5 Important Questions Answered
While you may be tempted to try and tow a caravan with a smaller vehicle like the Ford Fiesta or similar small hatchback or SUV, this is generally not recommended.
Smaller vehicles can struggle to handle the extra weight of a caravan or trailer and are more likely to become unstable when in transit. This is due to the physical size and weight of the vehicle making it difficult to handle the towing weight.
If you need to tow your caravan with a smaller vehicle, make sure to check your car’s towing capacity and take steps to ensure extra stability, such as using a weight-distribution hitch.
In this article, we look at if a Ford Fiesta can tow a caravan and uncover the Ford Fiesta’s towing capacity.
Ford Fiesta Towing Capacity
Can A Ford Fiesta Tow A Caravan?
Yes, a Ford Fiesta can tow a caravan. It has a braked towing capacity of up to 900 kg, easily handling small to medium-sized caravans. However, check the towing capacities of both your Fiesta and your caravan before setting off on your journey, as they may vary depending on your specific model.
Towing capacities for cars are always listed on the manufacturer’s website or in your manual (check the glove box!), so check to see if yours can handle it before you hitch the trailer up. However, the limits listed are to how much and how well the car can physically tow, not to what is considered safe. Any information provided in the article is a guide only and not a recommendation.
A Ford Fiesta can tow a caravan if it weighs 85% or less of the car’s kerb weight. The first step is to establish the amount of weight that will be towed.
Small caravans can weigh less than 750 kg, while larger caravans can weigh up to and over 2500 kg, so do your homework. Don’t forget to include any additional items you’ll be transporting, such as camping gear. You need to calculate the overall weight.
A Fiesta’s maximum towing capacity is 750 kilograms for an unbraked caravan and 900 kilograms for a braked trailer. Towing a lightweight trailer, tiny pop-up camper, motorcycle, or even a boat is a breeze with the Ford Fiesta!
Towing Capacity – Comparison by Ford Fiesta Year
We have compiled the following handy comparison table for towing weights by model year.
| Model Year | Engine Type | Braked Towing (kg) | Unbraked Towing (kg) |
| 2024 | No Longer Manufactured | n/a | n/a |
| 2023 | unknown | unknown | unknown |
| 2022 | unknown | unknown | unknown |
| 2021 | unknown | unknown | unknown |
| 2020 | EcoBoost 1.0L | 900 | 750 |
| 2019 | EcoBoost 1.0L | 900 | 750 |
| 2018 | EcoBoost 1.0L | 900 | 750 |
| 2017 | EcoBoost 1.0L | 900 | 750 |
| 2016 | EcoBoost 1.0L | 900 | 750 |
Note: The data above is for the Ford Fiesta SE model with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine. Towing capacity may vary depending on the specific model and engine configuration. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information about your vehicle.
Understanding Towing Capacity
- Braked Capacity: The braked towing capacity refers to the maximum weight the Fiesta can safely tow with a trailer equipped with its own braking system. This is generally the recommended towing capacity as it provides greater stability and control.
- Unbraked Capacity: Unbraked towing capacity is significantly lower and should only be used for very lightweight trailers with minimal tongue weight (the downward force exerted by the trailer on the tow hitch).
Important Considerations
- Consult your owner’s manual: The towing capacity listed above may vary depending on your specific Fiesta model, engine, and transmission. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information about your vehicle.
- Trailer weight: Never exceed the recommended towing capacity. Ensure the total weight of the trailer, including cargo, stays within the specified limits.
- Driving conditions: Towing reduces fuel efficiency and places additional strain on the engine and brakes. Be aware of steeper inclines, reduce speed, and maintain a safe following distance.
- Trailer brakes: For trailers exceeding the unbraked towing capacity, ensure they are equipped with functional brakes synchronized with the Fiesta’s braking system.
Which vehicles are more suitable for towing medium loads?
A medium-sized 4×4 is great if you require a practical everyday car that can pull a caravan or boat. In this way, you can minimise the full-size 4×4’s typically hefty operating costs. Honda CR-V, Audi Q5, and Skoda Yeti are examples of midsize 4x4s.
Which vehicles are most suitable for towing heavy loads?
If you have to tow a horse trailer, you’ll need something capable of handling it, which means a full-size 4×4 truck. We’re talking about vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery and Volkswagen Touareg, both of which can easily tow 3.5 tons.
Which vehicles are the most suitable for towing small loads?
They don’t need a massive 4×4 if they have a tiny caravan or trailer to the cables. Even medium hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus can complete the task. For example, the contemporary Audi A3 has a maximum towing weight of 690 kg without braking and 1800 kg with braking.
Is it possible to fit a Ford Fiesta with a tow bar?
Ford Fiesta automobiles may need a bumper reduction based on the towbar. When a portion of the vehicle’s rear bumper is cut to fit the towbar, this is referred to as a bumper cut. Towbars are required on all Ford Fiesta models from 1995 to 2002, and no bumper modifications are required. Generally this work can be done for less than £500.
Summary
It is important to drive safely and carefully to get the best results when towing your caravan with your Ford Fiesta or any other vehicle. For a small car the Fiesta towing capacity is pretty impressive.
Always keep your speed below the recommended maximum limit for both your Fiesta and caravan combined, and make sure you allow extra stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain.
And finally, make sure you take regular breaks when driving so that you and your Fiesta stay fresh for the journey ahead.
