Buying a caravan all up weight will be 1300kg. Do I need a 2.0 140 HP or would the 1.9 105 HP be up to the job. The caravan has 13 pin electrics, is that a problem with Octavias? I'd really appreciate advice esp from any member who tows a caravan with an Octy?

Thanks

I tow a Bailey Pageant Imperial which is (or should be) a little less than that. I opted for the 140 with DSG and am well pleased at the power available. When towing I use the cruise control to stay at lorry speed but if I need to, I can be off like a rocket.

The 105 will do the job OK but not with the same panache.

Go for the Skoda canbus (wiring for caravan) electrics as it gives many advantages such as caravan bulb failure is integrated in with the car bulb failure system. If you have reversing beepers then they can be turned off automatically while hitched so no annoying distractions when reversing onto pitch.

You will usually get a 13 pin socket. Be aware that this does not necessarily include the 7S functions for fridge etc as not all wires and relays are needed for other than caravan towing. Be sure to ask for them when buying towbar etc.

The 105 wil tow it quite well but the 140 will make so much easier, the ability to over take that slower car or tractor will be so much easier and safer....after all the idea of taking a caravan on holiday is to relax so why not start relaxing right from outside your house

I tow a 2 berth Swift with a 1.9 4x4 - No problems what so every. Pulls really well with enough power to overtake. Sixth year, cruise control on, sit back and relax...

Another advantage with the factory fitted 13pin electrics is that if the caravan/trailer is unconnected the car alarm goes off.

If you want to see what a diesel will do try a 170bhp with a caravan :rofl:...you atart the journey with a 12 foot van and by the time you get there it's stretched to 16 foot

I tow with a 2.0TDi Superb, Before this car I had a 1.9TDi (130) Passat and the difference is incredable. IMHO If you can find one go for the 2.0TDi I get lots more power and MPG is better

Definitely get the factory fitted towbar and electrics!!! The towbar is about £250 retail, my dealer wanted about 4 hours to fit it. Factory fitted. AFAIR, was about £230 complete AND they change the insert in the spare wheel so you have somewhere to store the bits!!

Would say go for the 2.0tdi. used to tow 1200kg with no effort at all.

and still managed to surprise people away from the lights

If you want to see what a diesel will do try a 170bhp with a caravan :rofl:...you atart the journey with a 12 foot van and by the time you get there it's stretched to 16 foot

Yes the 170 is a flying machine even with the 'van on .... though my Bailey starts and ends the journey at 13ft 6!

If you don't want the 170 I would certainly say the 140 us the better option for relaxed towing.

I have towed with the 1.9 and now the 2.0tdi with dsg, the 2.0 is the better option for towing but either really as long as you get the dsg it is A1. The 1.9 offers better mpg but the 2.0 offers more smiles per gallon.

I'm pulling a Cristall Sprint 4 berth at 1260 with a 4x4 1.9td with no problem at all. I can still get 42mpg on a long motorway run ( 180miles ) and for the 3 or 4 times per year I have the caraven fastened to the car it's more than enough.

You have no idea how hard it is not to make an adverse comment about 'Wobble Boxes'.

But, I will be good and fight through the pain!

Everyone to their own. Enjoy.

Dangerous getting any model with DSG - why? You tend to forget the caravan is there.

Dangerous getting any model with DSG - why? You tend to forget the caravan is there.

I pull 1.25 tonnes of caravan with a 140 DSG. I defy anyone to try that and forget that it is there.:eek:

The DSG is good - nay excellent but not THAT good.:P

You have no idea how hard it is not to make an adverse comment about 'Wobble Boxes'.

But, I will be good and fight through the pain!

Everyone to their own. Enjoy.

Well thanks for for your final comment.

Society has changed and people have become much less tolerant of others which is really sad.

I don't like the end result of much of what goes on here. Making the car faster with sporty exhaust and loud loud ICE but I don't bitch about it as I try to be tolerant and you are only young once.

Yes indeed EACH TO THEIR OWN.