caravan towing virgins...

Maybeanotherday

Hello this may sound simple BUT we have been looking at buying a caravan and both me and my husband gained out licence after 1997.
Can we tow a caravan or not?
From what I can gather online we can if the caravan weighs less than 750kg?
Is there any such thing as a caravan that's a 4 berth and weighs less than this?
Also am I on the right track or have I just misunderstood the information?
Thanks

ScottishSapper

I doubt you will find a 4 berth as light as that.
The issue of what you can and cannot tow is a pure minefield and needs expert advice.

I'm lucky, I've towed all my life (caravans and trailers) but I passed my test way before 97.

I would suggest going to one of the caravan forums,
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/newforums/fm_topics.asp?FO=13
This one has a few threads on the subject but it can be very confusing! best register on the Forum and pose the question there

pulliptears

look for the older Lunar vans, late 80's early 90's. They are probably about the lightest you will find now. We have a 5 Berth Lunar Sunbeam thats 1000kg so you may find a 2 berth that weight and would have to use an awning for the extra rooms.

Other than that, have you considered a trailer tent?

Dr.Shoe_2

Indeed.

I'm afraid that I can't really comment as I was not even aware that the rules had changed.

My licence allows me to tow a trailer up to any size whatsoever as long as the towing vehicle is heavy enough (it has to be 50% heavier than the trailer). I have a C+E with a 102 restriction, in other words a LGV1 for drawbar work only. In my case driving an 18 tonne lorry will mean that I can pull a 12 tonne trailer. A 24 tonner can tow a 16 tonne trailer etc.

For most saloon cars smaller than something like a Ford Focus, the 50% rule will only allow for a caravan of around 750kg. This is why most caravans are towed by Shoguns or Range Rovers. If you don't want to shell out for a big 4X4 then a transit would probably be better value for money and a minibus would be even more useful. My brother had a "demi bus" which is a little 24 seater you'd see on suburban bus routes and when using this we had to keep checking to make sure the caravan was still there as it did it so effortlessly.

He picked it up for something like £800 with the intention of turning it into a caravanette. He then bought the caravan to rob it for fittings and then found he couldn't be arsed! The whole shooting match came in for about £1,500 or so...

Maybeanotherday

We considered a trailer tent but wasn't sure how practical it would actually be with two small kiddies What a bloody law though....would have made more sense for them to make a max weight on x amount of years experience driving?

jessmist

Have a look here http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/practical-advice/general-advice/having-the-right-licence-to-tow

pulliptears

skellett wrote: »

We considered a trailer tent but wasn't sure how practical it would actually be with two small kiddies What a bloody law though....would have made more sense for them to make a max weight on x amount of years experience driving?

They are ok actually, and probably a good start if you are new to towing. Very roomy and newer ones are surprisingly easy to put up.

Dr Shoe, we keep our old van because of the ridiculous weights of the newer vans. Our PT Cruiser can tow 1200kg I believe (though stupidly 1500kg in the USA!!) so any newer van is out unless we want to buy a bloody big 4x4.

I imagine it has alienated a lot of families from caravanning and frankly made it a very expensive hobby now.

Rolandtheroadie

pulliptears wrote: »

They are ok actually, and probably a good start if you are new to towing. Very roomy and newer ones are surprisingly easy to put up.

Dr Shoe, we keep our old van because of the ridiculous weights of the newer vans. Our PT Cruiser can tow 1200kg I believe (though stupidly 1500kg in the USA!!) so any newer van is out unless we want to buy a bloody big 4x4.

I imagine it has alienated a lot of families from caravanning and frankly made it a very expensive hobby now.

Mondeo has a 1700kg limit (the estate version won towcar of the year around 3 years ago).

pulliptears

scotsman4th wrote: »

Mondeo has a 1700kg limit (the estate version won towcar of the year around 3 years ago).

Shame its not a car we would choose lol

ScottishSapper

Dr.Shoe wrote: »

Indeed.

I'm afraid that I can't really comment as I was not even aware that the rules had changed.
.

the 50% rule will only allow for a caravan of around 750kg.

Sorry I have to strongly disagree with you:(

As I said earlier this subject is a total 'minefield'. The 50% rule does not exist for non LGV. I have the same licence as you (not that, that has any bearing on it!)

It is all down to weights. Any vehicle can tow an unbraked trailer under 750kg. Braked trailers (caravans etc) have different rules. It needs an expert opinion and even with 36 years towing experience, I could not say with certanty.

OP - Get on to the Caravan forums, they will point you in the right direction and direct you to the relevent legistlation

Rolandtheroadie

Dr.Shoe wrote: »

For most saloon cars smaller than something like a Ford Focus, the 50% rule will only allow for a caravan of around 750kg.

Whats the 50% rule? I know of an 85% "rule" that is only a recommendation from caravanning groups but is quoted religously to the extent as some people think its a law.
I believe theres also sites wont let you on site if you use a van to tow your caravan.
We always wanted a Hobby caravan. Bought an old range rover then discovered it couldnt legally tow one. Neither could a van. Too wide.

OP, I believe you are correct about the 750kg. Phone BSM. I believe I've seen things on their cars around here about being able to tow. If you seriously want to caravan, you'll probably have to do it one day.