Over the years (quite a lot, now) we have towed a caravan with two different Land Rover 110's and a Nissan Terrano as well as the current 2 ltr TDi X Trail, so lots of experience and we like 4x4's. For various reasons we're now going auto and we have to find an (at least) equivalent of the XT to deal with a fairly hefty 'van. We don't want to go back to a bigger vehicle, nor do we want a saloon-type. Although we loved our old Landies, I don't think the present Freelander is in the same league as its great-grandparent and that seems to leave the Yeti 2.0 140 DSG as the only real contender.

No problem about the towing weight equations - about the same for Yeti and XT - and the modern CR engine has marginally more grunt. But before we go back to the nice Skoda dealer with an order (we can wait in the queue if we must!), I really would like some owners' reassurance about low-speed manoeuvering with the DSG box. The XT's first and reverse are really a tad too high for a big van, requiring some uncomfortable clutch-slipping to nudge the 'van that critical three or four feet back and to the left (!) up a grassy slope into the proper slot. How does a DSG cope with this? Can anyone who tows a caravan or horsebox comment on their experience, please?

I tow a caravan with my Tonka Toy. My parents are amazed at how tight I can turn their caravan compared to their Disco 1.

First gear is quite low which is great for mud plugging off road but also great for towing the caravan. Check out my signature for what I have done to my car, but in summary it has been remapped and it sails up steep hills at 60mph ish in 4th gear - really sweet spot.

I have had no issues whatsoever with low speed manoeuvres with the DSG. With or without an caravan on the back.

Also, being the heaviest Yeti due to 4x4 and DSG, it feels very planted when towing. I did not use a stabiliser as I have not found it necessary.

Hi

And one comment to follow Rockhopper's endorsement of the DSG Yeti's abilities... If you are changing vehicles - and the Yeti in all departments seems to be quite brilliant - have you thought about a unilateral or bilateral remote controlled "Caravan Mover" which applies drive directly onto the rubber of the caravan tyre?

Apparently one of the joys of these devices is the ease with which a van can be shunted around in tight spaces.

Just a thought - and you've probably considered it already and don't need me to suggest it!!!!

The VW Jetta with the 140 TDI DSG combo won the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year so it can't be bad.

We pick up a 170 manual Yeti tomorrow and will be towing a 1400Kg Sterling with it.

What nice people here! Many thanks for your posts.

Rockhopper's reassurance about a good low first and manoeuvering is welcome. The XT has been a doddle on the road and will hold the legal 60 in fifth or sixth on any motorway I've thrown it at - but I do not like the smell of hot clutch when we reach the caravan site! Whether I'll get round to remapping is another matter, but Elsie looks a sweet girl...

Thanks for the thought about movers, Freshacre. Yes, we do have one, and it's great for the final parking twiddles or for the last few yards when there isn't clearance for the tug. The friction drive off the tyres isn't perfect, though, and won't cope with much of an incline or dampness. (And, to be honest, when everyone on site is watching new arrivals, there's more street cred in slotting the 'van into place, first time, in reverse, than in unhitching and using the mover!) I'll probably be using it more and more, though, as the next few years pass. That's life.

IanM1970 - I hadn't heard about the Jetta's award - nice! Your Stirling, too, is only a k or so short of our 'van, so that inspires a lot of confidence.

Next stop is probably the dealer, then - to discuss earnestly the question of detachable towhook/electrics. I will probably ask about the possibility of specifying 16 inch Moons, too; the fat profile of the XT's Scorpions is well suited to our local very rural lanes and it looks as if other forum members have managed this variation.

Thanks again to you all.

a fairly hefty 'van.

How heavy is your 'fairly hefty van' - what is it's MTLPM (gross laden weight)?

The Yeti 140 DSG weighs in at about 1525 KGs (kerb weight) and has a towing limit of 1800 KGs.

Whilst you can legally tow above the kerb weight (if you passed your test before 1997) high winds and long downhill descents could be a bit hairy.

