Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Excited but nervous!!!
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMadMum1972
02/4/2013 at 8:50pm
 Location: Hempstead Kent
 Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500 View MadMum1972's Profile View Profile   Reply to MadMum1972 Reply   Quote MadMum1972 Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   393
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi all!

I have never owned a caravan before but today, I have found a real beauty which I am seriously considering right now. We have spent the day driving around looking at different vans and what they offer in terms of money, layout etc.

The last van we looked at is one that my Mum's friend is selling. It isn't a year old yet but they have given up caravanning.

The van is a Sterling Eccles Sport 564 and is being sold ith the lot, including awning, motor mover, all the cups, bedding and everything you can think of.

It has been used just twice since new for short breaks in this country and we know the owners are passionate about their van as it has been realy cared for.

Now, my question is, I need to change my car as it is not capable of towing much. The weight of the van is 1443 kg fully loaded. I understand about the 85% guideline so I realy need a car which is diesel and is capable of towing around 2000kg.

Any recommendations? Every dealer today can't praise Mondeo estates enough but I was wondering if there are any others that are ideal.

I feel very nervous and very excited all at the same time!! There is so much to learn about and I don't want to get anything wrong!

Thanks fir any help!

-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!


PersonMonty8
02/4/2013 at 8:56pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: None Entered View Monty8's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty8 Reply   Quote Monty8 Quote  
Joined: 19/3/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   462
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 8
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi
I know how you feel as we have just bought a van but ours is to stay on a seasonal pitch (see my post). It is exciting and there is so much to learn. I hope you get the van you want and good luck!


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

PersonMonty8
02/4/2013 at 8:56pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: None Entered View Monty8's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty8 Reply   Quote Monty8 Quote  
Joined: 19/3/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   462
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 8
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi
I know how you feel as we have just bought a van but ours is to stay on a seasonal pitch (see my post). It is exciting and there is so much to learn. I hope you get the van you want and good luck!


Personlyn hathaway
02/4/2013 at 9:19pm
 Location: barnsley south yorks
 Outfit: 2012 coachman amara 550 5 ford kuga View lyn hathaway's Profile View Profile   Reply to lyn hathaway Reply   Quote lyn hathaway Quote  
Joined: 21/3/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1043
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
try the what tow car website this gives you good advice on what car will tow that type of caravan

-------------
Sandringham 22nd mar - 30th mar
thorpe park 27th apr - 1st july

thorpe park 1st sept 2015- 1st nov 2015
clumber park 29th dec -4th jan


PersonSimon100
02/4/2013 at 9:33pm
 Location: Stockport
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB & Mondeo Estate View Simon100's Profile View Profile   Reply to Simon100 Reply   Quote Simon100 Quote  
Joined: 04/10/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   143
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I have a Mondeo estate and it is a great tow car. It tows my 1440kg Clubman with ease. Unfortunately you are likely to be towing at around 90%, which is fine if you are confident in what you are doing.
At 2000 kg you are probably looking at a largish SUV or 4x4.


Advertisement



PersonMadMum1972
02/4/2013 at 9:40pm
 Location: Hempstead Kent
 Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500 View MadMum1972's Profile View Profile   Reply to MadMum1972 Reply   Quote MadMum1972 Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   393
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I had a look on what tow car website but it isn't giving me the option to put the particular caravan in, even though it is only a 2012 model. Is it ok to just put in something of a similar laden weight of around 1443?

I have never towed a caravan and I am nervous at the thought of it. I will get myself on a course first.

I am now thinking the van is too big. I don't want to exceed the 85% due to lack of experience.

-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!


Personthe black fox
02/4/2013 at 10:36pm
 Location: flint north wales
 Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002 View the black fox's Profile View Profile   Reply to the black fox Reply   Quote the black fox Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1615
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
unless my maths is wrong you only need a tow car capable of pulling around 1750k.g ,as your giving max laden weight ,and thats keeping well within the 85% rule .
   yep stick with a large diesel around the 2.0 ltr area ,mondeo is o.k but there are plenty of alternatives as well volvo v70 ,citroen c5,also plenty of 4x4's ,as a starting point what are the present owners towing it with ????


