Buying Caravan Tow Car (Things to Consider when buying one)

Hello. In todays video we will be taking a look at Caravan Tow Cars and the important things to consider when buying one. Having changed mine recently I quickly realised it was not as easy as I first thought. As most Folk know the 85% Weight is a guide but I would suggest you stick very close to it especially if you are new to towing. You also have to be aware of the Brake Weight at a 12% gradient. The Law is not overweight towing but you could be Prosecuted for Vehicle not being Road worthy (Section 71 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) Your over Weight Vehicle could have a Prohibition Order placed on it as well. I hope this helps more.
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[@caravanadventures5312]

Hi Phil, Just had to point out the dilebarate mistake, well not a mistake as much as old info. The 85% rule is not a rule but a guide. Whilst it is good guidance it is now even more than in the past with lighter cars not always possible. The maximum legal towing weight for a car is determined by the manufacturer. There is a hell of a lot of incorrect information on many of the tow match websites. Good info for newbies though well done 👍

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Good point! I have just added further info in the description which includes the Offence you would commit if you towed too heavy. Some Car Insurance Companies will use it against you if you claim. If you stick close to the 85% and don't not exceed the 12% gradient brake weight you would be fine. Thanks for watching. Phil👍🙂

[@paulandsarahcaravanlife]

Hi Phil. Great points in your video. So glad we took our time in matching car to caravan. We had four different suv's in mind but the Korando come out on top. Cheer Paul

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Paul. It can be a minefield. I wanted an Estate this time for the boot space. Take Care. Phil. 🙂👍

[@AdventureCaravanners]

Hi Phil & Juliet, Some really good advice on this vlog Phil. Awesome audi car. Thanks very much for sharing pal. 👍👍😁😁

[@lostweekendscaravan]

No problem 👍thanks Nigel. I hope all is well.Phil🙂👍

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Nice one Phil. We had a 2004 Allroad V6 great car went onto a 195k however the air bags kept splitting which was annoying. The 85% rule is just a guide it’s 100% is a rule. As long as you don’t go over the kerbweight or towing limit no problems. The caravan and motorhome club is a good checker because it’s free with the membership. Nice new wheels. Cheers, Oliver.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Oliver. I have had Audi's for 20 years apart from the last one. Only had an issue with my last A4 Avant. Thanks for watching. Phil👍🙂

[@stringy2009]

There used to be a law which said you couldn’t tow a caravan weighing more than 100% of the car’s kerbweight, but this was removed in 2013. You can legally tow up to the car’s towing limit as long as you stay within the 3500kg limit. For restricted B license holders.

[@garydavis1528]

👍 One thing. 85% is a decades old general none legal guideline only with it saying if experienced at towing can go to 90% but does not recommend 100% or over. Most but not all work to it but not enforceable as it stands. As long as you tow within the cars specified towing limits not breaking the law.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Gary Yes you are quite right however Insurance still use this benchmark. You also have to be aware of the Brake Weight at a 12% gradient. The Law is not overweight towing but you would be Prosecuted for Vehicle not being Road worthy (Section 75 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) Your over Weight Vehicle can have a Prohibition Order placed on it as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching Phil 👍🙂

[@CaravanEscapades101]

This can be confusing but always a good guide for those new to towing, I drive a Discovery 4 and the towing weight limit (3500kg) is actually greater than the cars weight. But would not recommend anyone inexperienced to do it,

[@billsimmonds6005]

Some good points there. I also only tow with automatics and the type of auto gearbox is also very important.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Bill, I have never had an auto before. With this one I did some research before I bought. Audi make 2 types of Auto Boxes so had to get the right one. Thanks for watching. Phil👍🙂

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Some great points there Phil. We considered an Audi A6 but the big issue is the huge tunnel for the Automatic transmission. So stuck with a big SUV. SO a great looking car the A6 Avante.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Paul. Yes the transmission tunnel is large but it is a comfortable and has a huge boot. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@LatitudeAdventures]

Great informative video Phil thanks for sharing

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Karina. I hope you & the Family are well. Thanks again Phil🙂👍

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great video and some great advice.👍Mark & Coral

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Mark & Coral. I feel misunderstood the point of the video but I am sure you both got it. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Great video very informative, and well put together, it can always be a bit of a minefield choosing a tow car for the caravan, particulate for those new to Caravaning.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Yes it is not an easy process especially when you first start out. Thanks Phil🙂

[@CaravanEscapades101]

@@lostweekendscaravan I think also recently with a lot of people staying in the UK and the increase in Caravaning that some people don’t even give a thought to their tow car when looking at a Caravan.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Yes you are quite right. I feel that once we can roam again. There will be a lot of Caravans stopped and checked out in terms of weight and tow weights. Thanks Phil👍

[@DesmondsDonders]

Nice one Phil. Great advice.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks David. I hope you & Lindsay are well. Phil👍🙂

[@DesmondsDonders]

@@lostweekendscaravan Thanks Phil, Lindsay is ok but under stress from Covidiots at work. Me as normal LOL. Take care and stay safe.

[@JC-zi8qc]

Hi Phil, enjoyed your video, and as some other comments have said, the 85% figure is only a guide BUT, some Insurance state in their small print, you will not be covered if you go above the 85% figure. Also check that your can is allowed to tow! This can easily be checked, but checking the plate showing train weight normally fitted on the inside of one of the front doors.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hello JC I could not agree more with your comment. Sadly there are some folk who disagree with this. Insurance Companies will try anything to reduce or not pay out after they are a business just like any other. Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@robswiseways5697]

Good choice Phil but I would say that being an A6 driver for nearly 8 years! Very good points there for beginners, weights etc. Bear in mind the 7 speed S tronic gearbox requires a fluid changes at 38,000 miles unless its the 8 speed tiptronic. They say this doesn't need a fluid change but I would before it hits 100,000 miles. Look after the car, the car will look after you. Hope you have years of happy towing. Take care. Rob

[@lostweekendscaravan]

HI Rob. Thanks. This one is an 8 Speed Box. I will have the fluid changed as you advise when it comes up. Prior to my Skoda I have had Audi's for years I love them. This suits me and the family very well. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@lensmanonline]

Hi Phil and Juliet, a great video and very informative, we're looking at changing the L200 animal for a new tow car, but as the L200 has a large towing capacity and masses of room in the back, we've been spoiled a bit. Definitely want an auto, but can't decide between petrol, diesel, saloon, estate, suv, or pickup. Best wishes stay safe Jon and Karen

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Jon & Karen. I hope all is well. The only issue with Pickups some site class them as commercial and refuse them on site unless you jump through hoops first. SUV's are really great but unless you buy a large one the boot space is limited. I chose an Estate for the boot size plus it was easier to find with an auto box. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@TheCaravanNut]

Nice car Phil, that should tow your van well, Cheers

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Martin. I do believe it will tow well. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@ForTheLoveOfCaravans]

Some sound advice there Phil. Good choice of car especially the auto box. Once you go auto you won't go back.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Ian. I have to admit I am loving the Auto Box already. Thanks again Phil👍🙂

[@colinrimmer789]

Nice new wheels Phil 😁👍

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Colin. Tow Bar next. Phil👍🙂

[@gavinstreetie1473]

Oh my such a load of comments and useful info coming out but hey guess what I’m not going to say anything?? 😂😂Instead I really want to focus on the lack of yeeeeeesssss we have poooowwer , Mr Williams get to business the car ! The car ! Still waiting for the demo, and the rev counter on red and the speedo saying drive me ! But yea agree with everything you said The G and the Z and the R Stay cool bro 😎

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi G&Z plus R. There will be no red lining or wheels spins. I am getting too old for that😂. There will be a full review of it once its towed. I hope you are all well and not working too much. J send regards. Speak soon. Phil👍🙂

[@stefanbradic9854]

I have a doubt wheather shoud I buy a skoda yeti 1.6l disel engine 105hp. The caravan which I need to tow is around 1000kg 🤔

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Stefan. The Skoda Yeti is a great car. Personally I would look for a 2 litre diesel, the 1.6 is a bit under powered. The best way to check your car and caravan is on this site. www.towcheck.co.uk/ it is worth the small amount you pay. hope this helps. Phil👍🙂

[@bengrundy9448]

Nice motor Phil, is this a 2wd or 4wd version? What’s the towing capacity on it?

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Ben. This is the 2.0 lt TDI Ultra 2WD. It can tow up to 1800 kg safely. The 4WD will tow 2000KG but it was a bit too pricey for my wallet. Thanks for watching Phil👍🙂

[@bengrundy9448]

@@lostweekendscaravan thanks for the reply for Phil. I’ve been considering an A6 for a while and been looking into different models. My caravan is 1500kg so the 2.0 2wd should be plenty

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Ben Given the weight of your Caravan the A6 Avant will have no problems. So far very impressed with the A6. Intend to review it fully very soon. Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@squarepantsdance]

Would a Honda elysion be ok to tow a caravan?

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi if it's the 3.5litre it should have no problems. You can always check with towcheck or similar sites. Thanks Phil 😊

[@fat-shotgolf2937]

Hi don't know if you experienced this, but have used the website you suggested and another site Towcar.info - Towcheck report suggests the car checked is suitable but Towcar says the car is illegal with my caravan. Would like to know which one I should believe and whether I should purchase the car in question or not? HELP!

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi There. The Towcheck site is part of the NCC so i would be more likely to be guided by there site. May IO ask which section of the report is it stating its illegal. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@fat-shotgolf2937]

@@lostweekendscaravan Hi Phil, thanks for your response. The caravan was stated as illegally too heavy for the car. This was on the Towcar.info site

[@lostweekendscaravan]

May I ask what Car are you looking at and what is weight of the Caravan. Thanks Phil

[@fat-shotgolf2937]

@@lostweekendscaravan hi Phil I'm looking at Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 diesel hatchback or estate & Ford Mondeo 2.0 diesel estate or hatchback. Caravan MRO 1350kg MTPLM 1565KG The Insignia pulls 1600kg Mondeo tow weight 1800kg

[@davidchadwick9221]

What was wrong with your Karoq as a tow car?

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi David. There was nothing wrong with the Karoq. I changed it for personal reasons and nothing more. I would still recommend one to anyone especially the 4x4. Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@davidchadwick9221]

@@lostweekendscaravan That's reassuring to know Phil as I tow with a Kodiaq 190 DSG & find it a brilliant tow car ! Love your videos-Keep up the good work!Regards David

[@marklow1110]

Please don't go on about the 85 % rule this is not law you can not be done for it please get things correct before informing people wrongly

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Mark. You are correct about the 85% guidance. However if you are new to carvanning and you have not towed before to max your towing weight is not good advice either. I didn't say if you are over 85% you would be prosecuted. I said if you are towing over weight. The offence is Section 71A of RTA. I hope I have clarified this for you. Many Thanks Phil.