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I have a 1994 Honda Accord 2.2 and have purchased a 1974 Zephyr 3.66m caravan. I have had brakes fitted to the caravan, and a new tow bar (650kg un-braked, 1200kg braked) installed.

I wonder if my car will be adequate for towing (to Golden bay from Christchurch) as it is a front wheel drive.

It has travelled approx 194,000 km's and does not appear to burn any oil.

Would a Subaru Legacy 2.4 4x4 be a more suitable vehicle for towing, and general motoring?

Ron

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010

I don't see too many issues with you being able to tow the caravan with the Accord. Rear wheel drive or AWD is probably more desirable but a 3.6 metre caravan is not going to place undue stress on the car in my opinion.

If the Accord has an automatic transmission try and keep the engine revs up especially when under load. This may mean selecting D3 to stop the transmission changing into 4th gear.

Higher revs allows for better oil pressure to the transmission.

Not a bad idea either to get main fluids changed prior to starting your journey (water, engine and transmission). Try and use genuine Honda fluids in the cooling and transmission systems.

If the cam belt has not been changed in the last five years, it may also be wise to have it replaced.

If you intend travelling / towing on a regular basis, then an upgrade may be a good idea, but if the trip to Golden Bay is only once or twice a year then I don't see any need to change vehicles.

Having said that, at 194,000kms, anything can happen I guess.