Towing Caravans

[matt_theforce]

Having just bought a caravan, I'm getting ready for the joys of slow motoring. I've got my towbar & electrics ordered and getting them fitted in a couple of weeks.

The caravan comes with most of the equipment needed to get it on the road and used.

How many of you tow caravans? What are your experiences? What extended mirrors have you found best for our strange shaped door mirrors?

Anyone in particular use a pd140 with sport kit for towing? how's the ride?

[prolfe]

not yet, but its something swmbo keeps,,,,,,,, well i say nagging but she says suggesting.

Whereabouts in't yorkshire did you get your caravan and what extras did you get/pay for? Was it new?

[sparky2]

I tow a fleetwood colchester 1275kg 15ft caravan with my Scout (140PD) and its brill and with the 'firm' ride it sticks to the road like glue, towing I get about 30mpg and I don't hang around, I use mirrors that fix to the excisting ones with rubber straps, that were bought from glossop caravans and you can buy either convex or flat ( I prefer convex ) SMAT NORD , just about to go back tonight to Hay on wye were the wife has stayed down there all week in the caravan and am towing the caravan back on sun 150mls in about 3 1/2 hours through Wales. Check that your electrics are compatable with the CAN bus. cheers - Stuart. Edited 7 June, 2010 by sparky2

[thlcr1]

Have towed with PD 140's for a number of years now. The last 5 years have been with an Ambiente hatch but last month got a4x4 estate. Used to have an Old Elddis van which at 930kg was remarkably easy to tow, but have changed this year to a Sprite wich weight 1285kg. Still tows fine. Performance is good, well able to keep up with traffic, and handling is fine. Both cars do about 30mpg with the larger van on the back. The only towing problems I had with the older Octy were that the caravan always seemed to sit a bit nose down (this seemed to be more to do with the height of the towbar rather than the suspension sinking) and the general lack of grip on wet grass or when trying to do quick hill starts in the wet. The new 4x4 sits much more level with the caravan due to the taller stiffer suspension. Obviously grip is much better, so sloping fields in the rain which have caused me problems in the past are now completly drama free.

Lee

[IainM1970]

Here is the proof!

I currently tow a 2010 Swift Island Jura (dealer special based on the Charisma 230) with my CR vRS.

It is one hell of a towcar, shrugs off 1313Kg as if it wasn't there. The 'van does have an Alko stabiliser, Alko shocks and Alko ATC so no doubt that helps the stability. No issues with traction or power delivery. Really pleased with it hence have ordered another one! It is the best towcar I have ever had in a life times caravanning. I have a fixed towbar on mine which does mean the 'van rides fairly nose down, I do keep the noseweight strictly to 75 Kg. I use Milenco Aero mirrors which fit well and give a good, steady field of view.

However if you read the new edition of Go Caravan they test a DSG CR vRS, they say it is rubbish with major traction problems and poor power delivery! Have e-mailed them to tell them unless the DSG gearbox changes it into a poor towcar, they are wrong, because the manual is an awesome towing machine!

Edited 4 June, 2010 by IainM1970

[RADIOTWO]

Here is the proof!

I currently tow a 2010 Swift Island Jura (dealer special based on the Charisma 230) with my CR vRS.

It is one hell of a towcar, shrugs off 1313Kg as if it wasn't there. The 'van does have an Alko stabiliser, Alko shocks and Alko ATC so no doubt that helps the stability. No issues with traction or power delivery. Really pleased with it hence have ordered another one! It is the best towcar I have ever had in a life times caravanning. I have a fixed towbar on mine which does mean the 'van rides fairly nose down, I do keep the noseweight strictly to 75 Kg. I use Milenco Aero mirrors which fit well and give a good, steady field of view.

However if you read the new edition of Go Caravan they test a DSG CR vRS, they say it is rubbish with major traction problems and poor power delivery! Have e-mailed them to tell them unless the DSG gearbox changes it into a poor towcar, they are wrong, because the manual is an awesome towing machine!

Hi iain

I bet there is a hell of a drag with those flags on, and what do you do with low bridges?

But on a serious note, are you sure the car will tow that van legally ? I know you will have the power, but there is a weight limit !

Look under the bonnet and should be a data plate which will give limits, it will look like this:

600

600

1520

2820

and the two first figuars are the axle weights, the third is the max car weight, and the fourth is the car+caravan max weight so in the case of these examples

2820kgs - 1520kgs = 1300kgs, these are the weights the police will use if you are pulled !

So worth a check

Radiotwo

[andyjl1968]

Braked towing weight for a CR VRS according to Parkers is 1400Kgs

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=42085

[No Waiting]

For mirrors I wouldn't be without "Suck It & See" - no straps, perfect fit and can be adjusted via the normal electric mirror.

Available from loads of places - here just a random link I found - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000W4BFJ4

[RADIOTWO]

Braked towing weight for a CR VRS according to Parkers is 1400Kgs

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=42085

Don't believe every thing Parkers say, they are not always right.

