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Subject Topic: Newbie question Post Reply Post New Topic
03/11/2012 at 8:58pm
 Location: Exmouth Devon
 Outfit: Rapido Orline 39S
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Hi,

I am looking to buy a caravan, I have towed a folder in the past and never worried about towing limits as it was so light. We are now looking at trading up to a 2 berth caravan.

The problem is that I am not sure what weight van I can tow, not a lot I expect, I have a Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 CDTI, what is the max I can tow? or where could I find out?

Andy.

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AndyP


03/11/2012 at 9:29pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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Check your log book (V5C)


Looks like its 1200kg. BUT... your engine may only produce 73bhp.

73bhp and 1200kg will be a lot of gear changes.


So the caravan must have a gross laden weight of less than 1200kg or lower if the figure in the logbook says different.



03/11/2012 at 10:00pm
 Location: Aberdeen
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti
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try this site

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Robert (BoB)


03/11/2012 at 10:24pm
 Location: Exmouth Devon
 Outfit: Rapido Orline 39S
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Thanks guys, thats really helpful :)

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AndyP


03/11/2012 at 11:07pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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What year is the Vauxhall Meriva and is it a diesel manual or automatic gearbox?


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04/11/2012 at 8:25am
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Get a 2berth caravan less than a tonne all up weight & you will have a good match with reasonable hill climbing ability. The caravan you want will be an older model of about 12ft body length.


04/11/2012 at 10:15am
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 03/11/2012


What year is the Vauxhall Meriva and is it a diesel manual or automatic gearbox?

Auto and manual gearboxes plus different year models can have different towing limits that's why I asked. Once given this information I can check to see what the towing limit is on that specific vehicle.

 


04/11/2012 at 5:14pm
 Location: Exmouth Devon
 Outfit: Rapido Orline 39S
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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 04/11/2012

Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 03/11/2012


What year is the Vauxhall Meriva and is it a diesel manual or automatic gearbox?

Auto and manual gearboxes plus different year models can have different towing limits that's why I asked. Once given this information I can check to see what the towing limit is on that specific vehicle.

 




Thanks, the car is 2006 model with manual diesel.


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AndyP


04/11/2012 at 7:23pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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On a 2006 manual 1.7 diesel Vauxhall Meriva, the minimum kerbweight is 1405 kgs. with a maximum towing limit for a braked trailer of 1200 kgs. The engine power is 100 BHP with engine torque of 177 lbs./ft. but the downward towball weight limit is only 50kgs. which could cause a problem trying to reduce the noseweight of the caravan. Working on these figures the outfit match would actually be 85% which is ideal so you would need to be looking for a caravan with an MTPLM of 1200 kgs. maximum. According to my findings it doesn't look like they manufacture a fixed flange towbar for models between 2003 - 2010 so you may have to have a detachable or slide in bolted towbar so double check this with your local towbar supplier first as the price will however be more expensive for either of these towballs.


04/11/2012 at 9:33pm
 Location: Exmouth Devon
 Outfit: Rapido Orline 39S
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Thanks, I already have a tow bar fitted. From what I have seen I can actually get a 4 berth van at that weight not many of them so it will take a bit of research.

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AndyP


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05/11/2012 at 3:47pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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You can get a 6 berth twin axle with a gross of 1200kg.

But you may need something a bit older or less well equipped.

If you have the 73bhp model you maybe looking for a more powerful car after you hit the 1st hill.

Almost doubling the cars weight remember.



05/11/2012 at 4:12pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Wellhouse Atrai Dandy Dart Quechua B
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Just make sure to check the noseweight limit. Our 2006 Meriva was only 50kg and I think that applied to all versions.


05/11/2012 at 10:13pm
 Location: Exmouth Devon
 Outfit: Rapido Orline 39S
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Thanks for all the info guys, will give me something to mull over in the dark winter evenings.

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AndyP



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