Kental replied on 27/09/2012 12:46
Posted on 27/09/2012 12:46
For the 2nd year running the Caravan Club towcar of the year is the VW Jetta.
As a question, using the 1225kg recommended max tow weight quoted on the test, what percentage of new caravans can this car tow?
Using Bailey's figures (sponsors of the event / suplement) as an example the only suitable van is a Orion 400-2!!!!! The lightest 4 birth van is MRO 1100kg so even restricting the payload you will only be left with a 125kg payload.
Granted there should be more lightweight vans, our first van was a brand new four birth Ranger 470/4 in 2006 with an MTPLM of 1179kg.
In my mind it is now either time for the club to increase the 85% recommended ratio or stop recommending lightweight cars as tow cars of the year. Granted the Jetta could be a worthy class winner, but overall winner it is too restricted in its abilities.
Before you say "older vans are lighter" which to an extrnt is true, you are looking at brand new cars, so matching to brand new caaravans makes sense.
Kental
Trailertenter