But as I say the figures the authorities will use is the plate on under the bonnet, infact they won't take what it says in the cars handbook,

Radiotwo

[username taken]

Braked towing weight for a CR VRS according to Parkers is 1400Kgs

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=42085

gets even more confusing when you read the sales brochure there it states towing braked max for the 2.0 tdi cr 170 bhp as 1600kg the 1400 refers to the140bhp 2.0 tdi pd any one have definitive for the various models?

[IainM1970]

Towing limit is 1400 - 1600Kg, dependant on gradient.

So all legal.

Even looking at your figures the kerbside weight for mine is published as 1425Kg, so that plus 1313Kg would be 2738Kg. (That is assuming the caravan is loaded to the max which it never is).

In reality I have been towing for many years and never come across a weight check, I am also well aware of weights etc for the world of caravanning. I am perfectly happy all is well.

[patrolman]

Having just bought a caravan, I'm getting ready for the joys of slow motoring. I've got my towbar & electrics ordered and getting them fitted in a couple of weeks.

The caravan comes with most of the equipment needed to get it on the road and used.

How many of you tow caravans? What are your experiences? What extended mirrors have you found best for our strange shaped door mirrors?

Anyone in particular use a pd140 with sport kit for towing? how's the ride?

I tow an Adria 452dk mtplm of 1300kg ,Being a European spec caravan its like towing a brick ,but i still manage around 28mpg , i was a little worryed about deflection so i fitted MAD assister springs ,

basicley there mini coilsprings that fit inside the originals, what a diferance mpg is over 30 and i don't stress about load wieghts and nose wieght

If your worryed about wieghts and towing caratristics have a look at this http://www.whattowcar.com/

[RADIOTWO]

Towing limit is 1400 - 1600Kg, dependant on gradient.

So all legal.

Even looking at your figures the kerbside weight for mine is published as 1425Kg, so that plus 1313Kg would be 2738Kg. (That is assuming the caravan is loaded to the max which it never is).

In reality I have been towing for many years and never come across a weight check, I am also well aware of weights etc for the world of caravanning. I am perfectly happy all is well.

Sorry Iain

I think you are missing the point, its not the kerbside weights you need to be concerned with, its the gross weights, so if yours is 1425 then add say three people and things

in the boot, this it the gross weight, now I am not sure about the caravan but again if you start adding Gas bottles, awnings etc then the weight can creep up.

As you I have never been pulled with the caravan on, but I only tow at about 50% of my max , I know I am fine, but I tow a trailer for my job and have been pulled a couple of times but as I know the law I never tow over the limit.

But I am not trying to be funny, but as I say its the data plate they go off, and nothing else ! so I would rather inform people than them say oops did not know and get a heftily fine or worse the car/caravan taken off you, and they will now a days.

So please don't think I am trying to teach you to suck eggs etc, I would rather someone told me that get caught at the side of the road !

Radiotwo

[IainM1970]

Thanks. I appreciate your point.

However I know the load in my car and my caravan and I am quite happy with my choice.

[IainM1970]

Having had my interest raised on this one I went and checked the data on my car.

The relevant figures are 3370 and 1970 - thus leaving 1400Kg in hand. The towing limit for the car. Though mine has a note in the handbook says it has been raised to 1600Kg (far too high for the car - 1400Kg is a fair limit for practical use). The new ones all state 1600Kg so will check my new one when it arrives to see if the figures match this.

Anyway as I knew my 1313Kg 'van is a good match for my car. The performance on the road is certainly perfect.

[matt_theforce]

not yet, but its something swmbo keeps,,,,,,,, well i say nagging but she says suggesting.

Whereabouts in't yorkshire did you get your caravan and what extras did you get/pay for? Was it new?

We bought it from some of my parents friends, we only had a measly £2k budget and wanted a 4/5 berth van that wasn't majorly big and heavy. This one is an ABI Jubilee Envoy coming in at a shipping length of 20ft and a gross weight of 1100kg so well within towing limits and our wants/needs.

The only things we need to buy are towing mirrors/and some water bottles, everything else is included :yes:

My parents were into caravanning when I was a child and they still have some bits and pieces left over so we've inherited a small set of scales to weigh the van too, not sure what else they have though.

I tow a fleetwood colchester 1275kg 15ft caravan with my Scout (140PD) and its brill and with the 'firm' ride it sticks to the road like glue, towing I get about 30mpg and I don't hang around, I use mirrors that fix to the excisting ones with rubber straps, that were bought from glossop caravans and you can buy either convex or flat ( I prefer convex ), just about to go back tonight to Hay on wye were the wife has stayed down there all week in the caravan and am towing the caravan back on sun 150mls in about 3 1/2 hours through Wales. Check that your electrics are compatable with the CAN bus. cheers - Stuart.

