new van help wanted

[jon_374303794]

we're thinking of getting our first caravan. i've done a fair bit of camping, my wife used to go when she was younger and we regulary stay in statics, so i think we can safely say we don't need to hire one to see if its for us.

there's the 2 of us and our 2 young children and probably more often than not my inlaws. towing shouldn't be a problem i have a hilux 3.0l invincible. after seeing lots of caravans in the 5-7k range i think i'd be looking at spending 10-12k on a new one.

any recomended caravans?

i've been told i'd be better with a 4/5 berth, awning and camp beds than a 6 berth?

after reading previous threads i won't ask the which bathroom question!

some people have told me to avoid twin axles, but are they not far more stable?

i'm sure there was lots more i wanted to ask

hope you can help

 

[Stephen_5122599]

Hi Jon.

I have noticed recently that 6 berth caravans have become very popular, talk with any dealer and he will tell you that they can't get enough of them. If you have two children and they want to bring friends with them or their grand parent then sleeping in the awning is Okay when the weather is fine and warm otherwise it's like camping in a tent.

There are some great 6 berth single axle caravans about but they tend to be compromised in the bathroom , wardrobe and kitchen worktop areas. also they tend to be on the limit of size suitable for a single axle chassis.

Twin axle vans on the other hand have more space available which makes them more comfortable to spend time in and certainly have bigger kitchen areas which is important when cooking for six , also they often have seperate showers which avoid clinging curtains and wet loo rolls. as far as towing goes give me a twin axle anyday.

You have a 4x4 so the extra weight penalty shouldn't be a problem.

Your budget (taking into account a healthy discount for no part exchange) should be able to get you a new six berth twin axle van such as a Sprite Quattro.

I was in a similar position as you last year and came to the conclusion that a twin axle 6 berth with end bedrooms was the solution for me and have never regreted it.

Good luck with your search.

regards

Steve

 

[Cockovan]

Don't be fooled into thinking any 4x4 can tow any van. The invincible weighs 1890Kg, giving you an 85% figure of 1600Kg for the maximum advised weight for towing,or more correctly controlling and stopping. Sure this still gives you the choice of some twin axles but not all of them.

 

[jon_374303794]

toyota specify the towing capacity at 2250kg. that is also the capacity for the 2.5l model. the model i have is similar to other 3.0l models (ranger etc) with a 3000kg limit. i tow a 18ft twin axle plant trailer with it at the moment (which weighs 700kg) add that with a 1.5 tonne digger plus buckets and tools and the weight is getting towards the 2600 limit on the trailer. it tows just as well, if not better than the defender 90 it replaced.

 

[jon_374303794]

thanks for that stephen