Car recommendation for towing trailer

[Razor-BladE]

So I'm looking to set up a coffee trailer in the near future, and I'll need a change of car as I currently have a 2016 Fiesta ST.

I'm not sure the exact weight I'll be towing, but a double horse box is about 900-1000kg unladen, so taking into account fittings and equipment, I would estimate it would be about 1200-1400kg?

Reliability is the most important factor, but would prefer something with decent steering (my dad has a 2016 qashqai, and it's not the best to drive).

Petrol only and ULEZ compliant. Ideally under £10k, I'm not opposed to buying a bit older/higher mileage if it's good value for money and not a known money pit the older it gets. Maybe flexible with price if I can get a much better/newer for not much more. Will likely only do about 10k miles a year.

I think I prefer hatchback to SUV, but if SUV is more appropriate, that's fine.
I was initially thinking along the lines of Ford Focus ST-Line, Skoda Octavia VRS, Volvo V40, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX5.

I haven't towed anything before, is it fairly easy to learn by just reading/watching stuff and initiailly driving slowly/carefully, or is it worth doing a course? They are about £500.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rroff]

I was initially thinking along the lines of Ford Focus ST-Line, Skoda Octavia VRS, Volvo V40, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX5.

The towing capacity of those varies from cutting it fine to adequate for what you want to do - depending on model and spec. I'll throw the Tiguan in the ring as the 4Motion models generally have generous towing capacity but an SUV isn't necessarily better for the job.

 

[Journey]

So I'm looking to set up a coffee trailer in the near future, and I'll need a change of car as I currently have a 2016 Fiesta ST.

Of no help to you at all now but I saw an awesome coffee trailer set up at Blenheim palace event, lady has a Kia EV6 which she tows with, and uses the V2L power the entire trailer and all the equipment, trailer just has a a buffer battery and inverter for really loads above 3.6kW.

As for now, you should find the actual weight and dimensions of what you'll want to tow then narrow down your options, my local greasy spoon trailer guy has a Focus TDCi so the petrol version of they may be an option?

 

[sovietspybob]

Have a read up on each of the plated towing weights of any car you're looking at, the last thing you want to do is get something with say a 1500kg tow weight and find out a horse box kitted out and then loaded up with supplies is over that.

Also make sure you understand the all differences between towing limit, train weight etc. it's not complicated but a lot of people don't seem to understand it.

You really don't want to be found to be over your weight limit if you get taken to a weigh bridge by VOSA, especially if you're using it as a business!

Also towing is a skill, i'd highly recommend lessons as you're not just wanting to tow a 3x4 trailer to the tip once a year, you'll be needing to drive it in towns and manoeuvre it into places? Also knowing what to do when it all starts to go a bit wrong and even stuff like learning how to load up the trailer properly to ensure proper tongue weight is hugely useful.