Skoda Superb

spend your money and leave them the car and van.  I would ask the dealer to show you the V5C doc and find the exact kerbweight/mass in running weight and work from that. just multiply that by .85 and there's the recommended 85% match you need but seeing you have towed before you can go to 100% but still risky. No car has a minimum or maximum kerbweight but they do have a maximum axle load weight which you should not go over.

No. Mass in Service is not used to determine 85% guidelines. It is Kerbweight. If you are at all uncertain phone the clubs technical line in the morning and speak to an expert. Take their advice, you’re paying for it. 

Ken

If you really want the var why not tell the dealer that before you buy you want to weigh it? 

most manufacturers don't put a kerbweight on the v5c anymore but do put a mass in running weight. This was taken from google.----

Mass in Service includes 75kg for the driver which kerbweight does not do. Kerbweight is no longer a term that has any relevance in the vehicle industry, but it is still referred to by the general public and caravan clubs, etc.

The thought that 150bhp isn’t enough to tow a 1450kg up a hill is frankly ridiculous.    I am sure it is more than enough.  For the record I have 190 Superb Estate, which I don’t tow with but as a solo car it is great.   But in truth the 190hp engine in 2 wheel drive guise is too powerful. It is easy enough to unstick the front wheels even in dry conditions.  If you are happy with the weight ratio and if it’s what you want then go for it.  I’m sure there will be better towcars out their but you are looking for an overall package.  

Have a look in the manual for the Superb weights.

http://manual.skoda-auto.com/004/en-com/Model/Superb_3V

Skoda Superb

My manual is very clear about the weight in the technical section of my handbook, no mention of kerbweight only 'unloaded weight ready for work' 1,495kg which is the same as the V5C mass in service, Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4. Tows very well and stable at 88% ratio or 92% which the clubs matching service says.

Is it even possible to have too much power? Big is best .... bigger is better still 😀 It is possible though to have the drive going to the wrong wheels ... 😉

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI SE L is  a decent tow car Poshman, as long as you are not going to tour with your outfit extensively in the North of England or in Scotland.  You could find yourself struggling on the hilly parts of the journey.  It should be fine for your area.  Best of luck with your choice.

K 

Thanks to Boff and to Kennine for your reassurances about the Superb. As I will be using the car solo for 90 per cent of the time and the Lunar will only be behind it for the other 10 percent, I am mindful of not letting the tail wag the dog. Could always get a lighter van if need be!

Would hope to go further than within my county (where we do have hills!) but, like most, have always tried to avoid steep gradients. Should be OK going to Brittany and Cornwall and Hawes etc!

Think I am going for this Skoda deal which comes with a host of extra gizmos including reversing camera.

Thanks everyone for your views/comments. Now I will have to search for a decent towbar fitting company in West Norfolk.Any recommendations?

After posting, I did a couple of quick back of an envelope calculation and for 8 years until July this year we towed with a combination that was down at arround 40hp per tonne and we managed without problem.

Specfically wrt Skoda there is a good forum call briskoda might be worth checking out   If you can get a car with the folding towball they are good and I don’t think add anything to the resale value   A personal opinion I wouldn’t consider towing with a manual box ( I have and I can) but life is too short.  The other “gadget” that I love is Adaptive cruise control ACC.  It’s just magic!