Tow car

mikethompson007 replied on 15/08/2018 07:28

Posted on 15/08/2018 07:28

Hello folks.

I hope someone can help. 

We've recently purchased an Abbey adventura 316 2006. 

It's our first caravan and werew total novices, so I apopapolo if this is a predictable question. 

Simply put, what can we tow it with? 

I've been using the caravan club match up page and pretty much every car, suv, 4 wheel drive is a poor match? 

Can any of you recommend a suitable vehicle to tow please? Our bidgeb is £6000. 

Many thanks in advance. 

EmilysDad replied on 15/08/2018 08:35

Posted on 15/08/2018 08:35

your caravan has a MTPLM (max weight) of 1342kg Abbey Adventure

Without trawling through every car on the road, I'd have expected most SUVs would have a 'kerb weight' (I know Lutz will correct me ....) of at least 1500/1600kg so not sure why any would appear as a poor match. 

lornalou1 replied on 15/08/2018 13:02

Posted on 15/08/2018 13:02

towcar.info gives your van at 1485kg. work out from this the cars minimum weight you need. look about getting near the recommended tow match of 85% or better.

taken from towcar.info 

The Ford Mondeo III - 2.0 TDCi [PowerShift] and the Abbey Aventura 316 with a laden weight of 1389 kg is a fairly good match. 81%

seems every time you put the van details in it gives a different weight. can get a 12/13 plate Mondeo estate for around £6000.

Milothedog replied on 15/08/2018 14:17

Posted on 15/08/2018 14:17

I would suggest you first make a list of what your preferences are?

Saloon, Estate, Hatchback, SUV, 4X4 and so on. Then Petrol or Diesel, Auto or Manual etc.

Once you know what suits you intended use then you can start looking at what can tow what. Also, as well as what the car can tow make sure you take the nose weight in to account. Some cars have a low nose weight but with many caravans it can be quite difficult to get the nose weight down to suit the lower rated cars.

Milothedog replied on 15/08/2018 14:43

Posted on 15/08/2018 14:43

Just another thought, I assume you know about having the correct entitlement on your driving licence  "B + E" it will more than likely be a factor when you do find a car to tow your abbey.

Lutz replied on 15/08/2018 14:59

Posted on 15/08/2018 08:35 by EmilysDad

your caravan has a MTPLM (max weight) of 1342kg Abbey Adventure

Without trawling through every car on the road, I'd have expected most SUVs would have a 'kerb weight' (I know Lutz will correct me ....) of at least 1500/1600kg so not sure why any would appear as a poor match. 

Posted on 15/08/2018 14:59

Why should I correct you? smile You haven't said anything wrong.

EmilysDad replied on 15/08/2018 17:54

Posted on 15/08/2018 14:59 by Lutz

Why should I correct you? smile You haven't said anything wrong.

Posted on 15/08/2018 17:54

There's not a 'tongue in cheek' smilie ....wink wink

cyberyacht replied on 15/08/2018 18:39

Posted on 15/08/2018 18:39

I had an 2007 Abbey MTPLM about 50Kg lighter than your model which I towed with a Kuga 2.0L TDCi. From memory the Mass in service was about 1580Kg. which would give you a ratio of 87% with your van.

TonyBurton replied on 21/08/2018 21:17

Posted on 21/08/2018 21:17

You haven't said what your present car is. The club matching service has very unreliable data. It's wiser to check the weight of your car on the V5 logbook document. If you've got to change car I'd recommend a used Mondeo for that price.

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