ZT-T 1.8 Turbo as towcar?

A-S 0105 · 29th March 2008, 09:50

I have just bought myself a fairly lightweight 4 berth caravan which has a max weight of 1179kg which is well within the cars towing capability. Anyone else tow a caravan with a 1.8T, interested to hear how yours copes with the job.
Thanks

Rovernut · 29th March 2008, 10:58

Best tow car I've had in over 35 years of towing, although my 1100 Mini pulled a 9 foot van quite well in 1969!

You will have no problem towing that weight of van. The MG will probably tow better than my 75 Turbo due to the ZT's stiffer suspension. Main thing is to load the caravan correctly and keep the noseweight right.

Chris

A-S 0105 · 29th March 2008, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rovernut

Best tow car I've had in over 35 years of towing, although my 1100 Mini pulled a 9 foot van quite well in 1969!

You will have no problem towing that weight of van. The MG will probably tow better than my 75 Turbo due to the ZT's stiffer suspension. Main thing is to load the caravan correctly and keep the noseweight right.

Chris

Thanks for that, I had heard a lot of negative comments regarding the 1.8T's ability. Only thing I am concerned for is the economy as I cannot get much more than 27 mpg solo regardless of how I drive!!

Phil · 29th March 2008, 13:11

27 mpg? What kind of driving? I get 38/39mpg on a run. (Proper working out, no message centre.)

A-S 0105 · 29th March 2008, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

27 mpg? What kind of driving? I get 38/39mpg on a run. (Proper working out, no message centre.)

Everyday running! On motorway Aberdeen to Leeds and return, didn't even get 30mpg cruising 75/80 mph. I am currently having some turbo issues though which may be affecting consumption. It is the only downside of the car as far as I am concerned.

SolarPAFC · 30th March 2008, 17:07

I tow my van (similar eight to yours)with my 1.8T saloon. Absolutely no problem at all and the stiffer suspension helps with the stability of the outfit. With 160 BHP you should have no problem. As mentioned previously ensure the van is loaded correctly, keep the noseweight correct and use a stabiliser. You'll have no problems!

A-S 0105 · 30th March 2008, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolarPAFC

I tow my van (similar eight to yours)with my 1.8T saloon. Absolutely no problem at all and the stiffer suspension helps with the stability of the outfit. With 160 BHP you should have no problem. As mentioned previously ensure the van is loaded correctly, keep the noseweight correct and use a stabiliser. You'll have no problems!

Thanks for that am delighted to hear good feedback on the cars towing ability without warnings of potential HGF if you even think of exceeding 3000 revs downhill with a following wind! I agree the loading issue is an essential part of a stable rig (have caravanned previously) and have had a few hairy moments in the past!
On the basis of the good reports of the ZT's towing capabilities we have now booked sites in Devon and Cornwall for a 1300 mile round trip tow!
Cheers.

29th March 2008, 09:50	#1
A-S 0105 Newbie 2005 ZT-T 1.8T, 1972 MGBGT Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	ZT-T 1.8 Turbo as towcar? I have just bought myself a fairly lightweight 4 berth caravan which has a max weight of 1179kg which is well within the cars towing capability. Anyone else tow a caravan with a 1.8T, interested to hear how yours copes with the job. Thanks

29th March 2008, 10:58	#2
Rovernut Loves to post R75 Conn Tourer, R8 Tourer, R8 Cabby Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 401 Thanks: 87 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Best tow car I've had in over 35 years of towing, although my 1100 Mini pulled a 9 foot van quite well in 1969! You will have no problem towing that weight of van. The MG will probably tow better than my 75 Turbo due to the ZT's stiffer suspension. Main thing is to load the caravan correctly and keep the noseweight right. Chris __________________ Wonderful Wedgwood Turbo Towcar

29th March 2008, 13:11	#4
Phil This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 12,227 Thanks: 469 Thanked 523 Times in 241 Posts	27 mpg? What kind of driving? I get 38/39mpg on a run. (Proper working out, no message centre.) __________________

30th March 2008, 17:07	#6
SolarPAFC Regular poster MG ZT+ Saloon Join Date: May 2007 Location: Trowbridge Posts: 75 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I tow my van (similar eight to yours)with my 1.8T saloon. Absolutely no problem at all and the stiffer suspension helps with the stability of the outfit. With 160 BHP you should have no problem. As mentioned previously ensure the van is loaded correctly, keep the noseweight correct and use a stabiliser. You'll have no problems!