help - is our 320d too light for any van !?

[Gavin1974]

Following the recent addition to my family I'm looking at buying our first van.

I did have small short list of vans, mainly coachman and swift vans but all are now scrubbed off the list due to being too heavy for my car.

I've an '04 bmw 320d estate; the log book has it with kerb weight of 1580kg including a 75kg load and fuel level of 90%.

I'm gutted as this seems to rule out a nice SWIFT CHALLENGER 510 I had an eye on with a MTPLM of 1540kg..or does it, anyone's thoughts would be gratefully received.

I never for a moment thought the 320d was a light car, but in the caravanning world it seems like it is, should I knock off the 75kg load the log book quotes as part of the kerb weight?

And I don't suppose I can add my nearly 100kg to the car weight in the hope I can get the van I want?

We're only after a four berth van, surely we don't need to upgrade to a 4x4.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks for your help.

Gavin

 

[antrimboy]

Gavin, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but in my opinion, the Challenger is way far too heavy for the BMW. Using the 85% guideline, you should be thinking of a 'van around 1300 Kgs. One additional problem with your suggested combination is the car's max tow hitch limit/'van's noseweight. The 320's hitch limit is 75Kgs.,and I've got a Challenger 540, which has an empty noseweight of just under 85 Kgs., admittedly that's with a motor mover and 110 amp battery, so it's an absolute nightmare trying to get it loaded properly, as my car, a VW Touran, only has a 75 Kg. limit as well.

Having said all that, my last combination was a 320D saloon, towing a 1400 KG. 'van, and I had no problems whatsoever, 'though I must admit to having 40 years of towing experience.

 

[Gavin1974]

Thanks Eddie,

I guessed that would be the case, but I'm still gutted!

IT looks like all 4 bert swift and coachman vans are out for us.

Would anyone recommend any other 4 berth van to look at or does it look like I need to change my car!

Thanks

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

Hi Gavin,

The 85% guide line is only a recomendation for safe towing & aimed especialy at inexperianced towers. There is no reason why you cannot tow at 100% when you have more experiance.

Most caravan makers make a lower spec van that will be light enough for you, so it is just a case of looking around.

I dont know if you are looking at new vans or 2nd hand, but if you can get to one of the larger caravan shows you will get a better idea of what is on the market.

Although I havent seen them, a lot of people like the Bailey Ranger. This is a light weight van, & I am sure that you will find a lay out that will suit you.

G.

 

[S-MaxJon]

Gavin - I tow a Coachman Amara 5 berth (1200Kgs) unladen with my Mondeo Hatch (1500kg ish)- no problem at all and well within limit.The Swifts tend to be a bit lighter than the Cocahman's so should be no problem - just watch the nose weight.

 

[DavidW1]

Hi Gavin,

Don't be too gutted, your Beemer has ample power but the noseweight limit and kerbweight of 1.5t ish do give it a handicap on a large heavy van. You really need to be planted on the road at somthing in the order of 1.8t kerbweight to contemplate towing safely with the 510.

I have towed for years but still opt for a less than 85% match, my current rig is about 75% - no hassles with lack of power and more importantly the van never "drives the car" whatever happens.

I am a firm Bailey fan for various reasons - take a look at their Ranger and Discovery range, even the top single axle 6 berth is still under 1300kg which would give you an 82% match.

You gotta think saftey before style with kids on board!

 

[Gavin1974]

Guys, thanks for the advice it's a bit of mine field. Will certainly bear the advice in mind and discount the 510.

Obviously family safety will be a top priority, but for something a bit border line do people "cheat a little bit" by making an effort not to fill the van to its MLPLM and does putting more weight in the car help.

For example, a swift Charisma 570 has an unladen weight 1206kg and a MTPLM of 1492 kg. Which using the MTPLM and the car kerb weight of 1580kg comes to 94%.

Would this be acceptable if more was carried in the car and an effort was made to keep the van weight down?

Thanks again.

Gavin

Dave/Jonathan - will try to hunt down a coachman Amara and Bailey this weekend

 

[Bryn1]

Quote:

Obviously family safety will be a top priority, but for something a bit border line do people "cheat a little bit" by making an effort not to fill the van to its MLPLM and does putting more weight in the car help.

Would this be acceptable if more was carried in the car and an effort was made to keep the van weight down?

Unquote

The Caravan Club seem to suggest this course of action (within reason of course) in their latest towcar tests booklet. We carry heavy but soft stuff like the awning canvas in the Golf estate's boot and unyielding stuff like poles in the caravan. And keep the caravan weight concentrated near the axle to keep yaw and pitch momentum down.

Your wary approach should serve you well!

Bryn

 

[anotherDavid]

Hi Gavin

If you are set on caravaning long term it would make sense if you can, to get the van you need rather than try to fit with what car you own at the moment since cars come and go. This will obviously add a lot to the project initially but would be better in the long run and not run the risk of being put off with unsatisfactory towing or accomodation for the family.

Regards

Dave

 

[MowCopKen]

Hi Gavin

we have a 2003 320d Touring and a Pageant Burgundy 1400 mtplm, 4 berth, fixed bed. Tows well, 93% match and get around 30-31mpg but we almost always use our Sorento to tow as it is even better!

You could look here:

http://www.whattowcar.com/index.php

 

[Alimac1]

Hello

I tow a 2007 Ace Jubilee Envoy with a 2006 Laguna Diesel.93% match, been all over Scotland and down to France, no problems at 60-70 moph and 30+mpg. So don't worry re BMW however if worried look elsewhere within the range, plenty of choice with the layout - plenty of choice.

 

[Paul_374295069]

Hi Gavin

We tow a 2001 abi brooklyn mtplm 1300kgs with our c-max at near on 100% and have never had a problem.Ok I have been towing for years but if you have experiance go for it. This 85% "rule" is outdated.

 

[Gavin1974]

Thanks guys, the advice is much appreciated.

Viewed a very nice Bailey and Coachman at the weekend which are more reasonable on the weight front, so now feeling a lot better about the options open to us.

Cheers

Gavin