Towing a Caravan - Mechanical strain etc

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 05:31 PM

Hi guys and girls.
Just hoping for some advice on towing a Caravan and car mechanical safety.

I now have a VW R36 (I know not a Ford had a decade with a BA Turbo) and been looking to buy a Caravan for a while.

It's a 16ft older (but immaculate) Millard and according to booklet the R36 can tow it legally up to 2500Kg braked which complies.

Just opinions I'm hoping for but do you think a Caravan too much for a car tranny and engine? Especially a VW with DSG?

Would only be used for short easy trips up to 100Ks max.

All advice as it's a brilliant buy and what I've been looking for, but if too risky to car then no worries.

Thank you all.

Franco Cozzo · 02-05-2020, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Hi guys and girls.
Just hoping for some advice on towing a Caravan and car mechanical safety.

I now have a VW R36 (I know not a Ford had a decade with a BA Turbo) and been looking to buy a Caravan for a while.

It's a 16ft older (but immaculate) Millard and according to booklet the R36 can tow it legally up to 2500Kg braked which complies.

Just opinions I'm hoping for but do you think a Caravan too much for a car tranny and engine? Especially a VW with DSG?

Would only be used for short easy trips up to 100Ks max.

All advice as it's a brilliant buy and what I've been looking for, but if too risky to car then no worries.

Thank you all.

Driving around suburbia from traffic light to traffic light is too much for a VW DSG let alone towing 2500kg behind it.

But at the end of the day if the manufacturer says it can tow up to 2500kg then it is fine to do so.

The first step is to get your hands on VW's trailer wiring kit and then change over the useless Euro trailer plug to a 12 pin with a reed switch to disable the reverse sensors or a 7 pin + 50A anderson connector.

**Cav** · 02-05-2020, 05:42 PM

Is this a wind up?

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Driving around suburbia from traffic light to traffic light is too much for a VW DSG let alone towing 2500kg behind it.

But at the end of the day if the manufacturer says it can tow up to 2500kg then it is fine to do so.

The first step is to get your hands on VW's trailer wiring kit and then change over the useless Euro trailer plug to a 12 pin with a reed switch to disable the reverse sensors or a 7 pin + 50A anderson connector.

I think the DSG issues are a bit overplayed there mate. No doubt when they fail it's a disaster but many have no issues.

Rest of advice much appreciated. Those kinds of changes would be completed for sure to get it to happen.

You know your stuff!!

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cav

Is this a wind up?

I've seen plenty of Falcons and Commodores pull small Caravans. It's hardly unusual, not everyone uses dual cabs, Cruisers etc like for massive vans.

But if too risky, no worries.

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 06:11 PM

2200kg braked sorry guys not 2500 like I said

**Beastie** · 02-05-2020, 06:27 PM

A typical 16 foot Millard probably wouldn't be more than 1000kg TARE weight, then you have the ATM, which is what you are allowed to add to the TARE weight. In the older vans, it's usually not that much - maybe 200 - 300kgs, so technically, you probably won't be towing over 1,500kgs.

Have a look at the rego papers and see what your TARE & ATM weights are as a starting point.

The other thing to remember is that the older vans were built like a brick (very little aero), so there will be a lot of wind resistance too, which will add to the towing stress.

Auto transmission coolers are also recommended if you are towing regularly.

Falcon SXR8 · 02-05-2020, 06:33 PM

Honestly if it was me I wouldn't be towing it with that rig

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongo Boy

A typical 16 foot Millard probably wouldn't be more that 1000kg TARE weight, then you have the ATM, which is what you are allowed to add to the TARE weight. In the older vans, it's usually not that much - maybe 200 - 300kgs, so technically, you probably won't be towing over 1,500kgs.

Have a look at the rego papers and see what your TARE & ATM weights are as a starting point.

The other thing to remember is that the older vans were built like a brick (very little aero), so there will be a lot of wind resistance too, which will add to the towing stress.

Auto transmission coolers are also recommended if you are towing regularly.

Thanks mate.

Yep owner said it weighed around 1400 so your specs sound completely spot on.

Ok cool I will look at those ratings - I thought towing capacity was all that was legally required so I'll look into it.

Yes I knew on a cooler but the local caravan place said not required if only towing 10 times a year max for only an hour. That may be wrong.

