Complete caravan novice and first time poster, so please go easy on me.
We are considering taking the plunge and buying our first caravan for our family of 4. Our budget isn't exhaustive, just £5,000. I've done my research and taken on advice as to what I should be looking for; nothing older than 10 years ideal and something within our towing limit, 1200kg. We're happy to buy use, either through a dealer or privately (with proper checks and inspections carried out obviously), but as you can imagine the search range has been limited. Recently though I came across a local advert for a Sprite Firebrand 474 being sold privately. Having been to give the Caravan a look over it seems to be in good condition and with fixed bunks and extras such as the awning included, I think it could meet all our needs.
However, I've been getting increasingly confused as to whats permissible as the 'Gross Train Weight'. We drive a Ford C Max Grande (2014) 1.6 TDCi, which has a braked towing capacity of 1200kg (85% Kerb Weight, I believe). The Sprite's Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass is 1242kg. Presumably as long as we don't load the caravan to the max then we'll be OK to tow within the 1200kg limit. This part I think I've got clear in my head, where I'm struggling to understand is how does the tow limit effect what is deemed as an acceptable load to carry in the car itself. The car states that the Gross Train Weight as 3400kg, take way the 1200kg towing weight of the caravan and that leaves me with a figure of 2200kg. This figure corresponds to the figure stated for the Gross Vehicle Weight. If Gross Vehicle Weight doesn't take into account passengers or load in the car, then I'm lost as to how we're supposed to be able to transport ourselves and any luggage? I've obviously got lost with my thinking someway along the line, either that or my maths is a little rusty, but any advice to put me straight would be greatly appreciated.
We are considering taking the plunge and buying our first caravan for our family of 4. Our budget isn't exhaustive, just £5,000. I've done my research and taken on advice as to what I should be looking for; nothing older than 10 years ideal and something within our towing limit, 1200kg. We're happy to buy use, either through a dealer or privately (with proper checks and inspections carried out obviously), but as you can imagine the search range has been limited. Recently though I came across a local advert for a Sprite Firebrand 474 being sold privately. Having been to give the Caravan a look over it seems to be in good condition and with fixed bunks and extras such as the awning included, I think it could meet all our needs.
However, I've been getting increasingly confused as to whats permissible as the 'Gross Train Weight'. We drive a Ford C Max Grande (2014) 1.6 TDCi, which has a braked towing capacity of 1200kg (85% Kerb Weight, I believe). The Sprite's Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass is 1242kg. Presumably as long as we don't load the caravan to the max then we'll be OK to tow within the 1200kg limit. This part I think I've got clear in my head, where I'm struggling to understand is how does the tow limit effect what is deemed as an acceptable load to carry in the car itself. The car states that the Gross Train Weight as 3400kg, take way the 1200kg towing weight of the caravan and that leaves me with a figure of 2200kg. This figure corresponds to the figure stated for the Gross Vehicle Weight. If Gross Vehicle Weight doesn't take into account passengers or load in the car, then I'm lost as to how we're supposed to be able to transport ourselves and any luggage? I've obviously got lost with my thinking someway along the line, either that or my maths is a little rusty, but any advice to put me straight would be greatly appreciated.
Facebook
Twitter