I tow a 1460 Kg (MTLPM) caravan with a 170 4X4 diesel (towing limit 2000 KGs) which kerb weighs about the same - this means I am towing at about 95%. This handles very well, at both high and low speeds, we have towed all over the UK and through large parts of France with no problems.

I should add that my caravan is equiped with ATC, assisted by the Yeti's trailer stability program.

Thanks for your input, Millstone, but please forgive a minor disagreement - the Jan 2012 figures for the 140 4x4 DSG are given as 1430kg kerb weight, 2000kg max braked trailer. A new TowSafe match on the specific vehicle/caravan models shows 91.6% on kerb weight and 71.3% on the legal limits - VIN plate and MAW/MTPLM. Yes, my test was somewhat before 1997 and I have towed a fair few miles over the years; the 85% suggested figure is a sensible guide but so many factors can influence this, both up and down.

The only warning in the TowSafe report was about nose weight, with the 'van slightly too heavy. The XT was just about on the limit and we have learned the necessary weight redistribution, shifting a bit more to over the axle. The current 'van has the Winterhoff stabiliser and is very well-behaved.

please forgive a minor disagreement - the Jan 2012 figures for the 140 4x4 DSG are given as 1430kg kerb weight, 2000kg max braked trailer.

Actually, the Jan 2012 figures for the 140 4x4 DSG according to SUK's brochure are kerb weight 1480kg and 2000kg max braked trailer.

Totally my error - didn't spot the typo. I agree 1480kg! That's what I read. Perhaps my brain needs a DSG, too.

I tow 1495kg with a 170 tdi it is a very good set up, I used to tow the same van with a Passat 100pd tdi and then an Audi 140cr all had no problem and felt capable.

Not sure of the DSG though as the only auto I have ever used to tow with was a short wheel base shogun 2.8 and quite frankly it was dreadful!

Thanks for your input, Millstone, but please forgive a minor disagreement - the Jan 2012 figures for the 140 4x4 DSG are given as 1430kg kerb weight, 2000kg max braked trailer. A new TowSafe match on the specific vehicle/caravan models shows 91.6% on kerb weight and 71.3% on the legal limits - VIN plate and MAW/MTPLM. Yes, my test was somewhat before 1997 and I have towed a fair few miles over the years; the 85% suggested figure is a sensible guide but so many factors can influence this, both up and down.

The only warning in the TowSafe report was about nose weight, with the 'van slightly too heavy. The XT was just about on the limit and we have learned the necessary weight redistribution, shifting a bit more to over the axle. The current 'van has the Winterhoff stabiliser and is very well-behaved.

Hi Brijo

I used The Caravan Club outfit matching service to find the weights of your Yeti and it only shows the 2011 model (@1800 KGs max tow) I would be interested to see the figures on the VIN plate when you get the car!!

The Towsure system (which is Dutch based) uses a slightly different calculation for kerb weight, if you add a nominal 75 KGs for the driver it comes to as near as makes no difference to 1550 KGs.

With an MTPLM of 1426 KGs your caravan should tow like a dream, don't worry about the nose weight, it should be between 5% & 7% of the MTPLM (71.30 - 99.82 KGs) 80 KGs works out at 6% - exactly in the middle.

There is talk of revising the 85% 'suggestion' - caravans are getting heavier and tow cars are getting lighter, it would probably be better at 90% - though of course one of the problems now starting to arrise is that anybody under the age of 31/32 can't tow more than their kerb weight and also DO NOT automatically have a B+E licence as us 'Old Folks' have - that rules out a lot of caravans for some people - hense Lunar introducing their latest super light range (Venus)

There seems to be a growing 'Yeti Caravan' section on here - I am sure LLanigraham will join in soon - perhaps we ought to organise a rally as some have suggested??

Edited 1 March, 201214 yr by Millstone

There seems to be a growing 'Yeti Caravan' section on here - I am sure LLanigraham will join in soon - perhaps we ought to organise a rally as some have suggested??

