Towing a car

mickysf
mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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edited October 2020 in Motorhomes #1

In order to expand our experiences and horizons even further I am now pondering towing a small car behind my motorhome. Wouldn't need it for every tour, just those where it would be benificial. This would also be our only every day car, a proper downsizing is something we always wanted to do in our retirement. Like the ability to be able to detach the car when needed so OH can drive this in order to stay and then explore those hard/imposible places to reach locations for caravans.

Any advice about suitable cars, tow bars, frames etc would be appreciated. Oh, also, can small autos or 4x4s be towed?

Comments

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #2

    I tow a Toyota Aygo , using an A frame by Towtal , it cost about £1100 to have fitted 2 years ago , the frame folds down and goes in the boot when not needed , the other thing is to check your car insurance will cover the a frame , I had to change my insurer, so it’s worth a phone call first 

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #3

    This was recently discussed >here< I have seen small 4x4s being towed by american RVs. What you can tow all depends on your gross train weight but the lighter the towed vehicle the better it is for fuel economy and outfit performance.

    peedee

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited October 2020 #4

    you'll break a torque converter auto if you tow one more than a few miles. However automated manual can be towed ie Smarts though the manufacturers will still state that they can not be towed because they're automatic ... covering their backside.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #5

    My Suzuki manual explains how to tow my semi auto Celerio with a motorhome ED, so not all manufacturers use donkey blankets.

    peedee

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited October 2020 #6

    I'll stand facing the corner head bowed in disgrace then ..... 🙄

    I know that Mercedes certainly say their Smarts can not be towed due to being automatic ... I asked them. 😉

  • dave the rave
    dave the rave Forum Participant Posts: 806
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    edited October 2020 #7

    Most continental countries have outlawed this.Much safer on a trailer!I have seen front chassis members and mechanical damage on vehicles that have been subjected to stresses for which they are not designed.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #8

    For me a trailer has never been an option. I guess there is always a risk of using an A-Frame but I have never had a problem with the three cars I have towed over twenty years of doing so. First one was a  Fiesta which I towed for about 10 years. I changed this for a Nissan Micra C+C, which I towed for 5 years. Both had manual transmission and I towed them using a Car-a-Tow Frame. 4 years ago I sold the Nissan in favour of a Suzuki Celerio with semi auto transmission. It was a lighter car with more space and no road tax. At the same time as I bought the Suzuki I changed the A-Frame to the much lighter and compact Towbars-2-Tow electronic version.

    peedee

  • rayjsj
    rayjsj Forum Participant Posts: 930
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    edited October 2020 #9

    Agree peedee, I towed a Yaris behind my Autotrail for 4years without a problem, on a Car a Tow A frame.