Hi, we,ve bought a caravan but are looking for a suitable tow vehicle. Thinking of a renault master to double as a fishing trip weekender with my son & tow vehicle. What the low down on caravan sites not allowing CVs? advice please.
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Welcome to the forum.
Can't really answer your question but be aware that most caravan manufacturers tell you not to tow with a commercial vehicle and will invalidate the warranty if you do.
Not sure why but I believe the harder suspension could damage the caravan.
I'm sure someone on here will have better knowledge.
DaveS1
Not sure there is a simple definitive answer to your question, basically it comes down to site rules and they vary, CAMC and CCC sites accept CV's AFAIK, independent sites vary.
Firstly, the size of the van 'may' be an issue on some sites, even those that allow CV's, they may require a large tow vehicle to park 'off pitch' in a remote car parking area. Some require sign written CV's to park in car parking area not on pitch, whilst allowing unmarked vans on pitch.
No two ways about it, some sites have an absolute 'No Commercial Vehicle' policy, and that's it, pretty much common belief that it's a legal way of deterring/stopping the traveller community from accessing the site and bringing the problems they often do to the site! On that score, the clubs have an advantage in as much as they have membership with registered members address which does act as a kind of filter!
As to towing with a van as mentioned above, to quote from my Lunar owners manual "Your caravan has been designed and manufactured for towing behind normal road cars. Additional care should be taken when towing with a 4x4 due to the 'off-road' nature of the suspension. Caravans are not suitable for towing behind commercial vehicles.". Seen similar statements elsewhere.
No specific reason given, but consider tow ball height, caravan needs a level or slightly nose down attitude when towing, that often only occurs when nose weight of caravan depresses rear car suspension, a CV is not going to flinch much at a typical noseweight of under 100Kg being hitched! Rigidity of commercial vehicle suspension which would transfer a lot of shocks to A frame and front of caravan/chassis, a lightly loaded or unloaded CV can be pretty bouncy on the back end, that's a LOT of strain on the caravan chassis! CV's also often have a long overhang behind rear axle, this is not good when trying to minimise 'snaking' as the caravan can impose a very substantial leverage force and 'wobble' tow vehicle. A number of cars with long overhangs behind rear axle are noted as poor tow cars with relatively bad stability!
With so few towing with CVs, it's a little bit of a step into the unknown.
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Many dealers tow brand new caravans with commercial vehicles when delivering the unit to the customer or even when collecting from the factory.
How often have you seen a low loader with a caravan on the back and another caravan being towed at the rear and it appears they are being delivered from the factory? I would think that a low loader would be classed as a CV?
I am afraid it is just used as a warranty claim get out for some companies.My friend has caravanned about 40 years and the caravan been towed with a transit trouble free.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 15/10/2023
I'm sure I read somewhere on here that a family towed 400 miles to a site (400 miles in 1 go?!?) and were forbidden to enter as they had a CV.
Probably another urban myth. Anyway I am fairly sure that if there was something like that it would be the the T&Cs to which you agree when booking. If they never read the T&Cs they cannot blame the site.
My base van is a MWB VW Crafter, commonly used as a commercial vehicle (CV).
However, she is custom-converted into a motorhome with her own facilities, with graphics on the outside that cannot mistake her as a CV.
Therefore, I do not see why the OP should have any issues unless the van in mind is also going to be used for commercial purposes.
Renault Master is a popular base van for custom-conversion - I know someone with one.
DK
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when I bought my Adria new in 2014 that was 1 of the questions I asked the dealer as I was looking for a new tow car as well and he said it was a excuse that 1 caravan manufacturer used to get out of warranty claims, but it doesn't matter what u tow with. no damage will be done using a van,
It’s not the CVs that sites might turn away, it seems to be specifically vehicles with the business names on the sides (in my observation). It’s certainly not a universal rule, but may be a quick way to keep out vans that haven’t been converted. And that might be because of local council site licence rules.
The business decal issue doesn’t apply to the OP, however.
Always get in touch with the site. Check the site web page to see if its in the T&Cs .If you have social media and the site is on there message them with a pic of your van.
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Topic: Commercial vehicles
via mobile 14/10/2023 at 4:16pm
