New tow car needed
Hello, we currently have a Hyundai ix35 4wd 2.0ltr diesel and a 2006 Bailey pageant Provence caravan it it tows well. We are wanting to replace the tow car but what with? We have looked on autotrader etc and there are very few cars which are similar. When visiting dealers they try and sell us say a 1.6 litre petrol or diesel SUV but I feel like it might now be either powerful or able to tow the caravan.
My question is what should we do and are any of you guys use a lower size engine car to pull a similar caravan. Thank you.
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It’s not all about engine size. It might help if you tell us the laden weight (MTPLM) of your caravan along with the unladen weight (more or less kerb weight) of cars you’re thinking about. Nose weight also needs to be taken into consideration as well as max towing weight and GTW of the car.
Btw, car salesmen generally know very little about towing caravans so it pays to do your own research. Take a look through threads in the tow car section for a few ideas👍🏻
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First off please note that this thread will be moved by a moderator to the TowCar section.
Secondly we have towed with a Kia Sportage 1.6 GT Line, diesel 2019 in the last year towing a Coachman VIP 460, MPTLM up to 1500kgs and were very, very happy with the performance. The new diesels can cope a lot better than most older models.
Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to dispose of both caravan and towcar but I was saddened to see both go.
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The Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage is the nearest equivalent to the iX35 that the Korean producer currently makes👍🏻
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StarGazzy, do not worry about smaller engines. My Audi A3 1.5L petrol has 150bhp and 250N/m torque. It easily has enough power to pull my 1350kg Eriba Feeling, typically returning 32/33 mpg over about 4,00 miles and I have never felt it was lacking when it has come to a steep hill.
I have found my outfit very stable despite not having the heaviest of tow vehicles. When the time comes to replace I will consider a Skoda Karoq 1.5L petrol. or if funds permit a Volvo XC40 2.0L petrol.
Colin
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Hi Stargazzy, are you looking for new or used? New probably petrol,hybrid 1.5-2.5ltr or electric, used the worlds your lobster, petrol,diesel hybrids or electric. Of course budget will influence choice but I would think there's plenty of 2ltr towcars out there capable of towing your van.
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If you need a new tow car, look for a vehicle with a robust towing capacity, reliable performance, and advanced stability features to handle the demands of towing safely. Opt for models known for their durability and performance under load, such as SUVs or trucks designed for towing. Additionally, consider the vehicle's engine power, braking system, and towing-specific features like a built-in hitch or trailer sway control. Research different options, check reviews, and consult with experts to find a model that best suits your towing needs and budget.
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Hello and sorry for the late reply. The caravan is in storage so I can only search the info online. The caravan has a MTPLM of 1420kg and MIRO of 1206kg. So when looking at the spec of the car what exactly am I looking for. Thank you again.
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Have a look on https://www.whatcar.com/ and read reviews on new or second hand on the models that float your boat/meet your budget. If you home in on a specific model you ideally want to look for something with a 1500kg towing capacity for a nice buffer.
Next I'd try https://towcar.info/ for a sensible assessment of your chosen combination.
Colin
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Did they find it's Kerb weight by weighing it?
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Who edited my cheesy joke away?
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