Towing specs on my car???

[jayjay]

I have a Honda Civic Automatic... 1600 cc. I'm thinking of putting a towbar on it and buying a lightweight caravan. It was MOT'd not long ago and the MOT chap (who tows caravans) said that it would tow something light no problem.. even though it's low. The towbar will cost £175, which is nearly as much as the car is worth! LOL!! ;D

Now the q. is: if I put the specs as written in the manual, can somebody translate into english... the little caravan I'm looking at is 650kgs max weight.

it say:
Curb weight: Automatic transmission: 1,030 kg/ 1,090kg

why the two weights? Low to high parameters?

Max permissible weight (EC) 1,500/1,530kg

Max towing weight (trailer with brakes) (EC) 700kg/1000kg - - is this the one I need for towing a caravan? Cos the one I'm thinking of buying is 650kg max, does this mean my car will be absolutely flat out towing the tiniest trailer/caravan??? Doesn't make sense, esp, as the chap selling the van tows with a 1.1 hatchback???

Max permiss vertical load (noseweight?) is 50kg... understand this bit as most liddle vans are 50kg noseweight.

My car is very low... is it going to scrape the exhaust if I tow with it?

By just putting a towbar ont he car I have means that I can buy the caravan I want....



Any answers appreciated! LOL.

And the next q's will be 'How do I tow a caravan anyway?' LOL LOL LOL ;D

[yamaha]

Never had or towed a caravan, Jayjay - but I can't help but think that a 1600cc automatic isn't really the best choice to tow with!!

Ant could probably advise you more - but I always understood that if towing any appreciable weight with an auto box, the box needed an oil cooler on it.

Also, with that small an engine, I can see you pulling for miles in a low gear, and using a lot of fuel.

Ready to be shot down from any more knowledgable "tuggers" out there.

Mike

[jayjay]

Thanks for your reply, Mike! Certainly things that need thinking about. The MOT chap did say it would tow without probs, but I wondered about the auto side of things myself. The problem is, I need to use an automatic car as I'm getting too disabled to use the clutch on a manual, and can't bear to give up camping altogether (which is what my children advise:( ) without a try at something like this.

The van I'm thinking of buying is a KIP van, very lightweight and can be towed by a trike... which you have! Have you ever towed anything with your trike, Mike?

[Derek]

Hi Jackie

I think the rule is never tow with the caravan weight more than 85% of the tow vehicle but less is always better. The heavier the trailer the more likely that the tail starts wagging the dog This ratio has nothing to do with the cars ability to pull the increased load. The train weight gives this but I think that is only to do with the ability to pull away on an incline. I used to pull a light caravan (Sprite 400) with a 1500 Beetle and the main problem was the windage. The outfit was fine on hills, in fact we took it over the Pyrenees to Spain. The problems occurred on slow inclines particularly if the wind was against us.

At the end of the day, the only way is to try it but it sure wouldn't be my choice for a tow car, sporty coupes are normally geared and tuned for rushing around, not pulling a load.

Derek

[jayjay]

Oct 16, 2009 9:35:51 GMT Derek said:

Hi Jackie


At the end of the day, the only way is to try it but it sure wouldn't be my choice for a tow car, sporty coupes are normally geared and tuned for rushing around, not pulling a load.

Derek

Thanks for your opinion, Derek! I agree with the above totally - my car is a sporty coupe and is definately good on accelleration! LOL!

What I'm trying to do is ascertain whether it's a viable option for towing a lightweight van and avoid splashing out on a towbar for an old car if it won't do the job. The car doesn't owe me anything you see. Perfectly serviceable and has been serviced, good runner, etc... And I'm used to it. Whilst not the prettiest of vehicles (around 4 different shades of red/pink now) I don't really want to buy a different car if this will do, LOL!

I can always try it and see, but then the money will be spent, the towbar fitted and maybe I'd still need a different car.... Hmmmm.

Thanks for your thoughts Derek! Keep 'em coming everyone!