don't take it for granted that just because you plan to buy a t4 kombi that the weights are ok, when did you pass your driving test? after 1997? if so what is the weight of the t4? then deduct that from 3500kgs and that is the max weight of a loaded caravan it could legally tow
yes your dad is right, but also insurance is much much higher due to the higher risks with them
as for where to look? go and look in a few dealers for the layout you like and then see other makes of the same layout and then search for them on the likes of gumtree etc etc, whatever van you get tho budget in to make sure that the van isn't stolen, i.e. contact cris before parting with any money and go to view armed with a half decent damp meter and only buy a van that has a full service history
no matter where you buy your caravan from, DEALER OR PRIVATE
have an independent caravan mechanic carry out a pre purchase survey on it BEFORE you hand over cash.
a pre purchas check should cost around £50 - £60
to enable your self to finalize your choice buy a damp meter & learn how to use it http://www.how2caravan.com/how-to-damp-test-a-caravan-video/
This simple act could save you thousands of £ .even if no problems are found you will have peace of mind in your eventual purchase
I cannot stress enough ,DO not simply take the vendors word on the condition of the caravan
watch your weights with a t5. got a demo in a t5 kombi 4motion a few years ago to see how it handled my 1800kgs adria. got a fright when a merc sprinter overtook me,it took a serious wobble. t5 is too light on the rear end to handle my caravan. i bought a hyundai i800 and removed rear seat to give my room to put dog cage in rear. the i800 weighs in at 2400kgs kerb weight and can tow 2500kgs effortless.
It's not that confusing where vehicle towing weights are concerned as every manufacturer has to apply a figure as to what mass the towing anchorage points will accept before they distort and snap, very much the same as a hook has to have a SWL (safe working load) applied. The figure applied to all vehicles is a legal requirement for health and safety reasons so what the figure states in the vehicle handbook has no relevance whatsoever with a safe match. You have to base the calculation on the vehicle kerbweight and the MTPLM of the caravan and using an online percentage calculator can do that without relying on towing match websites.
T5 with suitable engine can legally tow heaviest touring caravan available with correct licence obviously. It is true enough that weight distribution of commercial van based people carrier often does not make best tow vehicle. A few bags of cement in back improves it though.
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Topic: Looking for a van. But where from
