[Christine Sanderson]

I need a SUV for to carry two boot mobility scooter and the grandkids  on days out etc. I also need a 2ltre diesel engine because I tow a adapted caravan which is our means of having a holiday.

Now the ap. for these is a bit high so I an thinking of applying for a grant.  I have been  told that if there is an equivalent that will do the job,  then I won’t get  the vehicle  I want and the grant will be limited to what they’re suggesting.

Obviously  engine size is a big factor  and a smaller engine just will not do. Has anyone had a similar problem  to me and if so  what issues did you encounter?

Topic

[Rhodgie]

Towing capacity isn’t exactly related to the engine… my friend has a 2.0ltr diesel mini and I wouldn’t tow a big caravan with it.

You probably already have but you need to know the weight of your van (MTPLW) then check the towing limits for any vehicle you are interested in.

Cant help with info on a grant

[Oscarmax]

Christine Sanderson wrote:

I need a SUV for to carry two boot mobility scooter and the grandkids on days out etc. I also need a 2ltre diesel engine because I tow a adapted caravan which is our means of having a holiday. Now the ap. for these is a bit high so I an thinking of applying for a grant. I have been told that if there is an equivalent that will do the job, then I won’t get the vehicle I want and the grant will be limited to what they’re suggesting. Obviously engine size is a big factor and a smaller engine just will not do. Has anyone had a similar problem to me and if so what issues did you encounter?

As regards the towing of a caravan I very much doubt Motability will see that as a priority, for your mobility need an automatic, which will limit your choice of towcars.

Have any particular towcars in mind, if you post the details of your caravan (year and model) I will check out some combination matches

Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.

[Christine Sanderson]

I already done my homework on suitable matches  for my van.  I have narrowed it down to my present choice  through elimination  of car technical information and up to date tow car towing reviews by the well known magazines  and caravan clubs.  I have also used the unit matching sites and taken on board  the compatibility  of each car.  So you see, my choice (which is irrelevant  to my post)  has been done by though research as per mobility  guidelines.

 

[Philjb]

Christine you would be better to just apply for a grant on the basis that you need a larger vehicle then you can afford as you have a lot of aids and family to carry with you, If you’re eligible then that’s really all you need to say.

Then you’ll be free to chose a suitable towing vehicle yourself, most larger suvs or people carriers have a 2.0 tdi engine option.
Sone have an option for a fold out towing bar.

The best thing to do is read up on the criteria of getting a grant and then apply if you think your eligible. Good luck.

[wmcforum]

The Grants team will not take the towing of a caravan into consideration. You need to plan your application around your daily needs.

[Oscarmax]

Christine Sanderson wrote:

I already done my homework on suitable matches for my van. I have narrowed it down to my present choice through elimination of car technical information and up to date tow car towing reviews by the well known magazines and caravan clubs. I have also used the unit matching sites and taken on board the compatibility of each car. So you see, my choice (which is irrelevant to my post) has been done by though research as per mobility guidelines.

Sorry if I offended you that was not my intention. I do not know if you had a Motability car before, I will assume you have not.

We having been towing with a Motability for a few years:

(a) we had to inform Motability and asked permission to tow a caravan or trailer with their vehicle.

(b) we ask permission to fit a towbar to their vehicle, this has to be done at the main dealership or fitted professionally, you may be looking at £600 +

(c) RAC Motability does not cover your caravan recovery, you need to inform Motability and have this arranged we paid £50, Motability will not allow other breakdown companies to recover their vehicles, although there is nothing stopping you having Mayday or Greenflag recover your caravan only.

(d) There is no law requiring you to insure your caravan, however, we insure our caravan new for old with Saga Insurance, if we were to have an accident and the caravan damaged Motability’s or anyone else’s property at least we are covered.

(e) We always have our caravan serviced with an approved AWS engineer, the RAC recovery will not recover a unroadworthy caravan unless it has been damaged in an accident.

(f) this is just (as a Mechanical Engineer) modern car now have a 2 year service schedule, in the small print you will find if you are towing you will require a yearly lubrication service (oil change)

(g) some of the manufacture fit space savers, you need to check to whether you can tow with them, so are only now fitting a tyre sealing kit ?

Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.

[Author]

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