We have actually had it a year already, but this is the first time towing the caravan. We normally tow with a 2007 Sorento auto- easy but bouncy and not very economical!

first trip will be from Washington to Poole so I will know after that if I need - 

1. Helper springs

2. Stage 1 remap for more torque. 
mots a 2012 2.0 diesel manual box. 

The second photo shows that your rear springs are shot even without the noseweight of the caravan plus luggage, rear seat passengers etc.

 

Unless of course it had a pallet of bricks in the rear!

 

For my last 2 vehicles I have used the "rough road package" springs specified by VAG and made by Lesjofors, they have been excellent for towing, the standard springs even if they are not shot are appaling for towing or even just carying rear seat passengers, I suspect yours like mine will have broken spring ends.

I think a lot of the estates got the weight range 6 springs, which are not up to the job even without a caravan on the back. I didn't realise this when I went to replace mine. Since then I fitted a pair of MAD helper springs and it's much better.

 

I've summarised all the rear end configurations in the thread linked below.

 

I'm towing a 1.4 tonne caravan and performance from the CR170 is fine, quite a bit slower than without it but still more than enough not to be a nuisance to other drivers.

 

 

13 hours ago, owainharris said:

We have actually had it a year already, but this is the first time towing the caravan. We normally tow with a 2007 Sorento auto- easy but bouncy and not very economical!

first trip will be from Washington to Poole so I will know after that if I need - 

1. Helper springs

2. Stage 1 remap for more torque. 
mots a 2012 2.0 diesel manual box. 

 

Thanks everyone- the car passed the MOT the other day with only advisory on the discs so no broken springs?

I would not count on that, its only a small part that breaks off and not easy to see.

 

Your rear ride height is low compared to the front, there should be a rake from front to back, the rear springs are minimally settled.

 

As Chimaera says:

 

11 hours ago, chimaera said:

I think a lot of the estates got the weight range 6 springs, which are not up to the job even without a caravan on the back.

 

This is what mine looks like hitched up and loaded for a trip. It's sitting higher than yours is with nothing loaded.