Pulling a trailer

freddublin

Hi guys,
I'm starting a mobile catering activity, and looking for the best to pull a 2 tones trailer... Budget is 3k, and I was looking at a van (Ford transit) or a jeep (LWB land rover).
Any advice on what minimum power should the engine be, and what would be the best?

Thanks a lot

Fred

101sean

Most big cars, softroade/SUVs and mid size vans will pull 2 tonne, check the manufacturers towing specs. You don't need 4x4 unless you expect to be in a lot of rally fields and a big 4x4 or van will drink any profit you make!

Double check the catering trailer weight and unless it's over 2 tonne you have a wider choice of tow vehicle. Power wise you'll probably look at 1.9 - 2.0l engines, any smaller and the vehicle probably won't be rated to tow the weight.
A Land Rover or other big 4x4 makes a more stable tow vehicle but engine wise they are all 2.5 - 3.2l and you'll be lucky to see 25mpg towing. They'll all pull 3.5t though.

CJhaughey

Don't forget to check your license covers you to tow these weights!
EB will be necessary and its being enforced quite rigidly now.

cjt156

And remember you are not permitted to tow in the extreme outside lane of any 2 or 3 lane motorway.

Unlike the KNOBHEAD on the M50 yesterday :mad: ahem,
as you were...

laois hibby

I have a 2 liter swb transit and it pulls a medium sized unit no problem at all. If its one of the big units we use a discovery which pulls brilliantly but goes through diesel like mad.

Fey!

For a catering truck I'd also look at what kind of events I'd be catering at. If you are looking at doing the likes of music gigs in muddy fields, then don't rule out the 4x4 option (although I'd look at 4wd Skodas/Audis/Volvos as well as Land Rovers/Cruisers for the running costs).

freddublin

EB licence on the way!

So maybe I could look at something smaller as a ford connect or VW Caddy?

As it' 2.3m high, wouldn't it be too high for the towing vehicle for the wind while driving?

Thanks

CiniO

freddublin wrote: »

EB licence on the way!

So maybe I could look at something smaller as a ford connect or VW Caddy?

As it' 2.3m high, wouldn't it be too high for the towing vehicle for the wind while driving?

Thanks

Only weights are limited.
It doesn't matter it's so high. You can't drive any faster than 80km/h anyway.

101sean

Connect and Caddy may be a bit on the small side and not rated to 2 tonne. The longer the vehicle the better stability wise, height wise it's no different to a caravan.