Hi all we are about to buy our first van not sure of the make and model yet but it will be a 2 berth can anyone tell me the type of car I will need to tow it, the car needs to be as small as possible as the mrs drives it on a daily basis and she would not be confident enough to drive a Vectra/mondeo I was thinking more astra/focus diesel, at the min we have a clio lol also what is the average waight of a 2 berth as I passed my test after 1997 will I have to do the B+E test, im a total novice at this so as much info as possible would be great, many thanks steve
the weight of the caravan needs to at 85% of the cars kerb weight to be safe on tow.a small car can tow a small caravan but the danger is some 2 berths can be much larger than others,i would pick not buy the caravan you like and look for a car within these weight limits.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
You can tow up to 750kgs unbraked. Anything more than that and you need a b+e. Unless the total mass weight is less than the unlaiden weight of the towing vehicle.
This is rare though as my 2 birth A.B.I (which I am selling) total mass is around 1400kgs, unlaiden weight of my transit van is around 1400kgs.
Any smallish 2 berth say 12foot body length can be towed with an Astra or Focus on a licence with test passed after '97. You only need to take an extra test if outfit goes over 3.5tonne on weighbridge & this won't even come close. Read this
we have a eldiss whirlwind vogue ,its got everything and more in the way of extras and unladen weight is 750kg fully laden its around 1050kg .easy to tow to.re-towcars a diesel would make a better tow car for you and theres plenty of choice if you look round .
its just a case of which first the car or van
Thanks for the info so just to clarify if the laden waight of the caravan was say 1100kg and the laden waight of the car was 1100kg would I be legal to tow it on my licence, also will I have to notify my insurance company that I will be towing a caravan?
Check the Tech Data in your car's handbook and that will give you the max towing weight.
Check the plate on the caravan you like and that will give you the Max Laden Weight permissable.
Try and convince the OH that the higher up she sits in a car, the better she will be. Go for an estate or MPV to tow, that way you can get the bulk of your stuff in the car.
------------- Some days you are the dog,
some days you are the tree.
Diesel Focus should have kerbweight of around 1350kg, Astra a bit more, so ok with 1100kg caravan. Your comprehensive insurance will cover for towing as well but its worth informing your ins. co. you are having a towbar fitted although none I have come accross will regard it as a modification that increases premium.
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Topic: towing a 2 berth
