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30 Apr 2012 | Despite all the 4WDs we see in front of caravans, Philip Lord explains why bigger isn't always better in the towing department.

YOU CAN'T BE CRITICISED for wanting as much space and as many luxuries as possible in a caravan. But that extra space and gear adds to your towing weight, and this extra weight ultimately means you’ll be forced to look at a bigger, heavier vehicle with greater towing capacity. It’s for this reason caravanners often choose a 4WD, typically the highest-rated tow vehicles available at less than 4.5t (the legal Gross Vehicle Mass for a car driver’s licence).

But provided you don’t tick all the options on the biggest and best vans, you really don’t need a 4WD. There are a number of passenger cars that will be just as good tow tugs, and be far better when not towing. However, there are many traps when selecting the right tow car. Here’s an outline of what to look for, and a list of our favourites.

THE LONG AND THE SHORT

Our lowest capacity vehicle (1300kg) will still comfortably tow a 5.5m (18ft) four-berth pop-top, and the highest (2300kg) will easily tow a large tandem van off the showroom floor.

The argument for a passenger car over a 4WD is a simple one: they are generally much better to drive, with better steering, braking ride quality and acceleration, as well as better packaging. They also cost less to buy and maintain.

With city streets not getting any bigger or better for parking, finding a spot for a car is generally much easier than for a 4WD. Almost any car will have a far better turning circle than a 4WD, and while it’s true the footprint of larger cars is hardly different to some 4WDs, cars are lower and can offer better vision, and are not limited by car park height restrictions as 4WDs can be. 

Although it is not true in every case, 4WD tyres are generally much more expensive than passenger car tyres. Typically designed for mud and snow, these tyres also offer less onroad traction than passenger cars. And because a 4WD has a heavier footprint on the road, it requires heavy-duty suspension parts, which will cost more to replace than a car’s. Items like shock absorbers will wear out more quickly because of the extra work they have to do on a 4WD.

By virtue of its size and weight, a 4WD will cost more in fuel than a comparable passenger car. All that 4WD plumbing underneath is great for when you want to head offroad, but doesn’t help much when towing down the highway. In fact, the added weight and friction of the componentry just adds to the fuel bill.

With the advent of traction and stability control, a 2WD car will be able to maintain momentum and stability in slippery road conditions as well as most standard 4WDs. There is also the inherent safety of a car’s lower centre of gravity – making it is less prone to rollover.

Even cleaning a 4WD requires extra effort – unless you’re 2.5m tall, the big, hard-to-reach upper panels, such as bonnet and (especially) roof, can make for a difficult job.

WITHIN THE SPECS

Making the list of good tow cars was not easy. There are not many of them that have not only a decent towing capacity, but also an acceptable towball download. This problem affects many European tow vehicles, where the use of trailers with extremely light towball download is common. Typically, Europeans use a friction coupling to reduce the opportunity for sway.

We have decided to not include vehicles with a towball download of less than 100kg – anything less than that will find you struggling to find even a Euro van that could be towed within the specs.

Some tow cars are not engineered to take load levellers, so if this is important to you, your best bet is to check this out before getting serious about a particular vehicle. It would also pay to check out if a transmission cooler is required when towing.

Some vehicle manufacturers also stipulate a maximum recommended speed of 80km/h when towing.

Our list of best tow cars does not include anything classified as an SUV – which includes many 2WD models – because most, if not all, are based on a 4WD’s basic platform, without the components for 4WD.

BMW 530D GT
Big, comfy luxury hatch with excellent powertrain, but a bit light-on for ball weight.

Price: $144,200
Engine/transmission: 3L inline turbodiesel, eight-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 180kW/540Nm
Average fuel consumption: 6.5L/100km
Kerb weight: 1960kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 2100/100kg



CHRYSLER 300C CRD SEDAN
Looks better as a Tourer, but the sedan has a much better towing capacity. Dated, but great value package.

Price: $46,000
Engine/transmission: 3L V6 turbodiesel, five-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 160kW/510Nm
Average fuel consumption: 10.8L/100km
Kerb weight: 1835kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 2000kg/200kg

FORD FG FALCON G6E TURBO SEDAN
The FG is the best Falcon to date. The G6E turbo is the luxury/performance package to get.

