Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 06/2/2009
Quote: Originally posted by tykey on 06/2/2009
10 years is a good age before you start having problems, when damp can become an issue.
Damp can be found on much newer models, on the other hand there are many vans out there older than 10 years and damp free.
My 15 year old Bailey is damp free.
Agree with this,ours is 11yr old and damp free and there are plenty of threads on here about getting work done on the warranty.
We were the same, worried about cost V use until we found a deal we couldnt refuse. Now any hint of sun and we are off,sometimes even if there isnt!
My advice..have a look round the dealers and find a layout that suits you and your lifestyle. Private sale will be cheaper but you have less protection. If you are worried about storage have a chat with your neighbours about your plans and see how they feel.There can be restrictions but these are difficult to enforce it just depends on your attitude. Alternitivly see if there is a storage facility near by and factor that into your budget.
You will never use the caravan as much as you would like but having the ability to say right lets go away this weekend is priceless.
Quote: Originally posted by Caro1 on 06/2/2009
We have a 2.0l Mazda 6 We won't beable to afford to upgrade to a 4x4 but in all honesty I wouldn't want one. Hope my car is up for the job
We had a 2.0L (petrol)Mazda 626 (1998) for about three years and towed a 1995 Sprite Alpine (4 berth, MPTLM 1000Kg) with no problems at all; according to kerbweight/85% guide, it could tow upto 1082 Kg, and I doubt there would have been any problems with that.
I doubt that the performance of the Mazda 6 will be worse than the 626, so as long as you don't go for something too big....
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
The Mazda 6 is not a heavy car, and the recommended towing limit at the 85% rule, which is a safety suggestion especially relevant if you're new to towing, is just over 1100 kilograms. That's for a fully loaded caravan - and you'll struggle to find a new van which fully loaded weighs so little! Most new caravans around these days are at least that weight without anything at all in them.
Check very carefully with the website posted somewhere in this thread before you buy any caravan - especially if you are seriously thinking about new - because if so you'll probably need a much weightier car.
Michael thankfully found the towing recommendations link for our car and it says:
Kerb weight: 1389 kg
85% Kerb Weight: 1180 Kg
Max towing Weight:1500 kg
So I am now confused, loaded to the max can I go up to 1500 kg or is it the 85% kg Kerb weight only??
My OH says it is a heavy car and it is a 05 hatchback plus 2.0l and with a full car load of people he says it shouldn't have any problems providing the caravan is not massive.
The 85% 'rule' is a widely accepted and recommended figure that has been around for some considerable time; you can tow higher weights, but in that case the figure depends on quite a few different legal requirements and specifications.
As a generalisation -
The 'Max towing weight' is much different, and usually refers to the manufacturers' specification of what the vehicle is physically and safely capable of pulling, without damaging the towing vehicle - this does not mean it's safe or advisable to actually make journeys towing this weight.
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
Re tow car weights, its very important to get it right, however, I think you might be in danger of analysis paralysis, if I can be so bold as to suggest?
Find your car(mazda 6) and the van that you fancy... it'll do the maths and pull ratio for you...giving you a report on how your car to van relationship would or might not work... easy really?
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: Thinking of......
We won't beable to afford to upgrade to a 4x4 but in all honesty I wouldn't want one. Hope my car is up for the job
