Towing a twin axle with a motorhome

[BrianStAlbans]

We were looking at replacing our caravan with a motorhome so we could use it for days out and short breaks as well as the main holidays. But replacing a twin axle means that we are drawn towards the bigger size A class motorhomes which I think defeats the object as it would put us in the same position as we are in now ,also we would need to buy a trailer for the wife's Jazz.

So we are now looking into buying a panel van motorhome or maybe a small coachbuilt to use for days out and as a tow vehicle for main holidays.

Does anyone know if these vehicles will be ok to tow a 1650 kg twin axle , I know the base vehicles will be ok but what about after conversion.

It's not a problem if they can't as I'm keeping my Maverick anyway but thought it would be nice to use for days out when on longer holidays as well.

Brian

 

[Lutz]

As neither the GVW, the gross train weight nor the maximum permitted towload are in any way affected by the conversion, I don't quite see what your problem is. If the base vehicle is OK, it will also be OK after the conversion. Maybe you can elaborate?

 

[BrianStAlbans]

I understand what you say Lutz but wondered if the extra weight of the conversion would affect their ability to tow , or am I looking to deep?

 

[weejock]

I understand what you say Lutz but wondered if the extra weight of the conversion would affect their ability to tow , or am I looking to deep?

Brian as long as your train weight is within the limit set by the manufacturer then this is not a problem.

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Thanks x11 , I think my concern is that we all know that a white van is the fastest thing on the road but motorhomes seem to be a bit on the slow side. Or is that just the drivers?

I think something like a 2.5 td panel van would cope but unsure about coachbuilts.

Brian

 

[Lutz]

Towing ability is always determined for a fully laden vehicle. So whether the payload is ten crates of oranges or the weight of a motor home conversion is immaterial.

 

[RogerL]

Power-to-weight of some motorhomes is poor solo and would become dire if you add a large caravan on the back.

Consider what level of performance YOU regard as acceptable and select accordingly. I personally don't go below the Caravan Club's recommendation of 40 bhp/tonne of gross train weight but a 3500kg motorhome + 1650kg caravan would need 206bhp which is unlikely in a motorhome!

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Thats my worry Roger. My currnet outfit tows well at a figure nearer 35 bhp/tonne so given a motorhome of around 2500kg I'd still be looking for 145bhp.

Brian

 

[Lutz]

That, of course, is a different issue. But don't forget that with an outfit like that, it would be unfair to expect the same performance as what you would achieve with a car plus caravan with a power to weight ratio as recommended by the Caravan Club. You would have to reconcile yourself with a ratio that is typical for a commercial vehicle. After all, the 40 tonners on the roads have nowhere near the 1400bhp that they would need going by the CC recommendation. They run at somewehere around 12bhp/tonne. Their gearing to some extent tries to overcome any shortcomings.

 

[Royston]

Brian, the local travellars round here have simular combinations to what you are enquiring about and they seem not to have any problems.