Price: $52,890
Engine/transmission: 4L inline turbo petrol, six-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 270kW/533Nm
Average fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
Kerb weight: 1704kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 2300kg/230kg

FORD MONDEO 2.0 LX WAGON
Great chassis with decent packaging. An efficient diesel and good towing capacity makes the Mondeo a short-list contender.

Price: $35,490
Engine/transmission: 2L inline four-cylinder turbodiesel, six-speed manual
kW/Nm: 120kW/340Nm
Average fuel consumption: 6.2L/100km
Kerb weight: 1612kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1600kg/160kg

HOLDEN CALAIS SPORTWAGON
Great drive, roomy interior and strong engine. The Calais seals the deal with a strong towing weight limit.

Price: $50,290
Engine/transmission: 3.6L V6 petrol, six-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 210kW/350Nm
Average fuel consumption: 9.8L/100km
Kerb weight: 1849kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 2100kg/210kg

HYUNDAI GRANDEUR 3.8 V6
A dark horse on the Aussie market, Grandeur V6 is reasonably high on towing capacity and a good value luxury sedan.

Price: $39,990
Engine/transmission: 3.8L V6 petrol, five-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 194kW/348Nm
Average fuel consumption: 10.8L/100km
Kerb weight: 1693kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1800kg/180kg

HYUNDAI I40 1.7 ACTIVE
The new Euro-inspired face of Hyundai, with super-efficient diesel and mid-range towing capacity.

Price: $34,990
Engine/transmission: 1.7L inline four-cylinder turbodiesel, six-speed manual
kW/Nm: 100kW/330Nm
Average fuel consumption: 4.7L/100km
Kerb weight: 1495kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1500kg/150kg

KIA RONDO SI MANUAL
The only seven-seater here, a roomy but nimble city car with a nice, stable tow platform. The engine is a bit coarse and can get thirsty. Automatic drops towing capacity to 1100kg.

Price: $25,990
Engine/transmission: 2L inline four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
kW/Nm: 106kW/189Nm
Average fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Kerb weight: 1581kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1400kg/140kg

KIA SOUL + CRDI DIESEL
Funky, upright small car will haul a small van and works neatly as a city runabout.

Price: $27,190
Engine/transmission: 1.6L inline four-cylinder turbodiesel, five-speed manual
kW/Nm: 94kW/260Nm
Average fuel consumption: 5.2L/100km
Kerb weight: 1354kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1300kg/130kg

MAZDA6 WAGON 2.2 TURBODIESEL 
A dynamic, well-crafted package with diesel efficiency, but only available as a manual.

Price: $35,950
Engine/transmission: 2.2L inline four-cylinder turbodiesel, six-speed manual
kW/Nm: 132kW/400Nm
Average fuel consumption: 5.9L/100km
Kerb weight 1594kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1500kg/120kg

SUBARU LIBERTY 2.5 GT TURBO WAGON
The styling is a little awkward, but a fast, classy and competent package hides beneath the skin. Strong towing capacity and bonus of all-wheel-drive grip.

Price: $54,990
Engine/trans: 2.5L boxer four-cylinder petrol, six-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 195kW/350Nm
Average fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km
Kerb weight: 1577kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1800kg/180kg

TOYOTA AURION AT-X
Efficient and powerful V6 in a roomy, quality package. But getting a little long in the tooth.

Price: $35,990
Engine/transmission: 3.5L V6, six-speed auto
kW/Nm: 200kW/336Nm
Average fuel consumption: 9.9L/100km
Kerb weight: 1590kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1600kg/160kg

VOLVO V60 D3 WAGON
New V60 superbly crafted and good value. Efficient diesel, but a little on the noisy side. Towing restrictions take some of the shine off, too.

