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Hello!

I've migrated here from the tent forum, unfortunately I'm being medically retired shortly and this means we're looking to caravans (because they're more practical than a tent now) to be honest we weren't great campers and I was raised on caravan holidays so I'm chuffed - loving snooping around caravans (ones for sale I mean - not just random vans)  every weekend!!

Anyway, we drive a Vauxhall Zafira exclusiv, 1.8 (2008 model) and it appears (as far as caravanning is concerned) we chose a right duffer!! We need a min 5 berth van and my research has pointed towards an Adria Altea 542DT. I put the figs in the WHATTOWCAR website and it said that the towing percentage of this caravan was 89%. I know the ideal is 85% but OH has towed trailers and a caravan before (a few years ago it has to be said) so I thought we'd be OK.

I'm basically after opinions - would you be happy to tow this van with this car? Are there any Adria dealers in the North of England where I could go and look at one of these in the flesh? Is there a comparable (weight/spec wise) alternative to the Adria?

Finally, and I'm cringing as I type because I know I sound stupid - if we towed the van empty, and loaded all the stuff into the boot of the car (no awning/microwave/deckchairs - just bedding, melamine crockery, cutlery, clothes, toiletries) would that make the pairing of car to van more stable - I'm sorry if I'm asking a dumb question - I promise I have tried to research this myself but I've drawn a bit of a blank.

Thanks again,

Kelly

The Adria Altea 542DT are around 1070kg with a 1300 max.  I too have been looking for one of these and live in the northwest.  But have not been able to find one, no one seems to have any left of the 2009 model. they tell me they may get the 2010 version in some time in July or August. If you head south a bit I have had confirmation of a couple of dealers that have 1 or 2 left.  If you find somewhere in the north that has one let me know.  The only other options I have been looking at is the Bailey Ranger 550/6 or the Lunar Zenith 6.  All are about the same size give or take and are about the same weight 1070kg is and 1300 max.

I am looking at towing with an Astra Estate 150CDTI Design model, which is close on 89% when you take into account the kerb weight indicated in the hand book.

I have a kia cerato towing the Adria Altea 542 DK which as far as wieght is concerned is the same.

My car is even worse at 94% and I have been away on 3 trips so far this year with the longest trip so being 4 hours.  I will shortly be going on a 6 hour trip.  Anyway... it is all about common sense, confidence and respect (for the van).  The problem I have is that he nose wieght on the car is 55kg and to achieve this I need put to some weight slightly back from the axle on the van and I also load the boot in order to make the car heavier.

I can easily get to 55 on the motorway but it can feel a little scary if I go any faster.  I check the morrors constantly when driving to spot signs of snaking so that I can take control of it.

Of course when my car is changed in a few years I will go for something more suited.

In essense if you are a confident driver and take your time there is no reason why you should not be able to tow.