Towing with the 1.5D

[Dan__UK_1984]

Now the 1.5 isn't exactly a huge powerhouse!! But I have need to tow a caravan for 200 miles, only a 2 berth (615KG) and well within the towing capacity of the car according to the manual... The only time I've ever towed before was with an Automatic 4.4V8 Range Rover - which obviously was a breeze!

Will the 1.5 cope with it? Especially on the longer hills in Cornwall? Is the cooling system up to the job etc? Overheating is my main concern I guess, followed by my already poor (although slowly improving) clutch control!

[joeishmather]

You shouldn't have any issues at all, hills in cornwall are nothing compared to these up in shedfield and I've never had an issue, obviously its not going to win any races but take it easy and you won't have any problems.. You won't be getting your 80/85mpg tho!!lol

[Dan__UK_1984]

You won't be getting your 80/85mpg tho!!lol

Thanks, should be OK then.

[davelowe]

Yeah I do it all the time - just reduce the oil change interval - the extra load induces a faster darkening of the oil. Though I haven't evidence this is bad, it makes sense to be preventative...

[Dan__UK_1984]

Sorry, I meant to update yoy all on my antics...

I towed my small(ish) caravan no problems with the car, the hills were a struggle and MPG was in the 30's. 50 was all she could manage on any incline without really pushing. 60 on the flat was easy though.

[joeishmather]

That's goo to hear, did you get away anywhere nice??

[davelowe]

The top speeds were a concern for me too. My van is 850+kg - but the remap helped. I got around 38mpg and found that 56mph on the cruise control was the highest 'stable' speed on the motorway (faster didn't feel so good). The 106 engine is very capable. Obviously you get the twin axle brigade with their Range Rovers laughing at you at the lights, but the overall acceleration is better than a transit van. Quite surprising really. Sixth gear is pretty much out of the equation, but if you drive one gear lower than you perhaps might normally do, it's easy to forget the trailer is attached after a while.

[Dan__UK_1984]

Obviously you get the twin axle brigade with their Range Rovers laughing at you at the lights

lol, that used to be me!