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Hello all

I'm considering going from camping to caravaning and would like to be pointed in the right direction for somewhere to go and get some advice. I've read people going on about 85% of something or another and MTPLM ( i think thats it anyways ) but i have no idea what any of this means. Is there somewhere i could read up on this?

Also, would i be able to tow a caravan with a 1.6 Ford focus estate (diesel)

Many thanks

Phil

Hi Phil,

The short answer is yes, you would be able to tow with your present car.

The skill comes in choosing the right configuration whilst keeping within the guideline weights.

Check this out as a good starting point.

http://www.nationalcaravan.co.uk/images/resources/Caravan_Towing_Guide_080805.pdf

Mr UM

The best place to start:

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/Practical+advice/New+to+caravanning/New+to+caravanning.htm

Read as much as you can (from people who know what they are writing about!) and take your time in choosing the right van/car combo.

Hi from a newbie to a newbie - we will be purchasing a caravan within the next 2-3 months (hopefully) & have deliberately taken our time since making our decision to swap tenting to do our research (last 6mths) - some people may find this excessive but its just the way its worked out for us, better to be prepared - dib dib dib! 

My advice would definitely be do your research before buying theres a lot to learn!  I can highly recommend Haynes The Caravan Manual which is like a bible covering all aspects of safety, towing, maintenance & repair sections - its very technical so I passed that to the hubby who has duly swallowed it over the last few weeks.  I've really enjoyed reading 'teach yourself caravanning' which is in association with the Caravan Club for some really interesting practical information & advice covering practically everything. 

We started looking at layouts at the NEC show in Feb which is a great starting block because you can run in and out of lots of different models & layouts, and since then we have visited several dealers to look at further models & to double check our decision.  We are now as sure as I think its possible to be that the layout we have selected will suit us for at least the next 5 years.  Hubby is getting booked on to a towing course in September & from then we will feel properly equipped & prepared to venture out.

Good luck with your decisions