manwithtool Posted October 31, 2018 Report Share Posted October 31, 2018 So my wife is keen on a caravan. Is there anything I should know about issues with the car towing a caravan ? My concerns are the rear springs, do I change them or upgrade them ? Also as it's an auto is the gearbox ok ....I'm thinking overheating and possibly as it's quite high geared would that be an issue. Maybe I should read the manual....Still nothing beats experience !! any advice welcome. You can take the p!ss about the caravan as well, It can;t be any worse than the flack I'm going to get from my mates ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MICK 330 Posted October 31, 2018 Report Share Posted October 31, 2018 (edited) Hi mate, Ex caravan owner here & yes I got a load of abuse too but pound for pound if the weather is good...brilliant fun with the family! Towed my 4 berth with Audi A4 1.9TDi. Yes it broke its std springs! As long as you've been savvy by buying a van that's within the limits ie towing weights of the car you should be reasonably ok. Yes read the manual for your car to see if it recommends a gearbox oil cooler but I think that's a bit old school now. My e46 breaks springs if I fart so dont be surprised if the van does break the springs. If your new to towing a van then bear in mind the "nose weight" on the tow bar. You can buy scales for this I think?? Spread the weight through the van. i.e dont put it all at the front or all at the rear. The tail will wag the dog!!!!! A good hitch lock/stabiliser is a MUST! If the van is pretty new it should be fitted already. I really think this question should be on Practical Caravans (do they only drive Volvo`s?)site or similar though? I did once see a geezer with a e46 325i Vert towing a 4 berth & IMO it needed stronger springs!!!! Have fun! Edited October 31, 2018 by MICK 330 missed a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manwithtool Posted October 31, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2018 Cheers Mick, we've had a caravan before so know a bit about it although far from experienced. I was just interested in how the Car would stand up to it as I wouldn't think a 2003 touring M sport auto would be a first choice. As you say I'll RTFM Read the flippin manual ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MICK 330 Posted November 2, 2018 Report Share Posted November 2, 2018 IMHO ...330d manual touring would be my choice mate...every time LOL Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasa Posted November 2, 2018 Report Share Posted November 2, 2018 derv all the way for towing a van..i had an old rover 210 derv,,pulled the van easy,,although the van was a small one with a elevating roof,,so was flat also,,god the missus hated it and ended up being a playhouse for my daughter,,only paid £500 for it,,but only used it twice,,still got all the gubbins ie elec hookup cable.towing mirror.water bottles/toilet wste container etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasa Posted November 2, 2018 Report Share Posted November 2, 2018 Just now, rasa said: derv all the way for towing a van..i had an old rover 218 derv,,pulled the van easy,,although the van was a small one with a elevating roof,,so was flat also,,god the missus hated it and ended up being a playhouse for my daughter,,only paid £500 for it,,but only used it twice,,still got all the gubbins ie elec hookup cable.towing mirror.water bottles/toilet wste container etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
