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What makes a good towing vehicle besides braked towing capacity and stopping within 7m at 30 kph?

Does wheel base have any effect? How comparable are the rated towing capacities between car makes?

Is there any difference between front wheel drive and rear wheel drive vehicles that have the same rated towing capacity?

Should the weight of the towing vehicle be greater than the trailer?

Is there any other factors that need to be considered?

Lester

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Choosing the right vehicle for towing can open up a can of worms these days, as buying the vehicle you would like becomes tempered by purchase cost and the economics of day to day running costs.

Depending on the intended towing load, it is generally accepted a rear wheel or four wheel drive vehicle has better towing characteristics than a straight front wheel drive vehicle.

Stationary starts on hills or slopes if the surface is wet or covered in loose material will always be a problem with front wheel drive, as the front of the vehicle tends to lift when the power is applied which takes the weight off the driving wheels.

Rear wheel drive tends to 'bite in' allowing prodigious use of the throttle to assist you to gain purchase. Saying that, don't ever be over zealous on the throttle and dig yourself a hole!

The weight of the Tow Vehicle needs to be greater than the tare weight of the trailer. Loading a caravan / boat will reduce the difference, so bear this in mind when thinking of the power to weight ratio in regards to engine size.

Always refer to the manufacturers' specifications for maximum towing weights for the vehicle, bearing in mind different weight tow packs are available for some makes and models.

The tow bar manufacturer will state the maximum tow ball - down weight permitted at the tow ball hitch.

The use of override brakes is a must and greatly reduces the load on the tow vehicle's braking system. These can take the form of hydraulic operation or an electric system by way of solenoids operated by the tow vehicle's stop light wiring.

These systems take the entire excess load off the tow vehicle brakes, allowing controlled downhill motoring.

Four Wheel Drives offer excellent grip and overall stability as a tow vehicle and you have more choice of Petrol or Diesel engines.

However, if it is to be your only vehicle, fuel costs and versatility need to be considered.

Front wheel drive vehicles will generally cope with camper and caravan type towing up to approximately four metres in length.

Always bear in mind the surface you intend travelling on however, and the power to weight ratio as mentioned earlier.