Best van for towing

simonafloat · 27 November 2016, 15:50

Hi all

Change of job, going back to my original carpentry trade. So am.looking to buy a panel van, probably a transit.

These days they come in front or rear wheel drive. Now I'd prefer front wheel drive as there is more storage space in the back, but I'm guessing they'd be a bit sketchy for towing. Anyone done any towing in a fwd panel van? Cheers

Simon

Maximus · 27 November 2016, 16:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonafloat

Hi all

Change of job, going back to my original carpentry trade. So am.looking to buy a panel van, probably a transit.

These days they come in front or rear wheel drive.Now I'd prefer front wheel drive as there is more storage space in the back, but I'm guessing they'd be a bit sketchy for towing. Anyone done any towing in a fwd panel van? Cheers

Simon

They'll all handle your size RIB with ease....Towed plenty with Transits..just go for decent a BHP!and you'll have some margin...used my Sons OLD rear wheel drive (Heavy train weight version) with 160+k on the clock for towing 2tonnes Rig and gear on a Scotland trip!...and although not the Fastest never missed a beat

HDAV · 27 November 2016, 16:56

Couple of friends have vivaros and they tow great, good on launching in fact RWD hi ace causes more issues on the slip.....

The higher roof are better (you can stand up in) are good but they can't get under the car park barriers which might be an issue....

Just don't pay over the odds for a vw........

camelgas · 27 November 2016, 18:20

I have been running VW transporters for the last 15 yrs as work vehicles, much more refined than the tranny.

.

Also used for towing anything and everything (incuding boats) with no problems, good resale values too if you look after them.

Lomac1 · 27 November 2016, 20:15

Mercedes vito 115 150bhp tows really well and never had a problem on the slipway yet pulling a 5.5m with a 90bhp 4/s. [emoji106]

Pikey Dave · 27 November 2016, 20:35

T5 180ps DSG 4mot[emoji6] don't know the boat's on.

Maximus · 27 November 2016, 21:10

I think the OP was asking about Transit's Chaps

willk · 27 November 2016, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

I think the OP was asking about Transit's Chaps

Are those the same as Trannie's Chaps?

Actually the OP said he was PROBABLY going to buy a Trannie and asked if anyone had any experience towing with FWD panel vans.

Pikey Dave · 28 November 2016, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

I think the OP was asking about Transit's Chaps

"...probably..."

Chunk · 28 November 2016, 08:57

2nd Pikey Dave. T5 4motion tows well.

Pikey Dave · 28 November 2016, 09:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunk

2nd Pikey Dave. T5 4motion tows well.

[emoji106] the only thing missing is a low ratio box. But the Auto goes some way to compensate for this. You're not having to slip the clutch on the steep starts. Plenty of low down grunt from the Bi-turbo to boot.

Maximus · 28 November 2016, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Are those the same as Trannie's Chaps?

S
Actually the OP said he was PROBABLY going to buy a Trannie and asked if anyone had any experience towing with FWD panel vans.

Let's see what he ends up with

Some Cracking deals on Transits just now!....don't get over excited Wilk!...
....Vans that is

Lee40 · 28 November 2016, 18:23

My T5 pulls with no probshttp://www.rib.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=117253&stc=1&d=1480360 924

ramminjammin · 29 November 2016, 09:56

I bought a new old stock ram promaster diesel......get one of those....27 mpg....rated for 5000 lb towing
I love this van...

HDAV · 29 November 2016, 11:31

If considering the transit make sure you upgrade the locks/security as they are very very easily defeated.

simonafloat · 01 December 2016, 02:59

Thanks people. I have been doing some research and I thinks its going to be a 2.2 transit front wheel drive medium wheelbase with a medium height roof. Need space for tools, aerotec, outboard and a small sleeping cabin. I had a similar setup years ago but that was an ldv convoy which although cheap was a real POS. I wont be towing a boat just yet but it would be very useful if I ever buy a boat on a trailer.

breezeblock · 01 December 2016, 06:23

I would be tempted to go vw or merc Vito as the new transits are poop noisy unreliable and not very secure pretty much the same for years

Pikey Dave · 01 December 2016, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by breezeblock

I would be tempted to go vw or merc Vito as the new transits are poop noisy unreliable and not very secure pretty much the same for years

Merc vans rot faster than....well anything really[emoji57]

HDAV · 01 December 2016, 07:06

If getting a transit then upgradethe locks as a minimum! Slam looks and none tibbe barrel in drivers door! Rediculously easy to open without the keys and alarm disabled by drivers door barrel!

http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/updat...ford-transits/