Swift Challenger 530 & Mondeo 2.0 TDCi

[Paul_374370558]

I need some re-assurance. I have recently decided to put my 18 year old trailer tent out to rest and 'move up' to a caravan.

I have done all my homework regarding car and 'van weight matching etc and fully understand weight limits/guidelines/rules etc including legal requirements and car towing limits, especially the 85% of car kerbweight rule/guideline for newbies like me (not a legal requirement I know).

Last September (2008), I attended a Camping & Caravan Club manoeuvring course which included, on top of the practical side of things, all the legal stuff and advice re towing caravans.

In anticipation of my impending caravan purchase, I recently part-exed my 2003 1.8 Mondeo Petrol (c1370 kg kerbweight & 125 hp) for a Sept 2008 2.0 TDCI Mondeo Zetec Diesel (1559 kg kerbweight & 145 bhp), partly on the strength of very encouraging reports about this car's towing capabilities. The car's max towing limit is 1800kg and Gross Train Weight about 3700kg if I remember correctly.

Then 4 weeks ago, I found the caravan of my choice (my wife fell in love with it right away), paid a deposit and am now waiting to collect the van on 29th May.

The van is a Swift Challenger 530, 2005 Model: MIRO 1209kg and MTPLM 1425kg.

Now clearly, all my homework and studying haven't sunk in because it doesn't take a mathematical genius to work out that if I load the 'van to its MTPLM of 1425kg, then I am towing at 91% of my car's kerbweight.

To stick to the Caravan Club and Camping & Caravan Club, plus numerous other towing organisations' recommendations of not exceeding 85% of the car's kerbweight, I should not load the 'van any higher than 1325kg, a 'measly' payload of only 116kg!

I am having a mover fitted and this, together with gas bottle(s), battery, spare wheel, plus water carriers (even empty) and other basic sundries I imagine will easily take up most of this 116kg leaving no room for further stowage in the van.

I am now extremely worried that I have purchased a van that is too heavy for my car, even if I do try to load it conservatively to keep within the 85% 'rule'. I have read messages in these forums re towing vans not suited to the car resulting in 'snaking' or worse & I do not wish to experience that if I can help it. My first journey home with the 'van will take me up some busy roads with noticeable gradients and I am worried about that also.

I cannot afford to upgrade my newly purchased car so soon. Have I made a big mistake or am I being over-cautious? Should I cancel my caravan and risk losing my £1000 deposit? (I only have about 10 days left to collect time!!!!)

I'm sure this type of question has previously been asked many times before in these forums but I am becoming more worried about this as each day passes. Any advice would be most welcome.

 

[Glenn_5132962]

My advice is not to worry. When you get the van home put the basics in it and check the nose weight is as close to but not exceeding the car limit. When you go away put the heavy items in the car if possible & load the van sensibly as low down & near to the axle as you can. Check the nose weight again to see how its changed. (axle stand and bathroom scale under the hitch). Make sure the car & van tyres are at the right pressure. Most car manuals give 2 pressure recommendations & I always use the higher as this stiffens up the back of the car. Good luck!!

 

[Heethers]

Glen l have an AceFirestar MTPLM 1500Kg, towing with a Rover 75 2.5V6 auto Kerb weight 1610Kg giving a 93% match.

l also have a Truma s Mover fitted weight35kg spare wheel part of the Miro, 113amp Battery to steel gas bottles , will change to calor lite at the first oppertunity,l have a full Harington awning weighing in at 55kg which goes in the boot.

With the rest that we carry for a week stay l reckon l am around 1450kg which gives me a match of around 91%, have a nose weight of 85 to 90kg, tows like dream.

Keep your speed to around 57mpg should have know problem.

NigelH

 

[xtrailman]

Paul

Don't forget, the tow bar will weigh quite heavy, often you will find the car weighs above the listed kerb weight.

Why not get it weighed, this should at lest give you some reassurance.

A tank full of fuel also adds to the cars weight.

While you are adjusting to towing a van, why not plan your sites to with in 1 hours drive, over a relatively flat route.

This while you get confidence in your set up.

 

[James_374408700]

Paul,

If you do not intend to use the bunk bed this can be removed. I have done this in several of my vans and on the current swift van I have gained 26kg by removing the bunk, ladder, sides, curtain etc.

This will leave a gap next to the seat and we have cusions/armrests made to fill the gap.

Hope this helps

Jim

 

[paul_374239978]

i tow with the mk3 tdci and i drag 1600 kg no problem. dont get caught up in the 85% advice cos its not a rule. if the mk4 mondy is as good as the mk3 you will have no problem

 

[Glenn_5132962]

I thought the trailer limit was 1500kg for the mk3 mondeo?

 

[paul_374239978]

I thought the trailer limit was 1500kg for the mk3 mondeo?

its the estate and the manual says 1800 kg