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Topic: Towing an Esterel Folding Caravan

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Scoota04

07/6/2019 at 11:22am
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Greetings all.

I am today taking delivery of an Esterel folding caravan, a lightweight touring caravan. Bought this because it can be stored at home cutting out storage fees.

What is the smallest car that would tow this please? I currently have a Ford Ka with a 1295cc engine which I'm looking to change as it's 12 years old and things are starting to go wrong with it.

Thanks in anticipation.

Rob and Tina

07/6/2019 at 11:47am
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Motorhome

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You need to know the max laden weight (MTPLM) of the caravan and make sure it is below the kerbweight of the car, preferably less than 85% of the kerbweight, and that this does not exceed the max tow weight of the car.

Many small cars are not type approved for towing so it is essential that you check that the car you are thinking of buying is suitable.

Rob

Scoota04

07/6/2019 at 3:30pm
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Thanks Rob. Nose weight is less than 34 kg, they're built lightweight. Maybe an Astra or Focus sized car?

tango55

07/6/2019 at 5:06pm
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Rob was asking what the MTPLM is which is the laden weight of the caravan in order to calculate a safe match with a small car. Noseweight however is a contributory factor in stability but the laden weight and noseweight are two entirely different factors altogether.

Rob and Tina

07/6/2019 at 6:14pm
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
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As Tango has mentioned above, we need to know the max weight of the caravan to make any sensible suggestions. It would also be helpful to have some idea of your budget and also do you want manual or auto transmission, petrol or diesel?

The noseweight is altered by loading the caravan, you'll never tow it at the ex works figure.

Rob

Scoota04

07/6/2019 at 10:18pm
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Thanks Rob. You've given me the sort of figures I need to go at.
I would consider a manual or automatic car. Something like a Nissan Note, Astra/Astravan, that kind of vehicle. I'm aware of the laden weight of the caravan as well as just the ex-works weight.
I've been a solo caravanner since 1995 but limited space means I've downsized to this little feller.
I used to do a lot of towing but I'm coming back after a long period of illness.

Grampian91

08/6/2019 at 10:30pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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Note is a small car. If its the 1.2 engine the max tow is less than 450kg...

Not really suitable.

The older one is slightly better but its fairly underpowered.

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