MAM experts - What can i tow?

marlot

scotsman4th wrote: »

Thinking the CC recommend a maximum of 85%?

That is correct. They recommend that the actual loaded weight of the caravan is kept to 85% of the car kerb weight. Obviously the outfit is more stable when the car is heavier than the caravan.

This has no legal standing, however. I regularly used to tow at a 96% match - but there were only two of us, so I always packed the heavy items into the car and the caravan was relatively lightly loaded.

I now tow at about 70% - it is much less stressful!

muddyl

marlot wrote: »

I couldn't find a Primera on there which matched the kerb weight you gave - if you give me the precise details I'll run it through for you. But you would find it could legally tow a slightly heavier caravan.

Sorry for posting four times - but the rules for this are rather complicated and it is very easy to get caught out.

I'm very grateful for the help.
The Primera is an 04 2.2DCi hatchback. I believe all trim models are listed as the same weight, but just in case its a "t-spec".

marlot

muddyl wrote: »

I'm very grateful for the help.
The Primera is an 04 2.2DCi hatchback. I believe all trim models are listed as the same weight, but just in case its a "t-spec".

For some reason the system doesn't have a weight for a T-spec, so I went for an SVE.

Kerb weight 1436.00kg
Towing limit 1500.00kg
Gross vehicle weight 1940.00kg
Gross train weight 0.00kg
Nose weight 75.00kg

You'd need to check your gross max weight was the same on the plate under your bonnet or on your V5, but this would allow you to tow a caravan up to 1436Kg max plated weight.

However, as a new tower you'd be recommended to stick to around 1250Kg (approx 85% of the kerbweight).

(Why 1436? It is the lowest of the three figures (Kerbweight, max tow limit and 3500-1940).

You can get a decent range of caravans up to 1250Kg. Buying new, perhaps a Bailey Orion 430/4. Buying used, perhaps a Bailey Ranger.

The 75Kg noseweight limit above is the maximum downwards pressure on the towball. If you think of the caravan as a seesaw, I'd recommend that you'd load it so that load on the towball was between about 65 and 75Kg. That should give a stable tow.

I thoroughly recommend going on the caravan club towing course (not the same thing as the towing test, and much cheaper). I learned loads when I did it.

muddyl

Thank you very much for the help, greatly appreciated.

We certainly won't be going new, in fact very cheap to start with, then upgrade after a couple of years.

Is there a site that lets you specify a max weight then shows the 'vans that come under that weight?

As there are six of us, we would have to get something a decent size, it would be good to see what our choices would be.

Gloomendoom

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Caravan-Towing-Car-Match

Their car database isn't fully up-to-date though.

Stooby2

As there are six of us, we would have to get something a decent size, it would be good to see what our choices would be.

I've deleted my earlier post as some of it wasn't quite right. Shouldn't do stuff like that when I'm tired...

But with 6 of you I don't think you'll find that will work unless you go for one with an awning and sleeping pods. Or get a bigger car!

marlot

muddyl wrote: »

As there are six of us, we would have to get something a decent size, it would be good to see what our choices would be.

Autotrader lists a few possible candidates

http://caravans.autotrader.co.uk/mtplm/1100/1299/berth/6/search?locationName=Foleshill&latitude=52.4189&longitude=-1.5054&postcode=CV1

Could a couple of the kids go into their own 'pup' tents? It's only at night and you'd get a much better choice of caravans if you buy a 4 berth.

Lots of people get MIRO (empty wight) and MTPLM (plated max weight) confused, so check carefully before you buy. Most caravans have a plate near the door.

muddyl

We would consider pup tents, or a reasoable size awning but that of course is adding weight.

Many thanks for helping me understand the weight limits.

Now i need to decide if i should do the licence, look for a reasoable 'van and decide where to store it if i cant fit it down the side of the house

Gloomendoom

You will want an awning anyway. If you are stopping anywhere more than a night or two, it will make a huge difference to your enjoyment, especially if the weather is wet.
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Stooby2

+1 for the above - it really makes a difference having somewhere to take off wet muddy shoes, and you can pop a tent up inside it for kids.

The MAM of a caravan is usually quite a bit more than it's unladen weight so adding stuff like an awning won't make too much difference.