New Tow Car Advice

Ascat18

Hi

I would like to buy a new tow car and test drove the Ssangyong Korando last weekend. I'm finding it difficult to decide if the car is suitable due to not being able to test drive the towing aspect. We currently drive a Honda CRV.

We have a Bailey Pursuit caravan with a MTPLM 1374kg so would need a car with a kerb weight of around 1616kg. Our budget is around 25k.

Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

 

 

Vulcan

Looking at The Spec for the new Korando your van will be well within it's capabilities assuming the 80kg nose weight limit is adequate.

Ascat18

Thank you for your reply.

As the Bailey doesn't have a large front locker, would 80kg of nose weight be sufficient? We are pretty cautious as to what we put inside the caravan.

The Korando comes in a 2 wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive. We have only towed with a 4x4 so not sure if its best to stick to what we know. Any thoughts?

twocals

H Ascat18

We have had both,  2 litre 2wd towed Elldis 540 really loved it, after 50,000 miles decided to go for 2.2  awd No regrets at all ,same caravan again, really pleased. Now you get 7 yrs warranty, go for it you will be surprised. Badge police will be on soon.

 

EasyT

As the Bailey doesn't have a large front locker, would 80kg of nose weight be sufficient? We are pretty cautious as to what we put inside the caravan.

For that mptlm 80kg will be fine. 

Tinwheeler

"Badge police will be on soon."

Cheeky!😛

Ascat18

Thanks again for the replies. It's really useful to hear from someone who has towed with the Korando. 

Am I right in thinking that the 4WD is useful in particularly wet / muddy conditions? Other than that we wouldn't notice a huge difference? 

 

 

EasyT

I have visited sites with present towcae on over 300 occasions and only engaged 4x4 lock once and if I had not then warden would have sited. I suppose if visiting a lot of CLs might be more useful. Also used automatic 4 wheel drive option on snow and ice and on poor roads. 

Wildwood

Like Easy T I have never had a problem with a 2wd car, although I did use the motor mover once to get the caravan off a wet pitch without damaging the grass. Unless you rally when you could be stuck in a wet field, I doubt the extra costs can be justified.

lornalou1

Don't forget the extra stability from 4x4's.

viatorem

Depends where you plan to camp regards 4wd I use CLs and THS and find 4wd very useful never been stuck yet . When I used 2wd cars for the same type of sites I frequently needed help.

 

MHG

Yes I can certainly see a 4x4 or AWD being a benefit.. but by no means its the be all and end all. Agree that It does largely also depend on where and when you are planning on getting away/towing?

... we have a Pursuit also and have towed all over for the last 4 years with no issues whatsoever. No getting stuck, no problems on ascents, descents or wet pitches. The latter 2 years have been with a Petrol too !!

Another consideration is whether your 'tow car' is also your main / family car. This was a big factor in our tow car choice, as i spend 350 days a year not towing.

Ascat18

Again - thanks for the replies; they are really useful. 

We only take the caravan out a handful of times per year hence the reason for not spending higher on a tow car. Our tow car is our main car though.

I think we are going to bite the bullet and order a Kornado. 

 

 

flatcoat

Bear in mind a new Korando is due late this year. Towing reviews seem mixed to me and not sure it is a car i would buy coming out of a Honda. I agree they are an enticing package but would look at similar priced used offerings from Kia, Hyundai or Mazda. 

Wildwood

If the old model is due to be replaced it might be the perfect time to get a good deal.