We are crossing to the darkside and have started the process by taking delivery of a new Kia Sportage 2019 1.6 crdi isg 4 5dr automatic. Its a diesel and we have had a 13 pin removable towbar fitted.
I thought I had done my research. The maximum towing weight is 1600kg doing the 85% calculation I need a lighter caravan. 1360 kg is the maximum.
Im starting to think I should of got a 2l.
Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated.
------------- 2015
Krakow Poland-none camping March 7 3 NIGHTS
KingsLynn camping at Premier Inn 4 nights at Easter
May 1 3 nights Fishground campsite Eskdale
and Finally...
Camping-Les-Domes-De-Miage / St Gervais Le Bains French Alps CAMPING!!! July 11 2 weeks.
Remember it is not the towing weight that you should use for the 85% calculation but the kerbweight. The 1.6 diesels have a range of kerb weights depending on model so you need to check that out as it may actually be less than the 1600kg towing limit. You can find the kerbweight here Kia Sportage Specs
I have checked the max towing weight braked is 1600 and minimum kerb weight is 1605.
Can I add the max car loaded weight of 540 to the 1600=2140 then do 85% calc = 1819?
So I can tow anything below 1819kg.
Once I crack this bit I can then get on with the caravan search
------------- 2015
Krakow Poland-none camping March 7 3 NIGHTS
KingsLynn camping at Premier Inn 4 nights at Easter
May 1 3 nights Fishground campsite Eskdale
and Finally...
Camping-Les-Domes-De-Miage / St Gervais Le Bains French Alps CAMPING!!! July 11 2 weeks.
We had a 2.0 litre diesel Hyundai ix35 which was the cousin of the
Kia Sportage, and we towed a 1249kg caravan. It towed it very well but unless the new 1.6 are a lot better, I would be a bit wary of towing too much with it and if you have the option, getting the 2l might be better. Our current caravan is 1550 and we tow with a 2.2 Kia Sorento.
However, if you are set on the 1.6, to be legal you cannot go over the towing limit of 1600kg and it is advisable but not essential to try to stay under 85% of the kerbweight so if your kerbweight is 1605 then try to stay about 1364kg mtplm for the caravan.
I am afraid we just got the car this week. Love the car just finding a caravan below 1360 kg is proving difficult.
Although just 2 of us, may be times my grandson would come. I like the ones with the side dining table and seats that convert to single bed and poss a bunk above.
Plus budget wise it would have to be a 2nd hand van. So I think I have some questions for another forum thread lol.
Many thanks for all your replies.
------------- 2015
Krakow Poland-none camping March 7 3 NIGHTS
KingsLynn camping at Premier Inn 4 nights at Easter
May 1 3 nights Fishground campsite Eskdale
and Finally...
Camping-Les-Domes-De-Miage / St Gervais Le Bains French Alps CAMPING!!! July 11 2 weeks.
There are lots of caravans around that weight. The 85% guideline is only a guideline, if your caravan was a 90% match that would still be ok as long as you load it properly and get the noseweight correct. A 1400kg caravan would be an 87% match so that would be fine but I wouldn't go over 1450kg.
How big is your budget? If you look on caravanfinder you can search for the layout you want and then search by weight and price.
Rob
PS I just looked on caravanfinder for 4 berth caravans under 1350kg, there were 438 results with prices from £1000.