How do you rate this outfit...

[littlebasher]

Well, just after some advice really and gauging opinion! But, how do you rate this combination

Kia Sportage, kerbweight 1687kg, max towing limit 1600kgs, 75kgs max noseweight.

Lunar Quasar 615 twin axle, MIRO 1205kg, MTPLM 1450kg

I figure that this puts me around 85%

Plenty of grunt from the car, so i'm not anticipating any issues

Thoughts?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Glyn,

Assuming the figures you quote are correct, then the weight ratio seems good, but don't forget that a good outfit is more than just down to weight ratio, it all about loading, good maintenance, and sensible driving

You really need anyone else has the same or very near outfit to offer their experiences.

 

[60North]

Toyota RAV4, kerbweight 1565kg, max towing limit 1500kg, 75kg max nose weight

Lunar Quasar 615 twin axle MTPLM 1450kg

We're at 93% and find no problems with stability as long as attention is paid to loading the caravan evenly, and heavy items are put in the boot. 115bhp and 185 lb/ft is just enough when fully loaded (car & van) - our usual situation!

 

[littlebasher]

How do you find the noseweight of the Lunar? Are you playing about with the loads to get the 75kgs. This could be really helpful since you're running a similar outfit!

While i have your ear, how are you loading your van - is the awning in the van or car

Any suggestions gratefully received..I've bought that van now!

 

[60North]

The caravan nose weight in our normal loaded trim sits naturally about the 80kg mark. The manufacturer states it must be between 60 and 100kgs.

We always tow with our awning, sun chairs, water and waste containers and heavy steel wheel clamp in the boot of the RAV.

The caravan is loaded with almost everything in it's normal storage location, which means that most of the weight is in the middle of the van in the wardrobe and kitchen cupboard. However, I don't fill the front locker - sticking to a single gas bottle, jack, water and waste hoses. The power lead is kept in the side locker. If I put a second gas bottle in then the nose weight goes naturally to over 85kgs.

I trim the caravan to keep the nose weight to 75kg using the pram/ pushchair and occassionally some other heavy items. These are placed on the floor over but biased to the rear of the two axles. It doesn't take much weight in this central area to change the static nose weight.

I find that the amount of trimming required depends on how full the gas bottle is, how much water/ waste is in the toilet, and how much beer I've packed in the fridge to chill for arrival on site

It's a great caravan layout and gives fantastic space for the weight - and with a decent enough payload for number of beds.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.