Yet another newbeeeeeeee

[Badger10]

O.K. so here I am, fresh from the Republic of Ireland and in my retirement and able to spend some time for me,, so I have been looking at some of the information here and trying to discover if buying a caravan is the right thing to do, I have visited a couple of van sellers and have found a nice van at a reasonable price, but this will mean selling my beloved merc 250slk, auto, probably not the best car to tow with, so now I need to ask a few questions
1 if I bought a twin axle 21' 6 birth would that mean having a twin axle I would need a bigger heaver car /van to tow it or that the weight would be transferred more evenly across the two axles.
2, I did think of buying an auto to tow with, but have this thing in the back of my mind that you can't tow with an auto,,, this info was told to me back in 1989.

3. As a skinflint, I am looking probably looking to buy a van to tow with, so I need good fuel economy, any suggestions ?
4. I have seen comments elsewhere that sites do not like twin axle vans on their site, anybody found this?

 

[otherclive]

Welcome to the forum.
A cars towing specification doesn’t differentiate between single or twin axle. The two types tow similarly but with different low speed manoeuvring characteristics.

I’ve had an auto now for many years and wouldn’t go back to manual for towing. A diesel would probably be best for towing and economy.

The cars towing specifications relate to its ability to conduct a number of restarts on a defined incline. It doesn’t relate to its suitability as a tow car with a 1500-1800 kg flimsy lousy suspension aluminium box sat behind it.

Common guidance is that for those new to towing caravans the caravans MTPLM should be around 85% of the cars kerb weight, and 100% should not be exceeded.

The two Clubs have lots of guidance and technical data sheets on their website which are well worth reading.

Generally in Britain and abroad twin axle vans are accepted without a problem although some French municipalities sites are a bit wary particularly if you rock up with a panel van and 10 kids and dogs!

 

[Parksy]

Hi Badger, welcome to the forum.
If you're considering the purchase of a new caravan first of all decide what you need.
How many adults and children will be using the caravan regularly?
What level of equipment do you need, a large shower, toilet and washroom or will you be using mainly on site facilities?
Look at suitable caravans and check the overall weight, look for the MPTLM figure.
Look for suitable towing vehicles with the capability to tow the type of caravan that you want.
Not all larger caravans are twin axle models, there has in fact been a move from twin axles from manufacturers to save weight.
Auto gearbox vehicles are usually excellent towing vehicles, I've towed with auto transmission vehicles for the past 18 years.
We own a t/a caravan and have never had any problems whatsoever, but some sites won't host certain German built models.
Some sites don't allow commercial vehicles including van's.
Some sites in Europe don't allow t/a caravans.

 

[chrisn7]

I wonder if you should hire a caravan first to see if this activity appeals. It would be a great shame to part with a favourite car only to find caravanning is not for you?

 

[Raywood]

A twin axle six berth is a lot of caravan to tow for a beginner and something a bit smaller might be better particularly if you want to use country sites down narrow twisty roads. Many people do start with these though and it may be you need one.
You do need to consider the tow car though, for beginners a caravan with an MTPLM (the laden weight) of no more than 85% of the cars kerb weight including the driver is recommended. This is fairly old and a twin axle does tow better so upping this a bit should not be a problem but I would draw the line at 90%.
Older auto boxes did often need a gear box cooler but modern ones are fine for towing provided you accept the higher fuel use. Check the manufacturers spec though.
It is difficult to suggest a car to tow with until you have got weights for the caravan but you have to accept a higher consumption, I would say about one third.
You should have no trouble with sites outside France, other than if you buy the very longest you where some sites might have a shorter length limit. Some French sites exclude twin axle or Hobby caravans as a back door way of excluding travelers.
Do look into driving licence allowance. I am not sure of the rules in the Republic, but there are EEC restrictions which might limit you to a combined maximum capacity of 3,500 kg. Very long caravans like the huge Hobby ones might need a small van to tow them but again check out the requirements where you are.

 

[Badger10]

Thanks guys,, using logic I suspected that my questions would be the answers you have given.
I will investigate some suitable vehicles,, probably a Mazda mx3 or 5,,,, but I am now armed with some info that when I talk to a sales man I won't look like a complete armature.
As to the size, I like space and a large shower area is important, clean and a well looked after van is what I want,, but probably not a twin axle now that I consider it after you comments,, I need no hassle from sites.
I have seen a couple I like which would suit my purpose, selling for 11 grand, but I might well do as advised and hire one for a week or two,, but unable at this time to find anyone I can hire from locally.
My driving experience extends to driving 52 seater coaches and at times with a trailer, although other then pulling away you never know its there, a bit concerting really as sometime when you can't see it in your mirrors, you don't know if its still attached ???? :woohoo:

 

[Raywood]

Just logged in. I think you will find the MX3 is too light for anything other than the very light and small caravans but the MX5 is a good towcar but do look at the manufacturers towing limits as with some engines it might be a bit short.
Not sure about licences there. Over here you need C+E which I think is an EC standard and those of us with a licence before 1997 got this as standard but not sure how yours works out. Coaches do require a different category so driving coaches may not give you the caravan allowance.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks guys,, using logic I suspected that my questions would be the answers you have given.
I will investigate some suitable vehicles,, probably a Mazda mx3 or 5,,,, but I am now armed with some info that when I talk to a sales man I won't look like a complete armature.
As to the size, I like space and a large shower area is important, clean and a well looked after van is what I want,, but probably not a twin axle now that I consider it after you comments,, I need no hassle from sites.
I have seen a couple I like which would suit my purpose, selling for 11 grand, but I might well do as advised and hire one for a week or two,, but unable at this time to find anyone I can hire from locally.
My driving experience extends to driving 52 seater coaches and at times with a trailer, although other then pulling away you never know its there, a bit concerting really as sometime when you can't see it in your mirrors, you don't know if its still attached ???? :woohoo:

Don’t get the twin axle bit out of context there are many UK caravanners who tow twins both here and abroad without any issues whatsoever. What’s more as cars get lighter I’ve been finding the relative cost of nice used twin axles is reasonable compared to some lighter singles. Take your time as it’s an important choice for both car and caravan.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Badger Welcome to the Practical Caravan Forum