Can a Commodore tow a caravan?
By
Elaine Knight
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a Commodore tow a caravan? We will explain the maximum towable weight and which cars are the best for towing a caravan.
Can a Commodore tow a caravan?
A Holden Commodore can tow a caravan that weighs 85 per cent or less of the car’s kerbweight. The towing capacity of a Commodore starts at 900kg with a maximum of 2100kg braking capacity. Please check the table below for more details.
Holden Commodore Towing Capacity
| Year | Braking capacity from | Braking capacity to | |
| 2020 | 1800kg | 2100kg | |
| 2019 | 1800kg | 2100kg | |
| 2018 | 0kg | 2100kg | |
| 2017 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2016 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2015 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2014 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2013 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2012 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2011 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2010 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2009 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2008 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2007 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2006 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2005 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2004 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2003 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2002 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2001 | 1600kg | 2100kg | |
| 2000 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1999 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1998 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1997 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1996 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1995 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1994 | 1590kg | 2100kg | |
| 1993 | 0kg | 2100kg | |
| 1992 | 1590kg | 1590kg | |
| 1991 | 1590kg | 1590kg | |
| 1990 | 1590kg | 1590kg | |
| 1989 | 1590kg | 1590kg | |
| 1988 | 1590kg | 1590kg | |
| 1987 | 1590kg | 1590kg | |
| 1986 | 1200kg | 1590kg | |
| 1985 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 1984 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 1983 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 1982 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 1981 | 900kg | 1200kg | |
| 1980 | 900kg | 900kg | |
| 1979 | 900kg | 900kg | |
| 1978 | 900kg | 900kg |
The first thing to determine is how much weight will be towed. Small caravans can weigh less than 750 kg, but some large ones can weigh 2500 kg, so you need a little research.
You will find precisely how much a caravan weighs and its capacity in the manufacturer’s manual. A caravan’s weight cannot be greater than the towable mass indicated in the car documents.
If the trailer is without brakes see “without braking device”, if it has brakes caravan, see “with braking device” if the caravan has brakes and weighs over 750 kg is driven with the B + E category.
What is the maximum towable mass?
The maximum towable mass represents the weight that the car can handle, braked and unbraked respectively. The maximum mass of the assembly or MMA is the limit that the car can reach next to the trailer or caravan. This information will depend on the driving license we have and with the B (car) license, it is 3,500 kilograms.
Beyond the regulation and regulations, what is recommended for pleasant and safe driving is that the car weighs more. The associations and expert caravanners speak of 20% more weight with the empty vehicle than the loaded caravan, something that manufacturers take into account when producing them with very light materials.
In this way, the vehicle will not be unbalanced when securing the trailer and maintain its normal stability.
Another key detail, and logical, is the power. It’s hard to imagine a small engine loading a heavy trailer, but weirder things have been seen. However, the mechanics of the vehicle, its consumption and safety, will be clearly affected by the lack of towing capacity. For this reason, we recommend that you choose cars with more than 120 hp and go up depending on the caravan that we buy.
All-wheel drive is not an essential element for towing, but it helps. What’s more, car manufacturers themselves often indicate this type of vehicle for cargo. Adding weight to the rear the car will inevitably lean, despite the engineers’ efforts to avoid it electronically. At that time, the front wheels lose grip in front of the rear wheels and more if the floor is slippery.
Which cars are the best for towing caravans?
Once we take into account the aspects mentioned above, everything will depend on our budget. There are options for all budgets, but one particularly stands out for its value for money: the Skoda Kodiaq 2.0.
We are talking about the 2.0 TDI version of 200 CV with 4×4 traction and automatic transmission, a delight of comfort at a most coherent price of 39,047 euros for the Style finish. The hitch ball is optional but we have more than 650 litres of boot capacity and a towing capacity of up to 2.3 tons.
From the family of the VAG group, we have other options, close cousins of the Kodiaq. The 150 hp Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 4Drive has its towing capacity reduced to 2 tons, which is not bad either. The smaller gasoline models, such as the 1.0 TSI of 110 hp, would carry 1,300 kilograms but it is fair considering the models on the current market.
The current Hyundai Tucson gave a lot to talk about during its presentation and is one of the models that we must value. Its update fits perfectly with the European aesthetic taste and its equipment will make it worthy of more classic options.
Besides, we can get a Mild Hybrid 1.6 T-GDI unit with 180 hp, 4×4 traction, DCT automatic transmission and the DGT ECO badge. Its towing capacity ranges from 1.4 to 1.9 tons depending on the engine.
Among the most economical options, we find the SsangYong Korando, available with G15T block, 4×4 traction and automatic transmission from 30,900 euros. Suppose we are more saloons because, despite SUVs, they are still a convenient alternative. In that case, we can choose classics such as Opel Insignia, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series xDrive or beasts of adventure such as Volkswagen Amarok or Nissan Navara.
For those more responsible for the environment, there are plug-in hybrid variants such as the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4. If the current account is not a problem, the Bentley Bentayga V8 of 549 CV with more than 3.5 tons of towing capacity.
Additional tips for towing a caravan with a Holden Commodore
When towing a caravan, make sure you don’t exceed a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). Doing so can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury or death. Increase the rear tire pressure by 0.2 bar (3 psi) above the prescribed value. Do not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire. It may cause serious bodily injury.
Do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight of the vehicle indicated on the identification plate. Doing so can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury or death. See Vehicle identification plate.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight at the front of the trailer (e.g. vertical weight on the tow ball) as listed in the vehicle specification table. Doing so can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury or death. Specifications.
The trailer brakes are not controlled by the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS). Doing so can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury or death.
Final tips
The maximum allowable weight at the front of the trailer indicated on the trailer nameplate corresponds to the manufacturer’s test value. The maximum allowable weight at the front of the vehicle trailer may be less.
The stability of the vehicle and trailer combination largely depends on the quality of the trailer. Towing a trailer changes the behaviour of the vehicle and increases braking distances. Adapt your speed and your driving to the load of the trailer.
If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!
FAQ on Can a Commodore tow a caravan?
Which cars are best for towing heavy loads?
Do you have to deal with something big? If you have to carry a horse trailer, you’re going to need something serious enough to deal with – and that means a full-size 4×4. We are talking about cars like Volkswagen Touareg and Land Rover Discovery, which can tow up to about 3.5 tons.
Which cars are best for towing medium loads?
If you need a practical everyday car that can also tow a caravan or boat, a medium-sized 4×4 is ideal. This way you can avoid the usually very high running costs of a full-size 4×4. Examples of medium 4x4s include the Audi Q5, Honda CR-V and Skoda Yeti.
Which cars are best for towing small loads?
If you only have a small trailer or caravan to the cables, they really don’t need a huge 4×4. Even medium hatchbacks – such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf – can do the job. The current Audi A3, for example, has maximum towing weights of up to 690 kg / 1800 kg (without braking/braking).
Diesel or petrol for towing a caravan?
Diesel engines with huge torque reserves (traction power) have traditionally been the engines of choice for towing cars, especially as fuel consumption is usually better with a diesel engine.
References
- Holden Commodore braked towing capacity
- Tow Test: Holden Commodore Sportwagon SV6
- Holden Commodore Towing Capacity
