Can a Peugeot 308 tow a caravan?
By
Elaine Knight
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a Peugeot 308 tow a caravan? We will discuss the downsides, but also what we like about the Peugeot 308.
Can a Peugeot 308 tow a caravan?
A Peugeot 308 can tow a caravan. With 270lb-ft of torque, you can rely on the Peugeot 308 to pull a caravan from 30-60mph in 13.6 seconds.
For towing, we recommend the 1.6-litre diesel for excellent consumption and 1.6 THP for liveliness. VTi petrol engines are also prevalent, work quietly and offer good fuel consumption.
Peugeot 308 Towing Capacity
| Year | Unbraked Towing Capacity | Braked Towing Capacity | |
| 2021 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 2020 | 1200kg | 1500kg | |
| 2019 | 1200kg | 1500kg | |
| 2018 | 0kg | 1500kg | |
| 2017 | 0kg | 1500kg | |
| 2016 | 0kg | 1500kg | |
| 2015 | 1200kg | 1500kg | |
| 2014 | 1200kg | 1650kg | |
| 2013 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2012 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2011 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2010 | 1270kg | 1650kg | |
| 2009 | 1270kg | 1650kg | |
| 2008 | 1370kg | 1650kg |
Meet the Peugeot 308
The first generation of the Peugeot compact class model called the 308 was launched in 2007. It is based on the same technical platform as the one used on the Peugeot 307, but with some running gear and steering adjustments. Also, the body is slightly longer and wider than the old 307.
Peugeot 308 was highly appreciated for its diesel engines, especially for the 1.6 HDi, which offered really low consumption values. In terms of safety, the French compact obtained 5 stars in the EuroNCAP impact tests.
During the production cycle, there were three body versions for the European market: hatchback (2007), station wagon (2007) and convertible (2009). There was also a sedan version for the Chinese market (2011).
In 2011, all three body versions received a facelift that brought subtle changes to the exterior design elements and new interior materials. Also, the aerodynamic coefficient was lowered from 0.29 to 0.28, being one of the best in the class at that time. As a result of this facelift, the e-HDI technology was introduced, with a start & stop and kinetic energy recovery system during braking.
The range of engines was quite varied, with economical engines, and highly appreciated for its dynamic performance.
Gasoline engines started at 1.4 VTi (95 hp, 98 hp after facelift) and continued with 1.6 VTi (120 hp), 1.6 THP (150 hp, 156 hp after facelift). For the convertible, there was a 1.6 THP version of 200 hp. The available diesel were: 1.6 HDi (90 hp and 109 hp, after the facelift the last one was offered with 112 hp) and 2.0 HDi (136 hp, after the facelift with 150 hp or 163 hp).
Peugeot 308 offers gear with a good compromise between sportiness and comfort, although sometimes it is quite rough on bumps, a spacious interior and pleasant driving, even if it has no sporting valences on curved roads.
The direction is quite assisted, facilitating the roads through urban traffic, but penalizes the sports side. Among the engines, we recommend the 1.6-litre diesel for very good consumption and 1.6 THP for liveliness. VTi petrol engines are also very popular, work quietly and offer good fuel consumption.
Peugeot 308 downsides and maintenance
Maintaining a 308 is not expensive, but over time a number of reliability issues have been reported. Thus, the cooling system may malfunction (the engine overheats or is kept at too low temperatures when not needed), the diesel particulate filter often causes problems, diesel turbines are also reported quite often at service inputs, just like the electrical system.
There have also been several recalls in service (braking system, electrical system and lighting system), so it is recommended that you go to a dealer of the brand to check if they have been made.
Peugeot 308 downsides:
- The finishing – the quality of the materials disappoints.
- The braking system – The brake discs wear out very quickly compared to other models. The wear is due to the lack of protection on the brake discs. If the discs are hot, they ovalize. When you change the brake discs, buy the metal disc protections for the discs.
- It loses oil – Put the car on the elevator to see exactly where those leaks are coming from. They can come from the engine, sometimes from the gearbox.
- The turbine – The lubrication pipes are clogged and the lubrication is inefficient. This affects the turbine and shortens the life. There are cases in which the turbine lasts only 50,000 km!
- Petrol engines – Peugeot 308 has managed to make the performance of petrol engines worse than the old ones. The camshaft sensors fail much too fast. You have to turn too much to have a good response and the consumption increases too much.
- Rigid suspensions – Peugeot 308 surprises with a too hard suspension and this affects the comfort and the bearings and joints give way. Especially on bad roads, you will get tired of repairing the car.
- The clutch kit – The clutch gives way quite often to cars that have repeatedly carried trailers, platforms. Its replacement is not very cheap!
What we like about the Peugeot 308
- It is economic and a quite reliable diesel, if they are well maintained.
- Very low prices to buy compared to other models in the compact class. They have a high devaluation that can be to your advantage if you want a Peugeot 308.
- Cheaper parts than other French models, many have given up repairing them. You can find items like us at decent prices.
- Many features if we compare them to the price of the model on the second-hand market
Conclusions
Compared to the competition in the compact class, the 308 disappoints with the suspension and surprises that it has no problems with rust like other Peugeot models.
Petrol engines are a choice only for those who find them at very low prices and go below 10,000km per year. As much as they consume and how lazy LPG is, it would be recommended to mount it to at least save fuel. Diesel is a great choice, especially the 1.6. In the compact class, Peugeot 308 is among the weakest in reliability. The most reliable are those produced after 2010 being facelift versions.
The bottom line is if you want a very cheap and very equipped car you can find a good Peugeot 308. To avoid many of the problems typical of this model, choose facelift models.
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about the content, please let us know.
FAQ on Can a Peugeot 308 tow a caravan?
Can a Peugeot 3008 tow a caravan?
Although not our first choice, the Peugeot 3008 can certainly pull a caravan. With a towing capacity of a maximum of 1300 kg and a trunk capacity of 591 litres that can be increased if you fold the rear seat, this car is great to go on a road trip.
What size caravan can a Peugeot 3008 tow?
Peugeot 3008 can tow any small to medium-sized caravans. Its towing weight reaches a maximum of 1500kgs.
Can a Peugeot 2008 tow a caravan?
With a maximum towing capacity of 1300 kgs, the Peugeot 2008 can do a decent job in towing a small to a medium-sized caravan. Just make sure you respect the Gross Vehicle Weight!
References
- Peugeot 308 Towing Capacity & Weight Limit Information
- Peugeot 308 SW – Practical Caravan
- 308 | Top Gear
