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Subject Topic: BHP Towing advice Post Reply Post New Topic
30/3/2012 at 8:07pm
 Location: Midlothian
 Outfit: Vango Amazon 600 (2008)
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I really like the look of this Knaus caravan....

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/knaus-5-berth-1997/99227586

The seller has informed me that the MIRO is 1500Kg and the MPTML is 1600Kg.

My previous caravan was a Lunar Zenith 6 (MIRO = 1025 Kg, MTPLM                            = 1300 Kg).

I currently drive a 1998 VW Sharran which is a 90 BHP (although it's been chipped so may achieve a higher BHP). It's kerb weight is 1806kg.

According to Whattowcar.com my Sharan should pull the van no problem.

I am however a bit dubious that it will have enough power to pull a van of that weight as towing the Lunar Zenith wasn't exactly a breeze either.

So my question is what kind of engine size / BHP would comfortably tow this van?

We are planning to upgrade to a slightly newer Ford Galaxy 130BPH. Would that do the job?


30/3/2012 at 8:41pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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Firstly you would be towing at around 89% match with 1806 kerbweight and 1600 MIRO if you check on an online percentage calculator. However the BHP is only part of the requirement as you also need to find out what the engine torque is as well. Usually the more BHP the engine produces the more Lbs./ft the torque is which is what you need for standing starts and hill climbing.

It all depends which model Ford Galaxy you go for as the 1.8 diesel produces 125 BHP with 210 Lbs./ft engine torgue whereas the 2.0 diesel produces 140 BHP with 251 Lbs./ft. engine torque. So judging by the weight of caravan you want to tow then the 2.0 would be much more appropriate and although the kerbweight of 1799 kgs. would be the same the power would be greater for your towing needs.



Post last edited on 30/03/2012 20:57:45

Post last edited on 30/03/2012 20:59:53


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30/3/2012 at 8:42pm
 Location: Middle Earth
 Outfit: Former tin tent owner
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Its not really BHP but the torque figures you should look at, on the other hand a 130 Galaxy will pull a 1500kg van no problem (ours does), the torque figures for the 115 and 130 are similar, so there may not be much difference anyway. The Sharalaxy is a superb tow car as well (IMHO)

Jon

 



-------------
Are you sure you couldn't squeeze anything else in love ?


30/3/2012 at 9:32pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
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Quote: Originally posted by tazhearts on 30/3/2012

The seller has informed me that the MIRO is 1500Kg and the MPTML is 1600Kg.



Before you worry about the power of your tow vehicle I think you need to concentrate on that very merge 100kgs payload. A mover is out of the question IMO, but I could not live with a payload double that.

On power the normal guide is you need 40 BHP per Tonne unit weight, though with my Defenders I towed quite well at 28 though it was a bit slow up hills.



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