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Topic: BMW & Bailey Senator Carolina

1tom10

13/9/2010 at 9:42pm
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Hi
I am new to the world of caravans and am contemplating a purchase which will involve the following combination:

BMW 520d M Sport (170bhp) touring and a Bailey Senator Carolina. I have just been on What TowCar and it registers the combination at 100%.

Would you take on this combination or is it foolish. As always your advice is greatly appreciated.

thanks
Tom

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Caravaning here we come!

Grampian91

13/9/2010 at 10:31pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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Definitely NOT...

100% is risky for anyone but if new to towing it is just not worth the risk, Choose something lighter.

gazza12345

13/9/2010 at 11:14pm
Location: sheffield
Outfit: Volvo XC70 D5 SE Lux - Bailey Senator

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What year is your car & what year is the caravan.
With the looks of it the car as a Kerb Weight of 1700kg
& the caravan as a 1700 kg MTPLM.
But the car as a max 2000kg tow limit.
& you have got to think that the car will be over 2000kg when loaded up. To me i cannot see a problem.
What i would ask is. did you pass your driving test before or after 1997.

1tom10

14/9/2010 at 8:42am
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Hi
thanks for the posts so far. The year of the car is 59 and the kerb weight is 1695 with a max towing limit of 1800. Having thought about it some more I am probably better looking for something lighter. I passed my driving test in 1983 and have driven with many trailers in my army career (though not quite as big as a caravan but probably just as heavy.)

Based on this updated information I presume the advice is no.

thanks

Tom

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Caravaning here we come!

Opensauce

14/9/2010 at 8:57am
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The max tow weight of car as stated by manufacturer relates to what the car is actually capable of towing based on a 1in8 hill start, I think. It has nothing to do with towing safety.

If you tow a caravan which has a large side area & likely to be affected by cross winds in is deemed safest to tow below the car's kerbweight. 85% is the recommended figure.

Greendemon315

14/9/2010 at 9:15am
Location: Blackburn Lancashire
Outfit: Coachman Laser 650 and Discovery

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Far too heavy I'm afraid.

Jim

gazza12345

14/9/2010 at 10:47am
Location: sheffield
Outfit: Volvo XC70 D5 SE Lux - Bailey Senator

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With the car fully loaded it works out at just under 85%. & thats if the caravan was loaded to its max as well. Max tow is 1800kg & caravan is 1700kg fully loaded. So its legal.
& the caravan does not after be loaded up to its limits.
Its a twin axle so it will be more stable.
Its not like he is a 18 year old boy racer.
He as towed trailers before.
With careful loading i still cannot see a problem.
I would not think twice about putting this caravan on the back of my car & that as a 1800kg tow limit.

If you need peace of mind have the AL-KO ATC Trailer Control fitted.
Click Link below.
AL-CO ATC

Post last edited on 14/09/2010 11:18:56

doit

14/9/2010 at 6:06pm
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Not sure if i would want to tow a van that heavy with that car. With crosswinds, poor road surfaces and safety in mind i would choose a lighter van, or get a more suitable car. Love it or loathe it your journey is part of your caravan holiday so why make it more difficult than necessary? I tow a 1500kg Sterling Europa 540 with a Kia Sorento and enjoy easy relaxed towing. The Sorento could easily tow bigger and heavier vans, but i would rather be at the helm relaxed with the cruise control keeping my speed legal, my mirrors keeping me aware of motorists around me, and my family and me as safe as i can keep them. But each to their own. Hope the advice helps your decision, and happy camping :-)

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Why am i doing this instead of camping??!!

1tom10

14/9/2010 at 7:31pm
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great advice everyone - I am off to find a lighter van! I will consider the matter closed.

thanks

Tom

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Caravaning here we come!

neil and lena

14/9/2010 at 7:33pm
Location: Dumfries
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Quote: Originally posted by 1tom10 on 13/9/2010
Hi
I am new to the world of caravans and am contemplating a purchase which will involve the following combination:

BMW 520d M Sport (170bhp) touring and a Bailey Senator Carolina. I have just been on What TowCar and it registers the combination at 100%.

Would you take on this combination or is it foolish. As always your advice is greatly appreciated.

thanks
Tom

Definately a poor match you will be at or over 100% , there is no substitute for a good weight advantage in your tow car , change your car or look for a lighter van would be your best course of action

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