Hi,
Have recently upgraded from a Pennine Pullman folding camper to a Bailey Pageant Burgundy S5 which we tow with a 2L Petrol Mazda 6 on a 57 plate.
We've only been away in it once so far to Torbay from our Kent base over Whitsun.
Was really pleased with how it towed on the way down there and in the most part on the way back but had a very hairy snaking moment on the way home which fortunately by some miracle didn't end in an accident.
We now know that this was in the most part caused by a poorly loaded caravan, lack of respect for a stretch of downhill motorway and a sudden gust of wind hitting us side on.
As you'd expect, my wife is now very nervous about whether the car is a match for the van.
We're off to Dorset at the end of July and I think that with the van and car loaded properly, we'll be ok, but having heard that the Mazda 6 has a good reputation as a towcar, wondered what other people's experiences of them are.
Thanks in advance and apologies for such a long post.
Steve
Your series 5 Burgundy has a MTPLM of 1400kg (1.4 tons)
The Mazda 6 has a kerbweight of between 1345 kg and 1410 kg
depending whether its 2008 spec or 2007 being a 57 plate
Even its the heaviest model its very poor match for the Bailey working out at 99.5% match and if its the lightest model of mazda it 105% match
So your car is to light
That is a dangerous and possibly illegal combination. Your car is too light.
We had the estate version of yours. It was fine when we towed a trailer tent. But had to replace it when we got a caravan.
We tow our Pageant Burgundy which also has an MTPLM 1.400 Kg, but we tow it with our 2009 Avensis Tourer TR 2.0 Litre Diesel, but this has a kerbside weight of 1,520Kg and we have no problems towing at all, also we have a six speed manual box.
If your Mazda does have a kerbside weight of 1.345 Kg then it is very light as said above, suggest you look at swopping the car for a heavier one if possible and a diesel
Thanks to all who've taken the time to reply.
The kerb weight of the Mazda is 1385kg, so is as you all say, it's a bit light although the only significant load we put in the caravan are the awning and, gas bottle and some lightweight chairs so don't believe it gets anywhere near the MTPLM of 1400kg.
Have to say I'm confused / misled by the car's handbook though which states maximum braked tow limit is 1500kg which is what led us to believe it would be ok.
Although you car has a towing capacity above its kerbweight does not mean it's good practice to do so , for safe towing you must have a good weight advantage between towcar and caravan .
Your present set up means that EVEN when your only part load your van you still going to be closer to 100% towmatch than you think as most people have no idea of the weights of there various equipment .
You experienced instability which was a worrying experience and I would seriously look at a heavier car of at least 1575kg - 1600kgs or there abouts
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Topic: Mazda 6 and Bailey Pageant Burgundy
