Question about towing with a car

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CobsGalore

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Thinking about selling my 4x4 and getting a more economical car, which ideally I would want to tow with as well.

I have read lots on here and done lots of research. I would be towing a lightweight/single trailer with 1 pony in it so would be within the legal weights for a lot of heavier cars.

Now, my question is - does it have to be an estate?

From looking at specs online, it looks as though the towing weight for cars such as passats and mondeos is the same whether it is a saloon or an estate, and the kerb weight is the same too - so is there any advantage to towing with an estate over a saloon?
 
I would always tow with an estate, something to do with the length of the wheel base of the vehicle, as well as just towing weight and kerb weight.
Also, much easier for chucking stuff in the back!
 
CobsGalore said:
Thinking about selling my 4x4 and getting a more economical car, which ideally I would want to tow with as well.

I have read lots on here and done lots of research. I would be towing a lightweight/single trailer with 1 pony in it so would be within the legal weights for a lot of heavier cars.

Now, my question is - does it have to be an estate?

From looking at specs online, it looks as though the towing weight for cars such as passats and mondeos is the same whether it is a saloon or an estate, and the kerb weight is the same too - so is there any advantage to towing with an estate over a saloon?
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Estate = get more in it but tow hitch further back from rear wheels which could be a little less stable than a saloon but not by much

Not using a 4x4 means you are going to need to be really careful about the surfaces being towed on

If you have a B+E licence then as long as the towing capacity and trailer plated MAM are not exceeded then its ok legally

If only got a B licence then other towing rules must be adhered to
 
Thank you. So the wheel base makes it more stable, but the hitch being further back could make it a little less stable?

Has anyone towed with both an estate and a saloon? Can anyone compare?
 
CobsGalore said:
Thank you. So the wheel base makes it more stable, but the hitch being further back could make it a little less stable?

Has anyone towed with both an estate and a saloon? Can anyone compare?
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To get a real comparison you would need a driver who has towed with the same model of saloon and estate such as 2003 ford modeo estate and 2003 ford mondeo saloon
 
I tow an old and quite heavy pony trailer with a 320kg pony in it with a "Y" reg diesel Mondeo saloon and its brilliantly stable and the car pulls like a train! Its always been fine on grass too, I am just a little more careful if the ground is damp but have never had a problem, I probably wouldn't risk it on really wet ground though!
 
sue_ellen said:
I tow an old and quite heavy pony trailer with a 320kg pony in it with a "Y" reg diesel Mondeo saloon and its brilliantly stable and the car pulls like a train! Its always been fine on grass too, I am just a little more careful if the ground is damp but have never had a problem, I probably wouldn't risk it on really wet ground though!
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Thank you :)

It does seem that the Mondeo has quite good reviews for towing, I just wasn't sure if this was the estate version only or if the saloon was just as good.

Do you know what mpg you do normally and when you are towing?
 
Hi I normally get about 40to the gallon on short journeys which is brilliant, not sure about towing but it still seems to be very reasonable.
 
I've got a Ifor Williams HB403 and tow with a Mondeo Diesel saloon 2.2ltr 155bhp car. Feels very stable and has enough power. I'm very mindful of stopping distances and the type of surface I tow on and what the venue is going to be like but for me its brill. Hubby uses the car for work most of the time and I just borrow it as and when I need it.

Before that we have an Isuzu Trooper but just couldn't afford to run it as an everyday car. I've also had a HB401 years ago and towed that with a Peugeot 406 2ltr diesel 110bhp and again it towed well. Have to say I think the Mondeo is more powerful when I compare the two. Good luck and happy towing!
 
cblover said:
I've got a Ifor Williams HB403 and tow with a Mondeo Diesel saloon 2.2ltr 155bhp car. Feels very stable and has enough power. I'm very mindful of stopping distances and the type of surface I tow on and what the venue is going to be like but for me its brill. Hubby uses the car for work most of the time and I just borrow it as and when I need it.

Before that we have an Isuzu Trooper but just couldn't afford to run it as an everyday car. I've also had a HB401 years ago and towed that with a Peugeot 406 2ltr diesel 110bhp and again it towed well. Have to say I think the Mondeo is more powerful when I compare the two. Good luck and happy towing!
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That's very helpful, thank you :)

Glad to hear the saloon tows well too. I think the mondeo is the chosen car!
 
I know quite a few who tow a single box with a mondeo. It's definitely the most common where I live. I specially looked for a one more powerful than a 2 ltr and wanted 155bhp. They are out there though, didn't take me long to find ours.
 
Mondeo is the best option - but go for a diesel! The boot in a hatchback is MAHOOSIVE! You could probably live in an estate!!!
 
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