What Car? Q&A - What can tow my caravan?

Q: I have just bought a caravan with a laden weight of 1400kg. Would it be safe to tow it with something like a diesel Ford Mondeo, or should I buy a 4x4?
Dennis Woodall

A: The new Mondeo is a capable car in most areas, but isn't able to safely tow 1400kg. Although the TDCi is powerful enough to pull your caravan, the relatively low weight of the Ford compared with, for example, a large 4x4 means it wouldn't be safe to do so.

We don't recommend towing any trailer whose laden weight is more than 85% of a vehicle's kerbweight.

Even the heaviest Mondeo, the 2.0 TDCi Estate, only weighs in at 1600kg, giving an 85% weight of 1360kg - a little short of your caravan's weight.

Towing greater than 85% of the towing vehicle's kerbweight dramatically increases the chance of 'snaking'. This is when the trailer swings dangerously and uncontrollably from side to side - a phenomenon that's extremely hazardous for yourself and other road users.

If your trailer is caught in crosswinds or in the vacuum caused by passing lorries or coaches, you'll want to have a car that's heavier than the trailer. This will allow you to retain control of the outfit.

Cars that would be suitable include either a compact 4x4 or a large estate.

The new Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 S, for example, can safety tow 1500kg. If you can't stretch to a new one, used examples can be picked up from £16,500.

An Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI is also an option, and can safely tow around 1530kg.