Price: $57,990
Engine/trans: Inline five-cylinder turbodiesel, six-speed automatic
kW/Nm: 120kW/400Nm
Average fuel consumption: 6L/100km
Kerb weight: 1626kg
Max towing capacity/ball: 1800/150kg (no boot load, 80km/h max)

WORDS AND PICS Philip Lord
Source: Caravan World Jan 2012

More tow test articles
Comments (19)
Comment by Unknown
posted 2 months ago
Very interesting and VERY biased comments, the Ausie market is obsessed with material size and ignores structure! we are not driving a suburban house on the road but caravans are built of the same materials and construction forms, moulded panels and roof ,integrated alloy or fibre frame,tanks inbuilt as part of the structure using interior fitting as part of the structure and not an add on are all possible but ignored by Au manufacturers
Comment by Unknown
posted 3 months ago
you are so wrong, a 4wd will allways out tow 2wd's. ive never heard so much bias rubbish!
Comment by Unknown
posted 3 months ago
to a van oscar and dorrigo codgers we also own a X TRAIL 04 have a jayco swan outback 2012 been on one small trip gosford to forster and back have to learn how drive again with extra weight behind will see how we go on next outing gg
Comment by Unknown
posted 6 months ago
My wife and are in our 70s,and we have a 05 nissan x trail and pull our old faithful 1985 millard wind up camper .there are 7 4+4 caravan and camping magazines in our household each month.NO STORIES ON SMALL 4+4.we dont all drive tanks. dorrigo codgers.
Comment by Unknown
posted 8 months ago
We own a 2004 RWD Ford Territory towing a Viscount 16'Poptop and its a dream to tow once the tyres are warmed up and suspension settles from being garaged
The van sits only 300mm higher than the car and has minimal wind drag,that said the Territory is much over powered for the van and has minimal fuel consumption increase when towing
Sedans are suitable for poptops, campers and short full height vans but 4wd have the ability to engage front and rear axle for stability in loose and rough terrain having the vehicle weight to stand its ground
Sedans for flat sealed roads 4wd for offroad it all depends on the van selection and the terrain freeways,urban or unsealed
AB
Comment by Unknown
posted 9 months ago
I have been towing vans for many years using Falcons,& 4wd vehicles. Nothing will convince me that anything less than a 4wd while towing a large tandem van is the best & safest option. Fuel consumption does not even rate a mention. If you own a van, be prepared to pay out a lot extra for fuel. If this bothers you, sell the van & take a bus. There will be less vans on the road which will make everyone happy.
Comment by Unknown
posted 9 months ago
I am looking at small cars, such as a Ford Fiesta Econetic, to tow my sportbike to the track. I figured that the Econetic, with 66kw and 200nm, would be okay for that job. Even inter-state. Although, the bike and the trailer would come to no more than 350kg, so I figured the car would be fine. It certainly would be ideal, but unfortunately it doesn't get a tow rating from Ford, damnit!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
You fail to test small 4wd's and the best must surely be the Nissan X trail. I tow a "A" van Oscar
and the combination is almost faultless. We get about 8ltrs/100ks without the van and between 11-13.5ltrs/100ks loaded.The rig is very stable and we have travelled 25000ks and only had one tyre fail.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Hi, I've towed a 17ft Poptop with my 4Ltr Ford Fairmont for around 40,000klm. Attached to the vehicle with load levellers, and an anti-sway bar. So far, the arrangement has worked well. Even when the driver (me)swerved around a Kangaroo that was wanting to commit Hari-Kari by vehicle. We were fortunate, the animal hopped off the way it had come on, and it was then, on reflection that I realised just how stable the van had been. The downside of this set-up, is that I wear out my rear tyres in about 15,000klm, so I've learnt to rotate every 5,000klm. My fuel costs (Premium ULP)average out at 17Litres/100klm. My Son, has just bought a KIA Sorento Diesel, and We're going to do some tests with my van to see if it will be my next vehicle for towing! - we'll see!
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Reviewer doesn't know what he is talking about. I am an RVer& a truck driver.maybe I should get rid of the Kenworth and put commodore in front of my road train.same analogy as putting a small car in front of a 2 tonne caravan. Never send a child to do a mans job
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
The most useless information I have ever seem from a reputable magazine.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Normally the articles that you feature are interesting to read and full of information that is both important and valid. I was therefore somewhat disappointed in this article that supposedly was going to explain why “bigger isn’t always better in the towing department”. The arguments put forward that make a car better than a 4WD all related to use without a van in tow, not towing so i believe are invalid. How can cars being lower offer better vision. By sitting higher in a 4WD I can see far more! Shock absorbers will not wear out quicker because heavier duty shock absorbers are fitted in the first instance. Having had 4WD’s ranging from Pajeros (4), 100 Series Landcruisers (2) and Mercedes (2), and having done over 100,000kms in each but the latest, I have never had to replace any suspension components so replacement cost is not an issue either. Re parking, I have also been able to fit into every car park that I have tried to enter without difficulty. Go and have a look at the array of 4WD’s in any underground or under-cover parking area. How did they get there? Similarly it may be interesting to note that the footprint of a Holden Commodore is larger than that of a 100 Series Landcruiser.

