, Less gearchanges.


PersonRogerGoff
20/12/2014 at 9:18am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View RogerGoff's Profile View Profile   Reply to RogerGoff Reply   Quote RogerGoff Quote  
Joined: 30/11/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   271
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Its the turbocharger or other means of forced induction that allows wider spread of torque not fuel type. As pointed out, forced induction is the future, whether engines are petrol or diesel or some other fuel will depend on future emission laws & so on.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2  3  4  5

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

7707 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder