306HDI as a tow car?
Discussion
JohnCL said:
Anyone had any experience with one of these. I'm thinking of getting an estate to tow the Fisher with.
Cheers
John
Get something bigger if you can. The fisher+trailer will weigh more than the tow car which is very bad for stability and stopping (the trailer will just push you).
With mine (MG ZS towing metro), the towcar is about 100Kg + me+ tools more than the trailer, and taking the tools out of the car is very bad for stability -even moving them forward from the boot makes a big difference, unfortunatly the governments concept of safe towing, restricting me to 3.5 tons gross train weight ("new" licence) means I need to pass another test before I tow with a bigger car.
Pete
>> Edited by pistol pete on Thursday 8th December 14:23
Can't comment on the suitability/drivability, but I take it you're up to speed with the VIN plate on the car? I gather the cops are starting to toughen-up with folks towing overweight trailers for their cars, and some of the other forums have been reporting folks being stopped while towing race cars.
It's not just the trailer weight you have to consider, but the maximum train weight (which will be on the VIN plate). The maximum train weight is the total weight of trailer, car, tools, occupants etc etc - the weight of everything that moves basically.
I used to tow a MegaBlade with a Primera, and while the towing weight was fine, I'd calculated that with 4 wheels, tools and a couple of jerry cans in the car I was perilously close to the maximum train weight, and would have gone over with a couple of passengers. I think this is an endorsable offence too, so while it's still a real long shot getting stopped, it's worth checking the maximum weights irrespective of how the car actually drives.
It's not just the trailer weight you have to consider, but the maximum train weight (which will be on the VIN plate). The maximum train weight is the total weight of trailer, car, tools, occupants etc etc - the weight of everything that moves basically.
I used to tow a MegaBlade with a Primera, and while the towing weight was fine, I'd calculated that with 4 wheels, tools and a couple of jerry cans in the car I was perilously close to the maximum train weight, and would have gone over with a couple of passengers. I think this is an endorsable offence too, so while it's still a real long shot getting stopped, it's worth checking the maximum weights irrespective of how the car actually drives.
JohnCL said:
Anyone had any experience with one of these. I'm thinking of getting an estate to tow the Fisher with.
Cheers
John
I'd try to find a 2.8 Diahatsu Fourtrak if you can - they're solid, good towing capacity. I towed the Fiesta with one which I borrowed from a friend and it sat away from Forestburn to home at 60 the whole way. Basically totally unburstable and usable day to day with plenty of space in the back for spares, fuel etc - if you can get a van version even better.
Thanks Guys, the Fisher weighs in at 560kg. The trailer is a fairly light one so the total shouldn't be more than 1000kg. I'll get it weighed today. The 306 estate is 1200kg and 85% (recommended trailer weight limit) of that is 1020 so I may be OK. I'm asking the car dealer for the max train weight.
The Impreza is 1450kg and does fine but I'd ignored legalities.
I may be OK but perhaps should look at a bigger car.
John
The Impreza is 1450kg and does fine but I'd ignored legalities.
I may be OK but perhaps should look at a bigger car.
John
What is wrong with the current 5 door ?
Is it a fuel economy issue or do you not like the Impreza for towing.
The Forester is a great towing machine but the fuel economy is pants, i probably should have gone for a diesel 4x4 of some kind but I think i would have missed a reasonable turn of pace.
BTW, what changes is the Fury getting for next season ?
Is it a fuel economy issue or do you not like the Impreza for towing.
The Forester is a great towing machine but the fuel economy is pants, i probably should have gone for a diesel 4x4 of some kind but I think i would have missed a reasonable turn of pace.
BTW, what changes is the Fury getting for next season ?
Hi Murray,
17 mpg vs probably 40 towing! Also the clutch was slipping and various other bits suspect. Very sad to see it go, the perfect tow car except for MPG. I reckon I can save £1k a year in fuel. However doing events in a diesel 306 if the Fury expires will not be such a blast!
The trailer weighs 400kg and that+ the car makes 960, just legal. Most important the reg is ****GAC, so offers from club members welcome!!
The Fury is getting the worn Piper 285 cam replaced plus a top end check by Liam at Glenburgie + 13" wheels and ACB10's. I also want to fix the axle tramp somehow. Thats about it, all I can afford, oh and get the trailer brakes to work.
Cheers,
John
17 mpg vs probably 40 towing! Also the clutch was slipping and various other bits suspect. Very sad to see it go, the perfect tow car except for MPG. I reckon I can save £1k a year in fuel. However doing events in a diesel 306 if the Fury expires will not be such a blast!
The trailer weighs 400kg and that+ the car makes 960, just legal. Most important the reg is ****GAC, so offers from club members welcome!!
The Fury is getting the worn Piper 285 cam replaced plus a top end check by Liam at Glenburgie + 13" wheels and ACB10's. I also want to fix the axle tramp somehow. Thats about it, all I can afford, oh and get the trailer brakes to work.
Cheers,
John
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