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Subject Topic: 95% towing ratio
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PersonLobeyDosser
21/2/2015 at 11:34am
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4 View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
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Hear hear Billy X!!!!

We have, in the past, had well balanced units on tow, but got into tricky situations that were not of our own making. Usually caused by other inconsiderate or careless
drivers.

Having a bit of extra oomph when we needed it was the difference between getting out of these situations and continuing to enjoy our holidays or ending our holidays with a large garage bill and an insurance claim.

Our present 4X4 will tow up to 1500kg. We tow 1164Kg which is 85% of the cars kerb weight. This gives us a good amount of extra oomph if we need it.

Holidays are all about enjoying yourself in a safe environment.
It is up to you just how safe you think you need to be.


-------------
Lobey.


Personkojack
21/2/2015 at 1:07pm
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As Billy says there is no definitive answer, so you can only decide this one taking into account your ability to drive the outfit safely.
and to ask other people who drive outfits as you describe about their experiences and advice.
i drive at 91% and drive a very stable outfit, i put a lot of this down to the fact that the van is a twin axle unit which is without doubt more stable than a single axle
Beware when going downhill, remember the caravan will try to push the car so take it easy.

Like they say, could be down to the nut that holds the steering wheel




-------------
Kojack


PersonHacksaw Bob
21/2/2015 at 2:11pm
 Location: West Midlands
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Quote: Originally posted by kojack on 21/2/2015

Beware when going downhill, remember the caravan will try to push the car so take it easy.



...and indeed uphill. A video already posted several times on this site shows what happens when a caravan drags its towcar back downhill,    
here.


PersonGreendemon315
21/2/2015 at 2:39pm
 Location: Blackburn Lancashire
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It's never a good idea to get near the limits of anything. Always have something in hand. I think the licence limitations will probably rule this out anyway.

My own point of view is that it's too soon to get this close after towing experience of only two years.

Jim


Personfreeatlast
21/2/2015 at 5:55pm
 Location: Teesside
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This question comes up time and time again, but people never address a most important issue.

How are you going to use the caravan?

The whole question of weights becomes more important depending on use. If you plan on driving long distances towing (such as abroad) then you really do need a well balanced outfit with plenty of power. Driving long distances with a less than stable unit, or an underpowered car must be a nightmare.


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PersonEmmomcm
21/2/2015 at 6:08pm
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Thanks for all your replies, I really do appreciate the experiences and views you have all shared. We will need to think carefully about which caravan we buy.


PersonROG.
21/2/2015 at 6:29pm
 Location: LEICESTER
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When posters say they two at X percentage are they referring to the figures that the CC use or are they referring to a realistic percentage between the tow vehicle and caravan when actually towing it ?

-------------
EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor


Personbilly
21/2/2015 at 6:43pm
 Location: North Essex
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Put it this way Rog. One needs to understand the dynamics involved & then it can be understood why it is sensible for the caravan to be somewhat lighter than the towcar. The suggestion is that ratio between mtplm of caravan & kerbweight of car should be 85%. Caravan is not normally fully laden & loaded car will weigh somewhat more than kerbweight.

This makes the weight ratio car/caravan somewhat greater than 85% & for those that still do not understand the reasons why then this can only be a good thing because it ers on the side of safety, yes?

Post last edited on 21/02/2015 18:58:54


PersonDanR
23/2/2015 at 1:09pm
 Location: Norfolk
 Outfit: Bailey Olympus 546 View DanR's Profile View Profile   Reply to DanR Reply   Quote DanR Quote  
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Hi There,

I have a Volvo V50 2.0D RDesign Sport and tow at 95% with this.  The car is very stable but:

I do have a few years towing experience (both Private and Commercial) and am confident towing.  I am very careful loading the van - weight checked at weighbridge.  I have a spreadsheet with all my kit weights on and nose weight carefully checked.  Also make sure that the load cannot move during transit.

is yours the Deisel or Petrol version as they have different towing capacities and kerb weights? dependant on which derriative of engine you have?



