Having looked at the Adrias with the longer A frame, we are led to believe that the van will have greater stability when towing. Having never towed before, we're looking for all the information we can get. We've been looking at the 6 berth adrias, and my other half was concerned at the length, given that we have an estate car this gives us a pretty long outfit for novices. Is it worth going for a shorter van (eg Bailey Orion) over the longer A frame of the adrias? Would A-frame stability be more of an issue if we had a shorter vehicle?
My understanding is that the longer A-frame, usually found on continental vans, helps reduce noseweight. That gives you more options to get the noseweight correct. I would be inclined to go for the van you like best and correct loading will take care of stability.
I remember some tests or reviews in the past where they said a car with a shorter overhand towed better.
The closer the towball to the cars rear axle the better it towed.
I dont think it was a fully blown scientific test or whether the results could be repeated time after time.
But the theory makes sense, Hang 75kg off the axle and it will have less effect than having it hanging 5ft away.
Longer A frame could lower the noseweight, But that could cause instability if the noseweight is not enough.
The main issue is people see the space in a large caravan and push the limits of their towcar.
The salesman will say your 99.999% match is fine.
Start with a lighter van.
Mines about a 72% match and i only have a Mondeo estate.
I had a turbo pipe come off whilst towing, Because of the low weight, I could just keep on going with little difference, Except it used more fuel and topped out at 60mph.
It was better than sitting at a motorway services for 2 hours waiting for the breakdown to put it back on.
Thanks David and Grampian. Certainly food for thought. We're doing our research before speaking with any sales people. We've only been to look at a few. Mostly looking online. If we press ahead with a purchase it won't be until early next year. Just trying to arm myself with all the information I can!
Our car has a drawbar figure of 90kg. Not sure what the caravan's noseweight will be as we are looking at a few. Am I correct in thinking you go with the lower figure?
Having a longer A-frame gives you more leverage over the caravan and it slows the response to any car movement, so I'm a bit surprised about the comments that a shorter A-frame tows better.
Ours isn't typical as it is a turntable steering trailer, but we went for a longer A-frame when we built it to give is less 'wobble factor' on the roads.
It's worth having a look at the Towing stability studies website as it helps explain the physics of caravan stability.
The main factors that affect stability are the caravan design (where heavy items like the kitchen is placed) and how the luggage is loaded. You can also watch the simulation of stabilty and play a loading game.
Personally, I can't see how a longer A frame helps or hinders a well loaded van. The addition of shock absorbers is a more important factor on foreign made trailers.
------------- Ollie
2016
Monplaisir - Provence
Camping Les Gorges du Loup
Quote: so I'm a bit surprised about the comments that a shorter A-frame tows better.
Peter
Not a shorter A frame, Shorter distance between the towball and the cars rear axle.
If i remember rightly one car was a Rover Maestro and the other was an Opel Manta. The Maestro has a very short overhang from the axle but the Manta has a fair sized boot sticking out.
Im guessing the shape of the car and caravan also play a part. There is bound to be a car that upsets the airflow over a certain caravan. Causing instability.
Hiya, we have the adria sportline DT. It's the venture caravans dealer special, triple bunk, 6 berth van. My car is a seat Alhambra with a towball weight maximum of 85kg. I was a complete beginner to towing so the long outfit length did worry me a little. However, I will say that it tows wonderfully and seems nice and stable. I am very careful to load it correctly though and I do empty the hot water tank etc before towing as I have been led to believe this can cause a pendulum effect when being overtaken on the motorway for example. The fully laiden weight of this van is 1300kg so to be honest, not that much more than many 4 berth caravans available. If its the 6 berth you need, then I would while heartedly recommend the adria altea 6 berth models. The one you choose is entirely personal preference, we looked at both. They both have their pros and cons, we loved the triple bunks (3 kids) and the larger bathroom. Keep us posted :0)
Hi Shelleybobs, yes we have looked (online) at various Adrias. I like the layout of the Sportline particularly the DK, though I would think the Sportlines in general will be a bit beyond our budget if new. I like the DT but worry that the bunks aren't sizeable enough in terms of head height. They must average about 60cm between each one? I have two children and my eldest is a tall 9 years, younger one is 4 (also reasonably tall for her age) so I think they would outgrow the triple bunk too quickly. I like the DK for only having 2 bunks (though I like the kitchen / bathroom arrangement on the DT - arghh). Also concerned that the front double is a bit small. My OH is very tall and I don't want to end up wedged against the wood panel at the side! I've seen a Bailey Orion that has a 5ft double at the front which is extremely tempting, though overall the Adria is probably better!
