Confused about tow car weight!!!

[Gafferbill]

........I was interested in this topic started by Capturman in another thread of the same title.
That thread has now been locked.

Capturman wrote:

Thanks again to all who've taken the time to reply.
I've already looked into a front towball but both Renault dealer and garage where my towbar was fitted both said not advisable.
The towhitch movers were also a possibility but seem to get more negative comments than positive - have watched several YouTube videos and not really impressed I'm afraid.
As I said earlier we're off on our maiden voyage next week so we'll see how I do on reversing back into the drive this time.
I'm not a complete novice but it's been 5 years since we had a caravan and I'd forgotten what a burning clutch smelled like!
Love the Captur and the new caravan but need to start saving again for a bigger car me thinks.
I'll let you know how it goes next week!

I am hoping he will let us know on this thread how he got on his "maiden voyage" as I may have an outside the box suggestion to solve his problem.....if he still has one!

 

[Parksy]

I locked the thread because in spite of guidance from me to try to steer the content away from some hurtful comments, the little digs continued.

I know that you were not involved and are trying to help which is why I haven't taken this repeated topic down.
I can put Capturman in touch with you off forum Bill, or you can add your suggestion here for all to see if you want to.

Further criticism of any individual or of newer forum members, antagonism or negative comment surrounding this particular issue will be deleted without further ado.

 

[Capturman]

Hi all. Firstly can I apologise for causing a few of you to cross swords regarding my 1st post "confused about towing weights".
As stated I wanted advise about adding extra weight with a motor mover to back up our really awkward driveway and didn't expect the huge amount of effort you all put in to reply.
As it turned out our first trip away this week went much easier than expected - the car pulled easily and the reversing in a tight cul-de-sac when we got back today went smoothly as Mrs C went to the drive and phoned me. Using her mobile and my hands free kit she guided the van back giving instructions - easy.
No need for a mover or reversing camera (something else I'd been thinking of) the caravan was parked squarely in position in minutes.
So once again, thanks for all the comments (good or bad) but we seem to have found a solution to the problem.

 

[Mel]

Great stuff. Glad you got it sorted.
Mel

 

[pitpony]

Hi all. Firstly can I apologise for causing a few of you to cross swords regarding my 1st post "confused about towing weights".
As stated I wanted advise about adding extra weight with a motor mover to back up our really awkward driveway and didn't expect the huge amount of effort you all put in to reply.
As it turned out our first trip away this week went much easier than expected - the car pulled easily and the reversing in a tight cul-de-sac when we got back today went smoothly as Mrs C went to the drive and phoned me. Using her mobile and my hands free kit she guided the van back giving instructions - easy.
No need for a mover or reversing camera (something else I'd been thinking of) the caravan was parked squarely in position in minutes.
So once again, thanks for all the comments (good or bad) but we seem to have found a solution to the problem.

Captureman,
Don't know what part of the country you are in but I'm in LE1, if you are in my part of the world and you want some proper grounding on manoeuvring and reversing of a caravan just give me a shout, I've been told that some of the courses out there send folk to sleep,

 

[Capturman]

As promised an update on our maiden voyage...
The Captur handled the caravan really well although I did keep any additional weight down to absolute essentials.
Had a fantastic 3 nights near York but the thought of getting back into our driveway was never far away and came into our conversations many a time.
So this morning we set off home (only a 90 minute drive ) giving the neighbours who litter the cul-de-sac with 2nd/3rd cars time to have left for work etc, hoping the bin men would keep to their usual schedule and we'd be home before they blocked the road.
Pulled into the street and hurrah! Empty!
Now the only issue was turning the van and reversing up the drive. Now I don't recall who first thought of it but Mrs C stood in the drive and phoned my mobile - on hands free she could guide me in while I concentrated on doing it in one move without the the previous clutch burn smell and hey presto job done!
Using our phones took away any need for a mover and having to find the money for a heavier car.
This 1st outing has given me back the confidence we needed and taken a huge weight off. Looking forward to the next trip now!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Well done, and I'm glad it seems to have worked out for you. Hope you'll enjoy many more trips.

Just another thing to be wary of: how reliable are your phone connections? Unfortunately where I live, all the mobile network providers tell me I live in a strong signal area, yet I can only get poor coverage from one provider and none from any of the others. Houses only 20M away can get a strong signal from most networks!! The point is local issues can affect the reliability of mobile reception, a drop out at a vital moment could be very expensive. For only a few £ you can get a pair of PMR radios (walki-talkies). These are licence free, and are good for up to 5km range in optimum conditions.

 

[Gafferbill]

Thanks for the update..........a few more sessions of reversing into your drive and it will be second nature.

 

[merseydave]

Great news mate, made up you got it sorted and by the sound of things you are more than happy to get your caravan out more and enjoy. Well done to you both.

Regards Dave.