Help please: buying a van to be towed by my Toyota Previa

[Dave E]

I have a Toyota Previa (02) which a has kerbweight of 1810kg, Max tow weight of 1600kg and Noseweight of 65kg. Having compared these poor figures with similar MPVs, I was somewhat surprised to find it in the Practical Caravan list for best MPVs. (It's excellent in every other respect as a family car, just poor towing capability, and I really don't want to change it).

We need a van with 5 beds (3 small children), separate shower and as large as possible since the kids seem to occupy more space than is reasonably possible. I'm 6'4" so headroom of 195cm (Swift) appeals more than some of the lower vans.

I've read elsewhere that such low noseweights make larger vans impossible. Where can I find noseweights listed? Are there any suitable vans?

The Previa's towing weight is 1600Kg and 85% of kerbweight is 1538Kg. Is it acceptable to tow a van with a MTPLM higher than 1600Kg/1538Kg if I never load it up to this weight (assuming that the MRO plus loaded "stuff" is lower)? Is this legal? Sensible? In practice, does it always get loaded up anyway?

Can anyone recommend suitable new/nearly new Vans please?

 

[Damian]

Dave, go to "whattowcar.com", put in your details of the car and van you woul dlike to tow, and see what comes up.

I did a couple using the Previa 2.0DTD and a Swift Conqueror 650 and it came out as 97% match, which whilst over the "recommended" 85% is legal to do.

With the higher spec Previa , it came out as 90% math, so even better.

 

[Dave E]

Damian many thanks that's fantastic. Since I've got the petrol Previa this opens up the possibilities considerably. The Ace Sunstar looks more attractive by the minute!

I still haven't found anything about noseweights, is this down to loading skill?

 

[Damian]

Dave, the car manufacturer will have specified the max noseweight allowed to be placed on the towball by the couping of the van.

Obtaining the correct noseweight is a case of proper loading of the van, and using either bathroom scales or a proper noseweight gauge.

 

[Dave E]

Damian, thanks for that.

I've noticed the figures on whattowcar vary from UK listed figures which I guess may be down to different equipment levels on the continent? However, the variation seems to be positive to the safety aspects. It's an excellent tool, thanks.