What's the disadvantages of towing a car?

Kups

Kups

Joined
Feb 23, 2021
Posts
1,277
Likes collected
2,096
Location
BURY ST. EDMUNDS
Funster No
79,383
MH
Adria Coral 670 SLT
Exp
Since 2002
We've had great fun electric biking but being realistic about our physical capability we're considering selling them and converting my wife's Toyota to a tow car, already have the tow bar installed. I can hire a bike if I need one.
We know the advantages of a tow car. So what are the disadvantages? Is it OK to stay on an aire with a tow car for instance? All comments gratefully accepted.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
We have been towing a car on a twin axle trailer for nine years now and have traveled down to Spain & Portugal through France also up through Scandinavia.
never had a problem either getting on pitches or storing trailer As far as we are concerned taking the car is mainly for enabling us to go birding in the remote parts of countries we visit and take our dog with us without the hassle of hiring and also our car is not stood at home while we travel it’s being used.
As far as using more fuel in all the miles we have covered I have usually checked consumption by brimming tank and mileage is always around 25 mpg whether towing or not.
Last but not least with the uncertainty of law regarding A Frames in Europe we decided it was not worth the risk of having to leave the car at the side of the road if stopped by police as my wife does not drive.
The convenience of having the car with us is worth the trouble for our requirements when on birding trips.😊
 
Upvote 0
Happy Jim said:
My view with a Fiat 500 and the LNB system installed.

1. Not gone overseas yet, so no idea
2. MPG, about 1-2 MPG worse.
3. Speed whilst towing, 10 MPH Slower (if you stick to the limit)
4. Paranoid that there’s some nutter in a Fiat 500 right up yer arse!
5. You cannot reverse with a toad no matter how good you are.

Plan a bit ahead and it’s ace,

Jim
Click to expand...
Same here. Kia Picanta and and LNB system.
Can't think of anything negative to say.
1. Dead easy to fit, remove and store
2. Can't really notice any worse MPG
3. Slower yes, but you're limited while towing anyhow (60 MPH on motorway etc) makes for less stress.
4. Dead handy having a car while away
5. Makes you plan ahead a little more on the inital trip - but we should be doing that anyhow - Garmin Camper satnav even has an option for motorhome that towing to be sure of a sensible route
6. You 100% can't reverse. It'll damage the frame system worse case. I've never had to, but I carry a strap in the car, and where I've needed to quickly move the car (like turning in a tight spot at motorway services etc), I just de-couple from motorhome hitch, and strap the A-frame up to the bonnet. Car can be driven a short distance then.
 
Upvote 0
heliart said:
Same here. Kia Picanta and and LNB system.
Can't think of anything negative to say.
1. Dead easy to fit, remove and store
2. Can't really notice any worse MPG
3. Slower yes, but you're limited while towing anyhow (60 MPH on motorway etc) makes for less stress.
4. Dead handy having a car while away
5. Makes you plan ahead a little more on the inital trip - but we should be doing that anyhow - Garmin Camper satnav even has an option for motorhome that towing to be sure of a sensible route
6. You 100% can't reverse. It'll damage the frame system worse case. I've never had to, but I carry a strap in the car, and where I've needed to quickly move the car (like turning in a tight spot at motorway services etc), I just de-couple from motorhome hitch, and strap the A-frame up to the bonnet. Car can be driven a short distance then.
Click to expand...
I find the Lnb quite good but when uncoupled the bayonet fittings to the car do turn 90 degrees so can come out, that said I have found popping a 30x20 box section through the two joints allows this with no problems.
 
Upvote 0
Kups said:
Great comments and food for thought - thanks.
Towtal was a possible installer as they fitted my towbar and Amplo levelling system, both done very well.
The EU law situation is very confused or is it just the French and Spanish plod who have their own interpretation depending on what side of bed they got out of that morning 🤣🤣
Seriously though, I've just read through the CCC advice guide which makes clear statements about EU situation, basically towing with an A frame is a no no. https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/advice/equipment/towing-with-a-motorhome/
Click to expand...
I have had two installed by Towtal no problems, I think the addition of clipping the brake cable onto the pedal to stop the cable twisting is an improvement.
 
Upvote 0
Lisa said:
You can be disadvantaged if you use the wrong company to convert your car.

