Bailey Orion - Promotional/ advertising material

[mat1]

Whilst visiting a caravan dealers in Lancashire today, i had a look at the Orion.
Not big enough for me, but a professionally printed advertising card caught my attention.
It showed the layout of 4 Orions with examples of "everyday" cars, and by that i dont mean large or 4x4 tow cars, examples given included focus and golf.

Next to each layout was a kerbweight/ MTPLM % for each given example.

My point is some were showing at 96%.

Now i may have missed a point here but arent these vans made to be lightweight, compact and quote "if you've never considered a touring home before" for persons possibly new to towing a caravan ?

We all know that 85% is not the law but those not well rehersed may find themselves with greatly reduced safety margins, not best practice in my opinion, and an iresponsible sales pitch by Bailey..

Mat.

 

[xtrailman]

were the MTPLM, and kerb weights both advertised?
The orion is a light caravan, a golf or focus should be a good match.
Model depending.

 

[Lutz]

If you think 96% is a bit much, how about this photo taken out of the Dethleffs press folder:
http://www2.dethleffs.de/exc_emo_655sb_vr_geb_a3.jpg
MTPLM of the caravan: 2000kg
Kerbweight of the Galaxy: somewhere around 1700kg, depending on the level of equipment
Resultant weight ratio: 117%!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Mat.

Good safe towing is not just down to having a particular weight ratio, but its more to do with a balance of a range of criteria that includes weight ratios, nose loads, mechanical conditions of the car and trailer, the weight distribution in the caravan horizontally and vertically, the road conditions, the weather, and probably the most important is driving style.

Give the same car and caravans and kit list to two different caravanner's and ask them to load them, the two outfits could be like chalk and cheese to tow.

Equally let two drivers tow the same outfit, one driver may find it difficult to tow, yet another caravanner may have no problems at all.

Consequently the importance given to weight ratio's is disproportionate to its importance and effect on caravan stability. For this reason I detest the continued use of the 85% recommendation, but I do support the principal that the trailer should always be kept as light as is safely possible.

Whilst it may seem counter to my preference above, there is nothing stopping a car from towing a caravan weighing up to the maximum towed weight the manufacture sets out in the specifications. (some drivers may be limited by the terms of their licence categories). This may be possible, but not always wise.

 

[mat1]

prof,

I fully agree with your post.
I just can't help but think that Bailey were pushing toward sales, rather than safety of their potential customers.
Don't know why it took me by surprise.
Should it have done ????

Mat