“Typically designed for mud and snow”, show me or tell me of a 4WD that comes out of the showroom fitted typically with mud & snow tyres. It doesn’t happen. As for the topic of fuel consumption. The fuel ratings of diesel 4WD’s compare very favourably with all of your comparo vehicles and particularly the Chrysler 300CRD.
What else can I say? I would much rather tow any vehicle, be it caravan or trailer with a vehicle that will handle the job with ease rather than putting significant extra stresses on a lighter vehicle with similar lower strength componentry.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Great article Phil. Lots of dollars for some of the big sedans with only 2 ton tow capacity.
After much research we settled for a short wheel base 3 Door Toyota Prado. Great 3 ton/300 kg ball towing capacity. Very easy to drive around shopping center car parks. Great for us 2 and the dog when towing a 2 ton Coromal Pop Top. Fuel consumption is 7 to 8 without the van 11 to 12 while towing. Tows great and very competitively price when compared to some of the sedans mentioned.
Regards Tom
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Having towed vans for over fifty years with everything from a FC Holden, through fords, Valiants and four 4wd vehicles I would say anyone who goes out on the road with a tandem van, which must weigh over 2000kg loaded, attached to anything less than a Falcon or a decent 4wd wants his head read. Always allow at least a couple of hundred kg above the rated towing capacity of the vehicle otherwise you will be in strife in traffic and in mountainous country. If you cant afford something rated well above the rating of the van, you cant afford to get on the road and be a danger to other motorists. Try a car then get in a decent 4wd and notice the difference on the open road. You will never go back to the car.
Old timer.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I notice that fuel consumption figures are NOT tow figures. Wouldnt it have appropriate to list real world tow figures as those stated are very misleading.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
Hi, interesting article. You dont seem to be concerned that almost if not all these vehicles are of a Monocoque design and surely if you are to put all the adverse stresses into the subframe of the vehicle that towing is likely to impose you would best use one with a good "Ladder Rack" chassis. Should you choose to use such as "Load Levelling" devices then I would insist you must not use Monocoque design vehicles since they have the risk of having the back end of the subframe ripped out(two examples are available)Hope this may help to broaden readers veiws on towing
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I have a Landrover freelander 2 (2011 model) which I bought as a lightweight tow vehicle (with brakes the limit is 2000kg). I just wonder why it is never included in any of the tow tests and even in an article like this. There are quite a few of them around and they are great to drive with some good 4WD features.
Eric Thompson
I am a subscriber
39 Purnell st
Altona 3018
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
you should go and do your home work again, nobody goes on holidays taking a van straight of the showroom floor. by the time you add all you need there are a lot of 4WD's over wieght so most car's would be.
Comment by Unknown
posted 1 year ago
I'm sorry but much of what is said is simply wrong. I had a Ford G6E Turbo and towed a 14.5 ft pop top (1450kg ATM) and for that it was brilliant. Then purchased an 18.5ft internal full van with ATM 2300kg. The G6ET did not tow it brilliantly. It had the power but was working hard most of the time and fuel consumption was through the roof, over 20L/100km. We "downgraded" to a 2011 Pajero GLS DiD. It has FAR better visibility in every situation. It's also got a smaller turning circle, is easier to park due to better visibility and turning circle and being shorter overall fits into more spaces.

Yes a car can tow a van well, but do not trust the makers towing ratings, personally I'd never tow within 400kg of the max ATM tow rating again. The Pajero also has cheaper tyres btw. We now average 14.5L/100km towing at the speed limit. I also prefer the diesel power delivery. The Ford G6ET is actually so overpowered it gets frustrating because you can never legally use the power for more than a couple of seconds.

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