New caravan - Kerb weight

[Lisa_374469614]

We are thinking about buying our first caraven and I wanted some advice about kerbweights,

We have a 2003 Rav4 2.0 Petrol, Kerbweight is 1275, so 85% is 1084,

We want a van about 5 years old but really want one with fixed bunks as our children are only 3 & 5.

I think the Avondale dart 556-6, Bailey Ranger 550-6 or Adria Altea 502 would be ok as there MIRO are 1000-1056kg.

My theory is that we have a large boot and no dog so we could put most of our luggage in there,

But is this sensible ? Would it work ? Any other suggestions on vans ?

Thanks

 

[Lutz]

In principle, there is nothing wrong with the combination you are suggesting so long as you remain within the legal towing limits, but to work out the weight ratio on the basis of MIRO instead of MTPLM is a bit like pulling the wool over your own eyes. In practice, as soon as you put something in the boot of the car, the actual weight ratio will always be more favourable, but it doesn't tell you any more than that.

 

[Zafiral]

Lisa, just because a caravan is under 85% of the kerb weight of the car does not mean it will be legal to tow.

If you are planning to fill the car to the brim, then the max weight you can tow is the difference between the two weights on there.

Also when did you pass your test? If you (or anyone who will tow the caravan) passed your test after 010197 then different rules apply.

To get accurate figures for what you can tow, please find your V5c and let us know the MIS (mass in service) figure and the Gross Vehicle Weight and we will try and help you more.

There are various websites around that quote kerb and tow weights, but I personally am finding a worrying amount of errors on there.

 

[Lutz]

In addition to the data that Zafiral has mentioned, one would also have to know what the maximum permissible gross train weight is.

 

[Zafiral]

Sorry yes, the GTW figure too - that is the larger of the 4 figures on the car's weight plate.

 

[Lisa_374469614]

My mass in service is 1460 and maximum train weight is 1500, Gross vehicle mass is 1825

Thanks

 

[Lutz]

OK, so if the Mass in Service is 1460kg and you wish to abide by the 85% recommendation, the MTPLM of the caravan should not exceed 1241kg.

The 1500kg figure that you quote cannot be the maximum train weight, but the maximum permissible towload. The gross train weight will probably be 3325kg, or thereabouts.

Anyway, given these figures you will be legal and probably within the 85% too, assuming that caravans with a MIRO of 1000 to 1056kg don't have permissbible payload of more than 200 to 250kg.

 

[Lisa_374469614]

OK, so if the Mass in Service is 1460kg and you wish to abide by the 85% recommendation, the MTPLM of the caravan should not exceed 1241kg.

The 1500kg figure that you quote cannot be the maximum train weight, but the maximum permissible towload. The gross train weight will probably be 3325kg, or thereabouts.

Anyway, given these figures you will be legal and probably within the 85% too, assuming that caravans with a MIRO of 1000 to 1056kg don't have permissbible payload of more than 200 to 250kg.

Thats great, thank you very much

 

[Guest]

Lisa,

I only wish to add that looking at your vehicle you state it has a 2 litre petrol engine. I am sure it does fine on its own, but when you add nearly a tonne or more behind it i think you may find it struggling a bit especially on hills. The torque value is a lot lower than the equivalent diesel. Your fuel consumption will also I suspect be in the mid teens. That is fine as long as you are prepared to accept it, and also that you will not be first away from the lights. If you are towing locally then that is not a serious problem, but you may find it irksome after a while.

I also agree that looking at EU vans such as Adria is a bettre bet as they are usually lighter for equivalent length than UK vans. 2 kids will want all their toys etc so you need a maximum payload allowance. Plus you want a van that kids can have fun in, not be forever being told 'don't touch' etc.

Good hunting