advice needed

[andy_374303785]

good evening all this is my first ever post on here and i am looking for some help

i own a 2006 1.8 16v astra that runs on petrol and the max towing weight according to the vauxhall info is 1300kg

can any one suggest a caravan thats well within the above limit under about £5000

 

[andy_374303785]

1997 ABI SPORTIQUE MARAUDER 380/2

i have seen the above caravan advertised and i am wondering if that would be suitable for towing with my astra

 

[wayne_5097681]

Hi Andy, You can use this link http://www.whattowcar.com/ to match your outfit.

 

[andy_374303785]

yeah have tried that with a 1000kg van and it says a 105% ratio??

how canthis be when the car info states ican tow 1300kg

i am some what confused

 

[Cockovan]

What a car can tow is based on the manufacturers analysis of the structure and the ability to move of on a 12% incline. The guidelines for towing are the maximum caravan weight should be about 85% of the kerb weight of the car(ie. empty). The figures you give imply the car has a kerb weight of about 950Kg and so you should be looking for a van with a maximum weight of 810Kg. There are very few.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Frank,

It is my opinion that if a storage facility which is designed to offer improved security for the storage of caravans and other trailers offers their services, they must be accountable if their facility fails to keep a customers property secure, that is why you pay them.

By offering a 'secure service' the site operator must take every reasonable precaution to prevent damage or loss to customer's property. If damage or loss does occur, and if in any way the site operator is shown to have failed in their duty to maintain security leading to that loss or damage, then I believe they must be liable.

Disclaimer signs have been called into question with regards to car parking, and I think such a sign in a 'secure' site would be considered even less reasonable if tested in court.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Frank,

It is my opinion that if a storage facility which is designed to offer improved security for the storage of caravans and other trailers offers their services, they must be accountable if their facility fails to keep a customers property secure, that is why you pay them.

By offering a 'secure service' the site operator must take every reasonable precaution to prevent damage or loss to customer's property. If damage or loss does occur, and if in any way the site operator is shown to have failed in their duty to maintain security leading to that loss or damage, then I believe they must be liable.

Disclaimer signs have been called into question with regards to car parking, and I think such a sign in a 'secure' site would be considered even less reasonable if tested in court.

SORRY , Wrong paste instruction --see below

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Andy,

What AlanW writes is correct, but its not the whole story.

Lets start with your driving licence. If you passed your test before Jan 1997 you should have cat's B+E. This entitles you to tow any trailer up to the maximum permitted by the car manufacturers specifications, which in this case would be 1300Kg.

If you passed you test after 1997, and only have Cat B, then you are legally limited to a trailer that is no more than the kerb weight of the car, and subject to an overall limit of 3500Kg for the combined outfit. (unless the car manufactures limit is lower)

Now the UK caravan industry and clubs have taken it upon them selves to suggest a maximum trailer to car ratio of only 85%, whilst this in my view is a sensible target, it has no basis in law, and no other country makes a similar suggestion.

Forgive me if I am wrong, but I guess that you are new to caravanning, in which case opting for the 85% ratio is very sensible choice, but if that unreasonably limits your choice of caravan, then you might consider going for a slightly bigger van provided it is still compliant with your licence and the manufactures limits.

Consider taking one of the towing courses, which should provide you with some new skills and greater confidence to handle a caravan outfit.

 

[Cockovan]

Hello Frank,

It is my opinion that if a storage facility which is designed to offer improved security for the storage of caravans and other trailers offers their services, they must be accountable if their facility fails to keep a customers property secure, that is why you pay them.

By offering a 'secure service' the site operator must take every reasonable precaution to prevent damage or loss to customer's property. If damage or loss does occur, and if in any way the site operator is shown to have failed in their duty to maintain security leading to that loss or damage, then I believe they must be liable.

Disclaimer signs have been called into question with regards to car parking, and I think such a sign in a 'secure' site would be considered even less reasonable if tested in court.

Have you got the wrong thread here John?