car-'van combo to carry most total weight

[neilbdm]

i want a car-'van combo to carry most total weight (for moving house), at reasonable second-hand cost. From what i've read, it seems i should choose a powerful (train weight)car, and a fairly light 'van. i was thinking about a Transit. if the 'van's roomy, i can put bulky, light stuff in it (up to the kerb weight) and the rest in the Transit (up to total train weight). am i on the right lines? any better suggestions?

any ideas about a suitable 'van?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Probably cheapest and safest is to hire a large van or employ removal firm.

 

[Ogre]

The one thing you don't specify is the most important!

How much weight are you planning to shift?

If you're not moving far, then several journeys with a smaller vehicle will do you. If you are moving a fair distance, then you'll need something bigger, or need to hire the small vehicle for a longer period perhaps.

Depending on what license you've got, will determine what you are entitled to drive.

Also⇨ How much help will you have? Shifting light stuff is all very well, but shifting beds, pianos, bookcases, cookers, fridges, washing machines etc etc, will put considerable strain on your back. No use being macho about it. Lots of lifting isn't fun in any language.

So my advice would be this. If you have a lot of tall and heavy objects, and your licence will cover you, then go for a 7.5 tonne vehicle with a tail-lift. These are real workhorse load carriers, and the Iveco Cargo is probably one of the most popular. The tail lift makes loading and unloading at the other end a pleasure rather than a pain.

For a smaller but useful size, the Mercedes Sprinter, or a Luton based body Ford Transit would be my choice. Most 'vans' don't have the height for furniture removal.

But your first priority is to calculate just how much stuff you've got to shift. Only then can you make a sensible decision on what you need to hire.

Finally, hire from a reputable firm, and make sure that they (or you) have got breakdown cover for that vehicle. Hiring the cheapest old nail on the block can go awfully pear-shaped when that 'bargain' you've hired, grinds to an unspectacular stop halfway through your move, just as the heavens open.

 

[Ogre]

Meant to add. If you DO hire a smaller commercial vehicle, then don't be tempted to overload it. As the driver, you will be liable if you are caught carrying more weight than the vehicle is designed to carry, and the fines are severe. You can be escorted to the nearest weighbridge, and they don't mess about.

The fact that you are 'only hiring it' will not get you out of trouble if you do get stopped. So DO hire a vehicle that will take the weight comfortably.

 

[neilbdm]

hi,

i'm finding this a bit weird... forget the "moving house" part, ok? i want to use a car and 'van - there isn't much to move. i wanted advice from caravan people about caravans and towing vehicles. is what i'm saying about train weight etc ok? and so on - see original post

 

[Damian]

Neil, to answer your question.

Yes you are thinking along the right lines regarding weight ratios, to a point.

The heavier the towing vehicle gives more flexibility on choice of caravan to be towed.

For actually moving stuff using the van and caravan, the heavy stuff would have to go in the van,as the caravan is not built as a removal vehicle, so only light stuff would be sensible, up to the caravans mtplm.

There are downsides to your thoughts though, after you have moved.

Many sites will not accept "commercial" type vehicles towing caravans, and the Transit is one of the worst "no goers" in this area, thanks to the travelling fraternity.

As for choice of caravan, depends what you are going to use it for after, how often, and storing it.

The most essential information you need to consider is the towing vehicle kerbweight, towing capacity, hitch load, axle weight and train weight, then you can choose the van you want taking all the weight info relating to that into account.

 

[Ogre]

"I want a car-'van combo to carry most total weight (for moving house"

Now you say "Forget about moving house".?????????