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: recommendations
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personkmac93
via mobile 14/6/2021 at 11:42pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
Hello we're new to caravaning and looking for advice if possible. My husband has a skoda octavia 2l and his maximum tow is 1600, we worked out that 85 percent of this is 1360 which is what we as first time towers should tow is that right?
We have to children 1 and almost 3. We've been looking at various layouts and i think a mid washroom would be beneficial for us, I think bunks woukd be great for my boys once theyre older but the top isn't really an option at present. I'm open to 4 to 6 berth suggestions, i read thay singke axle is easier to tow so would prefer this, i also read that some caravans have breaking or something on the towvar that helps straighten them which can be good for safety with first time towing. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I was also recommendated to try and go for electric hobs etc as electric is often included in site charges, is this correct? Our top budget is 12,000 so unsure if im asking too much for this price. thankyou in advance x


Personblueexpo97
15/6/2021 at 5:30am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9851
Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Have a look on Caravan Finder for an idea of layouts.

The thing you are talking about is called an Alko stabiliser hitch.

Most newer caravans will have three gas rings and one electric.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


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

PersonRob and Tina
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 7:43am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
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
Hi and welcome to the site, firstly the towing weight is worked on kerbweight ( which you will find on the V5 or there should be a sticker on the car that shows the weights, so you need to work out 85% ish of the kerbweight NOT the maximum weight it can tow.
The rest is your personal choice and whatever you can find to fit your needs.

Tina


PersonPixie_Hez
15/6/2021 at 8:28am
 Location: Liverpool
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 560 View Pixie_Hez's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pixie_Hez Reply   Quote Pixie_Hez Quote  
Joined: 05/7/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1939
Site Reviews Total: 121
Site Reviews 2024: 15 
Site Reviews 2023: 15 
Site Reviews 2022: 14 
Site Reviews 2021: 11 
Site Reviews 2020: 8  
Site Reviews 2019: 17 
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 78
Site Nights 2023: 75
Site Nights 2022: 66
Site Nights 2021: 57
Site Nights 2020: 39
Site Nights 2019: 68
Site Nights 2018: 44
Hello and welcome to the forum

Two things to check out right at the start. Firstly do you have the B+E category on your driving license. If you passed your test after 1996 you won’t have it unless you take a separate towing test. If you don't have it you are seriously limited in what you can tow.

Secondly, as Tina says, look for the kerbweight of your car. Car weights can be confusing as there are so many different weights for each car. You already know the 85% guide so just make sure you are calculating 85% of the kerbweight.

The safety thing that some caravans have is called ATC. If your caravan goes into a snake while towing, the ATC will help to correct it before you have an accident. There are mixed views on whether ATC is necessary but personally, we would never have a caravan without it!

I would recommend you go to a caravan dealer and have a look at lots of different layouts and models within your weight range to get a feel for what’s going to suit your family.

-------------
Pixie


Personiank01
15/6/2021 at 8:42am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4062
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 10
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The 85% is only a guideline and not law. Not knowing the specification of the car, year and model puts us at a disadvantage for offering the correct advice as we do not know the kerbweight for the model in question.
Taking the average kerbweight of the Skoda Octavia 2l car to be about 1265kg means that the caravan should not weigh more than 1075kg. It will be a struggle to find a decent 4-6 berth with a mid bathroom at that weight.
Consider doing the B+E test and upgrading the car to be able to tow a caravan of about 1500kg.


Advertisement



Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 8:43am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
Thanks so much for replying, theres a lot of weights so I'm getting a little confused. I couldn't see anything in my manual about towing weights. The weights on my car door are written as follows
1912kg
3512kg
1 - 1020kg
2   - 920kg
I sutracted 1912 from 3512 which gave me 1600 so i have been looking at caravans that were only 85 percent of this with their mtplm which was 1360, is this incorrect?
i will look in my owners manual for the kerb weight of my car, is the kerb weight just the weight of my car when its ready to set off e. g with a tank of petrol? sorry for all the questions but thanks for all the help


Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 8:45am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
sorry should have said its a skoda octavia vrs 2.0L diesel 2007 model i think have posted the numbers on my drivers side door above xx


