Hi everyone,
This is my first time to caravanning and have been looking at different caravans to buy but am a little confused as to which caravan would be suitable as trying to work out the different weights has gone over my head so i am hoping some of you experienced people on here can guide me in the right direction.
I am looking to buy a second hand caravan 4 berth fixed bed single axle but just need to know what the maximum my car can pull as in terms of a caravan.
How many beds do you need, 2 4 5 or 6.
Once you know, you go to a caravan dealers, and have a look at all the different types and layouts, then you look at the plate near the doors on the outside of the caravans these will give the MIRO, and MPTW, you then look for one around 85% of your vehicles max tow weight, you could also ask the dealer to check if your vehicle is suitable to tow your chosen van
Quote: Originally posted by Skoda Bob on 08/10/2014
How many beds do you need, 2 4 5 or 6.
Once you know, you go to a caravan dealers, and have a look at all the different types and layouts, then you look at the plate near the doors on the outside of the caravans these will give the MIRO, and MPTW, you then look for one around 85% of your vehicles max tow weight, you could also ask the dealer to check if your vehicle is suitable to tow your chosen van
Thanks Skoda Bob now when checking for max Tow weight is that a braked or unbraked weight, Thanks for your help
All caravans have brakes so you would be looking at the braked weights plus you need to calculate 85% if the MTPLM and not the MIRO as this is the weight when it leaves the factory. The MTPLM is the maximum towing weight so if you subtract the MIRO from the MTPLM that gives you the payload which is the weight of all the other items you carry on board such as the battery, gas cylinders, water barrels, chairs, step, crockery and cutlery etc.
Op sorry there is some very confused advice being given here
The 85% guideline for novice towers is based on the cars kerbweight.
So in your case 85% of 1300kg, or more accurately empty your car and take it to a weigh bridge and use that as a better guide. Chances are it will be higher than 1300kg
So currently you are looking at vans of 1100kg max ish
Thanks to all but only yesterday i traded in my car and bought a Nissan Qashqai N-tec Dci 4x4 with a tow weight of 2100kg and 148bhp so no problems now.
Quote: Originally posted by derekandsheena on 09/10/2014
Thanks to all but only yesterday i traded in my car and bought a Nissan Qashqai N-tec Dci 4x4 with a tow weight of 2100kg and 148bhp so no problems now.
this one? = http://carleasingmadesimple.com/business-car-leasing/nissan/qashqai-diesel-hatchback_2/66269/technical-data/
------------- EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor
Quote: Originally posted by derekandsheena on 09/10/2014
Thanks to all but only yesterday i traded in my car and bought a Nissan Qashqai N-tec Dci 4x4 with a tow weight of 2100kg and 148bhp so no problems now.
Don't forget the guidance still is 85% of kerbweight for novice towers. So assuming the Nissan has a kerbweight of around 1600kg (assumption of mine only) that is the figure to use for your guide
The 2100kg tow limit (sounds high for a Qashqai to be honest) just means that is what the car is approved to tow up a certain gradient in tests, NOT what it is safe to tow in regards to a caravan