Subject: Ford Galaxy (2010) Author: Kevin Date: July 07, 2010 at 20:37
Hi,
Has anyone any experience of the New Ford Galaxy for towing?
I am looking at possibly buying a 2.0 Diesel Titanium or Titanium X with a powershift gearbox (which I think Ford class as an auto?) The options for the engine are between 2, a 140bhp or 163bhp and I am not sure which I should go for.
All the review sites and the outfit match on this site seem to refer to the earlier versions and don't list Titanium ot Titanium X.
According to the Ford Brochure the following are the applicable weights etc for a Ford Galaxy 2.0 Duratorq TDCi (163ps) Powershift 6 speed Dual Clutch Auto
Kerb Weight = 1731kg
(Measured is accordance with ISO3832)
Gross Vehicle Mass = 2505kg (?GVW?)
Gross Train Mass = 4305kg (?GTW?)
Maximum Towable Mass = 1800kg (Breaked)
Nose weight limit = 90kg
So in my calculations using the guides the limit (maximum towable mass) is calculated by deducting the Gross Vehicle Mass (2505kg) from the Gross Train Weight (4305kg) to give 1800kg as the total maximum loaded you could possibly tow - I hope I have understood that right?
So if I calculate using the 85% rule the safe weight (loaded) of the caravan to be towed should be 1530kg is that correct or have I misunderstood the formula?
Gee it is a real mine field with people using Kerb weights and then abbreviations but I want to be safe, since my decisions could affect others as well as me!
I would welcome comments and advice from anyone who has this vehicle, my test drive was amazing, I was impressed with the power and such a wonderful gearbox, just like to hear from others who have practical knowledge.
Thanks
Kev
Replies:
Author: Paul Date: July 07, 2010 at 21:10
Hi Kevin.
Can't comment from experience on the current Galaxy range, however several friends tow with 2.0 diesels (one of which is an auto) and both are complimentary of them. One in fact changed from a Feelander to the Galaxy and is very impressed.
I assume that perhaps you maybe new to towing, so it is recommended you consider adopting the 85% guideline which is derived from the few caravanning clubs in the UK. The 85% is based on kerbweight, so to correct your calculation, the figure in your case is 85% of 1731kgs, which equates to 1471
kgs MTPLM.
Your other calculations are correct as the GVW is the maximum the Galaxy can weigh when fully loaded (occupants, luggage etc) and the GTW is the maximum permissable weight of car and van.
The 1800kgs tow limit can be confusing as this is a maximum technically possible weight based on hill starts etc and doesn't necessary recommend you can tow this; in fact it's strongly advised not to tow above the kerbweight of the car. Also, if you passed your test after Jan 1st '97, your restricted to towing a weight not in excess of the cars kerbweight.
A mine field I'm sorry regarding weights, but you'll get your head round it ... eventually.
Author: Kevin Date: July 07, 2010 at 21:55
Hi Paul,
Thanks for correcting me, appreciated.
I have been a caravanner some years ago (hence of the age the driving licence comment is not relevant - lol) but as with all things requirements change and I was amazed when I started to read of the current rules and regs. Still for all the right reasons they are there to help and protect.
Looking forward to enjoying the English Countryside again and maybe a little venture into Europe if I am brave enough!
We met so many wonderful people on our travels and look forward to meeting lots more in the future.
We did think about a camper and a car towed behind till we recognised that towing a car behind in most cases is illegal in the UK as it is considered an unbraked trailer so 750kg is the max, don't know any cars that light so reverted to the caravan with movers cos the body is getting tired.
Thanks again
Kev
Author: Bert Date: July 08, 2010 at 01:43
Thnx Paul for giving light in the shadow. ;-) Very much appreciated.
To Kevin: we will add the new diesel engines with manual and dual clutch type (semi) auto PowerShift as soon as we get the full specs from Ford. There's also a new 2.0 SCTi petrol turbo engine in combination with the PowerShift box.
Author: Paul Date: July 10, 2010 at 13:22
No problem Kevin. Since posting I've spoken with a friend whose had two Galaxy's and currently using a 1.9tdi (58 plate) to pull his Coachman of approx 1500kgs MTPLM. He's very complimentary of the Galaxy as a tow car (he towed with the 1st one too) and is considering another for next year. Doesn't necessarily confirm your choice on the new spec, but I'm certain you'll find it an excellent tug.
I don't think Bert will mind if I mention a forum you might find useful that's more specifically geared for caravanning etc., at www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/.
