I own an 2010 auto XF V6 (petrol) and am thinking of starting towing a caravan and would like to use the XF. I know that it has a lowish nose weight of 75kg and will have to make sure that a good detachable tow bar is fitted with the proper electrics. I don't  want the lines ruined when not towing. I will only tow about 1500 to a max of 2000 miles a year out of a total of 5000 miles a year. I know that the XF diesel would be a better tow car but I don't want to change I love this car so much! So the question is will if be ok for towing so long as keep within all the normal requirements?

Hi Nicholas,

I towed a caravan for over 20 years with various cars until my wife said I was too old.

There is a website that will assist.    uktow.com 

You car's kerb weight is 1678 kg and using the 85% rule, will to a caravan weighing 1426.3 kg. Remembering that your caravan will carry a load  - bedding, pots and pans, tins of food etc, and caravan weighing about 1350 kg will be idea.

The 3.0 litre petrol will drag along a weight of 1850 kg, so pulling power will be OK.

I hope this assists, but feel free to ask any questions you need to.

Regards,

Peter.

P.S. The nose weight is OK BUT do make sure that is not exceeded and spend about £15 on a nose weight gauge to check before you set off.

 

Hi Peter and many thanks for your advice all of which I will keep in mind if i proceed with the caravan. again thanks

Nick

On 2/2/2016 at 6:47 PM, mummylula said:

I own an 2010 auto XF V6 (petrol) and am thinking of starting towing a caravan and would like to use the XF. I know that it has a lowish nose weight of 75kg and will have to make sure that a good detachable tow bar is fitted with the proper electrics. I don't  want the lines ruined when not towing. I will only tow about 1500 to a max of 2000 miles a year out of a total of 5000 miles a year. I know that the XF diesel would be a better tow car but I don't want to change I love this car so much! So the question is will if be ok for towing so long as keep within all the normal requirements?

I had a tow bar on my old xf 3.0d  Care and research of available types is needed as some require large amounts of the rear valance removing! Best to go for the *13 pin electrics and the cheapest dedicated I have seen is to import from Germany at a cost of £120 (A Jaguar dealer will still have to enable the ECU for towing) If you use *13 pin electrics you can get a cheap 13 to 7 pin plug in adaptor if needed?

Being you car is 6 years old, It may be wise to check 1st if the rear exhaust boxes can be removed with out damage? And if carrying a full load of passengers and equipment in the boot it might be worth up grading the rear shock absorbers to a aftermarket heavy duty type.

Tip: Carry something in the boot to kneel on? plus gardening gloves, I kept an old square of carpet on top of the spare wheel. Swan neck balls, electric plugs & safety cable are fiddly to fit as there up behind the rear valance so its a hands and knees job. Apart from grease wear the gloves to pull the plug as these usually need a lot of tugging and when come out and you end up skinning flesh on the nearest part of the car.

Hi Old_Growler and thanks for your advice and information all of which I will keep in mind if I proceed.

 

Nick