Newby in need of some help!

[GingerNinja1]

Hello to all at practical caravans,
I'm very new to carvaning (in the fact that we still havn't quite purchased our first!) but we have been researching and looking around at what is on offer for our four person family, in terms of caravans and tow cars, as we at the moment have a vauxhaul zafira 2l diesel 2004 model with only 90 bhp and with that can apparently pull absolutely nothing!
Through our search for a caravan my wife has fallen for the 2008-2010 model of the swift challenger 530, and looking at my reasearch have found that there doesn't seem to be many cars that will pull it as it appears to be quite heavy, we really don't want to have to go down the route of getting a great big 4x4 type, so we'd love it if there is anyone that may have one of these caravan models or that could give us any advice on the matter.
many thanks the ginger ninja

 

[Lutz]

A Swift Challenger 530 is a relatively big and heavy caravan if you've never towed before, even if you were to find an appropriate towcar. Of course, nothing is impossible, but I would seriously have a rethink if I were you, if it would not be wiser to start with something lighter.

 

[JonnyG]

The Ford galaxy, seat Alhambra VW sharan group of MPVs can all tow a caravan of upto 2000 kg, whilsy with 4 persons on board, you have the use of a huge boot. the 1.9 diesel engine comes with 115, 130, and 150bhp,and plenty of torque. there is also a 2.0l diesel 140bhp version in Alhambra and Sharon models after 2006/7 ish.
Plenty of larger saloon cars can tow 1600 plus KG caravans, although its best to have a weight advantage of the car being 20 or 30% heavier than the van. my Alhambra is down as 1670kg in "normal" road trim, but in reality with 2 people full tank luggage ect ect, she weighs in just shy of 2000kg, and with my son and his girlfriend travelling with us, its above 2100kg.
So bare that in mind when looking at what cars you can tow with and how much they really weigh in real life.
Been towing now for err, 6 odd years to be honest when people wisely mention about experience and starting with light vans, I think even now I have no idea if I am able to classify myself as experienced, or indeed what that really means with concerns to towing and towing safely.
If you like the caravan, just find a vehicle that fits your requirements to tow and you actually like.... good hunting

 

[GJJM]

Hi.I have caravaned for 30+ yrs, & now tow a challenger 490 se with a MTPLM( max weight) of 1490kg. with a bmw 525D estate,which is now 10 yrs old,I have had it 8 yrs & without going 4wheel drive type i could not buy better. bm has self levelling suspension with a maximum towball weight of 90kg. The Swift has a nose weight of 100kg so I have to juggle (something to bear in mind) It would certainly tow a bigger van but I feel mine is a good combination. Don't be fooled by maximum towing limit of vehicle, try to keep well under this limit.