We've bought the towbar from Barnsley Towbar Centre and getting it fitted in a weeks time, they are suppling & fitting the electrics too, They came as a recommendation from a neighbour who's a well respected mechanic who uses them alot.

For mirrors I wouldn't be without "Suck It & See" - no straps, perfect fit and can be adjusted via the normal electric mirror.

We pick it up on the 2nd of july and go for our 1st weekend away that evening providing Cropton forest doesn't burn down 1st as were booked into Spiers House

Available from loads of places - here just a random link I found - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000W4BFJ4

Cheers, will take a look at them tonight.

[pastiche]

We have a 55 plate 140 dsg and tow Coachman Pastiche 460/2 which is 1350 klg, to get the 80% we tow at 1324klg. In France we have had just over the 30mpg at 60/65mph . Great car and mirrors i have those rubber strap on ones.

[arbs]

currently considering the prospects of towing a 'van with our TSI and weighing up costs etc...

What is the rough cost for a towbar and all electrics fitted to my car?

Does it actually make any difference that I DIDN'T spec towbar prep as an option?

[IainM1970]

When my current car was fitted for towing in March 2009 the cost was around £350. This was for a fixed towbar and twin electrics , work done by a local speacialist (since modified by the same folk to 13 pin as we changed 'van). The dealer has written £500 into the deal for my new car to cover the fitting of the towbar (again fixed) and 13 pin electrics on the new car due in September, though we expect it to be less.

I haven't gone for towbar prep as apparantly it isn't really meant for caravan towing as it doesn't provide feeds for the fridge and battery charger.

[matt_theforce]

currently considering the prospects of towing a 'van with our TSI and weighing up costs etc...

What is the rough cost for a towbar and all electrics fitted to my car?

Does it actually make any difference that I DIDN'T spec towbar prep as an option?

I've just paid £400 for a westfelia or witter (depends which they order) towbar with detachable towball and twin electrics

[skippy41]

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/

All things caravan

braked Tow weight for the 1.9 105 tdi estate 1400, we tow a 6 berth Baily ranger with ours

[username taken]

I've just paid £400 for a westfelia or witter (depends which they order) towbar with detachable towball and twin electrics

Quoted yesterday for a westphalia tow bar and 13 pin socket with split wiring for charging/fridge :-

dealer £700

dealer recomended £600

3rd party £431.22

all inc vat

[sherlocks VRS]

Evening caravaners, I run a 57 plate octy vrs petrol with revo stage 2 ( miltek exhaust and cat, forge twin cooler and forge induction kit) and we tow a 2009 bailey ranger gt 60 510/4 with a max laden weight of 1300 kg and it tows a dream, fuel economy isnt fantastic but we get around 22 to 23 miles to gallon when towing, its got a alko stabiliser fitted which is a must as the van is 22 foot long with a body length of 19 foot 6 inch, on a good road i.e "a" road or duel cariagway it will sit in 5th gear all day long at about 65 mph and sometimes it will go in 6th basicaly if i can get it at 3000 rpm it pulls extremely well in any gear but at 3000 rpm in 6th i would be breaking the max towing speed i think. i use the extended clamp on mirrors which are good but do take some getting use to. when the van is on it does tend to sit a little nose down but it doesnt seem to affect it but i am thinking of getting some assisters of some description can anyone reccomend any?

[IainM1970]

Evening caravaners, I run a 57 plate octy vrs petrol with revo stage 2 ( miltek exhaust and cat, forge twin cooler and forge induction kit) and we tow a 2009 bailey ranger gt 60 510/4 with a max laden weight of 1300 kg and it tows a dream, fuel economy isnt fantastic but we get around 22 to 23 miles to gallon when towing, its got a alko stabiliser fitted which is a must as the van is 22 foot long with a body length of 19 foot 6 inch, on a good road i.e "a" road or duel cariagway it will sit in 5th gear all day long at about 65 mph and sometimes it will go in 6th basicaly if i can get it at 3000 rpm it pulls extremely well in any gear but at 3000 rpm in 6th i would be breaking the max towing speed i think. i use the extended clamp on mirrors which are good but do take some getting use to. when the van is on it does tend to sit a little nose down but it doesnt seem to affect it but i am thinking of getting some assisters of some description can anyone reccomend any?

Interesting what your say about 5th/6th gear. I find now my diesel vRS has done over 20000 it is more willing to tow in 6th, though economy is better sticking to fifth when towing.

I find my 'van sits nose down too, but that is down to the low towball height in my case as the suspension only drops about an inch. I keep my noseweight strictly to 75KG, have you measured yours? Have used spring assisters on other cars, mostly just the rubber donuts. They are easy to fit but tend to firm up the ride solo as well, I wonder if this would make the ride too firm on the vRS?

[fast_eddie]

Mmm--guess I may be pushing it looking at a petrol Octy 2 Vrs towing a trailer with a car on it then?

The towed car will probably be around 900kgs which means I need to find a trailer weighing less than 500kgs, is that the correct way of looking at it?