Thanks again BB.

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon SXR8

Honestly if it was me I wouldn't be towing it with that rig

It's not ideal I know - I was just asking as not keen to sell it for a tow vehicle if I can get best of both worlds (it's already towed a boat for years from previous owner, hence all the towing equip on it alteady and no problems at all)

**Beastie** · 02-05-2020, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Thanks mate.

Yep owner said it weighed around 1400 so your specs sound completely spot on.

Ok cool I will look at those ratings - I thought towing capacity was all that was legally required so I'll look into it.

Yes I knew on a cooler but the local caravan place said not required if only towing 10 times a year max for only an hour. That may be wrong.

Thanks again BB.

Do your homework re weights. This is where alot of people can come unstuck and potentially get fined or miss out on an insurance claim if something goes wrong.

Edit: Here is a link that will help.

http://www.withoutahitch.com.au/cara...wing-capacity/

arronm · 02-05-2020, 06:54 PM

I only tow with a heavy vehicle with good brakes. Its all good until you have an emergency.

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arronm

I only tow with a heavy vehicle with good brakes. Its all good until you have an emergency.

Yeah fair enough. I'll cool off on it then

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongo Boy

Do your homework re weights. This is where alot of people can come unstuck and potentially get fined or miss out on an insurance claim if something goes wrong.

Edit: Here is a link that will help.

http://www.withoutahitch.com.au/cara...wing-capacity/

Yep I wasn't aware of that so thank you very much.

The owner has towed with a Commodore auto for over 10 years so I thought it might be ok

arronm · 02-05-2020, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Yeah fair enough. I'll cool off on it then

No thats just my opinion. Do the research and find out what others are towing with that vehicle.

I towed a 3T 4WD with my territory. But that car is set up for it. Massive engine and gearbox coolers and tuned gearbox. Also has big brakes.

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arronm

No thats just my opinion. Do the research and find out what others are towing with that vehicle.

I towed a 3T 4WD with my territory. But that car is set up for it. Massive engine and gearbox coolers and tuned gearbox. Also has big brakes.

Yep ok no worries. I doubt many use any Euro performance cars for towing just didn't know a small van would be much of a problem for short trips.

whitelion65 · 02-05-2020, 08:26 PM

Trans cooler is for a transmission, NOT DSG.
But make sure your gearbox is serviced properly.
I would tow that with my Mondeo, I don’t see a problem.
Get onto the water cooled VW forums for some more informed advice.

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitelion65

Trans cooler is for a transmission, NOT DSG.
But make sure your gearbox is serviced properly.
I would tow that with my Mondeo, I don’t see a problem.
Get onto the water cooled VW forums for some more informed advice.

Yeah ok then. The gearbox is fully serviced.

I didn't with mine either as per your Mondeo, but now I'm scared as.....ha.

Will do but those forums aren't much help as R36s are pretty rare here and I doubt many tow.......

**Captain Stubing** · 02-05-2020, 09:29 PM

Myself and my wife (I'm not taking full blame for this...) bought a yacht on a trailer, and then found out my FG/X ute with nearly 299kw couldn't tow it. WTF? I only had just over a tonne of weight I could tow with my YouBeautUte.

I still don't know why, whether it's the drivetrain, suspension or what... a fellow FordForumer offered his RTV ute which delivered the yacht really well.

I scoured FB marketplace and bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 V8 for $1250. The suspension was shagged, and I've spent maybe another $1500 getting it up to acceptable performance, but I think it's cheaper than upgrading either my wife's car, or ... no I'm not getting rid of the ute!

My yacht is around 1800-2000 kg,

XR Martin · 02-05-2020, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Stubing

Myself and my wife (I'm not taking full blame for this...) bought a yacht on a trailer, and then found out my FG/X ute with nearly 299kw couldn't tow it. WTF? I only had just over a tonne of weight I could tow with my YouBeautUte.

I still don't know why, whether it's the drivetrain, suspension or what... a fellow FordForumer offered his RTV ute which delivered the yacht really well.

,

Ride height, wheel and tyre load rating is the main reason.

MercuryT · 02-05-2020, 11:34 PM

Thanks guys.

Guess it's a bad idea even if only used sparingly for nice short weekend trips.