Personiank01
15/6/2021 at 9:27am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4062
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 10
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by kmac93 on 15/6/2021
Thanks so much for replying, theres a lot of weights so I'm getting a little confused. I couldn't see anything in my manual about towing weights. The weights on my car door are written as follows
1912kg
3512kg
1 - 1020kg
2   - 920kg
I sutracted 1912 from 3512 which gave me 1600 so i have been looking at caravans that were only 85 percent of this with their mtplm which was 1360, is this incorrect?
i will look in my owners manual for the kerb weight of my car, is the kerb weight just the weight of my car when its ready to set off e. g with a tank of petrol? sorry for all the questions but thanks for all the help


The 3512kg is the maximum train weight and at that figure a B+E would be required. I doubt if the V5 will list the kerbweight. The maximum gross weight is 1940kg which leaves you with a maximum caravan weight of 1560kg that you can legally tow. However if kerbweight is about 1485kg for the VRS 2.0l at 85% it is 1260kg.   At 90% it is 1336kg. At 95% it is 1410kg. I would suggest a caravan weighing about 1350kg maximum as when towing the car is going to be fully laden.


Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 9:28am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
hi double checked in my manual its a 2017 skoda octavia2017 rs 2.0 TDI and has a kerb weight of 1445 kg so does it mean i can tow 85 percent of this weight which would be 1227kg?
Does the numbers on the door that i subtracted to give me 1600 mean that thats my maximum my car could ever tow. Im a first time tower so im guessing a single axle of around 1227kg is best for me and that i might struggle to find larger 4, 5, 6 berths in this? Thanks so much everyone, hoping im grasping it now, fingers crossed.


Personmorepints
15/6/2021 at 9:28am
 Location: Dartford Kent
 Outfit: VW T6 conversion View morepints's Profile View Profile   Reply to morepints Reply   Quote morepints Quote  
Joined: 06/5/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   980
Site Reviews Total: 48
Site Reviews 2024: 7  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 21
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 2
Hi kmac and welcome. You’re spot on with your calculations, and the Octavia should make a very fine tow car. You won’t need to worry about licences as you’ll be below 3500kg train weight (car and van loaded). As it’s a fairly light car, best to look for a lightish van, probably around 1200kg. If you’re getting a tow bar fitted, make sure you get the proper wiring loom installed, it’s pricey but much safer. If you’re worrying about towing, the two main camping clubs offer training courses.

My advice to anyone starting camping is to keep it simple, particularly to start with. Don’t ask how I know!


Advertisement



Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 9:31am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
Just seen this thanks so much! all the weights are getting a little confusing for me, so if i look for a caravan weighing around the 1300 mark. Is this 1300 when fully laden with the pots, pand cutlery etc, thanks so kuch. really appreciate your help


Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 9:35am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
Thats great thanks so much for your help, so if i keep it round about 1200kg thst shoukd be ok? ive seen 2 weight on caravans the mtplm which from reading my understanding is this is the max weight of your caravan fully laden, is it best to try keep my mtplm around 1200kg. many thanks again


Personiank01
15/6/2021 at 9:50am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4062
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 10
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
In an earlier post you stated that the vehicle was a 2007 Octavia and a more recent post suggest that it si a 2017 Octavia. Which one is it as we may be giving you the incorrect advice.


Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 9:55am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
its a 2017 sorry was a typo its a 2017 skoda octavia RS 2.0 TDI and has a kerb weight of 1445kg. Thankyou everyone fpr your help its very much appreciated, i was going round in circles earlier confused by all the weights r


Personiank01
15/6/2021 at 10:11am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser View iank01's Profile View Profile   Reply to iank01 Reply   Quote iank01 Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4062
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 5
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 10
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by kmac93 on 15/6/2021
its a 2017 sorry was a typo its a 2017 skoda octavia RS 2.0 TDI and has a kerb weight of 1445kg. Thankyou everyone fpr your help its very much appreciated, i was going round in circles earlier confused by all the weights r

Aah now makes sense as no vRS produced in 2017 plus weights are all different, but where did you get the kerbweight information?   A caravan with MTPLM of 1300kg should be okay if the kerbweight is correct as the website link I post the average kerbweight for the 2.0L TDI is about 1270kg?
Another website gives it as 1390kg with gross weight 1932kg and maximum towing load of 1600kg. A figure of 1445kg is also mentioned.
Stick to looking for a caravan with MTPLM of about 1300kg.


Personkmac93
via mobile 15/6/2021 at 11:45am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered View kmac93's Profile View Profile   Reply to kmac93 Reply   Quote kmac93 Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   12
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
https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/Skoda/108429/Skoda-Octavia-2017-RS-20-TDI.html my husband sent me this which i based the kerb weight on. thanks so much fpr your help i really appreciate it



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...

7656 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