There are so many fors and againsts for each of the DT and DK. our children are 12, 11 and 2. Just asked my eldest what she thinks of the bunk heights and she is absolutely fine about it. With only 2 children, the DK would be fine. However, we use the shower a lot so the extra room in there is a must for us. I also use the dinette for extra prep room when cooking as its straight across from the kitchen area. Because the dinette in the DT is not as near the bunks, OH and I can sit and have a cuppa in the morning before sorting the front bed, without disturbing the children by opening a sliding door.
With the DK you get the extra hidden storage under the bottom bunk which would come in handy although I will say that the storage in the Adria vans is amazing. The cupboards are HUGE! Another plus on the side of the DK, is that the end can be "shut off" so feeling like you have a seperate area, although its still not soundproof the wheel arch is under the table in the DT so it slightly impedes on the sitting space but to be honest we don't find this a problem at all.
Look at This thread there are a few of us discussing the pros and cons and what we each like about the DK/DT
Best thing to do is try to see them both in the flesh and have a mooch around them. Only you can decide what'll work best for you as a family
PS. When looking at the extra 1k on price, bare in mind what additions you would make to the van. They don't come with ariel so that would be extra, carpets are extra and they do make such a difference, spare wheel.... You really should have one, middle seat cushion, worth it's weight in gold for putting your feet up for OH to give you a foot rub the upgrade on the hitch from a ALKO 1300 to the ALKO 3006, the upgraded upholstery (doesn't particularly matter) alloy wheels........ Make wheel lock fitting soooo much easier. Plus when Appleby10 and I bought ours, they bought the DK, you either got a free motor mover or full awning........... So all in all well worth the extra 1k. If you are not too far away from venture caravans, have a mosey down and see what bargaining power you have ask if they have any deals like that and say that they have been recommended by the forum lot
Lots to think about! I was expecting your children to be younger so that's interesting. We do need to see them in the flesh. Did you go to Venture? To be honest my OH only relented and said he'd look at a few last week just to see but he doesn't seem to have used the word 'No' for a while, which is a bonus. Any purchase is a way off and he's totally absorbed in work until after Christmas anyway so I'm busy arming myself with information until then!!
IMHO you're more likely to get a good deal as winter starts rather than as spring starts - depending on what you'll need to pay for storage. Just make sure that any warranty starts from Spring.
Quote: Originally posted by Mister_Tee on 26/8/2013
IMHO you're more likely to get a good deal as winter starts rather than as spring starts - depending on what you'll need to pay for storage. Just make sure that any warranty starts from Spring.
How would that work? I would assume warranty would commence at the date of purchase?
Yes we went to venture, they are about 90 minutes from us. We do have a couple of Adria dealers closer but obviously we went for Venture's dealer special. Venture also have a large stock, so more than likely, you will get to compare all the caravans in your list of maybes. Exciting times ahead for you
Yes, exciting definitely. I'd love to get over to Venture one day. We do have relatives in the Midlands, probs 45 mins away from there so I would hope to get there at some point. Don't think we have any Adria dealers anywhere near us (Lancs). We went in an Adiva the other day. Adiva still has a fairly continental feel about it for me. It was a 542 though, so at least could get a feel for the body size. OH walked round it slightly dumbfounded at the size! Will you use an appointed workshop closer to you for servicing or return to Venture? - This is one thing that would concern me if we did choose to buy from them.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Longer A-frames / towing.
the wheel arch is under the table in the DT so it slightly impedes on the sitting space but to be honest we don't find this a problem at all.
