Would you recommend the Ford C-Max or Land Rover Freelander for towing a caravan?

I am going to buy a caravan, possibly of a maximum weight of 1,400kg, and need to change my car, as at the moment drive a 2006 Ford Focus C Max 1.6 TDCi Zetec. I like the driving position of this car, it is a 5-seater and has a very large boot. I was thinking of having a look at the Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi or Freelander. It doesn’t have to be a diesel, but I would like it to be economical. Budget £10,000; possibly could push it to £12,000 not including trade-in. I would really appreciate your comments as I have taken your advice in the past.

Asked on 5 February 2011 by SD, via email

Answered by Honest John

The C-Max 1.6TDCI might actually tug better than the 2.0TDCI. The reason is, it is geared at about 30mph per 1,000 rpm in fifth and the 1.6TDCI develops maximum torque at 1,750rpm. The 2.0TDCI is geared at about 35mph per 1,000rpm in sixth and develops maximum torque at 2,000rpm. When I ran a C-Max 2.0TDCI I had to use fourth or fifth in 50mph contraflows. But the C-Max only has a kerb weight of 1,500kg, so to keep to the Caravan Club 85 per cent safe towing rule, the caravan would need to be no more than 1,275kg.

Tags: towing diesels caravan

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