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Topic: <1200 MTPLM caravans

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Grimfandango

06/8/2015 at 8:22pm
Location: North Tyneside
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Hi,
We have recently decided to take the plunge and get a touring caravan. After getting the kids and my partner all excited and 100% behind the idea I drove them all to the local caravan showroom where we were swiftly advised that our C4 Grand Picasso was only capable of towing 1200kg and they had nothing in stock suitable. My kids (x2 under 10) and partner were devastated (and it is my fault for not checking it out first).
After some research I found the

Lunar venus 490/4 or 500/4
Explore 434
Sprite Life 4 or 5

All options that our C4 is capable of towing (I like the Venus 490/4 best). The problem I have now is I do not seem able to find any of the above for sale. Any help in sourcing one of the models or any suggestions of sub 1200Kg caravans would be appreciated.
We live in the Newcastle area.

Please help keep the dream alive.

Thanks in advance

Liam & Family

Post last edited on 06/08/2015 20:28:40

Post last edited on 06/08/2015 20:35:48

Francais

06/8/2015 at 8:54pm
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Yep I am saving up for a Burstner Premio 450 TS, at 935kg unladen could be worth considering.

When the time comes, I will visit the October Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, and buy from a Dutch dealer.

With the € as it is, brand new price is just £10k.

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tango55

06/8/2015 at 9:15pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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You need to calculate the caravan weights on the MTPLM figures (laden weight) and not the MIRO (unladen weight) because the Lunar Venus 490/4 has an MTPLM of 1189 Kgs. which in relation to 1200 kgs. would give a 99% match which is not advisable for anyone new to towing.
To be quite frank I doubt there will be many 4 berth caravans on the market to suit your vehicle's kerbweight so to be safe it may mean upgrading to a better towcar.
However, the Sprite Lite 4 is 1079 kgs. which would give a match of 90% but even with this match would have to be cautious towing for the first time.

Grimfandango

06/8/2015 at 9:19pm
Location: North Tyneside
Outfit: BMW 325d Touring Adria Altea 542 DT

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Thanks Francais,
It looks like really good and for that price could be a winner.
on the tech specs it lists MTPLM as 1200kg/1300kg*
Any idea what the 1300kg* is? (I am new to towing and all the terminology)

tango55

06/8/2015 at 9:22pm
Location: Lichfield
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You can do your own calculation if you put the specific figures in as it will give the results automatically.

Online Percentage Calculator

Francais

06/8/2015 at 9:25pm
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Not sure about those differing MTLP weights, maybe you can specify the plate when ordering.

The Dutch Dealer is "Caravan King" they had some very good deals on 1 year old models, well worth the trip for the saving on UK priced van's.

Probably a good thing that Burstner caravan's are not available new in the UK.

Grimfandango

06/8/2015 at 9:35pm
Location: North Tyneside
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Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 06/8/2015
Not sure about those differing MTLP weights, maybe you can specify the plate when ordering.

The Dutch Dealer is "Caravan King" they had some very good deals on 1 year old models, well worth the trip for the saving on UK priced van's.

Probably a good thing that Burstner caravan's are not available new in the UK.

I will send them an email and see what they say.

Grimfandango

06/8/2015 at 9:40pm
Location: North Tyneside
Outfit: BMW 325d Touring Adria Altea 542 DT

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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 06/8/2015
You need to calculate the caravan weights on the MTPLM figures (laden weight) and not the MIRO (unladen weight) because the Lunar Venus 490/4 has an MTPLM of 1189 Kgs. which in relation to 1200 kgs. would give a 99% match which is not advisable for anyone new to towing.
To be quite frank I doubt there will be many 4 berth caravans on the market to suit your vehicle's kerbweight so to be safe it may mean upgrading to a better towcar.
However, the Sprite Lite 4 is 1079 kgs. which would give a match of 90% but even with this match would have to be cautious towing for the first time.

I think that the 1200kg limit was given as it is a 80% or 85% match. I was advised to go no higher. I would love to be able to get a new towcar but we can afford the caravan or the towcar but not both. From. Is it actually illegal to drive once I tow over 1200kg? (There was also a new Venus that was about 12kg over.

tango55

06/8/2015 at 9:58pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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If you know nothing about caravanning at all then my advice is to be buy a book on the subject which includes everything you need to know from buying your first caravan, avoiding the pitfalls and all about safe towing plus other related topics that you will need to know in the future. That's how I started but even after 10 years of caravanning you never stop learning. The book I bought is shown in the link below.

Caravanning Handbook

Grimfandango

06/8/2015 at 10:05pm
Location: North Tyneside
Outfit: BMW 325d Touring Adria Altea 542 DT

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Thanks Tango55,
I think you are right. It is easy to get caught up in the moment. Thanks for the link.

tango55

06/8/2015 at 10:18pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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You're welcome but after reading about the basics you will be armed with more information and what the book doesn't cover you can ask on here for further advice.
Good luck and hope you find a caravan to suit your needs.

morepints

06/8/2015 at 11:26pm
Location: Dartford Kent
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Just rechecked your figures: a mid-range Grand Picasso comes out at 1386kg, giving your 1189kg Venus a ratio of 85%.
You can check exact models on Towcar.info

The two big camping organisations also offer good advice to beginners, including towing courses.

Hacksaw Bob

07/8/2015 at 12:05am
Location: West Midlands
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Quote: Originally posted by morepints on 06/8/2015

The two big camping organisations also offer good advice to beginners, including towing courses.

Here and here on the Camping and Caravanning Club website.

andyfisher

07/8/2015 at 12:26am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: Adria altea 542 dt Freelander 2

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Adria did a light weight 4 birth. Here is an example which says it has a MTPLM of 1100kg. example

Francais

07/8/2015 at 10:40am
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Yep when I started looking Adria seemed a good choice the SportLine PX was the dealer version of the Altea Tay 432 PX from venture caravans, MTLP of 1200kg ideal for the icle VW 1.6TDi that I drive.

Still on my radar that model as it is a Fixed Double Bed four berth van.

Although no longer in the line up since 2014 so I guess used only now available, and was one of the reasons why the Burstner Premio 450 TS is now in my sights, another Fixed bed model.

Jax365

07/8/2015 at 11:30am
Location: south cheshire
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The Kip caravans are lightweight as well, even the 4 berth ones larger than mine! :)

Kip caravan uk dealer

I notice he hasn't any four berths in at the moment, but if you get in touch, he will look out for one for you if you are interested.

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