Advice please

[Ballonthief]

Hi,

Looking for some advice please. I have a skoda octavia scout 2.0 attached is a picture of the towing capacity (2000kg).

Would i be correct in saying I should be looking to buy something no more than 1600kg for safety? Would single/double axle make any difference?
Also, im looking to get at least a 4 berth with fixed rear bunk beds, any one have any recommendations?

This would be our first caravan.

Im completely fed up of camping in a tent with kids!

 

[Ballonthief]

 

[borderbilly]

If it was me, 1600 would be OK 👍 single/double axle your call. There's a recent thread running at the moment regarding single, double, think it's headed pro's and cons under the general section.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi,

Looking for some advice please. I have a skoda octavia scout 2.0 attached is a picture of the towing capacity (2000kg).

Would i be correct in saying I should be looking to buy something no more than 1600kg for safety? Would single/double axle make any difference?
...

That data plate shows you the maximum mass limits for the solo car (GVM) and for the combined outfit 9GTM) In most case the difference between these two is used by the car manufacturer to specify the maximum towed weight limit, but some car manufacturers (and you have to check for each model ) will allow you to use any used load capacity in the car to be transferred to the trailer which can in some cases make it possible to add up to about 300kg to the maximum towed weight allowance.

The crucial factor is that the combined mass of car and trailer MUST NOT exceed the GTM for the tow vehicle, at any time whilst towing.

However of more importance to your question, is should you de-rate the mass of the trailer when it is a caravan? Legally there is no obligation to reduce the mass allowed for towing caravans, but the UK caravan industry does suggest it can be a wise move to keep caravan towed masses as small as possible, to help reduce the trailer's impact on the safe handling of the outfit.

They do publish advice for novice caravanners and suggest that a first caravan's MTPLM should not exceed 85% of the tow vehicles kerbweight.

I stress this advice has no basis in law but I do support the concept of keeping towed masses as small as possible.

 

[RogerL]

Skodas are known for being relatively lightweight for their size - so check the car's kerbweight and use that as a guide, rather than the towing limit, as it will give a lower value.