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Oz34
United Kingdom
2543 Posts |
 Posted - 09/07/2016 : 21:18:56
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Some will know I have in the past used a rented truck to take my car to distant events. Unfortunately on reaching my 3 score years & ten, I can no longer hire it. Of course there are those who will say drive the P there and all honour to them however, each to their own!
My daily driver is a B5 Passat Estate and I know they are regarded as good tow cars however, mine is a 100 hp one. On the V5 the braked towing weight is given as 1400kg while the manual says 1600 if hills don't exceed 8% & 1400 for 12%.
It seems I can rent a 2 axle trailer weighing 500kg making about 1250 total so my question to you towing experts is, is this a going proposition or should I really be looking at changing the Passat (which I have no other reason to do).
Cheers,
Dave |
Edited by - Oz34 on 09/07/2016 21:19:33 |
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PaulusPotter
Netherlands
202 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2016 : 11:35:39
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Hello Dave,
This is a very intresting question which most people forget or ignore.
From age and safety point of view I considered for myself.
If you are able and willing to invest in a classic or pre-war car you should keep your own and others safety in mind as well. Driving more then 200 km to an event in a pre-war MG is in my opinion bad for your body and mind, besides it is unsafe if you have to go this far on a motorway.
So buying a proper strong and heavy tow car is the best for your convenience and safety.
Many others do not have to worry when they pass you or when you pass them.
Paul |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
6141 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2016 : 12:15:56
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Don't forget that when towing a trailer you're limited to 50 mph on single carriageway roads and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Quicker to go by Triple-M!
Simon J
J3437 |
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Orstin
United Kingdom
637 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2016 : 08:05:49
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I tow occasionally and have recently changed a 105bhp Mondeo for a 185bhp Volvo V70 with a 5 cylinder diesel engine. The extra hp is a bit of a revelation (and, I guess, no real surprise). Not that I cruise any faster but the extra power is apparent when I need to accelerate in any circumstance.
The V70 also has a 6 speed 'Geartronic' (aka auto) gearbox which makes towing a delight..
hth...
So many dynamos |
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PaulusPotter
Netherlands
202 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2016 : 08:58:44
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Hello Simon,
Sure for a short distance it is very nice to go by triple M.
But in case one wants to go from the continent to Schotland or from Holland to Italy then the Triple M is not faster anymore.
And for sure not safer!
Paul |
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Colin McLachlan
United Kingdom
991 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2016 : 12:04:45
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I tow my PA on a home made trailer, total weight ~1200kg, behind a Skoda Fabia 1.9 diesel. The only problem experienced is that, being front wheel drive, getting started on an uphill slope is a problem, especially on a loose surface, due to wheelspin. Solution: make sure I always start on the level or facing downhill! Will cruise comfortably at 60mph on motorways. I have been known to overtake slower cars on single carriageways while towing.
Colin
Markinch, Fife.
PA 0613
MG3242
Register No. 2591 |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2543 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2016 : 15:07:23
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Colin, that sounds interesting in my terms however, can you tell me the horsepower of the Skoda please? It's probably the same engine as my Passat, but they're available as 100; 112 & 130 hp. I'm at the bottom end!
Dave |
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sebring115
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2016 : 16:21:00
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My VW transporter is only 102bhp and is fine towing, I used to tow much more weight than you have with a 136bhp passat without any problem. WHy not just give it a go and see how you get on, personally I think you will be fine.
Mark
Mark |
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Colin McLachlan
United Kingdom
991 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 09:22:52
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The Fabia service book tells me that the engine is a 1.9 diesel giving 77kW, which translates to 102bhp. It's a very torquey engine, and pulls really well. As stated before the only problem is due to the front wheel drive, and this could probably be alleviated by moving the PA further back on the trailer, to adjust the weight on the towbar. I can't do this because I built the trailer slightly too short (measure twice; cut once!!).
I'll be driving this rig from Fife to Leominster this weekend for Pre-War Prescott, as I did successfully last year.
Colin
Markinch, Fife.
PA 0613
MG3242
Register No. 2591 |
Edited by - Colin McLachlan on 12/07/2016 09:24:25 |
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MG Maverick
United Kingdom
1045 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 10:33:30
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I have been towing for many years. Both Rovers restored by me in the 1970s, still use. Never been a hitch ( pun ) with the towing.
CJD |
Edited by - MG Maverick on 12/07/2016 10:36:58 |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2543 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 12:05:07
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Thanks Colin. That gives me a bit more confidence being virtually the same engine as my car. If you can tow successfully that far, you must have met a fair selection of hills!!
Cheers,
Dave |
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Richard Hinton
United Kingdom
131 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 13:40:00
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You can tow perfectly OK with 100BHP you would not really want much below that and 150 bhp plus obviously would make driving a good deal easier. You will use the intermediate gears a lot more for a lot longer and need 2nd gear for steep hills and be gentle with the clutch operation and content to take time over a journey. Also depend how heavy your tow car alone is to start with as well. Big distances then yes a powerful car is more sensible.
Richard Hinton |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2543 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 15:22:54
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Another very encouraging reply Richard. Many thanks! Would that I could run to a trailer such as yours!
Cheers,
Dave |
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leafrancis14
United Kingdom
323 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 21:23:40
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The critical thing for safety is the relative weights plus making sure the trailer is nose heavy, which with my PA is right at the front.
You should be OK in your Passat. I keep a car specifically for towing boats and cars, previously a V6 Omega "Elite" £2000 and lasted 6 years without any attention at all, and have just given that away and changed for a 2001 BMW 7 Series. One owner, everything working, £1995!
Barny Creaser
(Wellingborough) |
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sam christie
United Kingdom
3104 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2016 : 22:50:29
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This way you can tow and drive a Triple-M at the same time.
Sam |
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PreWarMG
Australia
428 Posts |
Posted - 13/07/2016 : 06:13:25
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To arrive at a safe towing balance weight, you should have 10% of the towed weight on the towball.
This is the same whether the trailer is empty or loaded - it's just the weight that changes.
So with a 500kg trailer you should see 50kg on the ball & loaded you should have 125kg.
I used this formula when setting up a trailer to carry a MG SA Saloon & it transformed a previously dangerous tail happy trailer (loaded or empty) into a delight to tow.
Give it a go.
Tony
We are here for a good time, not a long time !. |
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