Hi, I have a 2000 Toyota Avensis 1.8 GLS. I want to know if it is capable of towing a caravan. The one I am interested in has a max loaded weight of 1291 - not owned a caravan before so would appreciate your words of wisdom.
I dont seem to be able to find the answers online, it just tells me what new cars I should buy!! Thanks J
From the info I've found the 1.8 Avensis has a towing limit of 1300kgs, BUT depending on exact variant the cars kerbweight could be anywhere between 1245 and 1335kgs which puts your choice of van either over the 100% mark or only slightly beneath.
You need to find some specific details for your car (maybe from the Vin plate), but my gut feeling is you'll be to heavy with the van; that's not even entering the "85% of kerbweight recommend" territory.
OK... thanks, I thought as much, may be time to get a newer car me thinks, its just thata this one is such a reliable work horse. How about a newer Avensis, or a Ford Focus... thoughts
The very latest Avensis has a higher maximum towing weight, but the model that was available up till a couple of years ago still has the 1300kg restriction. The focus may be a bit of a lightweight for that job, the Mondeo TDCi Mk3 ( 2000 to 2006 ) however is ideal and makes a superb towcar.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
A 1.8 petrol is going to be working hard with anything over 1000kg behind it. A D4D would be ideal but be aware the newer shape diesel is limited to 1200kg if I remember rightly, the petrol models were 1300kg. A pretty poor limit given the Avensis is such a capable car, especially the 140 & 180hp models.
Our D4D Verso was limited to 1100kg, despite the car weighing 1580kg. Looks like Toyota have upped the limits on the latest Avensis, but the silly limits on the last model meant we've now gone over to a Ford Galaxy.
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Topic: Toyota Avensis towing ... Help please
