We spent two days at the NEC looking to buy out first motorhome with a fixed bed and drop down bed , with an engine and Payload/ /train weight capable of pulling a small car of 1000 kgs on an A frame.
Having looked at so many models, we still can’t decide as I am concerned that many seem to run on the new 140 engines and some offering upgrades to 160bhp
Because i want the Motorhome to not be underpowered or over revving when towing , I started looking at offerings with 180 engines which ended up mostly being 8.00 plus on length which is unnecessary for just the two of us and would have preferred something around 7.5 metres.
Does anyone know what the latest 160 engines are like for towing a small car?
Whatever the model, we were looking to have the Auto upgrade which most seem to run on 9 speed automatic gearboxes?
At the moment we have only shortlisted the A Class Autotrail GF80 which is 8.07m long, mainly because of the engine and train weight, but I regularly see coachbuilts on site and on the motorway pulling small cars on A frames, so the expense of going to a 100k+ motorhome may not be needed?
Can anyone offer any advice, on motorhomes that I should also look at before making a decision that can offer space and capable towing performance?
Thanks
We are moving from a twin axle 8.00 metre caravan and large 4WD caravan combination to a motorhome now we are semi retired and want to do more European touring. We would only use the small car on an A frame for UK touring.
My previous motorhome had a 130 HP engine and plenty of people towed a small car perfectly well with that engine so I don't think you need to worry too much about engine size. If you go for an automatic (that would be my choice) they often say you have to upgrade the engine. You seem to be going for a very large motorhome, do you need something as large as that? Many motorhomes can be up plated to give you more payload.
The first thing to decide with a motorhome is the layout as you have to live with that longer than you will be driving it!
Thanks fort the reply.
I didnt particularly want to go to anything larger than 8.00 metres as it wont fit on our drive where our twin axle is kept.
We would be perfectly happy with a van around 7.5 metres but not smaller, as occasionally may want to take our grandchildren on holiday.
The only reason i ended up looking at 8.00+ vans were because they seem to be the only ones that offered engines of 180bhp , thinking the extra power would help with towing an small 1000 kg car?
If I could find a motorhome with a fixed bed and drop down bed, with enough payload and train weight that is between 7.00 - 8.00 metres and auto gearbox option and enough power to pull a small car, would be ideal .
Hi Dave,
have a look on here - caravanfinder
Search for the type of layout you think you need.
Instead of a drop down bed, if you are thinking of taking grandkids occassionally why not use the front bench seats either as singles or made up to a double?
Also, you'll need to make sure it has the 4 travelling seats as some 4 berths don't.
We have a 7.2m moho with a 130 fiat engine and tows our C1 perfectly well, but it was uprated to 160 before we brought it. Check the V5 as it will tell you on there what braked weight it will tow - ours is rated at 1250kg.
We looked at Swifts originally, but a lot of the layouts we liked the vans didn't have towbars fitted, so maybe this is something to bear in mind as the chassis may not be suitable I guess?
its alright looking for the model you want but have you asked how long it would be to be delivered from point of deposit, as it seems dealers are struggling to get new stock. some people on another forum are waiting over 12 months personaly i wouldn't bother waiting ( never know whats around the corner) just look whats about nearly new and grab it. as for towing i used to tow with a 2.2 and it towed fine had a smart car, but if going abroad use a trailer.
I can't really comment on the towing question, apart from saying that I've seen cars towed by all sizes of MH so I reckon you're probably overthinking the engine size issue. Ours has the 2.3L/130 HP engine and has a train weight of 5.5 tonnes.
However payload is something you do need to look carefully at....but by that I don't mean payload for towing the car, but rather payload for actually carrying things like passengers, food, clothes etc..
Most dealers are reluctant to talk payload because manufacturers are trying to hit the magic 3500 limit on driving licences so a lot of the MHs out there simply do not have enough. And then there's the factory-fitted extras (awning, oven, upgraded engine, extra travel seats, auto gearbox etc.) which also have to be subtracted from the published payload figure - the vast majority of times they are not included...despite what the sales people would sometimes have you believe.
There are lots of 4 berth motorhomes with a fixed bed out there around 7.5m so you should have plenty of choice. Personally I like the front drop-down bed over the cab - its a great space-saver and it doesn't block any light so you don't even notice it when its stowed away.
We upgraded to a Rapido A Class a couple of years ago from a Bailey coachbuilt and we love the double-floor storage (so so useful!) and bright open front lounge with its huge wrap-around windscreen. Its also a lot quieter when on the road....much less engine noise and a lot fewer rattles.
Quote: Originally posted by Dave11 on 09/3/2022
We are moving from a twin axle 8.00 metre caravan and large 4WD caravan combination to a motorhome now we are semi retired and want to do more European touring. We would only use the small car on an A frame for UK touring.
Another thing to think about if you're planning on travelling to Europe (especially France) is the height. Ideally stay under 3m if you can - which will mean you'll be charged class 2 on the toll roads. Just a few cm over 3m and you'll be charged class 3.
I dont know your budget, but have you looked at a Vw Grand California 600? You can choose 2 or 4 berth and they are 177bhp with smooth automatic. I dont know their towing limits - sorry!.
They are narrower than a mh but still a nice unit.
I would agree that the regular California in its Ocean, Coast and Beach variants can be used like a car at just under 5m length and 1.99m height with the pop up roof down.
However the Grand California I suggested in 600 variant is 6m long and the 680 is 6.8m long, and both are approx 3m high or 3.3m with the roof bed and air conditioner options - its substantially bigger than the regular california particularly in height ( 1m+ taller! ) and isnt like any car iv ever seen! It doesnt have a pop-up roof, its more of a small motorhome than a camper.
Vw does not exhibit at the nec show - the many van converters exhibit there and they dont sell the original Vw California or the Grand California, which is why i made the suggestion.
If your spending around a 100k on an A-class I would look for something European built and certainly not an Autotrail as there not even double floored or fully winterised .
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: New Motorhome help please
via mobile 17/3/2022 at 9:23am
