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Topic: vw passat saloon - good for towing?

labrydog

24/4/2015 at 10:30pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: sterling eccles moonstone

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Hi all,
we are totally new to caravanning and looking advice about a towcar?

Would the vw passat saloon 2.0l 140bhp be able to cope with towing a sterling eccles moonstone - unladen 1330 max 1530. I've checked online and think this is the correct detailing for the car:

Max. Towing Weight - Braked1800
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked750
Minimum Kerbweight1532

Hubby will be driving as he's got the correct licence ... but I'm a bit confused with the 85% rule for newbies.

If anyone could help I'd be very grateful, thank you!

tango55

25/4/2015 at 12:37am
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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Don't take any notice of the maximum towing weight as that's only a figure that the vehicle manufacture applies regarding what weight the vehicle is capable of towing which is related to design and size of mountings etc. but no means related to the 85% guideline or a safe towing margin.
You need to find out the kerbweight of the VW Passat first and then calculate the percentage between that figure and the caravan's MTPLM which is 1530 kgs. which will then provide the outfit percentage match.

millermicm

25/4/2015 at 6:49am
Location: west country
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2.0 tdi I guess. Yes it would tow it but you are probably going to exceed the recommended 85%. For experienced towers only really.

In my experience the Passat tdi makes an excellent tow car when properly matched but I think your loaded caravan may be at the top end of a good match.

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Steve

neil and lena

25/4/2015 at 11:08am
Location: Dumfries
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If your eccles has a MPTLM 0f 1530kg (1.5tons) The Passat will be very close to 100% towing match .
for an ideal match you should be looking for a towcar with a kerbweight of around 1800kg giving you a 15% weight advantage over your fully loaded caravan

alpiner

25/4/2015 at 12:45pm
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If you decide to go ahead with this car go for the 170.
worth every penny of any extra costs.
if its a used car costs could be the same
If you are ordering new dont forget to order the factory prep towbat at the same time, and not after your order has gone in

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alpiner

labrydog

26/4/2015 at 7:20pm
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Outfit: sterling eccles moonstone

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Thanks a million for your replies, that's helped a lot. I think it'll have to be a heavier vehicle, so am considering a Volvo xc60 d5 which should have plenty of kerb weight being between 1800kg to 2000kg depending on year etc. if anyone has any other insights into this car please feel free to comment. Thanks again,
Labrydog

Skoda Bob

27/4/2015 at 1:33am
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Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4

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The estate version is heavier, also available as a 4x4 if you can find one
Also consider the skoda superb 4x4 2,ltr cr 170 even heavier.

Most manufacturers today quote the max towing capacity,instead of the old school kerb weight, and they have been tested at that, so VW state 1800 kg as the max this give you any amount of leeway under that top figure, but also you will never load your van, or should never load, to the max either, thereby reducing the weight even further.

Post last edited on 27/04/2015 01:41:19

Post last edited on 27/04/2015 01:43:57

Post last edited on 27/04/2015 01:45:39

Hairywol

30/4/2015 at 11:02pm
Location: Teesside
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Trouble with Passat - in common with many other cars - is that the new models are over 100Kg lighter than the previous ones. Good for economy but bad for towing.

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Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.

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