Better not go down that route again - the them (all the other Skoda owners who tow caravans) and us (Yeti owners......)

We are all Skoda owners.....

This is what my 4x4 DSG CR140 plate says:

And this is what my manual says:

Did someone call?

The relevant towing limits were increased to 2000kg not long after the Yeti was introduced, however that does put the trailer over the vehicle kerb weight. Having done it once with the Freelander, I won't be doing it again!!

I have heard that both the UK Caravan Clubs are considering an increase in the "recommended" limits, and I do feel that the current limit does not take into account the modern systems nowadays found on cars, from anti-lock braking to electronic stability systems. Remeber that the 80% figure was thought up when cars still had drum rear brakes!

I'm lucky. My caravan has a max of 1050kg, and it is all too easy to forget it. I found myself at a "slightly" illegal speed on the M5 going down to Cornwall last year!

The "Rally" thought has already been mentioned. I have a site for both 'vans and campers in mind, plus a suitable gentle off-road jaunt. It is just trying to get a date, especially as I work basically 3 weekends out of 4. Obviously it will have to be offered elsewhere, but numbers will have to be limited, won't they?

Actually the way around it is for it to be my personal "bash" and for me to invite my "friends". Just because they only own Yeti's..........................................

I would like to ask a simple but possibly dumb question so please do not shout at me.

Can I tow my Van MIRO 1100kg with my equipment of 70kg Taking it up to 1170kg with a 1.2 DSG legally because the Maximum weight on the rating plate of the van states 1365kg.

I use the car to carry all bedding, food, clothes, TV, Books etc. I use a storage site so do not leave these things in the van. Meaning there is just the essental gear in the van while we travel.

Comments greatfully recived.

I love the TowCar.info report (I think this is the Dutch one) on the match:

quote

....The weight ratio (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car) for the Skoda and is 90%. This means that the caravan is rather heavy for this car. The stability and safety index is satisfactory for this outfit.

The towing performances of this Skoda with your are perfect (performance index = 64).

You may expect excellent performances from this outfit. On flat roads it's easy to come along, top gear is applicable in most cases.

On motorway inclines you will be able not only to come along, but be the first at the top. On steep roads you have more than sufficient power to keep going. On hill starts there will be more than enough power to get going, provided the wheels have traction.

unquote

One of those rare times when something has been gained, rather than lost, in translation!

Still waiting to hear from the dealer about the cost of full towhook+electrics, and about my request for 16 inch wheels. Even if this is all OK we probably wouldn't see delivery before October, so no Yeti rallies for us this year, sadly.

I would like to ask a simple but possibly dumb question so please do not shout at me.

Can I tow my Van MIRO 1100kg with my equipment of 70kg Taking it up to 1170kg with a 1.2 DSG legally because the Maximum weight on the rating plate of the van states 1365kg.

I use the car to carry all bedding, food, clothes, TV, Books etc. I use a storage site so do not leave these things in the van. Meaning there is just the essental gear in the van while we travel.

Comments greatfully recived.

It is a point of some arguement on various caravanning forums, but most seem to come down to the what is stated on the plates on the vehicles, not the actual weight of the trailer. So if the stated max weight of the trailer exceeds the stated max capacity of the car it isn't a good idea. Certainly North Wales Police last year were checking vehicles very thoroughly and were impounding some caravans. They also had VOSA present on some sites with their portable weighing machines.

Remeber that if you were stopped and found over the limits you have invalidated any insurance cover, and could potentially loose both car and caravan.

What are the plated weights of your car and 'van?

It is a point of some arguement on various caravanning forums, but most seem to come down to the what is stated on the plates on the vehicles, not the actual weight of the trailer. So if the stated max weight of the trailer exceeds the stated max capacity of the car it isn't a good idea. Certainly North Wales Police last year were checking vehicles very thoroughly and were impounding some caravans. They also had VOSA present on some sites with their portable weighing machines.

