Just sold out motorhome with a view to changing to caravan. BUT - we are totally confused as to what to buy. We had set our hearts on an IX35, premium diesel 2.0 4WD. Several friends have them and I worked for Hyundai at one stage - had several of them and was very impressed.We are looking at buying a van from around 2006, as we dont want to spend a lot to start with and then find we don't like the hobby (unlikely) We will then expect to upgrade to a newer van but the problem is that the newer vans (4 berth) with the the layout we like seem to be moving near to the 1500kg mark which then precludes the IX35 at 1820 - it makes it 89% of the kerb weight.I used to tow a horse box, so not a complete novice - am I worrying unduly?Sorry for the long introduction, but I really dont want to buy the wrong car and then have to change it later.Many thanks Bazzer
Hi everone
- Thread starter bazchippenham
- Start date
Mel
Moderator
Hi bazzer, welcome to the forum and soon to caravanning. Can't comment on your towcar, except that we had a Hyundai Sante Fe that we were very happy with. However if you have towed before, I doubt that the difference between 85% and 89% will be important. The 85% is a recommended figure(with debate by many as whether it has any scientific evidence base) not a legal limit.
Let us all know what van you chose.
The joy of not having to decamp to go to the shops is what changed us from a motorhome to a caravan and we have never regretted it.
mel
Let us all know what van you chose.
The joy of not having to decamp to go to the shops is what changed us from a motorhome to a caravan and we have never regretted it.
mel
Parksy
Moderator
Hi Baz, welcome to the forum.
Choosing the right caravan and towcar combination requires some research, and if you ask for forum members experiences of the vehicle of your choice on the Towcar message board you should receive good honest advice from experienced caravaners. Practical Caravan also offers advice on towcar choice, Click Here
Sorry that I don't know how well the Hyundai will perform when towing but presumably your worries stem from exceeding the '85% Rule'?
The so-called '85% Rule' is not in fact a rule at all, it's a recommendation which represents a safe towing ratio between towing vehicle and caravan and it is intended to offer novice tow car drivers some guidance.
Around 4% over the recommendation (which has no basis in law) wouldn't pose any danger, especially on a caravan that has been loaded correctly and with the correct tyre pressures.
Before taking the plunge and parting with your hard earned cash a browse through the Caravan Buyers Guide might help you to avoid the most obvious pitfalls when buying a used caravan.
If there's anything that you're unsure about just ask, we've all been newbies at one time and we're all happy to help
Choosing the right caravan and towcar combination requires some research, and if you ask for forum members experiences of the vehicle of your choice on the Towcar message board you should receive good honest advice from experienced caravaners. Practical Caravan also offers advice on towcar choice, Click Here
Sorry that I don't know how well the Hyundai will perform when towing but presumably your worries stem from exceeding the '85% Rule'?
The so-called '85% Rule' is not in fact a rule at all, it's a recommendation which represents a safe towing ratio between towing vehicle and caravan and it is intended to offer novice tow car drivers some guidance.
Around 4% over the recommendation (which has no basis in law) wouldn't pose any danger, especially on a caravan that has been loaded correctly and with the correct tyre pressures.
Before taking the plunge and parting with your hard earned cash a browse through the Caravan Buyers Guide might help you to avoid the most obvious pitfalls when buying a used caravan.
If there's anything that you're unsure about just ask, we've all been newbies at one time and we're all happy to help
Hi Bazzer
Welcome to the forum.
May I suggest you and SWMBO spend some time at Swindon Caravans and Chipping Sodbury Caravans looking at their good selection of used caravans.
Deciding on the correct layout and the one best suited to your car takes some time. I have dealings with both companies metioned and have always found them very fair decent people to deal with.
You can of course buy privately but that can be a real minefield with no guarantees on quality or even legal title. Good luck
Welcome to the forum.
May I suggest you and SWMBO spend some time at Swindon Caravans and Chipping Sodbury Caravans looking at their good selection of used caravans.
Deciding on the correct layout and the one best suited to your car takes some time. I have dealings with both companies metioned and have always found them very fair decent people to deal with.
You can of course buy privately but that can be a real minefield with no guarantees on quality or even legal title. Good luck
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