Speaking from experience, our “first” conversion was done by Towtal in Stoke. Seeing flames coming out of your tow car wheels was pretty frightening.
Can highly recommend TAF at chesterfield who did it properly.
Click to expand...
You too ? We had fun with the brake cable being cut by the drive shaft , and a real bodge to repair it.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
My Towtal is not fitted with overrun braking but uses a RVi brake unit which sits in the footwell and pushes brake pedal via an inbuilt compressor so braking is automatic and isn’t applied when reversing.
For hitching I have a painted white top to the tow ball and the top of the tow hitch and reverse onto car lining up white markings viewing through reversing camera, easy.
 
Upvote 0
cookie said:
You too ? We had fun with the brake cable being cut by the drive shaft , and a real bodge to repair it.
Click to expand...
Oh dear 😟

We’ve been left with damage to the car and a hole in the front skirt unnecessarily. Complete cowboy outfit, especially with how they dealt with “their” fault. We wouldn’t let them repair anything after the damage they caused. Was a fight to get our money back and for them to pay for new brakes etc. unfortunately, over time the flames had reacted with the alloys and they also need work but too late to realise. I would urge anyone to reconsider dealing with Towtal.

TAF sorted us out. Highly recommended.
 
Upvote 0
Taxis I've not really considered because of the uncertainties of being dog friendly, and convenience, not always available when you want.
 
Upvote 0
added cost
inconvenience of towing
Ferry charges and availability
maybe licence issues?

agree, caravan sounds a better choice, if needed.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
enark said:
added cost
inconvenience of towing
Ferry charges and availability
maybe licence issues?

agree, caravan sounds a better choice, if needed.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately a caravan is difficult at best when touring in U.K. and using on Aires in Europe.
Each to their own I guess.
 
Upvote 0
Larrynwin said:
Unfortunately a caravan is difficult at best when touring in U.K. and using on Aires in Europe.
Each to their own I guess.
Click to expand...
Totally agree, each to own, my wife recently suggested towing a caravan behind the MH!!!!

I’ve had multiples of both, and feel that the MH gives more freedom and flexibility whilst touring, the caravan was great when taking kids as we would stay in one place for a week, set up the Corps HQ tent city, and still have the mobility afforded by the car.

MH and a couple of push bikes suit att.
 
Upvote 0
Northernraider said:
I think modern cars mileage is controlled by the ecu and not like the old speedo cable in the wheel hub type so the mileage shouldn't go up while on tow. The wear and tear will happen though and probably a bit more than just being driven
Click to expand...

Larrynwin said:
Modern cars have electronic instruments with no cable turning speedo so mileage doesn’t change . There will be some wear and tear on tyres and steering and suspension but not noticeable imo.
I have towed using trailer but the car is much more stable towing with all four wheels on the road and a lower centre of gravity than when on a trailer.
Click to expand...

The ECU has to take it's speed/mileage info from somewhere. Speed etc is taken from abs sensors on the wheel hubs (or one of them - on my VX220 it's taken from the right rear) . So if ignition is off it maybe that no mileage data is taken. I'm not sure how it works - does ignition have to be on when connected to the towing vehicle. Presumably it does if the steering wheels need to be unlocked and brake lights etc working?
 
Upvote 0
VXman said:
The ECU has to take it's speed/mileage info from somewhere. Speed etc is taken from abs sensors on the wheel hubs (or one of them - on my VX220 it's taken from the right rear) . So if ignition is off it maybe that no mileage data is taken. I'm not sure how it works - does ignition have to be on when connected to the towing vehicle. Presumably it does if the steering wheels need to be unlocked and brake lights etc working?
Click to expand...
Ignition is off, the key is only turned to first position to unlock steering with lights , brake lights and indicators being fed from towing vehicle if wired correctly.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
VXman said:
The ECU has to take it's speed/mileage info from somewhere. Speed etc is taken from abs sensors on the wheel hubs (or one of them - on my VX220 it's taken from the right rear) . So if ignition is off it maybe that no mileage data is taken. I'm not sure how it works - does ignition have to be on when connected to the towing vehicle. Presumably it does if the steering wheels need to be unlocked and brake lights etc working?
Click to expand...
Only the ignition lock off . Most use a dummy key that can't start it
 
