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   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Towing advice.. Post Reply Post New Topic
Personpaul mc c
22/3/2016 at 8:57pm
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Helo all i am very new to this i am interested in starting out new,but could someone answer a few questions...
I have never towed a caravan before so need advice,i have a 2002 1.6 focus estate and not sure it it is ok to tow a caravan.
If it would be okay what type of van could i pull ie.max wieght,birth size ect.

Many thanks Paul


Persontango55
22/3/2016 at 9:07pm
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This is the MkI Focus which you will find that the towball noseweight limit is only 50 kgs. The MkII onwards were increased to 75 kgs. so this will cause some problems as most caravans have a much heavier noseweight than 50 kgs.
Does the vehicle have a petrol or diesel engine?

EDIT: Just checked on the year model and it confirms that the MKI is actually 75 kgs. as well.

Post last edited on 22/03/2016 21:11:33


PersonRay Clayton
22/3/2016 at 9:16pm
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also what type of caravan would suit your needs ?

-------------
Cheers
Ray

Discovery 4 & Bailey Barcelona 4







Personpaul mc c
22/3/2016 at 9:28pm
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I think it is the mk2 and it is petrol,I would be looking at a small van probably 2/3 birth used model.


PersonMatt+Jane
22/3/2016 at 10:18pm
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You also have consider your cars towing capacity and kerb weight. Parkers say max braked towing weight for a 2002 1.6 petrol focus is 1200kg. Kerb weight of car is 1158kg.
You shouldn't exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle so you should look for a van that has a max permissible load of no more than 985kg. This includes approx. 200kg of cargo. Awning, food, equipment etc.
Most caravans will display their weight on the ratings plate in two forms. Mass running order:- This is the weight of the van unloaded. Max permissible load:- The max weight allowed fully loaded.

When towing remember you have 20' of van behind you! You will need to take corners wide like HGV's do. Keep everything smooth. No sudden braking, sharp movements etc. And remember, when reversing turn the wheel opposite to the way you would normally!

Hope this helps.

Matt


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Personbobmel
22/3/2016 at 11:34pm
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Visit the Caravan Club or the Camping and Caravan web sites, both have good advice for the novice. Also there are these type of sites you can Google. This site/forum also has a great search facility.

-------------
Robert (BoB)


PersonGrampian91
23/3/2016 at 1:50am
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A 2/3 berth van may weigh more than a 4/5 berth van.

A smaller exterior doesnt mean its lighter also. I have an old Avondale which were fairly light back then.

So my missus sees a van thats shorter than ours and says we should get one like that. I then point out it weight way more than ours. I usually say i need a bigger/faster car and she goes quiet.


Persontango55
23/3/2016 at 10:16am
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When I started caravanning back in 2005 I towed with a Vauxhall Zafira with a 1.8 petrol engine and even though my caravan was only 785 kgs. (MIRO) and 1000 kgs. (MTPLM) the vehicle struggled especially on standing starts and motorway inclines. After two years I changed the vehicle and bought a Ford Focus 2.0 diesel and OH! what a difference it made. I'm not going to say "I couldn't tell it was on the back" because that's a typical comment that is used by a minority which bears no truth as any trailer that weighs three quarters the weight of the towcar is going to be noticeable under any circumstance.
The disadvantage with petrol engines is that they lack engine power and torque which are the two main ingredients required when towing so regarding your question, if your vehicle was the Focus 1.6 diesel then the body weight would be heavier with 109 BHP engine power and would be much easier finding a safe outfit match.



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