Remeber that if you were stopped and found over the limits you have invalidated any insurance cover, and could potentially loose both car and caravan.

What are the plated weights of your car and 'van?

At the moment I am okay, My B-Class MB (B180 Diesel Auto) Has a rating of 1500 KG so its pulls real well my Van with a rated max weight of 1365 KG.

I hope to change to a yeti as I am becoming more and more disenchanted with the running costs of the B-Class, in case your interested the second service at two years old cost close to seven hundred pounds the third sirvice was three hundren quid and year four service was five hundren and seventy pounds with an additional three hundren and twenty to get the rear washer working.

The Yeti of choice would be the Diesel DSG. but these are too expensive and as rare as hens teeth second hand. So my only real choice would be the 1.2 DSG as there are more about second hand. I have compared the limits and find it odd that although there is only a marginal weight difference between the B-Class and 1.2 DSG Yeti that the tow weights are miles apart.

Thanks for your reply it was helpful if not frustrating as I now need to live with the 'B' a while longer untill the prices of the Diesel DSG come down.

Well, there you go! Just over a year since my question and I can now confirm that you all got it right. There was no reason for me to worry.

Annie has been introduced to our (shared) Elddis (MTPLM 1425Kg) for a pre-season logistics move. No problems with the weight or road handling - and the DSG made it all so easy. A 40 mile journey, split about equally between cross-country 'B' roads, lanes and motorway, gave a 30.1 mpg reading. That included two good hills - one of them the notorious M40 Stokenchurch cutting on which the SM (at sixty-and-a-bit in fourth ) waltzed past a CR-V hauling a Lunar.

Final parking involved reversing at an angle into a tight slot over soft ground, with the 'van wheels tending to sink. It was easy to tell when the DSG wasn't happy when a wheel was really digging in. Maneouvring wasn't quite straightforward, because the Yeti's rear overhang (wheels to towball) is a lot less than the old X-Trail's, and so needs more twiddling to produce the proper reaction. I definitely need some private conversion practice !!

Just to bring things up-to-date and finish the story:

We took over the Elddis, already on a Dorset site, for a week's holiday then brought it home yesterday. This was the first go with the Yeti at handling the caravan in fully loaded conditions and I have nothing but praise for it.

The DSG tweaked the 'van off the pitch uphill on wet grass without any hesitation - and that was on Conti 2's, which don't really look fit for anything off tarmac. Once everything was warmed up I started to 'make progress', and I took the needle up to 60 (the Garmin satnav said 57) on the first bit of dual carriageway as a sort of target cruising speed - we weren't in any hurry. I did try cruise control but on undulating road I felt it was trying a bit too hard on the rises and I got improving mpg figures by just feeling the road. At one point early on, the oil temp was up to 110* but it dropped back and settled around 97*. Eastbound on the flattish M3, the indicated fuel consumption figure for the journey went as high as 30.6 mpg but two big hills at the end knocked this back to 29.7. There always seemed to be power to spare and even with the 'van on the back it was still possible to move in a Briskoda fashion from junctions and lights

The DSG takes away one of the stress points of towing - picking just the right moment for a gear-change - and I never felt that this DSG, with the 140 diesel, was early or late. First and reverse gears are nicely low for manoeuvring, aided by light low-speed steering. All-in-all, I think this Yeti is an extremely good tug.

Also, due to its great turning circle, the Yeti can out manoeuvre my parents old Disco! :lol:

A TapaTalk enabled phone was used to write this...

.....and a pic:

Showing off now, are we? :think:

We can't compete with Ian's Stirling, can we ?! Yours looks grubbier than mine, there, but by the time we got home Annie was in full Yeti camouflage.

PS :beer: The Sloop at S'n'Ives?

After nearly 14 months towing with my 170 manual I really can't fault it. DSG doesn't really attract me but then I've never driven one so I have no basis to say that.

Your MPG figures are interesting ... I can top 30 on the motorway at 60 if there is no headwind, but generally see about 27.