-------------
April - Derbyshire
May - Cromer
May - Clipsby Hall
July - Kelling Heath
August - France
September - Clipsby Hall
October - Brecon


PersonEmmomcm
23/2/2015 at 9:44pm
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Hi Dan, we have the diesel version and it's the R design too. It's a good idea to pack the van the same way each time and whatever van we buy I plan on having it all weighed for peace of mind. Do you find your Volvo tows well? We think it's better than the Bmw 3 series we had previously.


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PersonDefender
24/2/2015 at 8:13pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: Bailey Senator 5 Carolina View Defender's Profile View Profile   Reply to Defender Reply   Quote Defender Quote  
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The Bailey Ranger 550/6 (2005 model year) has a mtplm of around 1326kgs and a miro of just over 1000kgs. May not sound much of a saving (100kgs) but could make a slight difference?


PersonDanR
25/2/2015 at 1:37pm
 Location: Norfolk
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Hi There,

It does tow really well - I was a little surpised actually how well, engine has plenty of umph getting onto roundabouts etc.  so yes not a bad combo, I would like a V70 for extra room in the car but that is not an option for a few more years.

Cheers - Darren



-------------
April - Derbyshire
May - Cromer
May - Clipsby Hall
July - Kelling Heath
August - France
September - Clipsby Hall
October - Brecon


PersonBaileyjake
26/2/2015 at 1:47pm
 Location: West Midlands
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Quote: Originally posted by Defender on 24/2/2015
The Bailey Ranger 550/6 (2005 model year) has a mtplm of around 1326kgs and a miro of just over 1000kgs. May not sound much of a saving (100kgs) but could make a slight difference?


i was going to suggest the same as defender.

i have a bailey ranger 550/6. its a very light caravan.but it is also very long! its 7m from tow hitch to back lights

i towed it last year with my jeep compass that was 1620kg. the ratio was well below 85% though. The jeep performed really well. the baileys are really light caravans. you can tell by the paper thin materials they use even the table tops are hollow.

we only have 4 in our family and would say that if you children are tall then 3 of the 4 bunks would be short for them. the top fixed bunk is over 6" long but the side dinette and lower fixed is only about 5"

what i would say about towing close to the 85% ratio is that that the outfit can become twitchy when there are side winds or ruts worn in the slow lane of the motorway and also going down hill. i found that taking the awning, kids bikes and all heavy stuff like drinks in the car made everything more stable.

one of my colleagues towed his 1400kg freelander twin axle caravan with a vectra 1.8 but i think only as far as his seasonal pitch.

i have just changed my car for a heavier one with a larger boot although i have not towed with it yet.


Personsunshinetours
26/2/2015 at 5:31pm
 Location: sunny south east!
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The Adria mentioned earlier come sin 542DK form whoch has two full sized (adult not child size in width and length) permanent bunks as well as a rear side dinette that converts into a further small double.

Slight compromise of a smaller bathroom comapred to the triple bunked DT that we have but better nead space on bunks for older children much like the Sprite Major you mention

Depends on what your budget is I guess and whether you can find one locally enough (you may have to travel).
At only 1300kg fully loaded you won't find anything bigger or more suited to your current car IMO


Personphilip 22
26/2/2015 at 8:28pm
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The Lunar Zenith 6 might be better suited for your Volvo S40 .but look at other lightweight 6 berths
i knew someone who towed a Elddis Odyssey 505 with Volvo S40 and he said it felt like the caravan was taking over.he soon change the car to a Ford Mondeo


PersonEmmomcm
27/2/2015 at 3:36pm
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Thanks I will go look at the Lunar zenith. I do love the Adria 542DK and there is one about 50 miles from us that we may go look at. Right layout and price but I was concerned a bit to read that the heating runs on gas, not electric.
I would love to spend a couple of days driving around viewing the vans I see advertised but it's hard to get babysitters for the kids! I'd also have liked to buy local in case it needs to go back to the dealer for any reason. I'm sure the right caravan will show up soon! Just need a few more people to start selling up lol!

Thanks again!



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