Dream Weaver

LOL

My dad said his best ever vehicle for towing was the Sherpa van we had when I was a kid - the height was the same as the caravan, so it turned the whole setup into one big brick

Once saw a van and car jackknife due to a overtaking juggernaut - was not good.

So how do you weigh the van's nose then? Time ti get the old bathroom scales out?

Ian, will get some vanning tips off you next time I see you

DMC12

My parents used to take us Spain when I was a kid. I remember a Dutch driver asking my Dad what gear he towed in. My Dad replied 5th of course, how about you. The guy said 3rd! It turned out he was towing with a 1300 Fiesta and that was best he could manage.

DMC12

A cut down broom handle and a pair of bathroom scales is as good a way as any for measuring the nose weight. 7% of the van weight is recommended.

logiclee

DW,

Have a look at this Beginners Guide to Caravanning from the Caravan club.

Ian,
They still recommend 85% for beginners and up to 100% for very experienced towers. The trailer I had a blow out on stayed stable but with 2.6Tonne the rim dug into the tarmac, slewed the trailer round, one of the sides detached and half the granite ended up across the carraigeway. I slowed the LandRover down to a stop from 40-50mph no problem. The Gross weight of the LandRover was 2.7Tonne, 2000kg Kerb + 700kg (Approx) tools and equipment making an outfit of 5.3Tonnes

DMC12,
As regards Nose weights most caravans recommend the ideal nose weight but you must not exceed the maximum nose weight alloweable for your car.

If the 1000kg MLW is correct for the Swift the a Golf or Focus would be OK as long as you pick the bigger engined or Diesel models. My choice would be the Focus as when you are not towing they are far better to drive.
A 2.0 Zetec 3 door has a Kerb weight of 1217kg and a Ford towing limit of 1200kg. A TDCi 3 Door has a Kerb Weight of 1280kg and a max towing limit of 1300kg. Nose weight limit on all Focus's is 75kg

Cheers
Lee


[Edited by logiclee - 19/06/2003 13:58:27]

ianc

Caravan Club Towcar of the year 2001 - Skoda Octavia 4x4 estate.

And have I ever towed with it? No, cos when I borrow my parents van it's easy to borrow their Frontera at the same time

(really should put a hitch on mine )

IC

logiclee

I have a towbar on our Skoda Felicia 1.9D GLi.

Don't panic it only tows a 4ft X 3ft box trailer for trips to the tip etc.

Lee

Nick_TypeUK

2000 HONDA ACCORD 2.0 Sport SE 5DR,
Silver, 58000 miles, Electric Door Mirrors, Remote Central Locking, Abs, Air Conditioning, Immobiliser, Electric Windows, Power Steering, Full Service History, Electric Sunroof, Twin Airbags, Alloy Wheels £6000.

Fun, bullet proof build quality, fully loaded and should tow your tin tent no problems :P

You would think thou the low down torque of a turbo diesel would be king for towing

[Edited by Nick_TypeUK - 20/06/2003 12:26:05]

Dream Weaver

Just bringing this back up, what does everyone think to a 306 GTi-6? Including for towing a caravan with a weight of 950kg IIRC?

Other half is quite happy with one of these, price is in the right area, insurance is very good.

Any opinions?

LeeMac

iTrader: (1)

Not 100% sure about the back seats but how about
A Nissan Figaro





My missus is thinking about getting one.
And they're covertables.

logiclee

Lee.

Wouldn't tow his van though.

Lee,

Dream Weaver

Like them, but as logic pointed out not the greatest car for towing

There is one for sale near me in a local garage - very cool cars.

Logic - the 306 GTi has a kerbweight of 1160, and max towing limit of 1000kg - therefore is it OK to tow the Swift van? ANy ideas?

LeeMac

iTrader: (1)

DOH. Read the stylish bit and for the missus, not the towing bit soz, what about my VR4?

Dream Weaver

OK, bringing this back to the top now as the hunt for said car starts this week.

Having researched it, I think we have finally decided on a Ford Focus. The Golf's cost too much, and the 306 GTi costs a lot more in insurance and fuel, and is not as reliable.

But.....there are so many bloody models of Focus, anyone got any ideas which one to go for?

Fancy the 2.0 Zetec, but which one?????

logiclee

There is no question which is the best "Normal" Focus and that's the TDCi.

Still rather expensive at the moment for a cheap second hand buy though.

Second choice would be the 2.0 Zetec. Make sure it has the climate pack (Aircon, heated screen and electric mirrors) and having one fitted with ESP is a bonus. Early 2.0 Zetecs had ESP as standard but later it was put on the options list.

Cheers
Lee