Hi

We are looking to buy a diesel scout to replace my nissan navara to tow a caravan. Have any members had any experiences with the set up, performance,whether it needs chipping, towing ability, etc.,etc., that you could share with us please.

Martin

Don't say which model you are thinking of, or details of what you are towing, but if this helps! Towing with a 1.9tDI 4x4 estate, have a Gobur Carousel MGW 1000Kg. Absolute delight, have had no prblems in any way, more than enough power, both in acceleration and hill climbing. The only thing that I have like it was a Landrover Defender, but this can maintain speed limits and use half the fuel!!

Here's my Scout with a Witter detachable fitted.

I've never towed a caravan but can confirm that the 140bhp TDi PD engine is plenty powerful enough.

You don't mention if you are considering new or used.

New Scout's now get the more modern CR (common rail) diesel engine which has a much smoother power delivery.

I love my older PD version as it has bucket loads of torque which is ideal for towing.

You won't be disappointed, use the search function and type "Scout" into the Octavia II section and you'll have hundreds of threads brimming with positive feedback!

Don't say which model you are thinking of, or details of what you are towing, but if this helps! Towing with a 1.9tDI 4x4 estate, have a Gobur Carousel MGW 1000Kg. Absolute delight, have had no prblems in any way, more than enough power, both in acceleration and hill climbing. The only thing that I have like it was a Landrover Defender, but this can maintain speed limits and use half the fuel!!

Hi

We are looking to buy a diesel scout to replace my nissan navara to tow a caravan. Have any members had any experiences with the set up, performance,whether it needs chipping, towing ability, etc.,etc., that you could share with us please.

Martin

[/quote

Hi I tow a 1300kg caravan,I havent found the need for a re chip, performance is good and I'm getting around 30mpg deppending on roads and speed,

The only down side is the rear springs are a little soft an I have fitted MAD spring assisters.

Hope this helps

Looking for a 2007 / 2009 model 2.0tdi.

My caravan is an Abbey Vogue around 1450kg, which is close to the weight of the Scout which i believe is 1600kg.

Have been spoilt using the navara, but looking to save some on running costs to actualy afford the holidays..

Have a look at this site

http://www.whattowcar.com/index.php

I towed a 1300kg bailey with my 2.0TDI last season - hated it.

Lots of wheel spin even at 30 mph (but the 4x4 should help with this) and it was useless on grass.

The van always pulled the car back. The rear suspension is not stiff enough for a heavy van.

The low Octy felt like that it was causing air turbulence.

I averaged 28 mpg towing. My daily rush hour commute averages me 51 mpg.

Yes the nose weight was fine and the van loaded correctly, tyres pressures checked etc etc.

The scout may be better but personally I won't be buying a scout to pull a van.

My petrol subaru forester 4x4 tows at 22mpg and is a significantly better towcar despite what the specs say.

Thanks for the feedback... will have to seriously consider or look at alternatives.

Thanks for the feedback... will have to seriously consider or look at alternatives.

Hi, I tow a Sterling Europa 495 (it's an 18 ft van) with my 2008 2.0 Diesel Scout. The van has a max loaded weight of 1460 kg I think. When I had the Scout weighed at a public weighbridge it was 1540kg say 1570 with a full tank of fuel. I have had no problems towing the van, the whole combo belts along, takes gradients in its stride and if the 4*4 has been needed I haven't noticed. I get about 27mpg towing if I am careful.

Big thumbs up from me.

Forgot to mention the van is fitted with Al-KO stability control. I didn't get the ESP uprated on the car, even though it was a cheaper option, as I will probably have the van a lot longer than the car

Thanks for this, very helpful. My van is fitted with an Alko. Need to try one but they are few and far between on the market.

We have a Subaru Forester 2litre petrol, the self levelling suspension is a real pain, otherwise the auto gearbox does tend to get confused.

My petrol Scout is just magic.

Towing our Eldis 452 2 berth is so easy with either car but the Scout I prefer. Caravan weight is about 1300kgs loaded

We have a 2ltr TDi (09) Scout and a Fleetwood Colchester van (1425kg) and its BRILL at towing, the car sticks to the road like glue and is good on wet grass etc, diesel economy is around 33mpg towing. Look out for the correct car wiring for the battery charge and fridge as mine was factory fitted and DIDN'T have the pins fitted/wired. cheers - Stuart

Dare i jump in and suggest the Superb 4x4 170 CR ??

Al.

Thanks stuart all sounding positive and unfortunately Al do not have the funds available for the superb even tho' it looks the dogs..

Must travel to try one out.

What is the everyday fuel consumption average when not towing??

Caravan club rate the Scout as a good towcar - although as has been pointed out, not as good as the Superb!

Mine tows faultlessly, never giving me any cause for concern.