Technical Towing with Multipla

[msatchwell]

I don’t know if anybody you can help me at all. I have a 2002 110 1.9 JTD Multipla, and I am currently towing a caravan weighting 1500kg. The car has just had a new clutch fitted, two weeks ago, it tows ok with no problems , but when I got on to the site the other week, which was only an hour away, the car started to crunch when I selected reverse gear . But the next day the problem had gone. Do you think the clutch needs adjusting or do you think the clutch is getting to hot with the weight of caravan? Any ideas

 

[JTDman]

I know some cars suffer from heat when towing so an additional oil cooler for the gearbox is used but ive never towed out heavy so dont know if this is your problem or not sorry.

 

[Zundapp]

I've towed caravans with two different diesel Multis and never had any probs with the clutch or gearbox.

Only thing I can think of is maybe the clutch needs bled and only shows the symptom when being used harder than usual?

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

...I am currently towing a caravan weighting 1500kg....

Max permitted towing weight for multipla with diesel engine is 1300kg (with braked trailer). Maybe this is your problem?

 

[disgusted]

I agree with Herts Hillhopper. 1300Kg is the max load.

Multis are quite light as 6 seaters go, thus the lower load limit.

I suspect that you'd be breaking the law & invalidating your insurance by towing a van that heavy. I personally wouldn't put my family at risk by doing that.

Regards from,



Disgusted...

 

[Andy Monty]

I suspect that you'd be breaking the law & invalidating your insurance by towing a van that heavy. I personally wouldn't put my family at risk by doing that.
.

he's spot on if you get pulled by the police (they certainly seem to be taking more of an interest in car and caravan outfits) and if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident you will be hauled over the coals (incidental when did you pass your driving test?)

as of 1997 if you passed your test after that date and you don't have B+E entitlement you towing your van (even if the multi was able to tow 1500kg) you will be committing an further offence of driving in otherwise accordance with your licence which is treated as driving without a licence (for that class of vehicle) and your insurance would be invalid

http://caravan-sites.anonlineguide.co.uk/caravan-towing-law.php

Caravan Towing Law - Getting To Your Caravan Site Legally

Driving Licence

In order to tow anything - you MUST have a full licence.

If you passed your test before 1st January 1997 it is most likely that your licence will have catergories allowing you to drive vehicle and trailer combinations weighing up to 8.25 tonnes.

If you passed your test after this date you are only allowed to drive and tow the following combinations:

# vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (Category B) with up to a 750kg trailer

# Category B vehicles with a trailer > 750kg privided that the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of vehicle plus trailer does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladed weight of the vehicle.

To be able to tow combinations outside of the above, an additional test must be passed.

If you have any doubts about the legality of your driving licence for towing please refer to the dvla site here

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073


2050+1500 = 3550kg 50kg over the 3.5tonne restriction for those with a B (car class licence)





for:
Fiat Multipla 1.9 Multijet Eleganza 5dr technical


Gross Vehicle Weight 2050
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down) 1900
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up) 430
Max. Loading Weight 680
Max. Towing Weight - Braked 1300
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked 560
Minimum Kerbweight 1370


Dont want to sound like a smart arse but the last thing i want to see if a FF member getting prosecuted or being out of pocket


and on to your original question

when you crunched into reverse was you stationary if not that will be your problem sometimes you might need to double de-clutch to engage reverse depends the way your gear box is aligned at the second you enter it into reverse

(you should try owning a ford they dont like going into reverse full stop! )