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 much??!!!
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personcheckley1973
30/9/2013 at 4:53pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
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 Shelleybobs.

We tow with an Audi A4 so under 3500, limit in france is 130kph unless signed otherwise or its raining :-)


Personsunshinetours
30/9/2013 at 4:58pm
 Location: sunny south east!
 Outfit: Coachman View sunshinetours's Profile View Profile   Reply to sunshinetours Reply   Quote sunshinetours Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2946
Site Reviews Total: 18
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
Yes Shelley you are. Nothing to do with what you actually tow. Also need to watch out for limits on long descents on autoroutes as well signposted to reduce speed. We normally set cruise at around 60ish which is probably actual around 57/58 which seems to keep pace and even overtake odd lorry here and there as you don't want too many of these overtaking you ideally!

I do however agree its very easy driving in France towing or not and huge huge variety of campsites to choose from.


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

Personshelleybobs
30/9/2013 at 7:49pm
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 586 2017 View shelleybobs's Profile View Profile   Reply to shelleybobs Reply   Quote shelleybobs Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 2
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

Car make and model     Seat Alhambra - 2.0 TDI
Year of issue     november 2005 - october 2010
Power     138 bhp (103 kW) at 4000 rpm
Torque     229 lb/ft (310 Nm) at (or from) 1900 rpm
Kerbweight (may differ in the UK)     1840 kg and 'ballasted' with 150 kg
Tyres     215 / 55 R 16
Transmission     Manual (or automatic without torque converter)
6 speed
Caravan     Adria Altea Tamar 542 DT
Actual laden caravan weight     1300 kg (car towing limit is 2000 kg)
The airflow is:     average (height = 2.58 m and width = 2.29 m)
Gross Train weight (car+caravan)     3290 kg


Would I be right in saying that my outfit comes under the 3500kg rule then? This is as confusing as when I was trying to work out the rules for the BE test


Personshelleybobs
30/9/2013 at 7:57pm
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 586 2017 View shelleybobs's Profile View Profile   Reply to shelleybobs Reply   Quote shelleybobs Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 2
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

Weight and Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres)     70
Gross Vehicle Weight     2430
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down)     2610
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up)     256
Max. Loading Weight     622
Max. Roof Load     75
Max. Towing Weight - Braked     2000
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked     N
Minimum Kerbweight     1808
No. of Seats     7
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb     11.9

Or is it gross vehicle weight plus max breaker towing weight?
2430 plus 2000 is 4430kg so over the 3500kg

I know the actual weights don't come in to the BE classification, it's done on your gross car weight plus laden caravan weight so is it the same? Do they go on gross and not actual.


Personshelleybobs
30/9/2013 at 8:01pm
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 586 2017 View shelleybobs's Profile View Profile   Reply to shelleybobs Reply   Quote shelleybobs Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 2
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 will just add, I just want to be sure for my own peace of mind, not because I want to go tramming round at breakneck speeds we have allowed a full days travelling from calais or Dunkirk to mont st Michel.


Advertisement



Personsunshinetours
30/9/2013 at 9:11pm
 Location: sunny south east!
 Outfit: Coachman View sunshinetours's Profile View Profile   Reply to sunshinetours Reply   Quote sunshinetours Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2946
Site Reviews Total: 18
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
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/5582430/french%20speed%20limits.pdf

This may help explain and yes your car would be limited to lower speeds regardless of what you tow!


Personshelleybobs
01/10/2013 at 9:02am
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 586 2017 View shelleybobs's Profile View Profile   Reply to shelleybobs Reply   Quote shelleybobs Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 2
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 sunshinetours on 30/9/2013
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/5582430/french%20speed%20limits.pdf

This may help explain and yes your car would be limited to lower speeds regardless of what you tow!


Thanks Sunshinetours that's great, I thought as much but I'm a bit anal in having to clarify things for sheer curiosity. Silly things like that keep me awake at night


Personsunshinetours
01/10/2013 at 9:08am
 Location: sunny south east!
 Outfit: Coachman View sunshinetours's Profile View Profile   Reply to sunshinetours Reply   Quote sunshinetours Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2946
Site Reviews Total: 18
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
There are some odd laws in France that you need to get your head round (I got this one wrong for a long while and thought it was kerb weight plus towing limit) but its a great place to camp or caravan !

Saying all that I am sure if you cruise at around 60mph as maybe you would over here you are unlikely to attract too much attention in all honesty.
I wouldn't feel comfortable towing at 70mph with family on board regardless although others do which is their choice.


Personcheckley1973
01/10/2013 at 7:35pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
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
We cruise at 70 all the time and have never even had a 2nd look, in fact we are usually one of the slower outfits heading down south :-)

I think the best advice is to drive at a speed you are comfortable with, it's your holiday so do it your way.


Personsunshinetours
02/10/2013 at 10:27am
 Location: sunny south east!
 Outfit: Coachman View sunshinetours's Profile View Profile   Reply to sunshinetours Reply   Quote sunshinetours Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2946
Site Reviews Total: 18
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 think "best advice" is always to give what the law says first and then people can make their own choices

None of us are perfect and we all choose to bend some rules to suit us but at least we are informed as to what outcome could be


Advertisement



Personshelleybobs
02/10/2013 at 1:56pm
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 586 2017 View shelleybobs's Profile View Profile   Reply to shelleybobs Reply   Quote shelleybobs Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 2
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'm quite happy to plod along at 60 at home so staying on the right side of the law isn't a big deal. Thankfully I like driving and all 3 kids are great travellers plans include a full day to do the calais to mont st Michel run so plenty of time.

Good to hear you all say positive things about driving in France, it's nearly a year away and I'm getting excited already


Personcheckley1973
02/10/2013 at 2:39pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
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
you'll have plenty of time, just had a quick peek where you are heading and its a nice run :-)

We drove to St John de Monts in a day and that was too far with the little ones, it took 11 hours ...

We also run at 60 here in UK, roads and traffic are very different to abroad, mainly with people who keep overtaking and then slowing down. Why do they do that ? on a run down to Wareham a couple of weeks ago I had to overtake a Nissan Quashqai 6 times on the M40 ! argh ...


Personold chap
02/10/2013 at 3:06pm
 Location: Sitingbourne
 Outfit: baily champaign View old chap's Profile View Profile   Reply to old chap Reply   Quote old chap Quote  
Joined: 19/2/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1098
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
Quote: Originally posted by shelleybobs on 30/9/2013
Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 29/9/2013Hi Shelleybobs, driving in france is such a breeze compared with driving here in the uk. The roads are generally smoother which makes for a more comfortable tow and you can quite easily cruise along at 70.

Are we not limited to 56mph in France if the gross train weight of car is over 3500 kg?


you are correct ,if your tow car has a gross train weight allowance over 3500kg you are restricted to 56 mph no matter what you are towing.


Personsunshinetours
02/10/2013 at 3:09pm
 Location: sunny south east!
 Outfit: Coachman View sunshinetours's Profile View Profile   Reply to sunshinetours Reply   Quote sunshinetours Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2946
Site Reviews Total: 18
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
Yes st jean in a day whilst towing is a long long way at well over 400 miles. We've done it a couple of times towing and non towing and break journey if towing.
Mont st Michel is easily doable and best bit is the route from Rouen is toll free but autoroute style roads


Personshelleybobs
02/10/2013 at 7:59pm
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 586 2017 View shelleybobs's Profile View Profile   Reply to shelleybobs Reply   Quote shelleybobs Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   415
Site Reviews Total: 2
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
Ah great, sounds positive all round then cheers guys!



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...

7663 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