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Topic: Legal tow limit

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Betndick

14/1/2019 at 11:58am
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I’ve just bought a snskemaster stableizer for my caravan my question is the nylon bracket that the bar sits on attached to the caravan should it swivel or should it be set tight in one position.
Any feedback is much appreciated thank you.

DarrenElbrow

14/1/2019 at 12:27pm
Location: Poole Dorset
Outfit: Conway Challenger 1997

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All the Conway and Pennine models are the same. You just need to decide what size camper you need,

HumberWolf

14/1/2019 at 2:36pm
Location: North Lincolnshire
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 495

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Quote: Originally posted by Betndick on 14/1/2019
I’ve just bought a snskemaster stableizer for my caravan my question is the nylon bracket that the bar sits on attached to the caravan should it swivel or should it be set tight in one position.
Any feedback is much appreciated thank you.

The plastic bracket should swivel with the bar as it moves forwards and backwards as you turn, although it can be screwed down quite tightly.

Bennythebal

14/1/2019 at 9:54pm
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Ok so we are still thinking if to take the family caravan away on holiday before we buy a camper does anyone think it would be dangerous for a 1.4t mokka 1400kg to tow 1200kg caravan?

Betndick

14/1/2019 at 10:34pm
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Thank you. We are new to towing a caravan and we aren’t young that’s why we sold our tent, any advice is much appreciated thank you.

Colin21

14/1/2019 at 11:01pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Quote: Originally posted by Bennythebal on 14/1/2019
Ok so we are still thinking if to take the family caravan away on holiday before we buy a camper does anyone think it would be dangerous for a 1.4t mokka 1400kg to tow 1200kg caravan?

I wouldn't think it would be dangerous, but I think you may find it somewhat under-powered, particularly in headwinds.

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Colin

navver

15/1/2019 at 7:24pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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As long as the numbers are OK it doesn't matter a lot if it is underpowered.

Some like a big powerful towcar and maybe tow a thousand miles to southern Europe. They probably wouldn't like under powered.

Some tow only 30 miles to a site and they would be perfectly happy.

Dont forget, lorries are underpowered by caravanners standards. They simply get in the slow lane and travel at about 55mph. Most steep motorway hills have crawler lanes for slow vehicles.

My first towcar was a mini metro and yes it was a bit slow but not that slow. 50 to 55 was comfortable on the flat and steep hills were 40 to 45mph in the crawler lane.

Colin21

15/1/2019 at 7:46pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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I agree with what Navver says, but I think wind resistance (drag) is one of the biggest problems with underpowered vehicles. There tends to be a much bigger difference in fuel consumption between towing and solo, particularly when encountering headwinds. I found that out the hard way when I tried towing a caravan with a VW transporter years ago. As soon as I encountered even the lightest headwind I had to drop to third gear.

On the other hand, with my Volvo V70 diesel there was hardly any difference in consumption when towing the caravan I have now. I doubt whether there will be much difference towing with my current car, but I haven't had it long enough to find out yet.

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Colin

Bennythebal

15/1/2019 at 8:52pm
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Cheers guys i will be going about 15 miles away first just to try it out i am a class 1 driver myself so i have an idea about snaking and winds but i will go away and be shore to let you all no how it towed.
I been told by alot of people that my car wouldnt be strong enough to pull a 1200kg van but then i hear it will be so i think i will give it a try.
Thank you all

richardandjo2010

15/1/2019 at 10:10pm
Location: essex
Outfit: Swift Challenger 570

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Theres a lot of mixed responses to this and most seem to be relevant. If it helps we have a Alfa 1.6 diesel kerb weight 1320kg max tow weight 1300kg our caravan Bailey Ranger 460/4 mtplm 1184kg we travel quite light, I don't put anything in the car as all the space is used by family and dog in boot. The car has only 105 bhp but a high torque for its size at 320nm. The outfit is totally stable in all road conditions I rarely change from 6th to 5th on a motorway incline and it pulls like a train. I have manovered the caravan over waterlogged campsites and the Alfa has not slipped its wheels in fact the site manager said he was amazed as he had had lots of other outfits that couldn't manage that task.
Also before we had the caravan we had a folding camper and in our opinion the Alfa tows better with the caravan, If I were you I would try it load it carefully and take your time afterall whats the rush does it really matter if its a bit slow uphill.

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Bennythebal

15/1/2019 at 10:24pm
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Oh wow you have put my mind at rest, thank you mate i no that folding camper are bigger and more storage but i dont think i would get along with them as much as caravan as i want to get away for weekend and maybe a night away with a caravan you can do that but with a folding camper theres alot to do before you can do that. Anyway ill try it out.

One more thing my caravan hasnt got a stabilizer on it should i install one of these before hand?

richardandjo2010

15/1/2019 at 11:04pm
Location: essex
Outfit: Swift Challenger 570

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A stabilizer is always a good idea but if it tows ok for you invest in the ALKO hitch type a AKS1300 will be suitable for your van

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Colin21

15/1/2019 at 11:09pm
Location: East Herts
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Quote: Originally posted by Bennythebal on 15/1/2019
Oh wow you have put my mind at rest, thank you mate i no that folding camper are bigger and more storage but i dont think i would get along with them as much as caravan as i want to get away for weekend and maybe a night away with a caravan you can do that but with a folding camper theres alot to do before you can do that. Anyway ill try it out.

One more thing my caravan hasnt got a stabilizer on it should i install one of these before hand?

Ha ha, that is another can of worms!

Personally I have never used one and with sensible loading and driving never found a need for one. I used to tow all kinds of trailers professionally, and I still hold a PCV licence which covers all sorts of trailers on the back of any size bus or coach. However, others swear by them and wouldn't go anywhere without one.

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Colin

Bennythebal

16/1/2019 at 5:54am
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Thanks guys im not going fare with it so can have a tester 😊👍

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