Guide on Selecting a Pre-Owned Tow Vehicle
When embarking on a caravanning adventure, selecting the right tow car is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a used tow car for caravanning.
Caravan weight and towing capacity
The first question to ask yourself is whether the tow car can safely and legally tow your caravan. Cars vary widely in their towing capabilities; compact SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai can tow around 1,500kg, while larger SUVs like the Škoda Kodiaq or Land Rover Discovery can tow 2,300kg to 3,500kg or more. Ensure the tow car can handle the caravan's weight.
Drive type: FWD, RWD, or 4WD
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles tend to be lighter and more fuel-efficient but may struggle with heavy tow loads or off-road conditions.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles often provide better towing stability, especially with heavy loads.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is beneficial if you expect to tow in rough terrain or slippery conditions; models like the BMW X5 xDrive or Land Rover Discovery offer advanced 4WD towing capabilities.
Transmission: Manual or Automatic
Automatics are generally easier for towing as they handle gear changes smoothly under load, reducing driver fatigue, especially in hilly terrain. Manuals can offer more direct control but require more skill while towing.
Fuel type
Diesel engines are popular for towing due to their higher torque output at low RPMs, which is useful for moving heavy caravans. Petrol engines are often smoother and quieter but may consume more fuel under load. Mild hybrid options exist, but check specific torque and towing ratings for each model.
Used market prices and reliability
Look for models known for reliability and ease of maintenance. Škoda Kodiaq, Land Rover Discovery, and SUVs like the Volkswagen Passat are commonly recommended reliable tow vehicles with strong used market support. Pricing varies with age, condition, and options.
Towing gear
Ensure the car has or can be fitted with the correct towing hitch, wiring for trailer lights, and ideally additional stability and safety features such as trailer sway control. Vehicles designed or commonly used for towing will often have available tow packages or can be easily retrofitted.
Examples from the market include: - The Škoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI (up to 2,300kg towing capacity) is practical and reliable for medium caravans. - Land Rover Discovery offers a very high towing capacity (up to 3,500kg) and excellent off-road capability. - The Mazda BT-50 ute can tow up to 3,500kg and is good for carrying heavy loads in the tray too, suited to those needing utility as well as towing.
In summary, match your caravan’s braked weight to the car’s maximum towing capacity, prioritize a drivetrain suitable for your typical terrain (4WD for rough roads, RWD for stability), consider an automatic transmission, and seek a diesel engine for better torque and fuel efficiency behind a tow load. Check for proper towing gear and reliable models with good used market value. This approach ensures safe, efficient, and comfortable caravanning.
Full hybrids and plug-ins have improved as tow cars and now rival the best diesel tow cars. Diesel vehicles have weakened in value over the past few years but have not collapsed. When it comes to manual or automatic, it's more about personal preference, but make sure to compare the towing limits of both. If the car doesn't have towing gear, it's essential to consider the cost of having this fitted before buying. It's beneficial to read reviews and reliability surveys when choosing a used tow car. 4WD vehicles are generally a good choice for towing caravans, especially in winter or on farm campsites, but they may have higher purchase prices and running costs. Used diesel cars offer better fuel economy compared to petrol cars. When buying from a private seller, it's important to check what the car has been towing and if it's within the car's capacity. Pure electric cars can perform strongly in acceleration and stability, but their range and recharging difficulties count against them. A 2WD version may provide better fuel economy and cost less on the used market compared to a 4WD. To find the answer, you need to know your caravan weights and use the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) instead of the Mass in Running Order (MiRO).
- When considering a tow car for caravanning, researching buying guides that focus on lifestyle, cars, and car-maintenance can help make an informed decision.
- For those planning to tow in rough or slippery conditions, opting for a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) can offer enhanced towing capabilities.
- When shopping for a used tow car, it's essential to look for models that are not only reliable but also known for being easy to maintain, such as the Škoda Kodiaq, Land Rover Discovery, and Volkswagen Passat.
