GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #42 | Page 37

RV FEATURE Fuel economy: Inherently, diesel engines have greater efficiency, hence higher fuel economy, along with more ‘pulling power’ than comparable petrol engines. Comparisons therefore need to be made between similar engines from various manufacturers. Driving range: Knowing the anticipated fuel economy (litres per 100km), the driving range can be determined by taking into account the capacity (litres) of the fuel tank(s) fitted. Some vanners prefer automatic transmissions because they ‘do all of the work’, and make starting off from rest, especially up a hill, much easier, with no worry about stalling the engine or rolling backwards. Some vanners prefer manual transmissions as they believe they have more ‘positive control’. Many automatic transmissions also have a manual ‘override’ to provide the best of both worlds. What is the towbar rating of your prospective new tow vehicle? The choice is personal preference, after evaluating the cost, and fuel economy, of each type of transmission, along with the towing recommendations, or conditions, from the tow vehicle manufacturer. It is important that the first gear is low (high reduction) enough to enable the combination to comfortably take off from rest up an incline. + CARAVAN WEIGHT DEFINITIONS + TOW VEHICLE WEIGHT DEFINITIONS / 37