I would think it would, but it would probably struggle on hills and in strong headwinds as you would probably be right at its limit. You have to consider wind-resistance as well as weight.
Quote: Originally posted by Alan-C on 03/9/2023
Ok thanks will give it a miss then .
Cheers Alan
Hi Alan, I see in your profile you have an Elddis Wisp. I have a 1992 Wisp 450CT that I have been doing some repairs on over summer, and we are hoping to get away with it soon. My 2 litre X Trail hardly notices it's on the back. The car's the same age as yours.
The 'rule of thumb' guidance figures from Caravan Club are you need minimum 40bhp/tonne GTW for satisfactory performance. On internet published figures (always to be taken with a pinch of salt and verified with actual car figures!) suggest you have car (1005Kg) plus caravan (850Kg), giving GTW of 1855Kg, and (again 'published figures'!) engine power of 75bhp, so your GTW power scrapes in at 40.5bhp/tonne.
It should tow the Elddis force 2 satisfactorily and safely, but you wouldn't be flying! My outfit calculates out at 49bhp/tonne, and that's absolutely fine. If allowed (accidentally done well over 70mph a few times), it'd easily top over 80mph, so wind resistance doesn't seem to be a major factor, BUT I've a high roofed MPV which helps with the aerodynamics on the van I think! Happily cruises in 6th gear at 60mph on the near flat, and doesn't need too much down shifting for most hills (manual gearbox), even turns in a very respectable average of 27-32mpg which for a petrol car beats many a diesel! So you don't necessarily need shed loads of power in excess of the minimum for a successful tow car.
Difficult to compare cars one against another, LOTS of variables come into play. I suspect my high roofline and wide body makes for a quite aerodynamic outfit overall (I don't get any bug splatter on my van front, only a little on the very front edge of roof), which could be a significant factor in many ways, accounting for excellent handling, good performance, and good fuel economy!
As well as your stated Max tow weight, you need to check if that is compromised by car weight/load, on my car the Max tow weight only applies if the car weight is significantly less than it's max capability. If I load my car to it's own limits I have to downgrade the max towing weight by 300Kg! - that makes my van 'overweight' in those circumstances!
Quote: Originally posted by Alan-C on 03/9/2023
Ok thanks will give it a miss then .
Cheers Alan
Hi Alan, I see in your profile you have an Elddis Wisp. I have a 1992 Wisp 450CT that I have been doing some repairs on over summer, and we are hoping to get away with it soon. My 2 litre X Trail hardly notices it's on the back. The car's the same age as yours.
Yes I have a elddis force 2 which is a wisp by any other name.
Thanks for your help
I think a lot depends on what type of journeys you want to do. If you want to drive from Yorkshire down to the channel tunnel and through France to Spain you will definitely not be happy.
If you want to drive no further than 100 miles and are happy to tootle along at 50 to 55 in the slow lane you will be perfectly happy.
Also depends on the weight you want to carry in the car. If it's the wife and 3 kids and dog and kids bikes then no.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Citreon 57 c3
via mobile 03/9/2023 at 2:21pm
