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Hello! Im really new to the caravanning world and Ive just got a 1981 Lunar clubman 450-5, She is lovely but her weight is measured as 14CWT!

Ive been informed that 1 CWT is 112pounds so that would make my caravan 712kg if anyone could confirm that I would be really grateful as I need to know if I should upgrade my car as she is only 990kg!!!

Thankyou

Roseanne.x

I agree it is 712 kg.  Now, you need to know if that is the weight with nothing in it, or the maximum weight.  I am thinking it is the empty weight.  There should be a plate on the caravan, maybe near the door or the tow hitch?

If it is the empty weight then your car is no way big enough.  What car do you have ie make, model, year etc?

Ali

Hello!

My car is a Dihatsu Grand move+ '99' version and only a 1.6 the max weight of the caravan is 17CWT!

Im hoping I dont need a new car but we live in Whitby so every way out is up a steep hill!!! I think I will need to get a more substantial one:(

Thanks for replying

Roseanne.x

Ok so max weight is 866 kilos and your car is 990.  Your Grand Move is just not going to have the grunt it needs to tow in all honesty, they are really lightweight and low powered vehicles and I would not want to be towing with it.  The 85% figure is 842 so you would be towing over that if you loaded the van to the max, whilst that is just a guideline I certainly wouldn't be exceeding it.

The other issue is wear and tear on the car, ok lets say you are happy to use it, it won't do the engine much good having to work that hard and you will die on hills big time!

Ali

Quote: Originally posted by roseanne1 on 06/4/2009

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Hello!

My car is a Dihatsu Grand move+ '99' version and only a 1.6 the max weight of the caravan is 17CWT!.....

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Thanks everyone!

My car does have a towbar fitted! so I may go out for a small jaunt in it and get to grips with towing before we head too far!!!

I think I will put my car on the market and get a diesel as it isnt a powerful car but I guess it will crawl up hills with a bit of encouragement:)

I will certainly find out the towing limits I dont have the handbook so I'll look it up online!

Thanks again

Roseanne.x

He's a she lol!

Ali

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/daihatsu.htm

Figures here, I checked them earlier.

Ali

Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 06/4/2009

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He's a she lol!

Ali

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Quote: Originally posted by Ackey on 06/4/2009

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Buy an Eriba Puck, only 500kg so your car will tow that no probs, usually a couple on Ebay. Just put Eriba into Ebay search.

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Too late, the OP has bought their van already.

Ali

Quote: Originally posted by johnjory on 06/4/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 06/4/2009

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He's a she lol!

Ali

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Sorry!

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Lol I'll forgive you, not the first and won't be the last to make that mistake!

Ali

Quote: Originally posted by Ackey on 06/4/2009

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Buy an Eriba Puck, only 500kg so your car will tow that no probs, usually a couple on Ebay. Just put Eriba into Ebay search.

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You'd have a hard job fitting 5 berths into a Puck. 2 is pushing it.

There's no substitute for a good towcar when it comes down to it, a heavier more powerful car will make towing your caravan easier & safer. I've got a mate who used to tow right on the 100% & it really was a case of the tail wagging the dog. He soon changed his car.

BB