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When I change my towcar in a couple of years, I am considering getting a commercial vehicle. Something like a ford transit with a double cab giving me 6 seats and plenty of space for all the tat in the back.

What do you think? Do these vans make good towing vehicles? Does anybody have any experience or advice (good or bad) Let me know

Kev a transit and a hobby,

No offence but i would expect you'd get turned away from loads of commercial campsites, as that set up is the no1 choice for the travelling community.

Bessie 

Beware some manufacturers stipulate towing with a commercial vehicle will invalidate your warranty, Bailey are one such company.  Apparently the suspension is not designed for caravans and can cause damage to the caravan.

Ali

As far as the pikey angle goes. I can understand where you're coming from Bessie. But I only use CC & C&CC sites so I wouldn't envisage a problem.

Geoff it wouldn't be signwritten. More likely I would "pimp my ride" a little. Tinted windows, flared arches, nice alloys and metallic paint with maybe a little artwork.

Not too sure about the warranty Ali, would have to check that. However the timescale that I am looking at is perhaps changing in 2 years so maybe the warranty will be long gone by then.

Just thought that a commercial type vehicle would be more suitable than a family car when you take into consideration what I carry on extended breaks. Roofbox with all the beach gear & windbreaks & recliners. 4 bicycles and usually 3 sets of golf clubs. Plus all the usual tat.

Have towed with my transit van(white unwritten) & it tows very well indeed,no weight issues for most vans but  you are restricted by which sites will accept you.Have also towed with my transit minibus,no problems being accepted anywhere.We had a Torneo style bus,nine seater,last two rows fold down flat which still leaves six seats & loads of room in the back.A bus might be a better option than a van.

Andy J

Years ago there was a problem with A frame breakage on caravans being towed by vehicles such a Land Rovers (Series models, pre 90 & 110) because they basically had very harsh rear suspension that transmitted every vertical shock to the A frame, eventually fracturing it.

I am very surprised that they still think it an issue - it might be if you towed it with a large truck with rear leaf springs, but a modern Transit has a ride quality near to that of a car.

Quote: Originally posted by Kev... on 15/7/2008

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Geoff it wouldn't be signwritten. More likely I would "pimp my ride" a little. Tinted windows, flared arches, nice alloys and metallic paint with maybe a little artwork.

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Our "Pikey " mates towed with a transit but have now got a Renult van with crew cab seats never been a problem towing or with any sites we have used but I have noticed some dont accept commercial vehicles.Must twitch a few site owners when we ask "Do you accept twin axles? Commercial vehicles ie a vans? Dogs?

They use it for their dogs and the kids bikes,even bought his compressor in it to blow up dingy on site then slung in back of van to take to the beach,also doubled up as a changing room!