Guide for Selecting a Pre-Owned Tow Vehicle

Guide for Selecting a Pre-Owned Tow Vehicle

Choosing the Right Used Tow Car for Caravanning

When embarking on a caravanning adventure, selecting the right tow car is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are the top factors to consider when choosing a used tow car for caravanning.

1. Towing Capacity and Braked Towing Limit: Ensure the vehicle’s towing capacity comfortably exceeds the caravan’s weight (including loaded weight). Models like the Skoda Kodiaq (up to 2,000kg+) or Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (around 3,500kg) are strong contenders for heavier caravans.
2. Gross Combination Mass (GCM): This is the maximum combined weight of the car, caravan, passengers, and cargo. The tow vehicle must support this total to tow safely without strain on the engine or transmission.
3. Engine Torque and Power: High torque at low revs is critical for towing, especially on inclines and rough terrain. Diesel or turbocharged engines often provide better towing performance than naturally aspirated petrol engines.
4. Transmission and Cooling Systems: A reliable transmission (preferably with towing modes) and enhanced cooling systems reduce overheating and wear during towing trips.
5. Wheelbase, Stability, and Suspension: Longer wheelbase and 4x4 or all-wheel drive aid stability and control when towing heavy loads. Suspension and braking systems should be robust enough to handle additional weight safely.
6. Vehicle Kerb Weight: Heavier vehicles typically tow heavier loads more stably. Lighter SUVs like the Renault Captur have lower towing limits (~1,200kg) appropriate for micro caravans, while larger SUVs handle more.
7. Practicality and Day-to-Day Use: The vehicle should be comfortable to drive both loaded and unloaded and offer sufficient cabin space and driving ease when towing.
8. Compatibility with Caravan Size and Type: Smaller tow cars suit lightweight, compact caravans or micro caravans, while larger, more powerful vehicles are needed for bigger family tourers or off-road caravans.
9. Safety Features: Advanced towing aids such as trailer sway control, hill descent control, and adequate braking systems improve towing safety and confidence on the road.
10. Budget and Reliability: Consider the vehicle’s purchase price, running costs, and service network reliability, especially for long-distance caravanning.

In addition, full hybrids and plug-ins can rival the best diesel tow cars. When buying a used car with towing gear, check if it has been maintained properly, especially in terms of the clutch and the gearbox. The choice between manual and automatic transmission is a matter of personal preference, but make sure to compare the towing limits of both versions of the same model.

Reliability and owner satisfaction surveys can help refine your shortlist of possible models. Most modern cars are front-wheel drive, but some executive saloons, estates, high-performance cars, and SUVs for towing caravans are rear-wheel drive or 4WD.

To abide by the 85% guideline for safe and stable towing, the car's kerbweight should be 1588kg or more if the caravan's MTPLM is 1350kg. Electric cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids are now approved for towing, and some models have improved significantly as tow cars in the past few years.

For instance, the 2011-2015 Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC manual has a legal towing limit of 1500kg, while the automatic model has a limit of 1100kg. The right fuel type for a used tow car depends on factors such as availability, cost, and personal preference. 4WD vehicles are generally a good choice for towing caravans in winter or on farm campsites, but they may have higher purchase prices and running costs. It's important to read reviews and reliability surveys when choosing a used tow car.

1. When considering a used tow car for caravanning, it's essential to examine the lifestyles of other tow car owners through buying guides and personal reviews, as their experiences can provide insights on the car's car-maintenance, reliability, and overall suitability for towing.
2. As you delve deeper into the world of used tow cars for caravanning, don't forget to explore the numerous sports-oriented SUVs like the Honda CR-V or the Ford Kuga, as their robust designs and enhanced handling capabilities can enhance your driving experience, regardless of the caravan size.
3. To ensure a harmonious blend of practicality and luxury, consider pairing a well-maintained tow car with a compatible caravan, merging the convenience of caravanning with the lifestyle benefits of a high-performance vehicle.

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