Drivers have been warned of a massive drop in fuel economy when towing a caravan this summer using a fossil fuel vehicle, such as petrol or diesel cars, SUVs, or MPVs.
The good news is that petrol and diesel costs at the pumps are beginning to fall, but many motorists are still very concerned about their fuel levels and keep running fuel costs to the bare minimum. Many drivers are now using fuel-saving tactics such as hypermiling techniques to fully use their fuel tanks to the max.
It’s always been known in the industry that a car’s fuel economy can drop by up to 20 to 30 percent while towing a caravan, however, this will also depend on the caravan’s weight. And will the current fuel costs, this extra burden will soon add up when you are off on your summer holiday with your family.
The electric option
There’s a solution to this problem, with the introduction of electric vehicles. (EVs) Not only are they environmentally friendly but also a great option for caravan towing drivers to save money on fuel and reduce emissions.
A spokesman for Norton Finance said: “When it comes to the towing vehicle, electric cars are increasingly capable, with the faster charging times, more power, and longer ranges making EVs ever-more viable options, especially for staycations”.
Now that technology is progressing nicely in the electric vehicle market, there’s been a drastic improvement in EV ranges and shorter, faster charging times. This means holidaymakers can cover a much better distance before having to stop for a cuppa and a quicker charge-up.
A very well-known car manufacturer called Tesla has been given claims that their Model Y car can cover over 200 miles on a single charge while towing a caravan. Although some electric vehicles are better suited than others when it comes to towing a trailer or caravan. But another Tesla, the Model X, has an impressive towing capacity of 2,270kg and has a special “trailer mode” which can be activated or deactivated, depending on how the vehicle is being used. This feature is designed to disengage the active cruise control, which ensures the driver is fully aware and focused on the road ahead.
The Tesla even has another vital feature which is called trailer sway mitigation, which automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels when it detects the trailer swaying.
Eco-camper
As a way of saving on fuel costs when towing a caravan, it’s been advised by Norton Finance to use an eco-camper, which is designed to be more economical for many road users. These are designed to give the driver enough space to sleep wherever they are parked. These types of caravans are smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic and are more efficient than towing a caravan with an electric vehicle.
The director of Norton Finance, Paul Stringer has advised drivers to look into caravans as a viable option for those looking to go on holiday. He also went on to say: “Many of our clients opt to buy caravans as long-term investments as they’re likely to provide considerable savings on accommodation for future holidays, and to look out for loans specifically designed for caravans”.
Bear in mind, “you’ll usually need to have a particular vehicle in mind before applying, and it’s crucial to consider your budget beforehand, so you can be sure you’re able to meet the monthly payments.”
Choose from a selection of used EVs
As it stands, it seems the most viable option to save money on fuel costs, is to now go electric or hybrid. At WOO Carz, which is based in Southampton, we offer a large range of quality used electric cars and used hybrid cars. WOO Carz also stocks a bigger range of quality used cars that are compliant with ULEZ and low emission standards.
All used vehicles are fully inspected and come with a full warranty. Even if we don’t have a particular car in stock, we’re able to easily source the right used car to match your requirements. With our free UK delivery service, we’re able to normally deliver your chosen car to your home or place of work within 3 days.
To find out more about what we can do for you, including our part exchange promise, call us on 02382543928 or to find out more about your credit limit for car finance, click here and get approval within 1 hour.
WOO Carz Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 626798.