Tow car

Michelle000123 replied on 12/11/2022 19:30

Posted on 12/11/2022 19:30

I have a Sprite MajorSB 4 currently towing with Tiguan 2 litre diesel, all wheel drive. Please can you advise regarding a new tow car?  Manual v automatic. Diesel v petrol. Thank you so much in advance 

Michelle000123 replied on 12/11/2022 20:27

Posted on 12/11/2022 20:27

First time posting so hope I have done it right!

Moderator Edit:

Hi Michelle.  I've moved your post into the Towcars and Towing Section which is more appropriate.

TimboC replied on 12/11/2022 20:44

Posted on 12/11/2022 20:44

Hi Michelle, yes you have.

You'll get a hundred different answers to this question, as everyone has their own preferences.

As a rule, its recommended that the gross weight of the caravan, thats fully loaded with everything in it up to its maximum permissible, should be no more than 85% of the the kerbweight of the car.

This is called Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), and your caravan is 1442Kg. Thats the maximum weight that the caravan can be when loaded.  Not to be mixed up with Mass in Running Order (MRO) which is lower, and is basically the weight of the caravan when it left the factory

Sorry if you already know this, but you don't say if you are an experienced caravanner, or new .

So, this means you need a car thats got a kerbweight of a minimum of 1696Kg.

My preference is for something heavier, as I think it gives the driver more control

My preference is also for automatic, diesel and 4 x 4, and I have just ordered a Skoda Kodiaq with 200BHP having used a Ford Kuga 4 x 4 180BHP quite happily for the past 6 years

replied on 12/11/2022 20:44

Posted on 12/11/2022 20:44

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Tinwheeler replied on 12/11/2022 20:52

Posted on 12/11/2022 20:27 by Michelle000123

First time posting so hope I have done it right!

Posted on 12/11/2022 20:52

You may find a mod moves your thread into the tow car section but no worries.

Auto (torque convertor, preferably), rear wheel drive or 4wheel drive, and diesel within the weight limitations as given by Timbo. The world's your lobster.

Cornersteady replied on 12/11/2022 20:59

Posted on 12/11/2022 20:59

As TimboC says you'll get many different answers but I would have a look at a Kia Sorrento or even a Sportage or their Hyundai equivalents. I tow with a Sorrento (we had a smaller Hyundai and currently two daughters have them and they are all brilliant) and it's been the best tow car we've had, it's not permanent 4WD but on demand either by the driver or when the car thinks it needs it, but really I wouldn't tow when I would need 4WD  although it is very good solo when it snows (which now is not too often). It has a huge boot with the rear two seats folding flat and even more space if you fold the middle seats down as well and they all fold flat and in line flat. If I was buying now I would get another diesel one or maybe/perhaps a petrol hybrid. 

Like in other threads it may come down to what you can get if you're not prepared for long lead times.

 

TimboC replied on 12/11/2022 21:04

Posted on 12/11/2022 21:04

I should also add that 95% of time, you're NOT towing, so it needs to be something that you want to use solo, and which fits in with everyday life.

Cornersteady replied on 12/11/2022 21:11

Posted on 12/11/2022 21:04 by TimboC

I should also add that 95% of time, you're NOT towing, so it needs to be something that you want to use solo, and which fits in with everyday life.

Posted on 12/11/2022 21:11

Good point, although the Sorrento is a good tow car and that's why we bought it it isn't the most practical of cars for say parking at Sainsburys or heavy city traffic (in terms of mpg), I mean it is certainly possible but easier with a smaller car for such things.

replied on 12/11/2022 21:34

Posted on 12/11/2022 21:34

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Tinwheeler replied on 12/11/2022 21:44

Posted on 12/11/2022 21:44

It’s not just off road ability that 4wd gives you but increased ability to cope in slippery conditions such as snow/ice and muddy pitches at Bladon ChainsπŸ˜€

EmilysDad replied on 12/11/2022 21:47

Posted on 12/11/2022 21:47

what does ''manual'' mean? πŸ™„πŸ™„πŸ˜‰

2 pedals every time ..... why would you want any more? πŸ˜‰

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