I knew it couldn't pull a big one etc or long range but seems a no go at all and that's ok.

**Cav** · 03-05-2020, 01:05 AM

In my first post I asked if this was a wind up.

I have had two caravans and three tow vehicles, and as with anything in life when you try something new there is always a progression.

If your car can legally tow the caravan then you are off to a good start.

You say you will only be towing it 100kms.

That won't be a problem, provided you get the braking sorted out (does the caravan have electric brakes or override brakes?) get additional mirrors and maybe a weight distribution hitch if the bum drops under the load. Also check the towball download weight which is usually quite low on European cars - check your car manual. And finally check your car manual regarding other limitations in towing, my guess it will have a limit on speed.

So you get all that settled and off you go for a few days in your caravan and let's say you have a good time.

This is where progression comes in.

You now wish to have a better tow vehicle.
Your wife doesn't like the porta potty, she now wants an ensuite.
You want A/C and TV.

You go and look at some other BIGGERER AND BETTERER caravans for sale, they want to give you a good trade in price for your newly acquired tiny ****box of a caravan.

But it is only 2500 kgs.

Add your stuff - 300kgs

Two water tanks -200kgs

Suddenly you now need a tug that can legally pull 3000kgs.

Oh, why not go the whole hog and get a 5th wheeler.

Welcome to the world of caravanning, if you are not grey you soon will be.

Trevor 57 · 03-05-2020, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Hi guys and girls.
Just hoping for some advice on towing a Caravan and car mechanical safety.

I now have a VW R36 (I know not a Ford had a decade with a BA Turbo) and been looking to buy a Caravan for a while.

It's a 16ft older (but immaculate) Millard and according to booklet the R36 can tow it legally up to 2500Kg braked which complies.

Just opinions I'm hoping for but do you think a Caravan too much for a car tranny and engine? Especially a VW with DSG?

Would only be used for short easy trips up to 100Ks max.

All advice as it's a brilliant buy and what I've been looking for, but if too risky to car then no worries.

Thank you all.

Understand the '2500kg' means the van, everything in it, water, food, gas and everything in the car towing it, so what ever you have loaded in the car.

I am a caravanner and this is a very hot topic - many people don't understand this important fact. Many are now being put over a weighbridge by wise Police

csv8 · 03-05-2020, 08:47 AM

I tow a 1.9 tonne caravan with a Captiva. No issues in 39k/kms. I tow to Holden recommendations. If VW say "2500kg" then it should be okay.
BMW X3 can tow between 2000kg and 2600kgs. Depending on engine and transmission. Welcome to the fun of happy hours....

71cop · 03-05-2020, 09:22 AM

If I had a vehicle that couldn't or I would be worried about towing with it for 1 hour at a time I would no longer own that vehicle. To me it would be completely useless.

**Burnout** · 03-05-2020, 09:41 AM

I tow a 1400kg Van with a 330kw Turbo Falcon. No problems with it even at 110kmph down the Newell Hwy. Admit it a pop top:

I've towed all sorts of stuff with the RTV; My Camper Trailer:

This Stick Boat at Hwy Speeds:

chevypower · 06-05-2020, 05:47 AM

Pulling a big sail with a lightweight, short wheelbase hatchback, with a narrow wheel track and minimal payload rating... yeah, you should be fine! Can’t think of anything that could go wrong! ;)

whitelion65 · 06-05-2020, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

Pulling a big sail with a lightweight, short wheelbase hatchback, with a narrow wheel track and minimal payload rating... yeah, you should be fine! Can’t think of anything that could go wrong! ;)

R36 is a Passat, NOT a Golf!
Although, by your avatar, a block of flats would appear small!

chevypower · 06-05-2020, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitelion65

R36 is a Passat, NOT a Golf!
Although, by your avatar, a block of flats would appear small!

Well I did describe the 16’ caravan as “big sail,” it’s not just about the weight, it’s also the aerodynamics. Ya know... crosswinds on the freeway.

whitelion65 · 06-05-2020, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

Well I did describe the 16’ caravan as “big sail,” it’s not just about the weight, it’s also the aerodynamics. Ya know... crosswinds on the freeway.

Yeah, I’ve sailed a Kombi in the past 😅