Hi All

Having had the towbar programmed properly by Gizmo, I nicked my parents caravan and towed it from oxfordshire to Bath & Wells Showground to New Wine.

I was amazed how well Elsie coped with towing, the remap has given added oomph for maintaining 60mph on the dual carriageways up the steep hills of the A303 & A34.

I did realised that the fuel consumption was going to get hammered, but wasn't sure how much by. Well, Elsie the Helipad averaged 25mpg over 200 miles. No idea if that is good or bad. I just know that the SM is a brilliant tow car and that my parents were amazed at it manoeuvrability in tight spaces when I had to put it back where they keep it. They use a Disco which might be good for towing but not for turning in tight spaces.

Here a a photo of the combo, with some cars parked on the caravan roof

We had a great time and had never really considered using/towing a 'van before but after this very pleasant experience will be doing it again soon.

Mike

good report, Mike - and I love that pic!!

good report, Mike - and I love that pic!!

Thanks

Photo taken at Countess Services on the A303 at Amesbury. The A303 had been a very slow and tedious journey to that point from the A371. 4th gear at just over 60mph in 4th seems to be a vert sweet spot, just seems as if she will pull anything up a mountain

having done a fair bit of towing of caravans, and horse trailers with everything from safari Landie to a very slooooow VW passat 1.6 non-turbo diesel, a Morris Oxford (1.5) pininfarina styed, in the 60s to a dreadful Triumph 2000 automatic that wheezed half way up the Stelvio before expiring completely - I would concur with your sentiments about having a competent tow car. I gives so much confidence to feel secure and able when you have a lump linked by a ball-hitch smaller than a tennis ball behind the car.

G

I think you need to put the winter wheels on Mike! That way the Yeti will match the van!

I think you need to put the winter wheels on Mike! That way the Yeti will match the van!

Alloys on the van me finks

Edited 31 July, 201114 yr by John T

Alloys on the van me finks

As it isn't my van, but my parents, then Johann's option make more sense

considering ditching the alloys for steelies any way.

Mike