Evening

New to this forum and have registered to seek some opinions about an Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI as a tow car.  I'm thinking of buying one but am confused with the conflicting amount of information on the internet about weight factors in towing.  I have towed before and previously owned a Passat Estate 130bhp.  I had no problems towing at that time and am not constrained by the 1997 legislation change in driving licences as mine is pre that.

However, the van I have almost bought is a 2008 Coachman Pastiche 520/4.  This van has a MIRO of 1393Kg and a MTPLM of 1575Kg.  According to some sites, this is okay for the Scout but others are saying the weight ratio is over the 85% coming in nearer the 98% mark and is therefore too heavy for the Scout.

Anyone any personal experience or good knowledge on the subject, would be very interested in our thoughts.

Thanks in anticipation.

95 % is legal but that's a lot of strain on clutch and suspension,and the rear suspension is a little soft and like my self and others a lot of people have fitted MAD helper springs,

I tow an Adria with a MTPLM of 1300 kg.here are some links.

 

http://www.whattowcar.com/

 

http://www.mad-suspension.co.uk/

The Scout weighs 1625 kg, and has a maximum braked towing weight of 1600 kg. So legally it can tow 1575 kg.

 

As you say this is over the 85% recommendation but a lot of experienced tow drivers tow up to 100% with no problems. However as your caravan has a MIRO of 1393 kg, presumably if you avoid carrying extra payload in the caravan itself you will not be far over the 85% recommendation anyway.  

Thanks very much to you both for that information. I do remember reading about these springs when I last had a caravan, so maybe that is an option.  It certainly sounds like the Scout would be capable of towing this van, and I'm not a beginner to towing having towed for several years.

Looks like I'm going to be on the lookout for a decent Scout now before the start of next years season.

Thanks again.

Alan