I currently have a Zafira 1.6 which is limited to about 1,000kg towing and I'd like to get a bigger car just for pulling a caravan. Since it won't be used for anything else, I'd like it to be as cheap but as reliable as possible. Is there a reliable cheap brand out there with a heavy duty towing capacity I should be looking at? I know about the Seat Alhambra (some cheap ones out there) and even the off-the-wall idea of a Ford Transit.
I only have a post-1997 licence sadly so also have to be mindful of the lower limits (I'm tempted to do my lorry licence just to get round this, but not sure I can really justify £1,000+ just to tow a caravan...) :(
it all depends on what size caravan (weightwise) your looking for, but generally speaking a 2 ltr diesel will handle around 1500kgs and still be under the 3500kgs for your licence,
as for doing your hgv licence to get around it - it would just be far cheaper to take your towing test for a car! you forget the added medical needed for the hgv
How many seats do you need? If you need a 7 seater you'll be limited to a Galaxy/Alhambra/Sharan which will probably give you less towing capacity than the Zafira. If you only need 5 seats a Mondeo diesel is a good tugger but you'll have to check weights as there are so many different versions over the years.
Reliability depends on how the car has been maintained by previous owners rather than a particular manufacturer.
Quote: Originally posted by BenDraynor on 27/7/2021
Hi all,
I currently have a Zafira 1.6 which is limited to about 1,000kg towing and I'd like to get a bigger car just for pulling a caravan. Since it won't be used for anything else, I'd like it to be as cheap but as reliable as possible. Is there a reliable cheap brand out there with a heavy duty towing capacity I should be looking at? I know about the Seat Alhambra (some cheap ones out there) and even the off-the-wall idea of a Ford Transit.
I only have a post-1997 licence sadly so also have to be mindful of the lower limits (I'm tempted to do my lorry licence just to get round this, but not sure I can really justify £1,000+ just to tow a caravan...) :(
The B+E licence cost £155. Then there is the cost of lessons which are normally about £25. So a lot depends on your capability which will help keep costs down.
I had some experience towing a trailer tent, but I passed my B&E test with 2 full days of instruction including test. Can also keep price down by using own car for lessons/test.
As for cars a Mondeo/Passat/Skoda Octavia wouldn't be a bad shout for most caravans up to around 1,500 kg, buyt usual caveats apply about making sure you've got a decent match and checking the particular car you choose.
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Quote: Originally posted by katycymru on 31/7/2021
I had some experience towing a trailer tent, but I passed my B&E test with 2 full days of instruction including test. Can also keep price down by using own car for lessons/test.
As for cars a Mondeo/Passat/Skoda Octavia wouldn't be a bad shout for most caravans up to around 1,500 kg, buyt usual caveats apply about making sure you've got a decent match and checking the particular car you choose.
and any of the above cars would mean that your total weight would be below the 3500kgs so no need for the added expense of a towing test
and any of the above cars would mean that your total weight would be below the 3500kgs so no need for the added expense of a towing test
Not necessarily Marg6 - it would all depend on the weight of the caravan being towed. The maximum gross weight of a Mondeo or Passat estate 2.0 TDI is about 2100kg (variable by a few 10s of kgs depending on model year). So whilst I agree that the car should be more than capable of towing 1500kg, you could not legally do so without a B+E licence.
I believe that Skoda Superb is generally slightly lighter and Vauxhall Insignia slightly heavier.
If you need 7 seats you could look at another Zafira but with a reasonably powerful diesel engine (140-150bhp or so) which should give you a marked increase in towing capacity and performance. VW Touran and Ford S-max also options (though the latter is heavier).
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Topic: What`s the best budget caravan towcar?
via mobile 27/7/2021 at 7:35am
