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Hi Guys,

I am in the process of selling all my camping gear and purchasing a second hand caravan so that my mum can come away with us.

We would be towing off a W reg Landrover Freelander 1.8 (until my hubby gets me a new car).  I have worked out that I will need something under 1250 mtplm to stay within the 85% rule.

Has anyone got any suggestions on any lightweight (preferably 5 berth) vans out there.  So far I have found Avondale Pennine XL and Avondale Dart 510 that are 5 berth.

I am not looking to buy until the end of the year as I am trying to save as many pennies as possible, so unfortunately that is it for this years expeditions.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers

Mamp

our bailey 500/5 it has an MTPLM of only 1272 kgs.this is with the spare wheel fitted.the spare wheel weighs 19 kgs so this weight could be reduced to a safe 85% by putting the spare in the boot.this gives a good payloading for awnings and such.

lightest vans of all is GOING CARAVANS see 4 berth only 1000 kgs

http://www.jcleisure.com/Go%20500.htm

I used to have a 1997 Avondale Ulysses which had an MTPLM of 1100 Kgs.

Generally, more modern vans are a lot heavier but don't seem to be much better equiped,

Thanks for the advice.

I'm not sure what will be put in it yet appart from the awning.  A load of other stuff can go in the car and when both parents come we will need to take two cars anyway.

ta for the advice.

Keep it coming.  I did look at a lunar zenith, they look quite good.  Will just have to wait and see how many pennies I can save.

Mamp

According to this website the max towing capacity is 2000 kgs ????????????????

http://www.landrover.co.uk/gb/en/vehicles/freelander-2/features-and-specifications/technical-specifications.htm

The maximum towing weight has little to do with it in this case.  Mamp is clearly wishing to stay within the 85% "rule", which is probably sensible in view of the change from tent to caravan, and presumably little towing experience.

An experienced driver could tow up to the 2000kg, but it wouldn't be sensible to do this with a caravan, not the most stable trailer in the world.

Jim 

Hi guys.

We ave had caravans before but many years ago (I'm talking when I was younger and while I am not quite a wrinkly yet, I am no spring chicken).

Dad will be doing some of the towing and he has loads of experience, I have a bit but it was mainly horse trailers and I avoided motorways and probably never went over 45-50 mph. 

Our main concern is that the landy is a W reg so its not in the prime of its life and we don't really want to kill it.  Our reasoning behind sticking with the 85% rule is that when the parents are not joining us I will be towing on my own with 4 kids in the car so I would rather be safe than sorry. 

That's the right attitude!  Don't expect too much from too little, and stay well within safety margins.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by michael on 08/7/2009

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our bailey 500/5 it has an MTPLM of only 1272 kgs.this is with the spare wheel fitted.the spare wheel weighs 19 kgs so this weight could be reduced to a safe 85% by putting the spare in the boot.this gives a good payloading for awnings and such.

lightest vans of all is GOING CARAVANS see 4 berth only 1000 kgs

http://www.jcleisure.com/Go%20500.htm

Post last edited on 08/07/2009 15:31:37

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According to this months Which Caravan prices start at £3995 for the Weekender up to £9700 for the 560.  13 models in the range so just post if you want the price for a specific model.

Carol.