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Re: Towing

Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2017 4:24 pm
by gvmdaddy
If the car feels bouncy then pay particular attention to the nose weight of the caravan when loaded. A general rule of thumb is that the nose weight/hitch weight should be between 5 and 9% of your loaded caravan weight. Of course, tow bars have different maximum weight limits and if this is lower or falls between the 5 to 9% of your van, then this should be your max hitch weight. Anything heavy inside your caravan should be secured low and as close as possible to the axle. If you actually weigh your caravan at the towing hitch then just remember to weigh it at a height the same as the towing ball.

Re: Towing

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 5:24 am
by Mutleymania
Many thanks, I'll have a look at the nose weight. I think it's just also getting use to towing a caravan rather than a small trailer to & from an allotment.

Re: Towing

Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 11:17 am
by VANDA-DE-FREITAS
Hi we have the 1.5 diesel 360 qashqai (2014) and want to tow a 1200 (laden weight) caravan. Anyone got experience of this they could share please.
Thanks

Re: Towing

Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 7:13 pm
by Mutleymania
Hi,
My van's MTPLM is 1285 & the 1.6 pulls it fine I just need to load it better. Previous posts are positive on the QQ's towing ability.
Enjoy getting out & about with the fan
Nikki

Re: Towing

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2017 4:38 pm
by alde2
Just bought 2013 j10 360 1.6 ltr which in general is a very nice car. Wondered what if would tow like though. hitched up my 13/2 Wanderder/lux caravan and hey ho it went up a quite steep hill without issues. Just as importantly it came down it safely as well with no tendancy for the Caravan to try and take charge. Seems to be getting just over 40 mpg on the flat at around 55 to 60 mph towing so really impressed with that compared to my old 2 ltr Honda crv. Which is a very good car also. Getting just into the 50mpg's not towing on a decent run. Really pleased with the 360's ability to see all around itself. i.e. no opening the door to see if you are in the parking bay properly.

Re: Towing

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:59 pm
by Deleted User 3871
Mate, you probably need to get your MPG's recalibrated.

Most cars towing a standard shape caravan get about 30mpg give take a little. I can see your van is a lightweight variety, but pulling a van the shape of a house brick will give you quite poor mpgs. Try filling your tank, pull your van around some & then fill the tank again, work out the difference with the mileage you covered & fuel used. Your mpg will be similar to most. Don't forget that air resistance is squared to the speed, so a tail wind will give you a significant advantage, so you need to take this into account, not just the incline of the road.

MY QQ does 60mpg not towing. I get around 30mpg give or take a bit when towing my Coachman Pastiche 560/4, MRO 1465 kgs

I had a friend who said his Merc did 60 mpg pulling his caravan at 70mph, the car on its own only did 50mph, so there are some seriously badly calibrated mpg gauges out there.

I'm glad to see you happy with your rig though, and that's the main thing. Its super important to feel safe pulling a load behind you. If you ever get the chance later on try to find a van with the Alko ATC System for ultimate safety & peace of mind. Its truly a fantastic piece of kit.

I had a Honda CRV 2.2d (2007), Would get 50 - 55 mpg normal driving and about 25mpg pulling a van similar weight to yours. It was a great car
alde2 wrote: Wed Jun 21, 2017 4:38 pm Just bought 2013 j10 360 1.6 ltr which in general is a very nice car. Wondered what if would tow like though. hitched up my 13/2 Wanderder/lux caravan and hey ho it went up a quite steep hill without issues. Just as importantly it came down it safely as well with no tendancy for the Caravan to try and take charge. Seems to be getting just over 40 mpg on the flat at around 55 to 60 mph towing so really impressed with that compared to my old 2 ltr Honda crv. Which is a very good car also. Getting just into the 50mpg's not towing on a decent run. Really pleased with the 360's ability to see all around itself. i.e. no opening the door to see if you are in the parking bay properly.