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Subject Topic: Advice pls re towing Abi Globestar Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonSarah888
12/10/2015 at 11:49am
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Hello, we have bought our first caravan (:-D) which is an old 1991 Abi Award Globestar. We have a Ford Escort Van 1.8 - are we OK to tow with it? Many thanks for any advice


PersonJuanHuNose
12/10/2015 at 11:55am
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Need to know the weights of the respective vehicles, but, wouldn`t it have made sense to ask the question before buying it?


PersonSarah888
12/10/2015 at 12:04pm
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Thank you for your reply. Yes, we did ask the dealer and he said it was OK. I am checking to ensure this is correct.

The caravan weight is 957kg : maximum allowable 1250kg

The van "minimum kerbweight" is 1185kg


PersonOpensauce
12/10/2015 at 12:16pm
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From google it appears your caravan has 1250kg all up weight. Even with 1.8turbo diesel, an Escort van is going to struggle to tow that, so probably not a good idea.

As pointed out, post up exact yr & model of Escort van, is it 55 or 75 & engine turbo or non turbo? but realistically Escort van is not much good for towing much more than small trailer.


PersonOpensauce
12/10/2015 at 12:20pm
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To see if it's actually legal then you need to find out gross train weight of van if no max tow weight is quoted. If it is legal then ok for a short local tow to move caravan if thats all you want to do but for long distance motorway towing then you need a heavier car. A diesel Mondeo is cheap enough & would be suitable.


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PersonSarah888
12/10/2015 at 12:27pm
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Thank you very much for your prompt replies. Much appreciated.   Our van is a 55 - the gross train weight is 2550. Is it legal? We are going to get another vehicle but was hoping to do a very short trip before that which is a bit of a distance away. We wouldn't be carrying much weight in contents.


PersonJuanHuNose
12/10/2015 at 12:50pm
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Unfortunately some dealers will still say anything to get a sale....

You will probably manage a short trip away if you load everything in the van, but performance (and probably stability) may well be marginal.

Take care and enjoy the experience!

As suggested, it would be sensible to get a heavier towcar if funds allow. My first towcar was a Ford Orion towing an Eccles Amethyst - which was a truly terrifying experience (enough power but a lethal combination stability wise) which could put anyone off towing for life.


PersonSarah888
12/10/2015 at 1:03pm
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Thanks a lot. You've both been very helpful :-)


Personredphil55
12/10/2015 at 3:37pm
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Hi Sarah
I have just done an 800 round trip towing my van which is 1050kgs empty with a 1.8 tdci focus no problems except 1 where i was in a 2 mile jam on a long hill in cornwall, and my clutch started to smell a bit, but no damage done.It is wiser to have a heavier vehicle but take your time and load it correctly and you should be ok


PersonSarah888
14/10/2015 at 3:18pm
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Many thanks redphil55



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