Apologies if this has been asked before but !!!
we are looking to buy our first caravan later this year, we want a 6 berth single axle.
My car is a passat 2.5tdi V6 its 2002 model so it is the 150bhp. I have had it remapped for extra torque and some extra bhp, it had a new clutch and fly wheel fitted 5 months ago too when i had some work done on the gear box.
Has anybody got any experience of towing with one of these and what size van should i be looking at.
I cant really find the exact spec for my car all the info i can find seems to be for the 163bhp model.
also i have never towed a caravan before,i have towed a small camping trailer thats all, I have been driving for over 30 years .
The towing weights should be in the vehicle handbook or they may be printed on the V5. The weightplate on the car will show the max weight of the car and the gross train weight.
You didn't give exact details of your car but a quick look on the internet gives a 2002 Passat saloon with the V6 150 bhp a kerbweight of 1510 kg so as a beginner you should be aiming at a caravan with a max weight (MTPLM) of 85% of this which is 1283 kg. 85% is a guide to work to so a caravan of 1300 kg would be fine and there are several Adria models that are around that weight.
It won't be the power that is a problem - as Rob has said it will be the kerb weight of the car and what that means for the caravan weight.
I'd guess the Passat will be around 200kg lighter than an A6.
Quote: Originally posted by jaiash on 17/3/2016
It won't be the power that is a problem - as Rob has said it will be the kerb weight of the car and what that means for the caravan weight.
I'd guess the Passat will be around 200kg lighter than an A6.
Yes, unfortunately there are already too many outfits on the road with towcars which can tow them fine, but the weight ratio is way out!
Bear in mind that the 85% rule is simply a recommendation.