Advice on potential hatch back tow vehicles

[martin p]

Hi all,

I am looking at replacing the current under-powered hatch back this year to as it struggled last year on the steep slip we regulary use.

I currently tow a Zodiac pro 7 (4.2m) which is relitively light, but would like the car to be able to tow, launch and recover a 5.4 SR (future boat maybe).

I have been looking at VW Golfs with the 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 Tdi engines, has anyone got any experience with either? I will be looking at older models due to price.

Could you give me any and all advice on vehicle options and whether 4WD will be requirement with a 5.4SR?

Thanks!

[Erin]

I used to launch my 5.8m rib with a front wheel drive Audi A3 which had the 1.9Tdi 100Bhp engine. No problems at all. Towing capacity was somehting like 1.5t.

[Nos4r2]

I once pulled my Searider with a Rover 418 SLD, and it coped pretty well. It used a lot less fuel than the Isuzu 4x4 I had at the time too.

I don't think you've got a lot to worry about as long as

1) You buy diesel.
2)you're not pulling/recovering something right on the limits
3)you're sensible about using a rope on a really steep slipway..

[Trailer Guy]

Agree with the above.

1.9 & 2.0 diesels are the way to go in my opinion. I've had lots of them - the same engine in lots of different vehicles (Golf, three Passats and a Seat Toledo).

Really great; lots of grunt, economical and easy (ergo cheaper) servicing.

If I was buying a hatchback, on a fairly modest budget, it'd be a 1.9tdi or 2.0tdi Golf.

[peterwhite]

We use a vauxhall astra estate with the 1.9 cdti 150hp diesel and have been regularly astonished at what it can pull up a slipway. We have pulled a 6.5m Humber up a steep slip with no problems at all. The modern diesels are definitely the way to go.

[two stroke mick]

The torque converter on an automatic gearbox also help a lot when towing as it allows the engine to hit the optimum rev range for torque with out the assoicated spinning of the wheels you get with a manual box

TSM

[SW Boat Transport]

Agreed a 2.0l disel either automatic or manual with a low first gear would be fine. Going back a few years, I had a Peugeot 406 diesel which pulled the 5.8m Tornado I had at the time very nicely. The Mondeo diesel I replaced it with really struggled on a slipway due to 1st gear being to high.

[Tim M]

Golf will be fine. I'd get a diesel auto. CJL on here used to launch and recover a Ribtec 585 with one with no problems.

[martin p]

Many thanks for all the advice. seems all i need to do now is find one at the right price and miles.
Cheers!

[9D280]

a bit late i nthe thread, but +1 for the 2-ish L diesel.

I have same in a 2WD Focus, never failed me yet.

[Stippolyte]

If you are set on 2l diesel VW power, have you thought of a Skoda 4x4 Octavia or Scout ? Mine is earlier turbo petrol model. Great for wet slipways, beach launch etc but added benefit of great in winter these last 3 years.

[Markyboyo]

I bought a 2006 TDI 4x4 octavia in Aug last year to replace a 1999 Octavia TDI. Great cars and the 4x4 models come with raised suspension, underbody protection and an extra low 1st gear. Mine looks like a standard octavia other than the raised ride. The scout is mechanically the same but with the additional plastic body mouldings. Been pleased with mine and it has never struggled either with slip or beach recoverys.

Only problem is 4x4 models only come as an estate in the MkII and not a hatch. As stippolyte said the MkI models were availiable as a hatch with 4x4 and 1.8T petrol power.

[sib]

Skoda Yeti 4x4. tows 2 tonnes in a small package. often prefer to use this over our big "proper" 4x4 ..