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Topic: Tow Car Choices

Trance-Elbow

10/8/2016 at 2:17pm
Location: Sussex
Outfit: Bailey Ranger 460 2 (2006)

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Currently I have a 1.6 Auto Ford Focus and a Conway Countryman folding camper. I'm looking at moving up to a 2 berth caravan. Something about 6m long with an end bathroom. From what I've seen they come in at anywhere between 1200 to 1500 kgs.

My question is mainly about towing car choices. I have looked at many SUV type cars and test drove a SsangYong Korando last year, which I liked a lot. But the car will get most use around town while not towing and thought it may make more sense to go for something like a 2.0 Skoda Octavia instead. The MPG figures for the diesel Octavia look very good.

Any advice and thoughts would me most welcome.

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T-E
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Tea cures everything except drowning.

tango55

10/8/2016 at 6:00pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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The weights of caravan can vary regarding the specific model too. As an example, a Coachman 'Amara' which is the bottom of the range will have fewer extra's so will be lighter in comparison to the 'Pastiche' or top of the range 'VIP' model. Both the 'Pastiche' and 'VIP' models have a microwave and 12 volt electric flush toilet whereas the 'Amara' has no microwave and just a manual flush which is something to consider if you decide to go rallying often without electric hook up as you then have the water pump plus the toilet consuming 12 volt power so the battery needs to be replenished more often. I thought I would mention this due to the fact that you are new to caravanning and something to bear when choosing a caravan.
Regarding the choice of towcar (to also use as a daily runaround) with a caravan weight of 1300 kgs. there were two on my list and they were the Skoda Octavia 2.0 ltr. diesel estate and the Volvo V50 (the V40 is the saloon version) but came across the 2.4 tdi. by accident as I seen it on the car forecourt. The Volvo 2.4 diesel had a heavier body weight than the 2.0 ltr. diesel and the Skoda plus Volvo are quite reliable and have a good reputation as a towing vehicle. The match between my car and caravan is 84% which is ideal for those who are novices to towing a caravan.
Hope this information helps just as a basic guide.

Octavia4x4

10/8/2016 at 6:18pm
Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482

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Try if you can to get the Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4 2.0TDi, my 2012 model has a mass in service of 1,495kg, good torque, plenty of load space in the back and 34-37mpg towing depending on road with good traction on those muddy fields (over 60mpg solo). My van is a 2 berth rear bathroom with a big shower Compass Omega 482, mtplm 1,318kg giving a tow ratio of 88% which is a very stable tow with 75kg noseweight.
From 2014 Octavia's are lighter.

Post last edited on 10/08/2016 18:26:52

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Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)

Trance-Elbow

24/8/2016 at 8:09pm
Location: Sussex
Outfit: Bailey Ranger 460 2 (2006)

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Thanks for the advice.

I have been looking at possible cars recently. Although I liked the Volvo, I would prefer a hatchback as the boot access is too small for bulky items. The Octavia however has a cavernous boot with really good access. I test drove a 1.6 TDI with DSG box and I was very very impressed. I'm going to see if I can find a 2.0 TDI with DSG box to test this weekend, but generally I really like the Octavia and it appears to be very well screwed together. I don't need the extra bulk of the estate, but the extra torque of the 2.0 diesel will come in very handy towing.

Octavia 4X4 - your MPG figures are very impressive compared to my 1.6 petrol Focus Auto. If I drive like on old dear I can get 39mpg on a long run, 30mpg once you add the trailer (750kg). Round town it's usually between 17 to 25mpg. I really should have bought a diesel!!

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T-E
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Tea cures everything except drowning.

Skoda Bob

25/8/2016 at 7:53pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4

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Getting between 49 to 67 solo taxi work, and 35 to 36 towing with my skoda superb 2ltr tdi £30 PA RFL as well 2015 plate

Mike3003

30/8/2016 at 2:56pm
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I do not have one, but the Skoda Superb 2.0 is a fantastic towcar.

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Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”

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