Message Forums

O.K. my brain is frazzled and hope someone can help!!

I have looked on various posts on here, and also googled everything I can think of and my problem is this-

I am planning to tow a caravan for the first time, I have an X reg (2000) 1.8 Renault Laguna, I am planning to tow a Coachman Mirage 500/5, as far as I can find out the van is 1200kg and my car has a towing weight of 1100kg is this a problem?

Sorry if this is a stupid question or I sound thick, but I've only ever towed a trailer with tent etc in with this car, I am new to caravanning and dont want to end up in a serious mess!!

Any comments/suggestions/abuse will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Erm yes, just a little.  Firstly, you need to know the laden weight of your Coachman, they can be quite heavy so make sure the 1200 kg is not the unladen weight, ie empty weight.

Then you need to know your car's kerbweight and max tow weight.  Ideally you then need the caravan to weigh 85% of the car's kerbweight or no more than its maximum tow weight.

So, if your caravan's laden weight is 1200 kg and your car's max tow 1100 kg, it is not a viable outfit.

Ali

Oh and then there is the gross train weight, ie the weight of the car and caravan combined, this too must not be exceeded.  Also what is the noseweight of your towbar?  You must not exceed this figure either.

Ali