Can a Fiesta tow a caravan?
By
Elaine Knight
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a fiesta tow a caravan? We will talk about the towing capacity of a Ford Fiesta, which cars are best for towing and finally give you some tips on towing a caravan.
Can a Fiesta tow a caravan?
A Ford Fiesta can tow a caravan if the latter weights 85 per cent or less of the kerbweight of the car. 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. Don’t forget to add to this weight the extra items you will be carrying, such as camping gear.
Below you can find a comprehensive table with the towing capacity of a Ford Fiesta. Once you know the weight of the caravan, make the calculations.
| Year | Braked capacity from | Braked capacity to | |
| 2021 | 0kg | 0kg | |
| 2020 | 0kg | 0kg | |
| 2019 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2018 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2017 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2016 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2015 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2014 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2013 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2012 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2011 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2010 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2009 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2008 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2007 | 0kg | 900kg | |
| 2006 | 900kg | 900kg | |
| 2005 | 900kg | 900kg | |
| 2004 | 900kg | 900kg |
How much does a caravan weigh?
You will find exactly 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 then see “with braking device” if the caravan has brakes, and weighs over 750 kg then it is driven with the B + E category or the certificate from the driving school.
Find out how much the car can tow
Automakers always publish towing capabilities for their cars, so research this to make sure it can handle it. However, the limits mentioned represent how much the car can tow physically, not necessarily what is safe. With or without brakes? It’s a big difference!
Manufacturers always mention the maximum weight “with brake” or “without brake”. Brake quantity refers to trailers and caravans that are coupled to the vehicle’s braking system and have their own brakes that are activated when you depress the pedal. If what you tow does not have its own brakes, it must weigh much less than the specified weight
If you are going to tow a caravan, you will also need to determine the weight in front of it (in other words, the weight that presses on the spherical coupling of the car), either by request to the manufacturer or by using a special scale, then check that it falls within the limits of the car
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 be used to 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).
What about Trailer Stability Assist systems?
Trailer Stability Assist systems aim to mitigate the wallowing effect. It uses the car’s stability control system, automatic braking of one or more wheels and torque limitation, to bring the movement back under control. Car manufacturers offering this feature include Honda, Skoda, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
What towing hook should I use?
Most car manufacturers offer their own bespoke towbars, some of which have the advantage of being hidden when not in use. However, you do not necessarily need your own towing hook from the manufacturer.
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.
Additional tips when towing a caravan
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.
When towing a trailer
- Comply with national regulations applicable to towing a trailer.
- Place loads as low as possible and centre them in relation to your trailer axle. If you are towing with an unloaded vehicle, the load in your trailer should be placed forward, within the maximum allowable limits in the front of the trailer, to achieve the best stability.
- The weight at the front of the trailer (e.g. vertical weight on the tow ball), is essential to ensure the stability of your vehicle and the trailer.
- The vertical weight on the tow ball must represent at least 4% of the weight of the trailer and must not exceed the maximum authorized weight. See Quantities and Specifications.
- Immediately reduce your speed if the trailer shows signs of instability.
- Use a lower gear when going down a steep hill.
Note: 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.
The total rolling weight indicated on the vehicle identification plate applies for slopes up to 12% and altitudes up to 3281 feet (1000 meters) when towing a trailer. In mountainous regions, engine performance is reduced due to the reduction in air density with altitude.
In areas above 3,281 feet (1,000 meters), the stipulated maximum permissible gross vehicle weight must be reduced by 10% for every additional 3,281 feet (1,000 meters).
Note: Not all vehicles are designed or approved to be fitted with tow bars. Please consult an authorized dealer for more information.
Conclusions
When it comes to towing a trailer or caravan, safety should always be put first. If not sure, it is best to consult with an authorized dealer whether your Ford Fiesta can tow a caravan, what is the maximum allowed weight that you can tow and what safety measures you should take as a precaution.
If you have any questions about the content, please let us know!
FAQ on Can a fiesta tow a caravan?
What weight can a Ford Fiesta tow?
A Ford Fiesta can tow the maximum weight of 900 kg. Not all vehicles are designed or approved to be fitted with tow bars. Please consult an authorized dealer for more information.
What is the smallest car that can tow a caravan?
The smallest car that can tow a caravan is Suzuki Jimny. Its towing capacity is at the maximum weight of 1300 kg.
Can a focus tow a caravan?
A ford focus can tow a caravan under the 85% rule. Meaning that with a kerbweight of 1421kg, the Ford Focus can provide a safe and stable match for caravans weighing 1208kg or less.
Will my car tow my caravan?
You can tow a caravan if the latter weights 85 per cent or less of the kerbweight of the car.
References
Wikipedia.org
Towingcapacity.co.uk
Fordownersclub.com
