How to choose a good towing car for caravans

There are many factors to consider when choosing a good towcar, one of which is the reality that most of the time you wont be towing with the car but instead driving solo, so a good towcar first of all has to be a good everyday car as very few of us will have the luxury of purchasing a vehicle just for towing!

Probably the first consideration should be load lugging ability, this is governed by the cars weight and the engines pulling power. Invariably the best tow cars are modern turbodiesels with plenty of low down torque. As for maximun towing weight it is recommended, despite what the figures in the car manual might say, that you do not exceed 85% ofvehivle gross weight.

The second factor is the stability of the vehicle when towing under braking, acceleration and cornering or lane changing. Good towcars are tested using accelerometers to measure G forces acting upon the caravans and the test cars to check  for dangerous or alarming instability or weaving.

Then consider the practicality of the car, factors such as size of boot, availability of 12V sockets, mirrors that will easily accept extensions and oddments stowage in cabin.

Good sources of information to help you choose a good towing vehicle are caravan holidays UK, Practical caravan and the Camping and Caravanning Club.