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It looks great; what a difference the extra width makes. It looks the ideal layout with no compromise.

I hope you don't want to tow it far because I think it is heavier than your car. You'll have to get one of those little estate cars they show towing it in the brochure; I can't make out what sort it is.

There are a lot of these on seasonal pitches on a site we often go to in Cornwall. They have enormous awnings as well.

the Denver Rodeo might have a tow limit of 3500 but that isn't the same as the safe caravan weight. (for example Nissan were advertising at the show that the X-trail can tow up to 2.2 tonnes, which it probably can on short distances at slow speeds, but to manage a caravan at normal speeds the advice is to stick to 85% of the cars weight, and an x-trail only weighs 1525kg so the 2.2 tonnes is way too high for a caravan)   

I'd advise looking at your 85% limits, because that is one huge caravan you are tugging,

but if you've got the van I guess this isn't what you want to hear.  

Assuming a van is properly loaded and the car has the power, then surely only two weight dictums apply? Either a) The 85% rule which both the CC & CCC endorse as giving you a good margin esp if less experienced or b) The published towing limit for your particular vehicle which isn't necessarily it's actual weight but is the legal limit and fair enough if you are experienced and know what you are doing.

Back in the 60's I don't recall my parents ever bothering about such things mind!

Quote: Originally posted by Rune Caster on 02/3/2010

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Why do so many caravaners seem to make up there own laws regarding towing weights and sizes - is it to make themselves look important?

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Who'se made up their own rules?

The 85% is purely a guideline, one that is purely based on safety.  

Hi There

I sort of know what you're saying re the 85% bit.  However, that's only something you ever hear talked about in caravanning.

From my name you may take a wild guess at our profession/life.  My husband tows trailers every day of his life, be it 30 tonne artics or ifor william livestock trailers.  He has been doing for the last 15 years and has had to attend many courses and obtain certification in it.  If he says our truck is more than capable in towing this caravan then I am happy.  He uses the Denver Max, a Hilux and a Discovery to tow trailers with three fully grown beef cattle, who unlike a caravan, leap around and do silly things and has never had a problem (they can be over a tonne a piece). 

It constantly amazes both of us the wolly's who tow caravans.  We can't believe that you don't have to undertake specialist training (I know since we both took our test laws have changed but not much).  I think the 85% things are more of a guidline to those who do not actually understand towing or have had no training.  With regard to the Isuzu towing the Hobby, it will be fine, of that we are sure.  The vehicle weighs 3 tonne, the caravan weighs 2 tonne.  So the truck is 50% heavier.  I'm not certain on what the sums involved in the caravanning percentages are but I know that as long as the vehicle towing is heavier than the thing it is towing, it is fine.  And once the law changes next month it will be legal.

Thanks so much for all the advise and support, I cannot wait for my new van!

:)

Enjoy your van that is the most important thing - I guessed from your name that towing would be the least of issues to you.

By the way you had better change your signature line as you will soon have a van and can't call yourself a fraud anymore!

I guessed from your name that you'd be more than proficient.

I'm sure you'll be OK; but personally I would always tow well within my limits. My Terrano is bang on 85% for the Burstner (or is it the other way around?), and for me feels a perfect compromise of car and van as I know I can tackle anything. 

I loved the look of your van, and didn't mean to put a downer on your purchase by picking fault with your tow-car.

At the end of the day you are confident enough and that is all that matters.

From one German van owner to a soon to be another one, I hope you really enjoy your new baby.

As a blokey bloke I have always fancied a king cab pick up although the wife thinks it is too much for us; so we'll probably end up with a freelander or X-trail when we change the Terrano (and the X-trail being advertised as being able to tow 2.2 tonnes at the NEC probably got me into full on rant mode), but I'd love to hear feedback from you after your first trip to let us know how you get on.  

Chewie 

Thanks Chewie :)

I must admit the new Isuzu Rodeo Denver Max LE is lovely.  As a farmer, it's a hell of a truck.  But as a girl, it's pretty too!  Lots of room for the family, it's my truck for the first two years then gets moved on to become hubby's and I get a new one and so on and so on.  It's the biggest cab on a pick up with the most leg room.  The interior is full leather and lovely.  There is three 3-point seat belts in the back with isofix so it's a great family car.  And as it's classed commercial, it's VAT reclaimable.  It drives like a car, much nicer than the TD5 discovery I used to have.  Maybe take your wife for a test drive....?  Cheaper than the X-trails etc too.  around £20k & VAT which for a top spec seems good to me.

I'll let you all know how we get on.  I've just booked the site a few miles away from where we pick it up from to give it a test run :) :) :)

Quote: Originally posted by TheFarmersWife3 on 02/3/2010

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Thanks Chewie :)

 Maybe take your wife for a test drive....?  Cheaper than the X-trails etc too.  around £20k & VAT which for a top spec seems good to me.

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I pointed her towards the silver one at the NEC, she pulled THAT face ; so i guessed I wasn't going to get my toy.

Quote: Originally posted by TheFarmersWife3 on 02/3/2010

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With regard to the Isuzu towing the Hobby, it will be fine, of that we are sure.  The vehicle weighs 3 tonne, the caravan weighs 2 tonne.  So the truck is 50% heavier. 

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hi again, if I am looking at the correct vehicle, the Isuzu Rodeo Pick-up 3.0CRD Dble Cab Denver Max LE 4dr, then the towing weight is 3000 kg, but the kerb weight is 1890 kg. so the hooby is heavier than the car. I am sure you are more than capable towers, all I was pointing out was that although legal this set-up would not be recommended by any of the main caravan organisations.

HTH

Tony