Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 28/7/2013
In which case you would choose a model that isn't limited to 1500 kg then wouldn't you! What a stupid, pointless post. What exactly was your point?
My X Trail is limited to 1350 kg, being an old style auto, so I would choose a new one if I wanted to tow something bigger. Sheeesh.
Ali
My point - oh short fused one - is that some CRV models are not suitable towcars for a 1600kg 'van. The manual version with its 1750kg kerbweight comes out at just over 91.4% too, so its a bit on the light side for "novice caravanners" as the OP describes themselves.
In my view, to safely tow a 1600kg 'van, a heavier tow car would be better.
Errrr so why didn't your post say that? It was talking about a car with a 1500 kg max tow, not a 2000 kg max tow.
CRVs are pretty stable tow cars, I would load the van lightly and put heavy stuff in the boot of the CRV such as awnings and chairs and 85% would be easily obtainable.
Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 28/7/2013
Errrr so why didn't your post say that? It was talking about a car with a 1500 kg max tow, not a 2000 kg max tow.
CRVs are pretty stable tow cars, I would load the van lightly and put heavy stuff in the boot of the CRV such as awnings and chairs and 85% would be easily obtainable.
Ali
To make the point - not all CRVs are equal.
If it is assumed that novice caravanners are well advised to adhere to the 85% recommendation, then 85% of the CRV kerbweight of 1750kg is 1487kg. If you keep the 'van light and load up the car you could well overload it. The CRV payload is 450kg. Take off 100kg for noseweight and install 4 x 75kg occupants and you may only have 50kg or so to play with!
Regardless of whether you use 450 or 550, with the additional weight allowed in the car 85% is easily achievable. The caravan can never go above 1600 kg so the car plus occupants, awnings, hogs etc will give you the 85%.
Heavens Ali, you make my occasionally-tetchy OH look placid
We decided against the CRV because it came out as a 90-something % match with our 1500kg caravan using the CC outfit match service, and the Santa Fe gave us a better match and more flexibility. Yes, with the car boot fully laden, we could balance the two weights out, but we don't always take the big awning, plus I liked the idea of not constantly having to think about what should fit where.
Not tetchy, just saying looking at the new model figures it is perfectly doable and reaching 85% would be pretty easy once you have bods and a few bits on board.
Otherwise you are going much bigger with associated costs. If it can be safely done then I have a lot of time for the CRV.
Quote from the Caravan Club Match Report on a Honda CRV 2.2 EX 2.2 i-DTEC and a Coachman caravan (MTPLM 1590kg);
"Kerbweight ratio: 93%
The caravan's laden weight is close to the car's kerb weight, increasing the risk of stability concerns. This outfit should not be driven by novice towers, and does not meet Club guidelines. Note that a small increase in ratio (to perhaps 90%) is acceptable if all other criteria are passed."
Over to you frosty, sorry! Snowy, for the last word, as I'm sure you will know best.
I agreed it was over 85%, but we were discussing the ratio after loading of car and van were we not? Take kerb weight of 1750, add a couple of bods and luggage and already you are below 85% even assuming the van is max loaded.
What part of that is unsafe or illegal? It is up to the OP to take the figures of their selected vehicle, add the weight of however many occupants they have and whatever they want to carry into the equation, and work out the ratios and whether they are legal and acceptable. All I have ever said is it is doable and they are great, reliable vehicles.
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: Advice - car to tow caravan of 1600 MTPLM
