We have a 2020 Swift Siena (6 birth) caravan and I'm considering getting a 2016 Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi 290 Limited for towing and family outings. The tow checks I've run say it'll be perfect.
I'm currently towing with a 2019 Kia Sportage 1.6l Diesel with a DCT gearbox and the transmission temp does occasionally get me nervous in stop start traffic. But the main reason for changing is just the fact the wife runs pop-up shops and wants a van anyway for her stock.
This seems like a good way to kill two birds with one stone... only I'll sell my Civic Type R (I've matured out of it anyway) in favour of the van and keep the Sportage for day to day driving.
I've read some sites don't like commercial vans, but I've rang round a few places we stay at and they say it's fine or that it's only an issue if it's sign written, which this won't be.
Is anyone using one of these to tow a similar size or bigger van? How do they cope? Is there anything we should know before we take the plunge?
Hi and welcome to the forum
We have a 2018 Transit Custom for our towing vehicle,it is a 2.0lt automatic with 6 seats and windows in the sliding doors,it tows our 1500 mtpl Swift like a dream.You can get a huge amount in the boot.
Go for it you'll have no problem towing.
I ring the sites to ask if there's any problem, no-one has turned us away,as long as there is no signage you'll bo ok.
Good luck
Some manufacturers invalidate the warranty if towed by a commercial vehicle. Yours is probably out of warranty anyway so presumably not a problem.
I just wonder what the reasoning is behind the manufacturers actions.
Da
Quote: Originally posted by DaveS1 on 28/4/2025
Some manufacturers invalidate the warranty if towed by a commercial vehicle. Yours is probably out of warranty anyway so presumably not a problem.
I just wonder what the reasoning is behind the manufacturers actions.
Da
Supposedly it's because commercial vehicles have stiffer suspension than ordinary cars leading to more vibration etc. Or it's just 'any excuse to weasel out of responsibility for our shoddy workmanship'. Take your choice.
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