Who uses a motorhome for towing their race car?

[rob plummer]

Looking to get a motorhome, but budget is TIGHT!

Just worried about getting something which won't be able to tow the race car (it's only a Sylva Striker, so all up weight including trailer is about 900kg).

I won't be able to afford a turbo diesel motorhome, so it's most likely to be a 2.5 diesel or a 2.0 petrol.

While I'm on, are many people using the Talbot, Peugeot, Citroen or Fiat coachbuilts? Heard about problems with gearboxes on these?

Cheers in advance,

R

[crankedup]

Can't offer much advise but I should stick with the 2.5 oil burner for your motor home / tow vehicle. I reckon an oldish 2.00 petrol will struggle a tad and it will cost a fortune in petrol bills.

I have heard nothing about problem gearboxes in the brands you mention.

[Eric Mc]

Read MMM (Motor Homes and Mptor Cravan Monthly). They have a section at the back for reader's technical problems and geearbox issues do crop up from time to time with Fiat Ducatos (jumping out of gear is a favourite topic). However, they do seem to be limited to certain types of Fiat engines and boxes - it does depend on which engine is installed (2 litre, 2.3 or 2.8) and also seems to relate to specific production dates. The 2.8 seems to be the main culprit but later production models don't seem to suffer in the same way - I hope, as I'm picking up a 2.8 TDi powered Bessacar in a few weeks time.

The turbo option is definitely one to go for if you can and the turbos don't seem to have any adverse effect on basic engine reliability.

Peugeot powered motorhomes seem to be slightly more reliable - the Ducato and Boxer are the same vehicle, apart from the engines.

>> Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 15th April 17:23

[chrisgr31]

If its any use by In-laws have a Peugot motorhome which has been used to tow by brother in laws hovercraft. This season it will be towing mine!

Mind you hovercraft don't weigh that much!

[agent006]

www.moranmotorhomes.co.uk/

Messers Moran Jnr and Snr both compete in the national hillclimb chamionship and, unsurprisingly, tow the car using a motorhome. Might be worth givign them a ring as they seem to do used sales too.

[craig 750]

I use a VW camper - based on the T25 van a 1900 water cooled petrol. I struggles a bit with hills but I have a heavy trailer, and the car weighs 770 kilos guess the trailer is 400-500 kgs.

Incidentally it is for sale! with 11 months MOT and TAX

It is only a 2 berth - with an awning - Now have a family so it is not big enough!

[Eric Mc]

I've just confirmed with the dealers today that I'll be collecting my new motorhome on 27 April. I do intend to tow my Seven to events although I do need to get hold of a trailer - having sold my old one a few months ago.

[kickstart]

e-bay can be a very good source of cheap motorhomes.

[rob plummer]

OK guys,

Many thanks for all answers.

In summary, I need a 2.5 diesel - ideally turbo (unlikely on my budget!), and the Talbot/Pug front drivers are OK, but be wary of the older Fiats.

Thanks again,

R

[john75]

chrisgr31 said:

If its any use by In-laws have a Peugot motorhome which has been used to tow by brother in laws hovercraft. This season it will be towing mine! Mind you hovercraft don't weigh that much!

Guess they are light because they just hover

[Incorrigible]

I've just been through this

Decided on a Diesel range rover and a tent

Hopefully have enough cash to upgrade to the motorhome next year

First event this weekend

[zumbruk]

What sort of towing weights can motorhomes manage? The Chim weighs just over a tonne and the trailer's 500kg so I need about 1600kg. I'm presently using a Discovery, but a motorhome appeals (to me, if not to The Management.)

[silverfox]

There's one for sale here It transpires that there's a Peugeot for sale here:

www.classicsports.co.uk/91burstner.html

that might be of interest.

[Hammerwerfer]

I know it is not a help at all, but this thread reminds me of a time when we were towing my race car with a motor home. Heading to Elkhart Lake from NYC and all of us a bit drowsy. The driver decided it was time for a rest and a little coffee. Pulled over to the side of the road and we all sat down around the table.

As lorries passed by on the highway the motorhome would shake a bit from the wind, so we didn't think too much of the bouncing until we all at once realised we were heading down an embankment at a fair speed. Cue mad dash for the steering wheel and brake with all of us falling over each other. Seems the dozy driver left the selector of the sutomatic transmission in drive...

[cptsideways]

Instead of a range rover you could try a Mazda Bongo, yes a daft name I know but excellent tow cars & its got a pop top to kip in. 2.5 Tdi japanese weliability too.

I've had a few & they are ace

[fiat-500-uk]

Hui and Mrs Hui have a shiney example!