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Subject Topic: Towing
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05/10/2005 at 3:27pm
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This isn't strictly speaking a caravan question but I thought this would be the best place to ask. We have a large tent & associated "stuff" which is struggling to fit into the back of our ford fiesta (& the suspension is starting to complain a little too). We were thinking about getting a trailer to put it all in but didn't know if:
1) a fiesta is much good for towing anything!
2) whether or not having it in the trailer is likely to make the suspension less upset
3) whether we'd be able to load the boot too!
Thanks
H
PS - Fiesta has a 1.3 engine if that makes a difference


05/10/2005 at 3:32pm
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Hi,

A small trailer will do the trick and yes, you will be able to shove stuff in the boot too.  However, a word of caution......... do NOT overload either trailer or car.  Remember, you are relying on the weight of the car to control a free-trailing trailer!  Don't speed and give yourself plenty of notice when braking!

Enjoy!



05/10/2005 at 6:08pm
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Hiya'

Bigjog has got it just right........virtually any car is capable of towing something....the limitations are down to weight and engine size.  And, as Bj has pointed out, don't forget that a caravan has its own brakes where as your trailer will be relying totally on the brakes of your car.  Drive steady and don't forget that its on the back.

Good Luck

Les Wilson

 



05/10/2005 at 8:29pm
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Stop..........!

(Although I guess you haven't popped out and purchased a trailer yet!?)

Will check this out and get back to you tomorrow from the office; you need to be aware that some Fords have very low towing capacities. I think that at least one type of 1.3l Fiesta from a few years ago only had a 200kg towing capacity and even at this weight it was specified that any towed load had to be braked.

This might sound daft, as towing capacity you think would be based on the car's performance and weight etc. Legally speaking, it is dependent on what the manufacturer says it can tow. Ford never bothered getting some of their cars approved for towing (Ka, Puma, etc.) and others have infamously low towing capacities (including some Fiestas).

I'm sure you'll be fine for a v.small trailer anyway, but you need to check with your log book and/or Ford. What year is your vehicle?

John T.

Towsure: Motorhomes (most of the time!)

 



06/10/2005 at 10:19am
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To confirm: as far as I am aware, many of the Fiestas produced between 1st January 1999 and the March 2002 facelift have the following towing capacities (but you need to check your logbook/VIN plate):

1.25l: 250kg

1.3l: 0kg (nilled)

1.4l: 900kg

1.6l: 450kg

1.8l: 450kg

All these loads must be braked, even if they fall below 750kg/below half the car's kerbsideweight (which are the normal distinctions between whether a trailer must be braked or not).

Outside these dates the Fiestas revert to more conventional (and acceptable) towing capacities.

John T.



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06/10/2005 at 10:48am
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Yes you can tow a small trailer with your fiesta.But as stated keep the weight down.You can get a small box trailer with a cover and put your camping gear in it.And keep the boot space for lighter stuff.

Something like this will be ok.

213



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