Just got back from a smashing weekend camping. There was a couple with a lovely little lad next to us who left Sat am, they were moving on to another site. They had a big 6 berth van and a Citroen Picasso - I had the impression they were new to this caravanning lark. Anyway, there is a bit of a bank to get up to get off the campsite and the Picasso couldn't do it. (Underpowered? Who knows?) I offered to help push the car. Dad and I pushed, Mum is driving. No towing mirrors. We are pushing, Mum starts to turn the car, van follows. Mum isn't looking and has the windows closed. Van turns as well - as it turned it just took my legs from under me, luckily I managed to roll out of the way as Mum can't hear Dad shouting her to stop!
6 berth van and a Picasso - obviously can't say without specifics of the caravan and car, but gut feeling is that it is a very poorly matched outfit, possibly resulting in the need for a push in the first place!!
Glad your friendly assistance didn't result in you getting hurt!
I am fine Mark - skinned knees and hands and a few cracking bruises, but no permanent damage.
They didn't seem especially bothered about whether I was OK, to be honest.
I think you are right Paul - they need to change their car! Have to be honest - we go to that campsite a lot (it is fab) and that bank made us get rid of our Zafira (just as underpowered as their Picasso) and invest in Tessie The Two Ton Terracan. In retrospect, should have hitched her on rather than getting myself run over.....
When something is stuck I will offer a tow as pushing cannot give the force required to be much help and can place the helper at the mercy of the driver who might as in this case be helpless and therefore quite dangerous.
Same as you I would and have offered assistance to anyone in trouble.
I an involved with winter/bad conditions rescue, never take a chance, YOU as the person who can help are the most important person, it YOU are damaged YOU are only a danger to other helpers.
I wouldn`t tow the complete outfit , they might not stop and bang goes your rear end ! If your tug has the guts to pull someone elses `van , probably less likely to get problems if you just tow their `van . A very personal decision .
Quote: Originally posted by chilephilly on 18/9/2011
I had the impression they were new to this caravanning lark.
No towing mirrors.
Glad you're ok...
I just don't get some people - they're going to spend a large amount of money on a new thing and they obviously haven't bothered to do any research. A quick internet search would have bought up this or another forum, 20 minutes on here would have at least explained to them how to know what size of van to buy for their car etc, etc.
I spend hours checking reviews on the internet when I buy a new kettle, never mind a £x000 caravan... - it's all part of the fun and expectation. (I was a lurker on here for 6 months before I bought my first van).
------------- 'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain
You were lucky, thank goodness you are ok. As others have pointed out they have not done much research, towing mirrors are a basic, as well as a capable car.
The towing capability for the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso - 2.0 with a Lunar Zenith 6:
Performance on leveled roads Top speed Acceleration and take over Towing ability
Performance in mountainous regions Drive off uphill Driving on motorway slopes Driving on steep roads
76% 1260 kg 1663 kg
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso - 2.0 HDi (110 kW/148 bhp) Date of manufacture: march 2011 - up to now. Towball limit: 70 kg (Advise: 70 kg)
Important for safe towing is the weight ratio between Car and Caravan. The weight ratio (loaded caravan / kerbweight tow car) for the Citroen and Lunar is 76%. This means that the match between car and caravan is perfect. The stability and safety index is good for this outfit.
The towing performances of this Citroen with your Lunar are perfect (performance index = 68). You may expect excellent performances from this outfit. On flat roads it's easy to come along, top gear is applicable in most cases.
On motorway inclines you will be able not only to come along, but be the first at the top. On steep roads you have more than sufficient power to keep going. On hill starts there will be more than enough power to get going, provided the wheels have traction.
That's a good match Tony. Sadly, this wasn't. The van was a Ranger 550/6 and the Pic was a ?1.6 petrol normal rather than Grand Picasso. There was no danger at all of it being the first at the top of the hill!!
What reg was the PIC? 05 and before 1.6 would be illegal as the tow weight is only 900Kg & the ranger is touching 1300Kg gross. Even if it's post 05, the limit is 1300KG, & the kerbweight is the same, so they're pushing their luck.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Was I too helpful?
- it's all part of the fun and expectation. (I was a lurker on here for 6 months before I bought my first van).
Top speed 
Acceleration and take over 
1663 kg 
