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Topic: Looking for a new tug

JenfC

06/11/2015 at 2:44pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Elddis Avante

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Hi All

I'm finally going to have to let my Ford Galaxy go to MPV heaven and I need a new tug for my tin hut.
While I've currently got a small van (1200kg) I want the option to look at bigger vans in the future, maybe up to 1500kg.

The temptation is to get another Galaxy, but I'd like to look around first.

Has anyone any experience of:
Mitsubishi Outlanders
Subaru Outbacks
Volkswagen Passat (normal and 4WD)

Thanks in advance.
Jen

Grampian91

06/11/2015 at 10:37pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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I have a Mondeo estate diesel, max tow is 1800kg, but the kerbweight is under 1600kg so a 1500kg max would be OK.

Cheaper to buy than a Passat.

MadFrank

10/11/2015 at 1:10pm
Location: Stratford Warwickshire
Outfit: Eccles 640 - BMW 520D Tourer

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If you're looking at 4WD estates then I would seriously consider looking at the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer 4x4 with the 190PS engine. There's not many around - I think they only made around 900 before it got discontinued.

I bought one a month or so ago and just did my first long run with the van from Stratford to York - and it was truely effortless travel - desite horrendous rain....

Baileyjake

10/11/2015 at 1:36pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Coachman Amara 570 6 + Shogun SG4

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i have a mitsubishi outlander GX4 2.2 DID 4wd 175bhp. its a 2011 model.

the fuel economy (solo) is nothing like Mitsubishi claim.

solo its a quick car and handles very well due to the AWD system.

if you need 7 seats forget it because the 3rd row are like deck chairs. it has a nice big boot with the 3rd row folded down and can carry a lot of stuff when we are caravanning, for example our full awning, its poles, the carpets, my sons bikes and scooters, beers and groceries all in the boot. all adds to the ballast to make towing more sure footed.

i found when towing the car has plenty of power, towing my 1290kg MLPM bailey and seems to stop ok. its easy to exceed 60mph even on inclines (not that i have tried)

however i fitted MAD spring assistors since with all the above in the boot and a modest nose weight the rear end sagged beyond that which looked healthy. with the spring assistors and 60kg on the caravan nose the ride was bouncy and unnearving. with 80kg on the nose it towed very nicely indeed.

i am now looking for a twin axle caravan but the outlander only weighs 1750kg empty so with vans like the abbey vogue 600 i would be close to the 100% mark.

i bought the mitubishi because i believed it would be more economical than the nissan pathfinder and volvo xc90 i had originally considered. i am stuck with the mitsy now

jim oldham

10/11/2015 at 2:44pm
Location: Wigan
Outfit: VWSharan. Sport 442.

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As the owner of a Sharan, I'm not sure many other vehicles are as versatile as this MPV.

It is very good for transporting people, as a load carrier and tugger. Ours does 28ish towing and 40+ on runs. Not bad for such a large vehicle, and not a slouch on the motor way.

Grandad Kenny

10/11/2015 at 4:51pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: Fiat Ducato 3.0 Autotrail Mohican

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Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi T spec, tows like a train and getting 29 mpg over the last 800 miles towing. Lots of room for lots of stuff when towing

664DaveS

10/11/2015 at 5:23pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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Sorento 2010 on are good tugs and many have the 7 seat option. Ours does around 38-40 mpg solo, and 24-27 towing.
Reliable cars with plenty of toys and plenty of grunt!

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!

petra8315

10/11/2015 at 9:27pm
Location: Ilkeston near derby
Outfit: eldiss avante

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go for for passat estate, 130bhp, good allrounder, and very good on diesel despite the recent controvercy

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you are only as old as the woman you feel.

bessie500

10/11/2015 at 9:41pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Volvo X60 Coachman

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I looked at the Passat some years ago and the kerbweight was to know for a 1500 kg caravan, 4x4 would be OK though.
Went for a mondeo instead that has a kerbweight of 1705 kgs

Bessie

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