Personthe black fox
02/4/2013 at 10:36pm
 Location: flint north wales
 Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002 View the black fox's Profile View Profile   Reply to the black fox Reply   Quote the black fox Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1615
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
oops


PersonMadMum1972
02/4/2013 at 10:43pm
 Location: Hempstead Kent
 Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500 View MadMum1972's Profile View Profile   Reply to MadMum1972 Reply   Quote MadMum1972 Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   393
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The present owners are towing it with a VW Passat but he is a very experienced tower and not deeming it necessary to adhere to the 85% rule.

I will carry on my search with the latest suggestions! The more I am sat here looking, the more I have butterflies in my stomach about towing something so big!

Thanks ever so much.

-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!


Personjaqugra
02/4/2013 at 11:31pm
 Location: North Lincolnshire
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus Bologna Volvo XC90 View jaqugra's Profile View Profile   Reply to jaqugra Reply   Quote jaqugra Quote  
Joined: 20/11/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   562
Site Reviews Total: 37
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 10
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 1
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
To keep to 85% you need a tow car with a minimum kerb weight of 1697kg which I would think there is quite a good range of estate cars that would be heavy enough.


Advertisement



Personct955
03/4/2013 at 12:21am
 Location: Leicester
 Outfit: coachman avocet565 + discovery sport View ct955's Profile View Profile   Reply to ct955 Reply   Quote ct955 Quote  
Joined: 06/11/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   376
Site Reviews Total: 50
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 6  
Site Reviews 2018: 7  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 6
Site Nights 2020: 11
Site Nights 2019: 30
Site Nights 2018: 16
We tow with an smax diesel similar to mondeo estate but higher off ground, flexible seating and lots of space in boot still

-------------
Chris


Personthe black fox
03/4/2013 at 7:45am
 Location: flint north wales
 Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002 View the black fox's Profile View Profile   Reply to the black fox Reply   Quote the black fox Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1615
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
if you keep within the rules of speed limits ,towing mirrors ,correct loading of van,and noseweight .you really don't need to be experienced ,the first couple of times will be daunting but after that its easy .

you could always take a towing course as well .in fact if your car is just above the limit needed i.e 1697kg kerbweight .it will actually stop you from making the mistake of going to fast ,the cause of most towing problems .


PersonDaveCoaches
03/4/2013 at 8:16am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche View DaveCoaches's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveCoaches Reply   Quote DaveCoaches Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1247
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
While the 85% guide line is correct, it is not the only thing to consider. I tow a 1450kg caravan with a Mondeo hatch back at 92% and find it more stable than it was at 70% behind the 4x4 I had previously.

Not sure I would go for an estate though as they bring more money, probably have a larger overhang behind the axle and there is the tendency to put too much weight in the back.

I would definitely have another hatch back for towing though.


PersonMadMum1972
03/4/2013 at 8:18am
 Location: Hempstead Kent
 Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500 View MadMum1972's Profile View Profile   Reply to MadMum1972 Reply   Quote MadMum1972 Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   393
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi

Yes, A towing course is definitely something I will be booking before towing!

I have always been a careful IAM driver but it always helps to have a little more experience, especially as I have only towed a little box trailer before.

-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!


PersonMadMum1972
03/4/2013 at 8:50am
 Location: Hempstead Kent
 Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500 View MadMum1972's Profile View Profile   Reply to MadMum1972 Reply   Quote MadMum1972 Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   393
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by DaveCoaches on 03/4/2013
While the 85% guide line is correct, it is not the only thing to consider. I tow a 1450kg caravan with a Mondeo hatch back at 92% and find it more stable than it was at 70% behind the 4x4 I had previously.

Not sure I would go for an estate though as they bring more money, probably have a larger overhang behind the axle and there is the tendency to put too much weight in the back.

I would definitely have another hatch back for towing though.


That is interesting, thanks. I assume it is also down to the car's capabilities, aswell as the driver's. That is worth knowing before we rush off panicking to buy a 4x4.

It is a big van, somewhat bigger than we were planning but it is a fantastic deal, everything is being sold with it and we plan on using it for many years to come, even though a local dealer said nobody keeps a caravan for longer than four years!

I will investigate Mondeo hatches. Is yours diesel and what size engine is it please?


-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!


PersonSurfer01
03/4/2013 at 4:47pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Surfer01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Surfer01 Reply   Quote Surfer01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2451
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
If buying the caravan check if the warranty can be transferred. This can normally be done if the caravan has been serviced in accordance with the service schedule.
As for cars, the Mondeo diesel should be very capable, but be aware of DPF and flywheel issues.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

6708 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder