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Subject Topic: Towing and Tow Bars
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10/4/2012 at 12:38pm
 Location: Leeds
 Outfit: Vango Maritsa 500 Elddis Wisp 450CT
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Firstly can I check that I am right in thinking that I can tow a Elddis Wisp 450 CT with an 06 Plate Ford Focus 5 door petrol hatchback?

Car has a kerb weight of 1264kg,  85% is 1074kg, maximum tow weight is 1200kg and noseweight is 75kg.

Not sure what year the Wisp is (getting it from my brother, seeing it at the weekend) but the 96 model is the heaviest at

·  Mass in Running Order (Kg) - 825

·  Mass in Running Order (Cwt) - 16.2

·  Maximum Allowable/Authorised Weight (Kg) - 1100

·  Maximum Allowable/Authorised Weight (Cwt) - 21.6

So worse case scenario it's the heaviest one,   (which weight do I need to be looking at?) Will I be able to tow it with the Focus?

Second question is the electrics on the towbar? Do I need single or twin?

Thanks



Post last edited on 10/04/2012 12:44:02


10/4/2012 at 12:56pm
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ok weight wise your ok with the figures youve given us, just take care,do you know the max train weight?.
you will need at least single eletrics, this controls lights needed to tow, the 2nd socket charges caravan battery, powers fridge in tow, and reverse lights if fitted to the van.


10/4/2012 at 9:49pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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Never used the twin sockets on any of my cars.

My battery is charged fully before i go away and i dont run the fridge whilst on the move.

Personally i think its bad for them. Others will probably disagree.





12/4/2012 at 11:00am
 Location: Leeds
 Outfit: Vango Maritsa 500 Elddis Wisp 450CT
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Thank you both. The caravan is actually older, so even lighter.

I am thinking of siting the van so I think I will just go for single electrics, I won't ever be towing it far.

Thanks for the clarifcation.



12/4/2012 at 11:24pm
 Location: Stirlingshire
 Outfit: ABI jubilee viceroy Honda CRV
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Like Grampian91, I only fitted a single socket on my last two tow cars. I always charge my battery at home and use a hook up on site, and don't see the point of hauling a fridge full of food about. We don't travel far enough in a day for food to spoil.


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19/4/2012 at 5:28pm
 Location: Whitehaven Cumbria
 Outfit: Sunncamp 400se
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Any one help just bought a Abi 400 d sprinter and it's my first time on towing a van but use to towing tt but my tow bar as only 1 plug for towing and not another for the leisure battery can u buy a adaptor that plugs in and has the two sockets on for both towing and leisure battery

-------------
David


19/4/2012 at 5:53pm
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If you have single 7pin this will only run lights. No you cannot get an adaptor, you need to get a second 12s socket fitted which includes relay & connection to car battery.


19/4/2012 at 8:22pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche
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I just changed my car and only have single electrics. I know I could add the 12S for about £20 (I did on the last car)but I just don't see the point.The caravan is plugged into the mains at home, so I can keep a few ice packs in it to keep it cold on a long journey. I have a solar panel on the roof, so the battery should never need recharging, even after being away with no EHU.


20/4/2012 at 2:56am
 Location: Whitehaven Cumbria
 Outfit: Sunncamp 400se
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Thanks for your help

-------------
David



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