Looks like I need a new tow car

Have you considered having the Volvo repaired?

According to web figures a standard Focus is about 95%. A Ghia will weigh a bit more, so possibly 90%. Should be OK for an experienced user, particularly if you plonk some heavy kit, awning etc in the car.

Try searching on a Volvo specific forum. It may be a known issue and fix. If fixable at sensible money try an independant Volvo specialist. Otherwise use the Focus and bide your time. You might find the Focus is perfectly ok, probably more economical and unless you miss the auto keep it. Have you had the Volvo autobox serviced before this issue cropped up? 

Is it of the type that allows you to drive the car as a semi auto by shifting the selector to a different position, i.e. select the gears manually ? If so, and you car get all gears driving like this, then in all likelihood its worth looking in to getting it repaired as its possibly a valve block or electrical solenoid issue. Either way, before you give up on the car, and if the people who did the fluids are not, get an independent auto transmission specialist to give you a diagnosis / opinion.   

I had  1.8tdci Focus. It was a good tow car. You need to check the kerbside weight yourself or look at the unladen mass in the V5 log book document. The on-line sites can be very misleading.

Ok thanks everyone. I contacted 2 auto transmission specialists and one just quoted to me £2000 to fix it. The other said come in for a test £40-60, but the problem is getting there. My garage knows the person well and said a range rover cost £3K to resolve. The issue is that my car due to age,. As soon as it hits 20mph it tries to go to 3rd gear and starts revving and so you lose power and speed. What makes it worse is I'm on a hill so I'd be surprised if I can get the car and van to a speed where it will jump from L -> L4 (jumping gear 2 - gear 4).

The garage is going to get a price to fix a tow-bar to the Ford. I would then like to take the van out for a weekend in Sept/Oct locally to see how it handles. If ok then good, but if not at least that gives me the winter to sort out a better towing car.

Thanks

Hi Tony,

Just checking the Bailey Ranger is max weight is 1300kg. On the V5 (G - Mass in service) is 1426Kg.

So 2726 Kg together well below legal limit, but as mentioned can put a few heavy things in boot to help weight.

Regards

Phil.

if you do need a new car I strongly advise you find something that's a GOOD match. Having changed from a 4x4 about 2 years ago I got so fed up with watching every kg on every trip I've gone back to a 4x4 again!

Thanks for your thoughts. I am looking around.

Have a look at TD Mondeos - bit more weight than the Focus and ours used to pull our Bailey Pageant (S7) 1450 max kg easily. There are loads around so should be able to find one at a decent price.