Upvote 0
If you turn key to on position and then off but leave key in steering lock stays off.
we have a key without transponder, so won’t start car (Peugeot 107)
 
Upvote 0
Comments As before
VW UP!and Car a tow system. (true twin acutor (accerometer) brake system. Company brilliant in dealing with the 2 issues we had
Can't think of anything negative to say.
1. Dead easy to fit, remove and store (Telecopic legs one person job)
2. Can't really notice any worse MPG 1-2
3. Slower Not really, 62 is my preffered speed limited while towing anyhow (60 MPH on motorway etc) makes for less stress.
4. Dead handy having a car while away
5. Don't feel need for extra preparation.
6. Goodplace to carry extra stuff (its a trailer)
7. Simple straight line reversing no problem for short distances. (just practice before you need to do it)
8. Short distance driving with A frame attched no problem with the widget thing that holds frame up (patented i believe)
9. we had a key without transponder, so won’t start car .
10. We now have 2 electric cables one 7 way and 1 13 (both 13 pin) wired to charge car or not as required.
 
Upvote 0
We mostly go abroad. France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy
I was originally a tugger. 1650kg Bailey behind a Hyundai Santa Fe. Great car and a great rig, but you are limited to campsites and municipals
Switched to Motorhome and converted a Suzuki Ignis to A Frame. Not legal in France, but the car was great. Carries four adult sized adults. Problem was it had electronic ignition and something happened one day and it blew a hole in the engine block while being towed on the A Frame..
Four grand later, it was fixed, but we were too nervous of killing another engine so we bought a Woodford trailer. Shortest twin axle trailer out there. Was great, but the faff of noisy, heavy ramp loading on and off, every time we moved was just too depressing.
Now, we just take the motorhome and an electric bike and only go to places where we can park the bus. Fortunately, in France, that is nearly everywhere.

I won't ever go back to towing a car, either A Frame or trailer.
 
Upvote 0
Neil S said:
CCP certainly allow towed cars on certain number of their aires but I would have thought it would be frowned upon if you were to park your car in a space and deny a motorhome an overnight pitch
Click to expand...
A lot of French Aires are in or near a Car Park.
Almost impossible to reverse a car on an A frame, you have to un-couple, turn both vehicles round and re-couple!
Could be difficult for a single person to hitch up unless you have an all singing/all dancing A frame!

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
We recently went down the tow car route, Tow A Frame in Hayling Island brilliant team and did a great job.
1. MPG has dropped less than 2mpg
2. Lower speeds on A roads and Motorways, doesn't bother me not being able to charge alo g at 70mph
 
Upvote 0
David and Sally said:
Agree TAF are about the best.
You can’t reverse a tow car.
You have to swing out a bit further on a corner because the toad cuts the corner more than a trailer. Otherwise toads are great.
Click to expand...
You can just need to do it slower so brake doesn’t compress
 
Upvote 0
Have looked into this in some depth and there are so many "It all depends" and we like Spain. My bottom line is simple, Use a trailer. There are even ones that fold up to save loads of space once you are pitched. We are also motorcyclists and now her indoors has given up solo riding I built a sidecar. It all goes in a trailer together with loads of other important camping clutter and is still well under 750kg. That is what we tow.
A frame reversing is a joy to watch!!
 
Upvote 0
Would rather tow a caravan than a car.
 
Upvote 0
Shrimp said:
A lot of French Aires are in or near a Car Park.
Almost impossible to reverse a car on an A frame, you have to un-couple, turn both vehicles round and re-couple!
Could be difficult for a single person to hitch up unless you have an all singing/all dancing A frame!
Click to expand...
As you say Aires are in or near a car park , and close to communities so a car is not needed as in U.K. we only ever take bikes when travelling in Europe.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Cookieboy68 said:
Am I right in saying, that reversing a car on an A frame is not possible 🤔
Click to expand...
It’s possible but personally, I wouldn’t recommend it! It’s easier to just unhook the two and just manoeuvre separately.

There is a high risk of damage to the TOADS front suspension, wheels tyres, wheel bearings etc as the front wheels will often be pointing in the wrong direction due to caster, camber and so on…

It shouldn’t be possible with an inertia set-up anyway as the car is not equipped with auto-reverse brakes, unlike a trailer.

 
Upvote 0

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top