Subject: Honda Jazz CVT Author: Peter Goodman Date: July 22, 2010 at 23:54
Hello
Can anyone advise me please if there is any caravan which can be legally, comfortably and practicably towed in the UK by a 2005 Honda Jazz SE Sport with the CVT automatic gearbox?
Many thanks
Peter in Devon
Replies:
Author: Peter Date: July 23, 2010 at 14:18
Or how about a folding camper? Has anyone towed one of these successfully behind a Jazz CVT?
Peter in Devon
Author: Bert Date: July 23, 2010 at 16:20
I've never driven a Jazz, but when I compute the manual version with a 'normal' caravan of 1000 kg (maximum permissible towing mass) performance is very poor driving off on even moderate hills. My advise is a folding camper/tent for better performance on the flat / windy conditions and weight as low as possible but no more than 750 kg.
Author: Peter Date: July 23, 2010 at 23:17
Thanks, Bert
It seems I am going to either have to look at a camping trailer, a camper van or change the car! As my Jazz is only rated to pull 800Kg I'm not surprised at the result. It's just that it had a tow bar already fitted when I bought it and I thought it would be nice to be able to make use of it.
Cheers
Peter in Devon
Author: Bert Date: July 24, 2010 at 02:47
200 kg less than the manual? That suggests Honda has not much confidence in its (CVT) ability to pull away without too much risk of heating up in the clutch thing... (CVTs can be equipped with a torque converter which is better in building up power / a normal (automated) plate clutch)...
Anyway... Guess you're right. Get a low F in the Cw factor. A small frontal area greatly improves cruising speeds with low powered cars. Experiment in our matching program with normal width / height caravans and oher camping trailers with less w/h.
Weight is important. Sure, but just in relation to acceleration, and ability to cope on (steep) inclines. Slopes on M-ways which are not that steep 1:20 or so (5%) will slow your speed because of both effects, weight and air resistance.
But, knowing these limitations (and effects of certain types of trailers) you could have lots of fun driving these well-matched outfits!
Author: Steve Bird Date: August 02, 2010 at 02:38
Hi Peter,
We have a 2002 Honda Civic 1.4 petrol towing a Compass Citizen 340, a 2 berth van with which we use a full awing with 2 bedroom annexes, so potentially could sleep 8!!!! There are usually some of these vans on ebay (where we got ours) or preloved.co.uk
Even with the heavy, underpowered car, we sometimes forget we are towing altogether and have to slow down to the towing speed limit...
If you're happy with a second-hand van, you find many of these older, smaller vans tend to be lighter than modern ones.
Hope this helps...
Author: Peter Date: August 03, 2010 at 17:50
Hi Steve
Many thanks for your input. Does your Civic have an auto gearbox which is the problem I have? With the manual Jazz you can pull up to !000Kg but with the CVT it will only take 800Kg.
Peter in Dvon
Author: lew Date: August 29, 2010 at 22:36
i have a honda cvr aut 2litr 2003 what caravan can i tow
Author: Bert Date: August 29, 2010 at 22:47
See the menu on the left. Outfit matching. Firt read some in Explanation, it might help. Try various caravans with different weights and see for yourself how well or bad the Honda tows. I would aim for a 85% weight ratio for starters. That means MPTLM (maximum permissible total laden mass) of the caravan is 85% of the kerb weight of the car.
