towing with bunks made up

[Julie_374476190]

kids getting older now so started using made up rear bunks in my swift charisma 540. Am i o.k. to tow with them in place or would it be best reverting back to a dinette for the journey?

 

[Lakey]

Can't see a problem with making the bunks up Julie! If you had fixed rear bunks, that's exactly what you would do! We have fixed side bunks and ours are always made for the kids before we go, teddies want to travel in comfort!

I suppose the arguement could be made that the centre of gravity would be higher than the caravan is designed to travel with however, i will leave the more academic to work the figures out!

I would make them up, can't see a problem!

Gar

 

[Julie_374476190]

Can't see a problem with making the bunks up Julie! If you had fixed rear bunks, that's exactly what you would do! We have fixed side bunks and ours are always made for the kids before we go, teddies want to travel in comfort!

I suppose the arguement could be made that the centre of gravity would be higher than the caravan is designed to travel with however, i will leave the more academic to work the figures out!

I would make them up, can't see a problem!

Gar

see what you're saying about weight high up but what concerns me more is how the fixings to the wallboard will hold up cheers

 

[lohr500]

Can't see a problem with making the bunks up Julie! If you had fixed rear bunks, that's exactly what you would do! We have fixed side bunks and ours are always made for the kids before we go, teddies want to travel in comfort!

I suppose the arguement could be made that the centre of gravity would be higher than the caravan is designed to travel with however, i will leave the more academic to work the figures out!

I would make them up, can't see a problem!

Gar

Hi Julie,

I would share your concerns over the loading on the frames/mountings as well.

An interesting mathematical problem! Are the dynamic loads on the made up but empty bunk whilst travelling greater or less than those applied whilst stationary but with someone sleeping on and climbing into and off it?

My money would be on greater downwards forces being at work whilst it is used as a bunk, but it could be upward forces whilst empty that do the damage when travelling.

Why not drop an email to your caravan manufacturer and see what they say.

 

[Lakey]

Hi Julie,

if the fixing won't stand being moved around whilst on a car journey, they are surly not fit to let your kids sleep on at night!!!!

i think what Tony said is right. if in dought contact the manufacturer.

I however would have no worries with making them up!

cheers,

Gareth

 

[readcaravans]

the best advice when talking about folding bunks is to fold them away when travelling. the simple reason is it can seriously weaken the wall mountings when towing from all the jarring.

 

[Lutz]

If the wall mountings are too weak to take the loads when towing then there should be a warning to that effect in the owner's handbook. Otherwise, it should be safely assumed that the banks can be left made up and any possible damage that may occur would then be the manufacturer's responsibility.

 

[Julie_374476190]

thanks for all of your comments will email swift but can almost guarantee what their response will be cheers