We are about to start loading for the first time and would just like to double check we are doing it correctly.
I am sorry if its very long winded but better to be safe than sorry.
Our car:
Kerb weight - 1387kg
Towing limit - 1200 kg
Gross vehicle weight - 1880kg
Gross train weight - 3080kg
Nose weight - 75kg
BHP - 90
RPM for max BHP - 4000
Max torque - 215
RPM for max torque 1750
Our caravan:
MTPLM - 1190kg
MIRO - 980kg
User payload - 210kg
We have put bedding under the seats - approx 4kg on each side
Fishing rods along the length of caravan - 3kg
water carrier at front weighing - 4.4kg
estimated weight for bits and bobs
All adding up to about 24kg
We have checked the nose weight and it is correct at 75kg
The approx weight of everything to be put into the car is 41.9kg which includes 2 heavier items, the suitcase and fishing bag.
So what I am actually asking is, have we loaded both the car and caravan correctly or are there changes we need to make?
We normally put all the clothes in the wardrobes and lockers. Books toys and iPods etc in the lockers. Food goes in the fridge and cupboards and toiletries go in the bathroom.In the car goes chairs and table and bbq alongside a few tools etc.
Looks fine to me.
Eventually, all will become habit.
Hope your first time away is a breeze, and you have a truly fantastic experience and catch 'The Bug'... We all did.
------------- Regards
Chris
Caravanning for 22 years
1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0TD & 2004 Avondale Mayfair 510-5L
Previous towcars:
2002 Nissan Primera - sold
2002 Ford Galaxy - Died & scrapped. Good riddance.
1998 BMW 525TDS SE - PEx
1998 VW Passat SE - Crashed into & scrapped
1997 Peugeot 406 GLX - PEx
I personally would put your two heavier items in the caravan on the floor over the axle. I always find a little bit of weight (my awning ) over the axle helps stop the caravan jumping around. Also it would help keep the rear of the car at a resonable level.