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Subject Topic: tow car capable ? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personrichardandjo2010
16/10/2016 at 4:55pm
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we have a Alfa Romeo 1.6 jtdm giulietta kerb weight 1310 kg, we tow a folding camper with no problems at all, but we are thinking of buying a caravan its a 2007 Avondale Dart 525/4 this a a max weight of 1240kg so although we are within the limits I don't want to ruin or damage the car at all it has 320 nm torque at 2000 rpm and I don't exactly know what this means is it good or bad? I am hoping that Opensource or other knowledgeable members read this and other their feedback,as from other posts I have read he seems to have a good understanding of engines etc
regards
Richard

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its our imperfections that makes us perfect


Personmarg6
16/10/2016 at 5:16pm
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although legal I wouldn't, its too close to the limits


Persontango55
16/10/2016 at 5:28pm
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Looking at the specs for the Volvo V50, 320 nm torque is equivalent to the Volvo 2.0 litre diesel which is quite good but it's the weight match you have to consider because if you are a newbie to caravanning then it's advisable to aim for around 85% of the vehicle's kerbweight.


Personmarg6
16/10/2016 at 5:36pm
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but we aren't talking about a Volvo tango! we are talking about an alfa!


Personmarg6
16/10/2016 at 5:38pm
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there is a big difference when towing a caravan compared to when you tow your folding camper, its called wind resistance too, and even tho the weights might be the same your car will struggle with a caravan on the same road your folding camper flew along!


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Personrichardandjo2010
16/10/2016 at 5:45pm
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I am not new to towing have been doing this for many years but ive not towed a caravan for the last 3 or 4 years only trailers, previously when we had caravans we also had large cars and weight ratio was never a problem. We don't want to change the car and I doubt I will max the van to its 1240kg capacity its miro is only 1027kg. but thanks for your comments

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Persontango55
16/10/2016 at 6:45pm
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Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 16/10/2016
but we aren't talking about a Volvo tango! we are talking about an alfa!


The OP hasn't got a clue about engine torque so I just posted an equivalent that's all. It doesn't matter whether it's a Volvo, an Alfo Romeo or any other car for that matter, the engine torque delivery to the drive wheels is identical.


Personmarg6
16/10/2016 at 7:04pm
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the weight oif the cars tho is totally different! as we all know Volvos are a heavy car! putting a 1.6 engine in a Volvo and expecting the same out of it compared to an alfa is rediculous


PersonOctavia4x4
16/10/2016 at 7:59pm
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My Skoda 2.0TDi (138bhp) has 320nm at 1,750 - 2,500rpm so at 1,800rpm in 6th gear a steady 60mph towing 1,230kg last caravan this one 1,318kg. Your torque comes in a lump at 2,000rpm, you will just use your gears more. Your towing ratio is 95%, mine is 88%.

In simple terms, torque is the pulling power. Very simple example: Two engines may have the same torque to pull up a 1 in 4 slope, but if one has more BHP, it will pull the car up the slope faster


Post last edited on 16/10/2016 20:39:15

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


Personmarg6
16/10/2016 at 8:08pm
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and his car has 105 hp on a car that weighs 1310kgs with an intention of pulling a caravan that weighs 1240kgs, just how is that even comparable?


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PersonOpensauce
16/10/2016 at 8:21pm
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It's not going to damage the car any more than towing will damage any other car. Provided car max tow is in excess of caravan on road weight then you are legal. Personally I wouldn't be towing much more than a tonne with a 1.6 diesel for reasonable performance. Driving wise if you are up near the limit then just drive in convoy with the trucks at 56mph on motorway.

Thats my opinion from experienced HGV1 driver standpoint but caravanners who have never driven large vehicles commercially may take a different view. Truck drivers drive according to the load at all times. Thats how it's done.


Personrichardandjo2010
17/10/2016 at 9:14pm
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Thankyou for the advice points taken but still un decided

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its our imperfections that makes us perfect


Personcheckley1973
17/10/2016 at 10:06pm
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We've towed at 100% for many years. It's quite safe if you drive accordingly as opensauce says. We are happy to trundle along with the trucks and keep our distance from the vehicle in front.


PersonGrampian91
17/10/2016 at 11:50pm
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Its all about the weight not the engine output.

Trundling along with the trucks wont help with a gust of wind takes the caravan and the car doesnt have enough weight to pull it back inline.
Or when someone cuts in front of you and the caravan gets the edge and pushes the rear of the out of line.

When you have to start playing with the weights you know its the wrong choice.



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